Some people wonder how they’ll face their end. Death is a difficult subject for most people to really consider. Likewise, most people come back to this question time and time again over the course of their lives. But Garrett Matthias had less time than most to think about the question. And yet at the same time he was able to offer a far more concise answer to his parents than most ever will. What’s more remarkable is the fact that Garrett came to terms with his mortality when he was just five. His parents, Ryan and Emilie Matthias, were proud and saddened to see Garrett had written his own obituary. It’d be morbid dreaming for most children his age. But Garrett was fighting a lifelong struggle against cancer. It was a struggle he and his parents knew he probably wasn’t going to win. And like many children in his situation he faced it with a maturity that would be rare in people far older.

Of course maturity in one respect doesn’t mean that Garrett was an adult. He handled mortality with an unexpected maturity. But his obituary offers a reminder of the fact that he was, in fact, a toddler. For example, Batman is a running theme in his obituary. When he writes about his favorite superheros Batman is in the lead. And while he has quite a few other favorites, it’s clear that they’re all trailing far behind. Batman quickly reappears in his list of favorite people. And when asked what he’d like at his funeral Batman makes the list as well. Though it’s important to note that a collection of five bouncy houses, because he’s five, were on his mind before Batman. His parents are working hard to make their son’s dream come true. Their Iowa home will serve as a celebration of life. However, his parents also have another wish. And it’s one that Garrett himself probably shared. The small life probably didn’t have the words or awareness to state it as clearly as his parents. But they gave voice to a sentiment that he would probably agree with in his own way. Something that any parent would agree with as well when they think about the health of their offspring.

Garrett’s parents put pen to paper as well. In their case it was to express their gratitude toward everyone who searched for a cure to help their son. They also expressed a deep dedication to keep on fighting for the sake of everyone in their or Garrett’s position. The hope and dream of these parents is a world where nobody has to go through this again. Where cancer can no longer steal life from someone that young. And where no parent has to watch the slow decline of a child who’s fighting it. His parents point out that even those rare few who do beat it are lucky only in a certain sense. Because survivors of pediatric cancer often carry a lifetime of long-term debilitating side effects. And the psychological toll of always needing to watch for a relapse can’t be underestimated either. But his parents also note that their boy had a tremendous influence on the people around him. His positive attitude inspired, and will continue to inspire. And one can see that in their out dedication to helping the fight against cancer.