What incredible courage from such a young person. Hopefully telling his story helps others in a similar situation to cope with it better. Condolences to his family and friends - RIP.

Dick Dumas your wrote a GORGEOUS poem!!

The poem was written by Christian poet Shannon Lee Moseley

we used that poem for my mom when she passed away ,to the family my condolences for your loss

---Way to go----

Master Bob, this is not the time to drag the argument of whether God exists or not. Let the family grieve and do what they have to do to cope with their loss. In the mean time, there is nothing wrong with people showing their support for the kid and his family.

Shaun, rest in peace and may your spirit forever fill the hearts of those you interacted with!

Master Bob

But yet it's okay for him to write an entire poem about god? But not me to counter-argue?

Actually, no one's asking you to counter the argument of "God"...someone posted a condolensce poem and you chose to inject yourself into the equation by posting your anti-god quotation. That merely show shows you lack class and awareness of appropriate dialogue at this current time. It seems you can't be content to be an observer...that you feel compelled to inject yourself and your beliefs into practically any situation regardless of how inapproriate your comments are at the time. The fact that you posted rather than "fight another day" on this thread about your anti-god rhetoric says more about your character than anything else you might say....and I'm an atheist.

You suck.

If you read the article Bob, you'd have read that the family has religious beliefs in God. So, I think (my opinion), it was shared in good spirit, not to start a contest between believers and non believers. I have no faith, science is what I live by, but I respect those who find comfort in praying to God (of their choice). Your counter, though understood, was used in the wrong time and subject. You have to learn to limit your comments to what the subject matter is, if you have any compassion for mankind.

Though I'm not prayerful, I wish the family well and yes, this teen passed with dignity, always keeping his chin up. I have nothing but respect for someone who faces death without fear. If there is a heaven, I'm sure he is there.

Booooo Master Bob. Whew, that was my tearjerker of the day. What a brave young boy. I cannot even fathom what he must've felt after that terrible news. Sometimes we need a bit of a reality check to open our eyes to what is truly important in life, and to not sweat the small stuff, especially when life is so short. Thanks for the advice Shaun! Sleep with the Angels.

Thank you Browenstein, well said.

My heart breaks for Shaun--

May he eternally rest in Peace. He was the bravest young teen, who knew that one must spend each day as if it were the last--Do we?

Wise beyond his years---that is what a terminal illness in anyone, especially children know that wasting a minute in life is another day gone. Life is short for some, but they know the value of life.

Shaun was a HERO.

I have kids and I'm so sad for Dad his heart is broken...No mention of Mom ?

I will think about this story for awhile,I wish the family the best.

Masterbob..... This is not the time nor the place! "Get a grip"

Freedman- No I certainly don't have the talent to write such heartfelt words- I have had that poem for many years and would hope that someone reads it when I die in but a few more years or less- I have always wondered who wrote it and dreaded the day when I might misplace it- thanks to you I now have the original source.

And that other guys comment isn't even worth a reply on his subject other than to say his English is so poor he must be too young to know any better. Maybe even a dropout. But surely a loser.

I've been to Ensenada a few times, and really enjoyed it. I understand Americans cannot purchase property there.

No God?.... I really, sincerely hope that your right... I for one believe... If no God... Then I gave up drinking, stayed faithful to my wife, went to church for nothing but self improvement and peace of mind.. but if there is a God... then I did these things not only for my family, self, friends.. but I did it for God and my final resting place will be in heaven... If your right... I die...and you die... If your wrong however.... well will you end up....

master bob and segdird are SO right....I understand that a belief in an imaginary being gives some people hope but it is all pointless. Religion has caused more death and destruction that all other sources combined.

Dick Dumas thank you for leaving your sincere words of sympathy.

Master Bob, I understand you have your own beliefs but is this really the time to enforce them by insulting other peoples? I know you aren't the one but after reading your posts it should at least make you a contender for one of the most selfish people alive.

That being said can everyone actually see the real situation instead of their own personal religious or extreme non religious beliefs? That is acknowledging a brave young man's life. No matter what you believe or don't believe his message is inspiring to those in his situation and to other people who take their life for granted.

Dick Dumas thank you for first writing sincere words of sympathy but your replies to your opposition are insulting.

Master Bob, I respect your beliefs but is this really the time to start arguing with everyone who has religious beliefs oppositional to your own. I know you are not absolutely the one but your posts definitely make you a contender for the most self person in the world.

That being said can everyone remember that a brave young man died and faced death with more courage and hope than anyone else can imagine. If you are going to leave a comment ignore all of the above and at least acknowledge that a miraculous person passed away instead of arguing your own theological ideas.

