It is a heartbreaking reality that people sometimes face the loss of their sons and daughters in tragic accidents, cancer battles, or other diseases.And it might be a good idea to grab some tissues for this story, the of 6-year-old Leland Shoemake – because it’s definitely an emotional ride.Leland Shoemake was an ordinary 6-year-old from Williamson, Georgia. His infectious happiness, sharp intellect, and creative spirit left an indelible mark on those who knew him.”He knew his abc’s, numbers, colors, shapes and 20 sight words by the time he was a year old. He was our little nerd and we loved that about him. He loved school and loved to learn. He loved the history channel, the weather channel, documentaries and anything about history,” his mother, Amber Shoemake, shared on social media.Under different circumstances, his name might never have reached our ears – however, fate had different plans in store for Leland.Contracted brain bacteriaEverything began in 2015, when Leland suddenly fell ill and was swiftly admitted to the hospital. His condition rapidly deteriorated and soon, the doctors found out that he had a brain infection caused by the amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris. No one really knew how Leland got the bacteria, but he may have come into contact with it while playing outdoors.