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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CONNELL


We're here to celebrate the birth of our son, our third little boy
We remember the day overflowing with joy.
Connell entered this world on a bright, summer day
And we certainly thought, for many years, he would stay.
He was a beautiful boy, from his head to his toes
We remember his lips and adorable nose.
His eyes so blue, so gentle and kind
A more beautiful pair, we could never find.
His face, with peach fuzz, was soft and smooth
We loved his little body, every crevice and groove.
He was eagerly welcomed by his sister and brothers
Our family, our friends and so many others.
He fit right in, like a hand in a glove
He was our little Angel, sent from above.
He was the best little baby, a dream come true
So calm and peaceful, yet still so new.
October came, and in white he was dressed
We took him to church where he was blessed.
About that time, Connell's eyes were not right
They turned out quite a bit, but remained so bright.
We tried the patch, in hopes of a cure
But it didn't work, of that we were sure.
He had surgery in April, his muscles were snipped
We were scared and anxious, our hearts felt ripped.
Little did we know, that was such a small thing
We had no idea what our future would bring.
Summertime came, there was lots of fun
We played on the beach, in the blazing sun.
We walked on the boards and rode the rides
Never forgetting to enjoy the tides.
Connell turned one, and he made a huge mess
He had chocolate cake everywhere, but we couldn't care less.
Remember his party, remember the clown
Connell didn't like him, so he wore a big frown.
At fifteen months, Connell finally walked
Then shortly thereafter, he easily talked.
Connell was one to suck on his thumb
He ate all his candy, but swallowed his gum.
Throwing rocks in the water was his favorite game
Throwing money in the fountain, he liked just the same.
He played on the swings, and he loved to slide
He filled our hearts with laughter and pride.
He played in the cabinets and drew on our wall
He demanded to shop, but not in the mall.
Santa, the Bunny or pictures at Sears
When faced with those things, he would burst into tears.
He loved to play soccer, and he loved to score
When it came to sports, he wanted more.
We took off for Disney, and we're glad that we went
Watching Connell have fun, made it worth every cent.
Connell turned two, and the theme was Pooh
When he opened his Tigger, they bonded like glue.
Barney, Teletubbies and even Bear
He had all the videos, and we watched our share.
Connell was amazing when he made his debut
Singing "Baa Baa Black Sheep" when we asked him to.
"Son of Man" from Tarzan, was a song that he sang
At the computer he sat, being watched by the gang.
Down the shore, in August, Connell started to complain
He said, "Mommy, boo-boo, hurt", he was having some pain.
In September of 2000, we learned Connell was sick
We were dazed and confused, we were hit with a brick.
A tumor, they said, is what he had
The feelings we felt were overwhelmingly sad.
At St. Chris' we heard, "The tumor's benign
He'll grow up, go to college, and things will be fine."
They suggested chemo, since it was in the brain
All the info we heard was so hard to retain.
We went to CHOP to see what they said
The news that we got was something to dread.
The news was worse, the air felt so thick
We were just hit, with the second brick.
Our world was crumbling, it was falling apart
How could this happen to a boy with such heart?
Before chemo started, a shunt was placed
They did it quickly, there was no time to waste.
The port was inserted, it was in his chest
Could this really happen? Who would have guessed?
The treatments began, those months were so tough
The road Connell traveled was certainly rough.
January came, it was time for a scan
The waiting was terrible, what was God's plan?
The news was reported, the best we heard yet
The relief that we felt, we will never forget.
The chemo was working, the doctors were thrilled
Our prayers were answered, it was what God willed.
Induction was over, we could see the light
At the end of the tunnel, it was looking bright.
We were moving ahead, we were flying so high
The worst was over, we would no longer cry.
Then the fever started, and our bubble did pop
We knew what was needed, we went back to CHOP.
We were there for a month, but each day got worse
It took all that we had, to not scream and to curse.
Infection set in, Connell's marrow was shot
His numbers looked bad, and his blood would not clot.
We were faced with decisions about Connell's life
Our biggest challenge as a man and a wife.
Connell fought for a cure, and he made us so proud
But sadly for us, he now sits on a cloud.
He watches from Heaven, where his Spirit is free
He became, at a young age, what he was meant to be.
We'll never quite get it, for it makes no sense
Why was HE asked to cross over the fence?
Each day we question the things we are taught
There are no answers, and we feel distraught.
This road is rocky, filled with twists and turns
The pain is intense as it stings, and it burns.
His birthday has come, but he's not here
How can we help, but to shed a tear?
He'd be three, you know, and growing tall
Instead he has died, so young and so small.
Our message to him, "Happy Birthday With Love"
We sent it today, on the wings of a dove.
Connell is happy, although not on Earth
And we are left here to remember his birth.
His life had much meaning, and he's taught us so much
His memories and lessons are things we should clutch.
This nightmare is terrible, it doesn't seem real
But Connell's around us, his presence we feel.
We love you, sweet Connell, our pride and our joy
We'll miss you forever, our brave, little boy.