Thoughts of Noah
Noah was born December 23, 1987 in Bremerton Washington where he lived one and one half years on the Kitsap
Peninsula directly west from Seattle across the Puget Sound. He loved being out doors from the first, even when
it was misty and cold, which it often is in that part of the world. We began the first of many long walks under
boughs of the tall trees that grow there.
We took Noah from that green part of
world (Noah's favorite color) to Germany. Noah spent most of his life in a small village called
Waldenbuch (Val-dem-book).
(The name of the village has a subtle pronunciation that required
a true German voice to pronounce.) Noah learned to speak German, and was always quick to correct one who
said the word improperly. He attended German schools; learning and loving the German ways. However as an
American family living in Germany, Noah never felt quite at home, and he would often ask when we would
move into a place of our own. So we sought the Lord's counsel to find somewhere Noah could grow up,
attend a good schools, make friends that do not move away every two years and most importantly be
closer to his extended family that seemed so far away. The Lord took us to San Marcos, Texas. Not
surprisingly Noah missed Germany at first but quickly fell in love with Texas. Truly a place where
a boy can be a boy.
Noah was not your average child (a typical parent bias, but I think you would agree if you had meet him). He often would describe himself as a, "Junior Scientist". He had an insatiable hunger for knowledge. He was never satisfied with the pat answer. If you were to tell him everything you knew
about a subject he would pause and say; "ok go on..." and wait for more. For those things that could not
be explained to Noah, he would fill in the blanks with his imagination. He loved adventure stories. Tails of
treasures, knights and dragons. Not so much for the thrill of the battles told in such stories; Noah loved
the nobility and virutues for which such causes are fought.
Like his heros, Noah sought treasure as well. His mother made a beautiful wooden treasure chest for him. In there he kept gold and silver; some real - some not, eagle feathers, special strings, Texas Hill Country stones and carefully drawn maps printed in gold lettering. Noah protected the key to that chest throughout his illness. He wore the key on his right index finger through many surgical procedures and even two MRI's (where metal is forbidden). Noah has now traded his earthly treasures for heavenly ones, where no one can break in to steal.
In Regards to his Illness:
He never cried. Anger, resentment but never tears. When those around him would shed tears he would call them "wimps" or ask "what is it now?" He wanted to learn everything about the cancer that ravaged his body. He learned much about medicine and even speculated that someday DNA research would be the key to a cure. He often shared this with his doctors. It was with surprise and joy that I saw in the newspaper one day an article that described just such research titled; "Genetic cancer-fighter has promise." When I told Noah he just clinched his fists and said "Yes!".
In Regards to his Faith:
Noah had a tangible faith. He would pray as one talking to a friend. He would never pray for general things; he always prayed specifically for people, places or things. Encouraging those around him through his prayers. His faith never waivered although as his illness progressed he would ask why we continue to pray for him, "that God was not going to heal him." God had given Noah this premonition even before we had left Germany, which is not an uncommon when children face grievous illnesses. In some way knowing gave Noah even more strength and courage. As his illness progressed to a phase where only palliative care could be given, Noah asked us to individually invite those he most loved to the house, so he could say a private goodbye. He did often wonder why God would give to him gifts of intelligence and a desire to help the world if He did not want him to grow up. (A question that is left for all of us.)
A Fathers Thoughts:
Noah found a earthly home in San Marcos. It was truly overwhelming to see
how many lives Noah touched; before and during his illness. But now, what are we to make of his short life? One
filled with such great expectations and profound disappointments. We ask ourselves a question that has no answer;
Why?
Through the eyes of the world we see only a tragedy; one often repeated in this fallen world. We have taken the good and now must find a way to accept the unbearable, looking forward to the day that we will see Noah again. We live by faith. Assured that the promises of 2 Corinthians 4:1 to 5:8, and the words of our Lord in John 14:1-4 are true.
Like Peter said; "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.", for if the Lord let Noah perish, what hope is there for anyone.
A Memory:During Noah's last days he wrote this poem for a friend. We would like to share it with you all as a gift from Noah. God bless you all. What Love Is
Your Spirit is Lifted,
We Shall Travel Together
Through the Summer and Spring,
It is like, Noah Hampton Collins, 1987-1995
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