Atheism is not a belief, but a lack thereof.

I simply used one single quote the decimate the entire argument that god is somehow involved in the affairs of this person and you guys go on a raging path of "OH NOES, DON'T INSULT MY BELIEFS. I CAN RUN AROUND MAKING ILLOGICAL STATEMENTS, BUT IF YOU POINT OUT THAT THEY MAKE NO SENSE AT ALL YOU'RE BAD".

Freedman- The answer to your question about property ownership is not only not appropriate for me to answer here on this thread-in addition the answer is so very long and complex is also would not be well to give you such intricate details here either. But a valid one indeed.Sorry.

Boy it certainly is a sad commentary about current times when an individual has his comment about God when someone dies collapsed.

Father forgive them for they know not what they do.

Dick, I agree, I certainly hope your post getting collapsed wasn't due to the fact that it was a poem about God, but rather a reflection on your later posts (calling someone a loser). Perhaps the people that read the thread decided to go back and collapse your comment? Who knows. Don't let it get to you.

Master Bob,

Yes, atheism is not a belief but in your case I will label it that way. Why? Because you defend your non belief with such zealotry it makes even the most insane religious fanatics in history look completely sane and normal by comparison.

I simply pointed out that what he said made absolutely no sense.

The best part was, I used a quote from one of the greatest philosophers of all time to decimate him.

Master Bob

I simply pointed out that what he said made absolutely no sense.

The best part was, I used a quote from one of the greatest philosophers of all time to decimate him

Jachole...I am an atheist and even I know what decorum is. You seem to have a problem with diarrhea of the keyboard..."decimating" people at what is universally understood to be one of anyone's weakest times is nothing to be proud of...nothing.

And, as an atheist, it embarrassed me that you call yourself one. An atheist feels no compunction to prove himself correct against those of alternate beliefs...a religious nutter tries to convert people. Atheism most certainly does have it zealots...and you appear to be one. Personally, I think you're just trying to overcompensate for a poor self image by "decimating" people on the interwebs. lol. maybe one day you'll get a trophy and gold star.

He wrote an ENTIRE POEM about how this kid was going to heaven because 'jesus loved him' yet made no explanation as to why jesus didn't save this kid.

He was offering condolences through the things that are meaningful to him - poetry and a particular faith. If you would like to offer condolences through the things that are meaningful to you, that would be appropriate. It appears people have taken issue because there are a multitude of ways to offer condolence and this thread perhaps is not the place to debate which of those ways will truly comfort the family, or which should truly comfort the family, both of which I dare say are not knowable answers to the hodge-podge of random internet readers who find themselves here.

To those who are saddened by this article, rightly so, I say allow the boy's own words to be your condolence. He knew more of the situation and of his family and of his journey than the humble rest of us who have the privilege of learning of the mature way with which he faced it all.

And for pete's sake (yes, a religious reference, but also just a phrase I say with no intended religious meaning) someone please tell MSN to disable comment threads on stories like this ...

You do realize his name is "Dick Dumas,Ensenada MX" and that calling him Dick Dumas isn't an insult right?

Completely unjust ban, I got banned for calling him by his name. That's pretty sad.

Completely unjust ban, I got banned for calling him by his name. That's pretty sad.

I'd have to agree...you should have been banned for your colossal insensitivity on this thread.

Master Bob

I simply pointed out that what he said made absolutely no sense.

The best part was, I used a quote from one of the greatest philosophers of all time to decimate him.

"Yes because that's the ideology of ""your"" atheism is to decimate all others. Great job, the only thing you manage to do is decimate yourself. " I'm Christian, and it's nice that someone posted a poem, but the main thing is someone wonderful died... It doesn't matter what religion he is, it's a HUMAN BEING who passed away and didn't get to live out his life to the fullest. But you know what, with people like you here on this earth, maybe it's a good thing he didn't live long enough to see how tainted this world is....

What if both sides of the God/god argument just stop now and let this thread be about the actual article? That way nobody has to feel persecuted and we don't dishonor this kid's memory by insulting his family's beliefs or turning this into a tirade.

Agreed! Well said, w!

Why post the same thing twice, Dick? That takes away from the impact.

Why is the above post offensive enough to be collapsed?

because people are tired of all the jesus-freaks who continually have to climb onto the shoulders of tragedy to preach at people about their mindless cult beliefs.

Nobody was preaching, Frog.

Your idea of what makes a person a hero is pathetic at best.

One of those bumbling, judgmental atheists I see.

