Dawid‘s head is swelling from the tumor, and he doesn’t understand what’s happening. Thankfully, his dad is always by his side, explaining everything to him.

We wish we could write a story like Dawid’s battle against Goliath, but life is also a story about loss. Sometimes heroism is about standing by those whom we are losing.

Months of fighting, trips to Rwanda, modern chemotherapy regimens, and yet medicine proves powerless. Dawid doesn’t understand why he tried so hard and bravely endured all the treatments, only to feel worse. He doesn’t understand why he lost sight in his other, previously healthy eye.

Then Elias restores the world to his son, a world that is slipping away from him. He patiently explains that Dawid has been very brave and that the outcome of this battle doesn’t reflect his efforts. He tells him that the beauty of birds can also be appreciated by their song and that the sun shines for him just as brightly as ever, so he should spend as much time outdoors as possible. He comforts him by saying that now, when the treatment is no longer so burdensome, Dawid’s beloved oranges will be sweet again, and he can have as many as he wants.

Every day is a difficult lesson for Elias and Dawid to love the world anew. Elias loves his son very much.

In Congo, it’s rare for a father to leave five children in the care of their mother and dedicate himself to just one for so many months, even giving up work in the fields. He has devoted himself entirely to caring for his son. Many would not endure this, but his face never shows any complaint.

Sister Agnieszka reads them wishes of strength from you. They have double the power because you sent them just before Father’s Day. Knowing they are not alone on this journey, that there are people in the world who will remember Dawid’s smile, is the most beautiful gift for Elias. We thank you for every fulfilled Child’s Last Wish—for those oranges and car rides when Dawid’s legs are too weak to walk even the shortest distance. We thank you for your care and we know that when Elias faces the saddest day this year, you’ll be here with him. We are sure of it.