Lance William McCartney
2006 - 2018
"He loved to live and he lived to love."
He is a record breaker. A tiny hero. A victorious fighter, and a triumph. Every hurdle, he jumped. Every gap, he bridged. Every mountain, he climbed. Every single expectation, he exceeded. Every hardship, he overcame. This is Lance William McCartney, also known as Hot Shot, Big Shot, Lancer, Lamb Chop, Fangdilla, and Baroo. He is a treasured son, a cherished grandson, and the epitome of love. He is a child who became a teacher to those who knew him, but above all else, he is an absolute miracle.
His coming into this world was difficult, anxious, and uneven. But Lance did not give in to prediction. He did not cower to circumstance. He did not abandon the fight. Instead, he pushed back against his odds and he did more than survive. He thrived. He lit this world up with his vulnerability, his love, and rightly so, his passion for life itself. Lance came into this world timid and frail, but he left it a tender champion, sweetly passing in his mother’s arms, nestled in her devoted embrace, surrounded by those he inspires so much and who love him beyond measure.
Lance was always unique, in both his hardships and his advances. Although he was born into hospice, he left the hospital just five days after his birth, ready to begin a life with his devout and dedicated parents, Patrick and Kathleen, who both feel that Lance lived not only for the love which he received, but also, to love those close to him.
The time Lance spent with his grandparents, Bruce and Carol McCartney, was full of brilliant joy. Loud laughter and song filled the home and Lance was showered with kisses, back rubs, foot rubs, snuggles, and nuzzles. Lance thoroughly enjoyed music, and Carol would sing to him constantly. No matter if she was humming a merry melody, serenading him with a goofy ditty, or hushing him to sleep with sweet lullabies, Lance was mesmerized by her singing and took great delight and also, comfort, in her voice. For Bruce and Carol, Lance miraculously radiated joy and love: it emanated from his very being, directly from his spirit. Truly, they think, God gifted their family with a precious wonder who is, beyond a doubt, their most darling joy.
Lance’s vulnerabilities were also his greatest strengths. To love Lance, to care for Lance, to be with Lance, was to be selfless, devoted, compassionate, patient, and indulgent. Lance taught not only his parents, but his entire family, more about themselves than anyone thought possible.
Patrick’s initial fear and anxiety were quickly replaced with amazement and surprise: the enormity of fatherhood hit him hard as he and Kathleen left the hospital with baby Lance. Once home, Lance was speedily adopted by Cassius the Boxer, who instinctively protected Lance, sleeping at the threshold to his room, and cuddling up next to him whenever he could for frequent naps.
Lance lived his life to the fullest. His penchant for the Black Eyed Peas had him dancing in his car seat, clapping his hands, and running his legs. His enthusiastic arm-waving response to music even earned him yet another nickname, Maestro. He loved the first movie he saw in a theatre, How To Train Your Dragon, and was enthralled by the skateboarding stunts when he and his Dad went to the Vans Pro Skateboarding Series down in Hart Plaza, where they garnered a spot in a special viewing area. Lance also eagerly went swimming with Patrick: it was apparent to all who saw him that Lance loved being in the water, and, of course, being so close with his father. Most memorable, was the trip to Walt Disney World with his mother, and also one with both Patrick and Kathleen. Again, Lance got the VIP treatment and he was quickly ushered to the front of every line. For Lance, the Finding Nemo ride was the very best one.
His happiest times may have been his medical visits. When the doctors weren’t marveling over his progress, and when he wasn’t charming the nurses with his eyes, he was showboating for mom and dad, absolutely overjoyed to have Kathleen and Patrick together, with him, standing together in front of him, talking about him with his doctors. The family is especially grateful for Kathleen’s connection to such exceptional nurses, who, so wonderfully, helped to take such good care of Lance.
The love that Lance created, the love that he gave, remains a tremendous inspiration for those close to him. What Lance was able to do, what he was able to give, and who he was able to become is truly a miracle for his family. Although his time may have been short, his heart and his warmth are eternal. He leaves behind a family whose lives he will forever inspire, forever influence, and forever vitalize. And now, finally, Lance is with the Lord. He is walking. He is running. He is talking. He is doing all those things we take for granted, those things he could not do as a child. And now he is at peace in the Lord’s presence, basking in the glow of His love, adoring his Lord, and resting so easily, knowing He is always with him, just as Lance is always with us.