MY  ANGEL                                Today my eyes and my heart are filled with the biggest sorrw,because you part my child.                               GOD called you nex to HIM, and now we thank him for giving us the privilege of enjoying your existence and for all that you meant to us.                 ALEX you are not gone,your life will remain in our hearts and in our daily players .                             I can only thank GOD for putting you in my life and allow me to be part of your  life..... For teaching me so much,for sharing your world with me,such special world.                 For teaching me how to read your eyes,so I would better understand what you wanted...., for making me understand your silence.., your world that world not everybody has the pleasure of knowing.                               And we should be glad, at least the ones that are allowed to step into that special world.   Thanks to your parents for letting me share with them God bless them and give them the strength to look ahead, because you my child,you are another Angel in heaven and I know that from now on you will always be watching over them.          I dont say good bye, because I know,One day,not far away,we will be together,again.                        Rest in gods peace and let the Angels have a great party to welcome you the way you deserve it.      I  LOVE YOU   My child ALEXANDER JAMRICH  I WILL MISS YOU .                             Your secon mom    ROCIO RIZZO

I was sorry to hear about you loss throught the HF Prayer Request. I will pray for him. 
Gene Gehauf
Houston, TX

I was saddened to learn of Alex's passing in the newspaper.  I remember him as a beautiful blonde boy in Mrs. Green's class. Passing by each other in the hallway, I admired his parents' devotion to him.  My deepest sympathies to them and the rest of his family.
Gina Pepchinski (mother of Anton Pepchinski)

Kathy and Milan, 
Our deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of your beautiful son Alex.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Rest in Peace Alex. 

Eilish & Ned. Galway, Ireland

Dear Kathi and Milan,
We are so sorry for your loss of Alex.  God bless.

Eulogy by Alex's Mother (delivered after funeral mass:

Thank you everyone for coming, and I thank Father Bravo for allowing us to say a few words about our Alex. Alex was our greatest gift – our greatest joy – and his autism our greatest challenge. It will be hard for us to go on without him.

I know many of you worked with Alex at school and knew him personally, but for those friends who never had the chance to meet him I wanted to say a few words about him and his life with us. 

Alex was autistic. Though he seemed perfectly normal the first 12 months of his life, even acquiring a vocabulary of a few words in two languages, he gradually lost his ability to talk and regressed developmentally. He was completely non-verbal for most of his life and had tremendous difficulty understanding language. But we found ways to communicate by recognizing his subtle - often unorthodox - non-verbal cues. Often this was like mind-reading we knew him so well. It was a huge challenge for him to learn simple things that most children learn by example or absorb through their surroundings as if by osmosis. We celebrated every small thing he learned as a huge victory because we knew how difficult it was for him.

Like many autistic kids, certain noises, smells, and sensations bothered him. He had very limited tolerance for large noisy crowds, but he loved being around his two extended “adopted” families here - the Feinbergs and the Rizzos - even if he had to take refuge in a bedroom or corner.

Though I know he was very frustrated with not being able to communicate, he was such a happy and joyful soul. At home he was often smiling, laughing and vocalizing. When he was happy, he liked to jump up and down on his toes like he was on a pogo stick. He could do it for hours. I learned from his teacher Maranda yesterday that he was nick-named ”Masai” at school because his jumping resembled the dance of the Kenyan Masai tribe. (My runner friends will appreciate that as we are always trying to emulate Kenyans!)

He was also known as “Mr. Handsome” at school. He would smile whenever we called him that. 

He liked to read magazines – especially InStyle – because he loved to smell the perfumed cards inside. He seemed to like the pictures of the beautiful women too.

Like most autistic individuals, he had a collection of unusual interests, habits, or obsessions. The doors all had to be closed at home. There could be no towels or mats near the bathtub when he showered. He loved to cut his own hair, preferably cropping down the middle in a “reverse Mohawk- style”. He would do this without a mirror- often with surprisingly symmetrical results. We had to lock up all the scissors at home.

