Eric R. Guess

Unaware of his Down’s Syndrome ahead of time, we learned we faced a challenging future. Being such a sweet baby, he attracted lots of attention, even his nurses fought over him. Mom and Dad would race into the NICU to be the first to hold him. Weighing just over five pounds, didn’t slow him down, he was making his way home in just three short weeks.

He started life as a healthy boy, but after six months, fate began to turn on him. The epilepsy seemed insurmountable for such a darling young baby, and the next five years he struggled. The large dosages of medicine hampered his ability to stand or walk. His joints never fully formed, and this required Hip reconstruction later in life. He would never learn to speak, although we developed an unspoken method of communicating with body language and expressive sounds.

His schooling began early at just six months of age, and so many caring and loving people were willing to help him. The support he received continued throughout his entire life. Eric was a loving child, from the day he was born. He accepted his lot in life and never complained, was always upbeat and very happy, although stubborn from day one. His charm won over everyone he touched, and during his short life he made so many caring friends. His favorite things were walking, swinging, swimming, and yes, eating too. Eric never met a food he didn’t like. Above all Eric liked people, his infectious smile and sweet disposition drew everyone in, and once you met him, you fell in love with him.

Fate continued to chase him, and at age seven, we learned of his cerebral palsy. His enthusiasm never waned though, he wanted to stand and walk more than anything. Years of physical therapy and hard work allowed him some limited success, although walking unassisted was achieved, it didn’t last long. A dislocated hip at age fourteen, and the ensuing reconstructive surgery set him back, and he never regained the balance needed to walk unassisted again. He did manage to get around using a walker, and spent hours each day walking.

Being born premature, he had tendency to contract pneumonia, and throughout his life, each bout took a toll on his overall wellbeing. Teachers, Doctors, and Therapists were always challenged to rethink their methods, as Eric never followed the norm, it seemed his real destiny was to teach (or re-teach) every notion learned from a book. Eric never responded to normal treatment, even to the end.

Our beautiful baby boy went to Heaven on July 26th, 2012. The hole he left in all of our hearts will never heal. We can only take comfort in the fact he is in Heaven and someday soon we shall see him again. He is free now from his earthly bonds, free to run and play, free to shout and sing, free to be all the things he dreamed to be.

Our hearts are heavy, our eyes are teary, but our love goes on forever for our “Pookie Bear”. Thank You for sharing your life with us, we will always cherish the time you spent with us, here on earth and will look forward to the day we meet again.

Hugs and Kisses baby boy,

Forever and always,

Love, Daddy and Mommy….