I saw Jameson Brooks’ obituary Monday. I don’t upload the obituaries, so usually when I see them on our websites or on the pages before press time, I am seeing them for the first time, like other readers. Jameson’s stopped me, and stayed with me.

I had the privilege and fun of meeting Jameson Brooks and his family a number of times for stories, most of them about their dealings with, and bravery over, his cancer. Last time, in July 2021, the story was he and his pen pal Sophie Dear of Dover, Delaware were getting to meet. Seeing his relatives and other well-wishers, including Dear, there celebrating his turning 10, was moving, amid everyone’s talking and laughing. Jameson was doing a lot of talking and playing. He asked if he could open one of his presents that makes noise.

It was easy to smile and keep smiling around Jameson.

Thank you, very much and always, to his family for sharing his story, enlightening readers on pediatric cancer and the need to fund the fight as with other cancers; and most of all for letting us all get to know Jameson.

And thank you, Jameson, for the gift of you. You will stay in the hearts of people on and off the peninsula.

Week’s positive parting thought: Every day can have value. Make the most of it, in what you get done and in the enjoyment you make time for.