Despite his autism, he often showed very normal social behavior. He made eye contact with us regularly, and often looked to see the expression on our faces. If you smiled at him, he would smile back. He loved to be cuddled and kissed (but not all the time- just like a normal 17 year old). 

He could be sneaky- just last week Milan saw him open a theoretically locked cabinet door- take out a pair of scissors- lop off a lock of hair and return the scissors as if they were never touched. 

Despite his autism, he had a sense of humor – he even could be a smart aleck in his own way. (We always wondered where he got that.) He was not allowed to “bother” the people who sat in the booth behind us when we went to one of his favorite restaurants, Pappadeaux, which of course led him to “test” us by trying to poke them or touch the seat behind them. He always looked at our faces and laughed to see what we would do - it was a game for him. Several times he ate the just the last 2 pages of a book I was reading. 

Our experience with Alex has been an incredible journey- one that took us places we never thought we would have to go. He has been our whole life for the last 18 years and we will miss him terribly. Milan and I do find comfort in our friends and the people who knew and loved Alex. We find comfort in knowing that he was always very happy and that he knew he was loved. We hugged and kissed him every day of his life. We will never forget him.

Shortly after Alex was diagnosed I remembered a favorite book, “The Little Prince”, by Antoine de Saint Exupery. It is for children, but like most good children’s books, has deep meaning for adults as well. The book is about a little prince who lives alone on a small planet - an asteroid - far away. He comes down to earth for awhile and teaches the narrator about the true meaning of life through his idiosyncratic outlook. Alex has always been the Little Prince to me. At the end of the story, he vanishes and returns to his planet in a flash:

“For me, this is the loveliest and saddest landscape in the world. It’s the same landscape as the one on the preceding page, but I’ve drawn it one more time in order to be sure you see it clearly. It’s here that the little prince appeared on Earth, then disappeared.
 Look at this landscape carefully to be sure of recognizing it, if you should travel to Africa someday, in the desert. And if you happen to pass by here, I beg you not to hurry past. Wait a little, just under the star! Then if a child comes to you, if he laughs, if he has golden hair, if he doesn’t answer your questions, you’ll know who he is. If this should happen, be kind! Don’t let me go on being so sad: Send word immediately that he’s come back…”

Good bye my Little Prince- till we meet again…

Kathleen Mahon

Kathi and Milan,
Words really can't express how sorry we are for the loss of your son and for your deep heartache.  You will be in our thoughts and prayers.  We wish you peace and God's comfort.

Dear Kathi and Milan,

Thank you for having the courage to open your hearts and share your life experiences with Alex in the beautiful eulogies you each gave yesterday. I wish we lived closer to you so that we could be of support in the coming months but know that you will always be in our thoughts. I hope you find solace in knowing that Alex had the most loving, caring parents any child could ever wish for and more.
Love always,
Pragna

