I totally understand that you became speechless, Andy. What can you say in moments like this 

*sigh*

So sad. And yet, I can understand his reaction, which seems to indicate that he has accepted what is to come. Denial is worse, I think.

I have a comeback for you the next time you see him. Gather him up in your arms and give him a hug.

Gather him up in your arms and give him a hug.

I'll either hug him, strangle him, or clip him round the ear

Jason is a rare breed.  He's accepted the inevitability of his condition, but he's still managed to keep his sarky sense of humour over a lot of things.

It's the kids like him that keep me going back.

Although there's a lot of illness and death on the ward, it's the kids like Jason who help to remind all of us that we are there to help these kids live and not to simply watch them die.

One fag (smoke) may not make a difference but a mother can sure make what time you have left a living hell.

I have an incredibly difficult time relating to kids, so I have nothing to contribute but my support. And you have that in spades. I greatly admire folks who deal with the kinds of things that you and others do on a regular basis. Keep up the good work!

I'll either hug him, strangle him, or clip him round the ear

I say do all three! Hang in there Andy. It's people like you help us get through the chemo and the rest!