Christian died at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 from respiratory failure following a long struggle with cerebral palsy and other birth defects. He crossed over peacefully at the Acosta-Rua Community Hospice Center in Jacksonville, Florida with his brother David, myself and my dear friend Rhonda by his side.
Christian was born in Frankfurt, Germany on September 24, 1977. At birth, he was given little chance of survival. The doctors told my husband and I he would never walk, talk, or live a normal life. He consistently proved these predictions wrong. He graduated from high school, held a job, and brought joy, love and laughter to everyone who knew him. He was a great man with a pure soul. He had a great sense of humor, was often hilarious (even when he didn’t mean to be!) and played “Rock Band 2” like a pro. He could watch a movie on TV and tell you what year it was made, the name of every star in it, all their other films and even the director in some cases. He loved the Three Stooges, Conan O'Brien, Jackie Chan and Jet Li. He loved a good horror movie. He taught ME to love them as well. He watched the Terminator, Alien and Predator movies about a million times. I usually watched them with him. There are so many things I would never have done if it wasn't for Christian. He amazed and enlightened me on a daily basis.
There are some souls on Earth whose purpose is to bring out the best in everyone around them. Christian was one of those souls. He taught me about sacrifice, devotion and selflessness. He never complained…I think he was just so glad to be alive. He taught me how to love and made me a better person than I am. I am so privileged to have been his mother. He was the ultimate gift, one I still don't feel I deserved. I miss him with all my heart.
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