My love for Max is impossible to explain, no words are big enough to describe this love or loss. What I can say is from the moment I first looked at his beautiful blue eyes almost 16 years ago he had my whole heart, he was my sunshine. Max was an incredible, kind, and beautiful human being. He was a wonderful son, a devoted big brother, grandson, nephew, friend, teammate, and boyfriend. He was such a good kid, and he is so deeply loved.
Max was incredibly close to his family, and the bond we shared with him meant everything to us. He brought so much joy, laughter, and light into our lives every single day. His incredible friends and his girlfriend meant the world to him, and the love, happiness, and sense of belonging they gave him brought him so much joy.
Life without Max is impossible to imagine. In truth, all of this feels impossible to imagine. We are endlessly proud of who he is and that he is ours.
This week Max would have turned 16. A "milestone" birthday and something we were all looking forward to celebrating. Just days ago, my biggest fear was him getting his driver's licence. How I wish now that he could have experienced the joy of driving, and so many other moments that growing up brings. Our lives have changed so suddenly and so completely, we will never be the same.
We would like to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support. They mean more to us than we can ever express.
We also want to sincerely thank the entire team working at Mauao. We have been cared for with extraordinary kindness, compassion, and humanity. With tears in their eyes they have updated us, sat with us, fed us. They have searched for hours on end and continue to work tirelessly to bring our baby home to us.
Our hearts are also with the families who are waiting for their loved ones with us. We share this grief with you, and we are holding you close in our thoughts during this unimaginably painful time.
Max will always be loved, always be ours, and always be remembered. Love you 100 Max.
- Max's mum and family
