We would like to Thank everyone for coming today to celebrate the life of our son Robert Kenneth Picklesimer. During his short time here on earth he taught, showed and allowed us to do so many things. He allowed us to meet and make so many new friends, many whom have become like family to us, we are referring to his many doctors, nurse practioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, speech, physical and occupational therapists, hospital volunteers and so many others involved in caring for him. He allowed Becky to realize; you just need to close your eyes and get on the plane, that flying high above the clouds is a shorter ride than driving. He made us both learn to be more patient, because nothing happens as quickly as you want it to. He taught us how to be parents and to love in a way we never expected. He showed us how precious life really is and how important family and friends are. He showed us that there is beauty in imperfections. He taught Robert more about the medical profession which he never thought he would know. He taught us to enjoy little victories. He showed us how much fun it is to play with toys, especially the ones with lights and music. He showed us how strong our faith in God was and made it stronger. He taught us that no matter how bad you think you have it, it’s not always that bad. He taught us to laugh with him, around him, at ourselves and at each other. He allowed us to rejoice in his development and the things he learned that we could have taken for granted; his smiles, his kisses, clapping his little hands, to give five, to dance to music while laying down, to make his toys light up and play music, to sit with some support, to eat fruit wheels, graham crackers, ice cream and baby food, and to make little noises. He showed us that Texas is a nice place to visit, but we wouldn’t want to live there. He showed us that it is hot in Texas during August. He showed us the power of prayer and that God does answer them everyday. He taught Becky how to be a mother then a nurse and a nurse then a mother. He allowed us to read stories from our childhood, showing Robert how many he couldn’t remember and how many Becky couldn’t forget. He taught us how to work together as a team when caring for him and how to communicate better, sometimes without saying a word. He allowed us and himself to be an example for other parents that wanted to know and see what to expect if their child needed a trach or G-tube. To share with them that it isn’t as bad as it sounds and it is what is best for their child. He showed us how much more fun it is to take a bath with a tub full of toys. He showed us it is okay to make a mess. He taught us to believe in angels. He showed us that having bed hair can be stylish and cute. He taught us to be brave in the face of fear and the unknown. He allowed us to see how kind people can be, even the ones you don’t even know. He showed us how to love more than we ever knew we could. How special being a mother and father really is. How much we love each other. How much we love our parents. How much we love our brothers, Chris and Jack, and our sister, Amy. How much we love our grandparents. He made Robert realize that changing a diaper is easy compared to the other things he did for Kenneth. He showed Becky that some days you just need a little chocolate to help get you through the rough times. He allowed us to create a WEB site to share our story with others. He showed us how many friends we really have and how willing they are to lend a helping hand. He enabled us to dream. He opened our eyes to how many children are born with medical needs. He made Robert realize that painting a wall something other than antique white isn’t that bad. He made us realized how fortunate we are to have a children’s hospital in our town. He showed us how important family and friends are, and how important it is to stay in touch. There are so many more and we are sure that as time goes on we will realize even more things, we just hope we can be as brave as he was. A piece of advice we would like to pass on to you, enjoy and make time for your family and friends, take plenty of pictures, love and hug your children everyday as they are a gift from God that you can never get enough of, and remember as hard as it is for God to take our little ones home, God does all things for a reason. Hopefully one day we will know why. Today Kenneth is watching over us all from the heavens, he has been cured and doesn’t have to suffer any more, this is certainly something to rejoice about. May God bless you and your family and Thank you again for everything. The Picklesimers, Robert, Becky and Kenneth |
| In Loving Memory of our son Robert "Kenneth" Picklesimer Born: October 05, 2000 Died: March 09, 2002 |