Eulogy by Alex's dad

Dear members of the family and dear friends,

Thank you very much for coming to this sad occasion. Your support is greatly appreciated. To begin with, let me just say that I come from a different culture and therefore this eulogy might not be exactly what you are used to. In our culture, we have great difficulties to celebrate somebody’s life when a person dies. We are just sad, depressed and cry. I know Alex may be in a better place now, but knowing him better than anybody else, I know that he would rather be here with us. And I would rather have him here with us.
As you know, Alex was autistic. I know, we parents of autistic children are no fun. We always talk about our autistic children. And typically, we do not have any good stories to tell about our children. We don’t have stories to tell how our children excel in the classroom, how they are best in this, or how they are best in that. We don’t have stories about their exciting future. Our stories are about a recent smile, about the length of eye contact. Our hopes for the future are a single word from the mouth of our beloved child. And yes, we become extremely attached to our children, maybe even too much. Don’t get me wrong, I know that every parent loves his children, but there is something about taking care of somebody for years who is totally vulnerable and who, in his mind, remains a two years old.  And then there is the guilt. Deep inside you know that it is your genes that caused this child to be the way he is.
Yes, Alex was autistic. He could not speak but he would let you know everyday that he loves you. His smile and kisses would make you forget the problems this disease brings with it. Alex was the sweetest kid you can imagine. And God knows life was not easy for him. Yes, like other autistic children, Alex insisted on a routine. He insisted that we always do things the same way. But imagine how difficult it must be to be put into a car every day and not know where you are going. How difficult it must be to not know whether you are going to a restaurant or to see the dentist. Imagine how it must feel when your parents go on a trip and you do not know whether they are coming back the next day, the next week or ever.  I know one thing, in a situation like that, I would insist on a routine.
Alex was not always this way. Alex spoke English and Slovak before he lost his speech. But because he lost his ability to speak and understand language, he had to find another way to communicate his feelings. I remember that when he was little, he hated it when I left town for even a single day. When I returned from my trip, to let me know how he felt about it, he would take me by my hand and make me lay down in the bed. Then he would sit on me sideways for what felt like hours and not let me leave the room or the bed. It was his way of letting me know that he did not want me to do this ever again.
More recently, it was endearing to see how every night, when he was ready to sleep, he would take Kathi by her hand and lead her to his room. He would always insist that she took her computer and drink with her, because he hated it when she left the room for even a second when he was falling asleep. 
When the disease did not play with his brain, Alex was a very good kid. But he also had a mischievous side. He liked to cut his own hair. When he found some scissors, a reverse Mohawk was a sure consequence. We had to hide all the scissors in a cupboard, secured with a safety lock. While Alex understood that cutting his own hair was a NO-NO, he could not give up his habit completely. Just the other day I saw him walk nonchalantly to the cupboard, undo the safety lock, take out the scissors and cut a curl of his hair. He put the scissors back, replaced the safety lock and to eliminate all the evidence of his action, he ate his hair.
Alex, or Mr. Handsome, as he was called by some, had several hobbies. One was eating out at Pappadeaux and Café Adobe. Same time, same place for the last 10 years. Saturday lunch, 11am sharp, Pappadeaux: grilled tuna and dirty rice. Sunday lunch, 11 am sharp, Café Adobe: beef fajitas. He was treated like family in both restaurants.
More than anything, Alex liked water. He would take baths and showers all day long. Not two or three, but ten to fifteen a day - if we let him. And on weekends, we would let him. Splashing and jumping around was part of his routine. Just last week we had to replace the tiles in the bathroom because they had separated from the ground from the constant flooding. Ultimately, the water got him. My last memory of Alex, preceding the tragic events, is seeing him happily skipping into my bathroom for what turned out to be his last bath. To see your child drown in the bathtub is something no parent should have to ever see.
Anyone who knew Alex knew that he needed a lot of care. We would have never managed without the help of many wonderful people. There are too many to name, but you know who you are.  However, I cannot finish my eulogy without naming Rocio Rizzo and Dana Feinberg, two wonderful people who at certain stages of his life were his second moms. I cannot thank them enough.
 Needless to say that Alex will be always in our hearts and that this wound will never heal. Hug and kiss your children every day because you never know how long it will last. Thank you again for coming and helping us through this tragedy.

Dear Kathi & Milan,
Yesterday was a beautiful memorial to Alex.  I will always remember Alex through your loving words.
With deepest sympathy,
Mitzi

Alex and our son, Tommy, were, at one time, in the same class at Avondale. I often saw Alex whenever I visited Tommy at school. He was a very sweet boy. It is our belief that all autistic children go straight to heaven, with pure souls, where they no longer suffer from the restaints of autism. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you

Milan and Kathi,

Our son just started at Avondale a few weeks ago.  My wife and I would see Milan and Alex when we dropped off and picked up our son there.  Other than exchanging common pleasantries with you, we never really spoke to each other.  I want to tell you that my wife and I felt a common bond with you and your son.  The love you and your son had for each other provided a ray of sunshine for all to share.  

As the parents of autistic child ourselves, you and your wife have our uptmost respect and deepest sympathy right now.  In this life we all share, sometimes the best gift we can give our kids is unconditional love and pray they find happiness and peace in their lives.  From what I saw of the interaction between you and your son, I think he couldn't have asked for better parents because it was apparent you and Kathi have done a great job caring for Alex.

