I would like to share a story about two good friends. Luis (or Luisito as we would lovingly call him) and Román met in the Kairos House in the beginning of 2005.
The two were both seven years old and had the same illness (Leukemia), but even more importantly, these two children shared something more special which was their friendship.

We met both of these boys when they were only four years old and over the course of their short stay at the Kairos House, we had the privilege of witnessing a true friendship. When Luisito was receiving his chemotherapy and felt weak, Román would go and get him out of his room and help Luis go to the bathroom. Luisito would do the same when Román was weak. These two very special boys, shared very little time together but we could see that they did not let their illnesses get in the way of showing their sincere friendship and they would not dwell on their own situation but instead offer encouragement to each other. This example of friendship and encouragement is one of the many things that we learn as we spend time with the people in Kairos.

Luis (in the hat) and his friend Román

This picture was taken at the request of Luis and Román one day when we were playing soccer (until they got tired) and it reflects their happiness in spite of their pain. Luisito died two weeks after this photo was taken (September 2009) and Román greatly felt his departure, but now, the two are together again.
Román died April 5, 2010. However, this is not a sad note, but a tribute to their friendship and to their memory because we in Kairos will never forget them even though we already miss them.

We ask for your prayers for these two families, that the Lord may give them comfort and strength. May they rest in peace.

Let us enjoy life and give thanks to God for everything.

For Kairos Ministries,
Francisco Valdez (son of Paco and Priscila Valdez)