Ishaan Jag Laird Cheema

My loving son, Ishaan, was born on November 14, 2001 and passed away peacefully March 6, 2006. He had a metabolic disorder called CDG 1a. He suffered a lot during his short time here but never gave up his fight, even during times where all seemed to be hopless. He fought bravely and smiled through it all.

He was an amazing little boy who loved to laugh and play and love. He touched the hearts of all who knew him. His twinkling eyes and never-ending smiles drew people close to him wherever we went. His infectious giggles tickled us all.

Ishaan loved to play with his little brother, Jovan, and spent endless hours with his grandmother, Val, whom he shared an incredible bond with. His daddy played with him just like any other child and I held him and cuddled him for hours on end. He constantly wanted to be held and cuddled and played with. Nothing else mattered to him. He would switch from mommy to grandma to daddy and then all over again. He let us know when he was tired of us and wanted another. He could not walk or talk but he could communicate far more than we can. He is truly an inspiration to us all.

Ishaan now has a baby sister named Asha. Her name means "Hope." We know Ishaan would have loved her just as he loved his brother and we know that she is now our "Sweet Hope." Ishaan lives on in his sister and brother. His name means "The Greatest Light" and he was, in fact, that. Below is a poem his daddy wrote for him. He read it at Ishaan's memorial service. The poem says it all.

The Greatest Light

An angel we were destined to meet
Choosing us on the 14th day of November.
Needing help with every heart beat,
Coming home not 'til December.

Those with knowledge said three
But soon a brother he had to meet, did
Always smiling as if he was free,
Lighting up the entire street.

Support surrounding him through his fight,
Organs failing but not the mind,
End of the tunnel had only light,
Loving him through every given night.

Destiny soon closed in,
Letting us know in his own ways,
Love would actually win,
There would be many more days

Giving us strength against unbelievable odds.
Choosing the perfect time,
Ship about to sail with the Captain's nods,
Blood saturation now less than a dime.

With every ounce of last life in his final two hours,
Opening his eyes and raising his hand,
Expressing love to his mother,
And showing strength to his father
Yet peace to his grandmother.

Byes expressed expect for one,
Choosing to wait until at his favorite place,
For his father to hold his hand and his work would be done,
His soul now free and off to space.

At first, we thought he needed our strength and we had to help him through his troubles but now we realize it was us who needed him. His only desire was love and to be held as he had no need for material things. He taught us truly that every time you have the need to say something to a loved one, say it today, as tomorrow is not guaranteed. I whispered every night in his ear while he slept ...I love you, Ishaan boy...I love you.

I hope Ishaan's message lives on in all of us. Please tell close ones that you love them and spend quality time with, as the next moment is never guaranteed.

Ishaan is in our hearts and there he will remain. He will be greatly missed as he touched many people's lives. God speed, Ishaan boy. God Speed.

Submitted by: Kim and Jag Cheema on May 13, 2006