Heaven's very special child has gone home. Kevin Patrick Younkins said goodbye to this world on Saturday, February 16th, 2008 at the age of 1 year.

It is difficult, almost impossible, to ignore the reality that our Kevin is gone. It's a reality we are struggling to accept. We will never understand it; but are trying to accept it. The reminders are constant, the challenge is overwhelming and the loss is unbearable. Yet, it is a reality that we must accept. I read that the grief of the loss is more than that for the child, it's for life as we've known it, the life we wanted and expected. That life, that we planned, has come to an abrupt halt. While we're sure the next chapter will begin sometime, part of the story will always be missing.

We are grateful that we had the oppurtunity to know and love such a child as Kevin was. Not all do. We've had the privilege of experiencing total and pure love for another, without hesitation and without apprehension. Our little Kevaroo inspired everyone he met, and then some. He was a herioc baby that overcame every obstacle in front of him with stout will. He fought until his very last breath, yet still had the strength to tell us it was time. He was tired. And that's okay. Let us cherish his existence, and not merely mourn his passing. We pray that he is comfortable now, and hope that he will be smiling down on all of us, wherever he is, somewhere over the rainbow, as we remember him, love him and cherish him.

We are deeply touched and grateful for all the love and support you all have shown us as we walked this path we never chose. It means the world to us.

God, our child is now yours. Please hold him tightly, but gently.