| I'll Lend You For A Little Time A Child I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine."He said. "For you to love while he lives, And mourn for when he is dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty two or three. But will you, till I call him back, Take care of him for Me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, And shall his stay be brief, You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over, In search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life's lane, I have selected you. Now you will give him all your love, Nor think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again? I fancied that I heard them say: "Dear Lord, Thy will be done." For all the joy thy child shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may, And for happiness we've known, Forever grateful stay; We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand. Written by Edgar Guest |
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| Robert Kenneth Our Angel From God God Bless our little Kenneth You sent from Heaven above You sent us, an angel To teach compassion and love Wrap him in Your loving arms As he gives us love, And captivates us with his charms His eyes how they shine As they look into mine With his broad smile, And the kisses he throws, I feel his love, clean down to my toes Bless him Lord, for he has endured so much Heal him Lord with Your loving touch Bless mommy and daddy, and grandparents, too Ease all the heartache They are going through Bless all his caretakers, in all they do Lead them in the right direction For we know their help comes from You. By: Ruth Richardson 12-20-2001 (cousin of the family) |
| We are all gathered here together today for one reason. That reason being Robert Kenneth Picklesimer. What an amazing little boy! Kenneth came into this world on October 5, 2000. He was born at Baptist Hospital East to proud and amazing parents, Robert and Becky. Kenneth was transferred to Kosair Children’s Hospital soon after his birth due to some respiratory difficulty. Kenneth was also diagnosed with Jeune’s Syndrome prior to his arrival to Kosair. I am sure most of you know about Kenneth’s syndrome through the many e-mails Robert has sent, which we all anticipated receiving. Kenneth was destined to fight his battle with Jeune’s. He faced many ups and downs during his short 17 month life span. Kenneth had a tube placed in his windpipe for his need for long term breathing support. He also had a tube placed in his stomach for feeding, since he did not eat by mouth, except for brownies, cool whip and thin mint Girl Scout cookies. Kenneth knew the meaning of real food. Kenneth faced his first major chest expansion surgery this past summer in San Antonio, Texas. He pulled through with flying colors. Then, on his first birthday, October 5, 2001, he was very sick. Once again, Kenneth pulled through. By the way, Kenneth was a scrooge when it came to his birthday and holidays. He always managed to be sick during these times. In December, Kenneth had his left chest expansion surgery. He came through this surgery blowing kisses. Throughout his 17 months he did experience episodes of bronchospasms, which are spasms in his airway, and other small problems. None of which could stop Kenneth from dancing, until this past week. Just when we thought Kenneth was on his way home, he became very ill. His little body just could not dance anymore, but the memories of this little angel will dance in our hearts forever. |
| is for the kisses Kenneth freely shared. You were not only lucky to get one or two, but many times 5 or more in a row. A kiss from Kenneth could heal anything. is for the entertainment Kenneth provided free of charge to all of us. Clapping his hands and dancing to the beat of his little fiddle was one of his main performances. And let me tell you, Kenneth had rhythm. is for the night owl Kenneth truly was. Staying up until 3 or 4 a.m. and sometimes even later was typical for this little guy. He sure kept us night shift nurses on our toes. “Party all night and sleep all day”, was Kenneth’s motto. is for the no-no’s that Kenneth shook his head to. Whether it be a question or bananas, he stood his ground. is for the excitement shown on Kenneth’s face every time a friend visited his Kids Kare Place. Kenneth never met a stranger, except for Santa Claus. He sure did not like Santa. is for Kenneth’s pearly white teeth that made up that big smile on his face. Kenneth’s smile and chubby cheeks made every day a brighter day. is for the happiness Kenneth brought to each and everyone of us. He filled our hearts with happiness in so many ways each and every day. |
| Kenneth will always hold a special place in our hearts. Kenneth has gone home. He has succeeded in his battle. Kenneth was truly a gift from God. He will be missed so very much. Kenneth will always be our little angel. We love you Kenneth! And we love you, Becky and Robert, for allowing us to be a part of Kenneth’s life. You will always be family to us! |
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| The following was written by Jenniffer Craig, one of Kenneth's nurses at Kosair and read by Jenniffer and some of Kenneth's other caregivers from Kosair during the funeral services on March 14, 2002 |
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