No better than the guy sitting behind his keyboard judging someone based upon one comment.

no worse than some self indulgent neochristian; that said, the fact that this young man, even while dying, showed a class and dignity factor that most adults wouldn't, respect him for that.

Confusing:

As a true religiuos sceptic; I find myself truly hoping this young mans trials are forever rewarded with a joyous afterlife.

Life is just not fair!

You religious people really get on my nerve! Marching around pounding that dang blasted book screaming about all almight power that does not exist - is IRRITATING!

Afterlife! You people are NUTS!

That brave kid reminds me of Voltaire, a genuine humanbeing. Nothing to be sad about.

All the reasonings of men are not worth one sentiment of women. ~ Voltaire

Well, as a sentimental old woman, my heart breaks for Shaun and his family and friends. Rest in peace, Shaun, your pain and suffering are over. May peace and love follow you wherever your journey takes you.

yup

I would only add that shaun (IS) a brave guy

maybe this god-creature of yours should have saved this kid? then he wouldn't need to "be" with this family, however that is supposed to happen...

Frogmorton and Master Bob

Or, you know, you could just shut it. Atheists whine about believers trying to shove their beliefs down everybodys' throats. Yet, you make that point moot by being a hypocrite. All over the message boards I see nonbelievers trying to justify their lack of faith; just as the believers who try to justify their beliefs. I thought atheists didn't care? Did your daddy not hug you enough? So you take out your unresolved anger at my "god-creature"? It would seem to make sense. But my advice to you is to get a therapist, get out those daddy issues, and get off the freaking message boards. A kid died. If God is real, yay for us. If not, well, then oh well. Do something productive instead of being an insensative tool. Plus, if you didn't care about God, you wouldn't take the time out of your meaningless life to post this nice little potshot at God.

Have a nice freaking day. -With love, tribe3215.

P.S. --- I hope you aren't like this in your non-msn message board life. Otherwise, I pity your ignorance. But then again, ignorance is bliss...

P.S.S--- Great names by the way. My 11 year-old little brother thought they were pretty funny. So you at least impressed someone. But then again, he said you both were brain dead. So it kinda cancels out.

hey shona - posted a response to you but the lead post wound up (rightfully) in the "collapsed" bin. if you open up fatigue's hateful post, you'll see it. ☺

What a nice post. Poor child having to analyze Life at such an early age and have understanding of what is to occur. Sad and uplifting at the same time. We are all here for only a moment. Have to make the best of it and help those around you. It's easy to be mean and selfish, so hard to be nice and helpful sometimes but small gestures can make so many around you feel better. Good luck to all of us, we are going to need it.

Gidday or should I say evening as it is here Chefaz....I started off my response with the exact same words as you..long time etc...Yes all is well here thank you. The young lad Shaun only came to light a few weeks ago after his video. It rocked Australia as it was such a brave thing to do and how hard that would have been. He is a fine young lad and his family are your average Aussies chuffing along in life along with the rest of us. We are devastated he never made it to the States. Not much has been said but things must have changed very quickly. His dad said they were watching the footy in hospital and he took his dads hand and told him he has been the best dad and he loved his family he must have known the end was near and then simply slipped away. A young life gone in the blink of an eye. Good luck to your husband and I hope they find a kidney for him and life improves for you both. Transplants are a blessing but the road is long with many ups and downs. Hang in there and as Shaun said, make the most of every day as you do not know what is around the corner....

shona1, your words say it all. this young Aussie has been an inspiration to people around the globe. We thank him for being who he was, we thank you for your words of wisdom & kindness, & we express our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones.

It is impossible to be blessed by something that is NOT real!

so true, segdirb...

Woah, I didn't know that idiots multiplied this quick.

Both of you, refer to my comment a couple clicks above. Its #8.2 I believe.

Why do morons like frogmorton and segdirb always have to make comments like this. Can you not just keep your opinion to yourself? Why don't you go to a place where you have to have these belief discussions in person and not hiding here putting in your little quips where people can't see you? Is it becuase you have tried this before and got smacked in the mouth?

My mind went to this very same place as yours with the same thoughts of how so many of us wish that we could have had the answers to save his life yet then innocent men, women and children (in arms and those that are not) lose their lives simply because humanity cannot get along. It is not just one person, race, religion or even sexual orientation that is keeping us from peace. It is each and every one of us that fails to demand it every single day in some way no matter how small.

This boy reached the hearts and minds of millions across the globe without even trying. Think of what all of us could do if everyday we asked for peace even if it starts with just one day.