The theme in “Gift from a Son who Died” is enhanced because it shows that someone can always find an upside when things are bad. After Eric learns he has leukemia he doesn't let it slow him down. “Off went Eric with antibiotic pills in one pocket of his black loden coat and leukemia pills in the other” (Lund 20). Eric still goes to a football game even though he just had bronchitis and he’s also battling leukemia, this shows how he is still living his life as usual and not letting his sickness change what he would normally do. Also, Eric has a positive approach to taking on his illness. ‘“ I can handle it, Mom. It's going to be alright. I know i can beat it.”’ (Lund 27). When he figures out he has leukemia Eric is confident that he will beat
