The parents of a sweet little six year-old child that died of a brain infection have released a note that he wrote for them shortly before being admitted to hospital and dying. The simple handwritten sheet of paper shows a beautiful message of love and has been a great source of comfort to the two as they grieve his passing.

Amber and Tim Shoemake took little Leland into Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after he contracted something called Balamuthia mandrillaris in his brain. He’d been ill for a few weeks and is thought to have contracted the infection from playing outside.

“We were in shock and broke down as soon as we saw it,” Amber told ABC News. “He was amazing in life and still is after his passing. He touched everyone he met and we are amazed at how many lives he’s touched since he left us.”

“The one thing he loved most was playing in the dirt. I never imagined that would be the thing that would take him from me.”

Here is that heart-breaking note:

Touching. Beautful. Sad. This one simple sheet of paper is proof of little Leland’s huge warmth and kind spirit. A remarkable little boy.