May God grant you strength during this difficult time.

Alan and Annette Fowler

Milan and Kathi,
I am sorry I couldn't be there at Alex's memorial service.  I'll always remember Alex as a beautiful boy with a bright and sunny smile.  I am keeping you close in my thoughts.

Kathi and Milan,
I am so sad to hear of your loss.  My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.  
Warm regards,
Toni-Ann

Kathi and Milan-
I just opened an e-mail from Mitzi telling me about this unfortunate loss to you.  Autism pathways are one of the things we study here in Huda's lab.  Hoping we make some headway into this disease.

Kathy and Milan, our prayers are with you, that you may 
find strength through this difficult time & treasure all the happy memories of Alexander

Dear Kathi and Milan - So sorry to hear about your tragic loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy,

Alex was a beautiful young man!  My heart and prayers go out to his family.  

David Barnett
Avondale House

We were so sorry to hear of your loss.  The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Thinking of you at this difficult time. Wish we could be there with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Kathi and Milan, Our deepest sympathy at this difficult time and may the memory of Alex's smiles help you through this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.

Our sincere condolences.  We have not met your son but heard that he was such a handsome young man.  We are very sorry for your loss.  Soo and Jae

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness for your loss. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Joanna and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are very much in our thoughts at this sad time.

Please accept my sincere condolences for your tragic loss.

I didn't get to know Alex directly. My only impression was a summer day a couple of years back, I happened to see Milan and Alex from a distance by a community swimming pool. The father and son were obviously enjoying the day. It was a touching scene and a fond memory that I shall keep. Xiangwei He (BCM)

Dear Kathi and Milan,

We are so sorry to hear this news. We are thinking of you and your family.
Mary and Graeme

MIlan and Kathy,  I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and sincere sympathy.  -- Chad Shaw

I am deeply saddened to hear your sudden loss.  May your memory be your comfort.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I feel lucky to have known Alexander, he was a special child and loved by many. May condolences go out to Kathi and Milan as well as Rocio Rizzo who I know loved him dearly.  You are constantly in my thoughts.
Cactus Calderas

My deepest sympathy to Kathi & Milan.  Holding you both in prayer.

Dear Kathi & Milan,

I could scarcely believe it when I heard news of your devastating loss. My thoughts and condolences are with you at this very difficult time.

Our paryers go out for you and your family in this very difficult time.

Katie and Milan, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. May God look after you all and give you all the comfort you need. May Alexander rest in peace

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of incredible loss.  I feel fortunate to have spent time with Alex. He will be missed.

Kathi and Milan,we are very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful son, we are thinking of you in this difficult time . Padraig & Edel (Dublin,Ireland)

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. ~Author Unknown
We are sorry to hear of your sudden loss and our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your entire family. ~Jason and Erica Kelley

Kathi and Milan, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My heart goes out to you and your family. I can't imagine the enormousness of your loss...

Dear Kathi and Milan - My deepest sympathies for you and your family at this tragic loss.  May the love of those that surround you and fond memories of Alex help you through this difficult time.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of great sorrow.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

My heart goes out to you in the face of this tragic loss.  I am sorry I could not be with you in Houston at this time.  With love,

Kathi and Milan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

Kathi and Milan, my thoughts and prayers are with you are your family.

Kathi, you and Milan are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.  Remember we love you! Molly

Our love & prayers go out to you & your family.  May you draw strength & comfort from some wonderful memories with such a very special son.

I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Kathi and Milan, my prayers and sincere sympathy are with you in this most difficult time.

Kathi I have you and your family on my prayers everyday. God will give you the peace you need to go trhough this terrible time.
Love, Dani

My deapest sympathy Kathi and Milan.  You are in my thoughts.  

Lara Allen

My heart aches for your family and this devastating loss.  God will hold you close to his heart in your time of need.

My deepest sympathy to you, Kathi and Milan, and to your entire family. Lots of love and thoughts, Deborah Touchy xo

OBITUARY

Alexander Alex Patrick Jamrich

June 27, 1992 – May 15, 2010

Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home

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