http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/devinreid
The message his mom posted last Saturday follows. The reference to racing is because he was a cross country runner during his time at Newark Catholic. Thanks for your continued care.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2008 05:40 AM, CDT
It's the Mom in NYC,
On the day of the Watkin's Race, it's appropriate to look back at 2005. It was hot and a sweaty Devin hugged me because he had finally won a race. He was so happy. Today Devin will not race; he has not quit; he will be dnf. The plan is for an air ambulance to fly him home Monday. He wants to come home. He wants to go to a beach. He wants to eat Pizza Cottage. He wants to see his little sister ran a cross country race. Not big wants in this crazy world. Today I pray that this will happen. But I think that it won't happen. The leukemia took over his body. He looks like Tom Hanks with AIDS. He beat rhabdomyosarcoma which no one should learn to spell. But this one is it. I have never been as eloquent as some Moms to express how our family feels. Devin is a good kid--a wonderful man who would have made a great father. He would have been great at anything he finally decided to be -- coach, teacher, fireman or stand up comedian -- whatever. He thought about things slowly but came up with the right answer to many tough questions. He made us laugh and taught us much. His energy was astonishing, but he could be so patient! But now he is a statistic. He worried that he quit by not taking another chemo. His athletic body fought off that last infection. But it is hard to see it in his thin hands and leg that does not support him. What was the reason for all this suffering? To teach all who knew him to enjoy the day; laugh and not waste your life. Do something to help others. Don't pity yourself! Cancer is tough not your life. Devin will say when he reads this -- Mom you shouldn't say any of this.
So go out and win a race! For Devin. Thanks for all the prayers and support.