STORM2K

I just heard that my nephew, Christopher Goldberg (Jan's son), passed away in a hospice at the age of 17 yesterday.

He had been ill since birth, and was about half the height he should have been; the past few years, his brain cells had been discovered in his spinal fluid, w/o any explanation by the doctors.

He became blind, unable to talk, but he could still hear and understand what was going on around him...plans are unknown as I'm unable to contact Jan or her family in NJ by phone or E-mail.

Thanks, ladies and gentlemen.

Update: Christopher was buried yesterday, with only his immediate family present; It's now beginning to sink in, folks. According to my son, Chris hadn't spoken since the summer of 1998, and at coppertop's last NJ visit, he was all bones and bedridden...I am glad that I didn't see him in that state, but remember him as a cheerful little guy with a ready smile and a shock of curly blonde hair.

Oh Bill I am sad to read that bad news and my prayers go to you and your family.

He's in a better place bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

Bill, my condolences to you and your family. May you all receive grace, strength, and peace to sustain you through this time.

Did you know your nephew? Because of the distance did you see them much?

Prayers coming in from Houston. Give our condolences to Jan and the rest of the family. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand and give you the comfort you need.

The last time I saw Chris was in 1997 at Christmas; even then, he walked with a paraplegic gait and spoke with some trouble, but he was always cheerful. Kevin (coppertop) has since seen him year by year in NJ during the summer, and Jan kept us abreast of his degenerating health.

For Christopher to have held on to his life so long, and Jan to spend 24/7/365 by his side, is nothing short of heroic. In the last few years, Chris couldn't get out of bed on his own...Jan would have to put fleece pads on it for him, and she described him as "limp as a rag doll" just weeks ago. In fact, Chris was only in the hospice for about six weeks when he finally passed on.

Just spoke with Jan...Chris actually died last Monday, but they placed him on life support. After consultation, they took him off on Thursday, he drew three breaths, and is now in His Company. He will be given a "Mass of Angels" (very appropriate!), then buried with his father in NJ.

Jan asked for prayers, and (if you are able) contributions to any Ronald McDonald House; they kept her close to Chris for six years, and they are amazing people. She also said that the staff of the hospice told her that they are all better nurses and doctors because of having cared for Chris; he was a light of hope and joy to all who ever knew him.

We should all be so blessed.

Bill I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My Prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless.

Thanks, all you guys...I'm still running on batteries over this. Somehow, it hasn't quite sunk in.

So very sorry, Bill.

Sounds like Chris was truly an inspiration to all that came in contact with him and can now take comfort in that he is with the Lord!

Prayers and thoughts go out to Jan's family and your family.

Eric

I am SO sorry, Bill. My prayers are with Jan's family as well as yours.

Cindy

Bill, please accept my condoleneces on the passing of Chris. He sounds like he was a very special person. He is now in the best of health walking with our Lord.

You certainly have my prayers, Bill. Chris will be missed by
all who knew him, but, remember - just as he made you all
smile, and brought light to other's lives, he is now in
Heaven making the Angels smile.

I'm so sorry Bill. i'm sure your sister and the rest of the family are devastated. My prayers go out to all and may Christopher rest in peace.

Bill im so sorry to hear that

Bill, please accept my sincere condolences. What a brave life Chris lived! My prayers for comfort and strength are on their way for you and all your family.

Diane

Bill - please accept my prayers and caring thoughts for Christopher, you and your family. How very brave he was for facing such severe obstacles. I was touched that he had a wonderful, loving family to lean on. While on this earth, he was treated very well it sounds like.

So sorry to your loss.

Mary

Very sorry......prayers from Ocala....

Bill, your burdens are heavy these days, but somehow when you weigh them in the light of Chris's and Jan's struggles over the years, yours must seem just a little lighter.

It's amazing that those who face lifelong struggles often give US so much in their short time here.

Chris is surely at peace now...and in his passing should come a celebration of his smiles and good spirit.

How much we can learn from those who can face the day with a smile in spite of their trials.

Thoughts and prayers going your family's way, Bill.

Steve

Prayers coming...so sorry.

Jan is getting flowers for all of us, uncles, aunts and cousins; she knows we can't make it to the services. And, in return, I penned a remembrance from the Bootheel sept of the clan...

Hic conditur arca Christopher filius Marcus et Ioanna; virtus iunxit, mors non separabit- Frater Guillaume, Militus Templiari. (Here lies Christopher, son of Marc and Jan; "whom virtue unites, death will not separate"- Brother William, Knight Templar).

Jan and her children are Catholic, speak Latin, and appreciate my poor testament to an angel in our midst.