In Memory

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On Saturday June 3rd at 4:30 AM Paul passed from this world to the next.

Friday his heart surgery lasted nine hours, but right from the beginning there were complications that he was unable to recover from. The doctors fought all night to try and save his life but were unsuccessful.

I still remember the first time I saw Paul in the orphanage. He looked so sad and his eyes reached out and grabbed me. We knew we had to do all we could to bring joy to his life. We were told that his case was very serious and there was not much that could be done. In 2004 he had his first heart surgery that extended his life so that he was able to learn to walk, talk, laugh and know what it meant to be loved. This second surgery was needed to extend his life even longer but his heart was too weak and he was not able to pull through.

Paul was loved by his nannies, all the staff, interns and the other children. Some of the children have asked where Paul is. Although death is such a certain part of all of our lives it’s something one never gets used to. Yes this has been a very difficult time for all of us as we morn the loss; but we are thankful that we were able to be part of his life for the time he was with us.

 

New Day Foster Home

 

 
A memorial service for Paul was held on Thursday, June 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Gathering together
for the service.
Some of the students from ORU
sang a song in
remembrance of Paul.
Lydia Maust
played the piano.
Karen Brenneman
sharing about Paul’s life.
Tyler singing a song he had written in memory of Paul.
Some of the staff members
Grieving together over Paul’s death.
One of Paul’s caregivers sharing about taking him to the hospital the day before his surgery.
In Paul’s remembrance, rose bushes were purchased and then planted behind the Foster Home as a memorial to Paul.
Paul’s caregivers and others who worked closely with him were given the opportunity to plant the flowers.
A couple of Paul’s Chinese supporters
purchased some plants in his memory as well.
Grace and Karen
comforting one another.
A Moment of Reflection
Karen comforting Paul’s caregivers.
The rose bushes after they were planted.