What a lovely (but chilly) Sunday afternoon by the lake, with friends, remembering Hope. With every ballon special thoughts of Hope were sent off. Evan's ballon leading the way!

Back at home, refreshments and shared thoughts warmed our bodies and souls.

Ten years have not deminished our fond memories of Hope Chelsea

Love Oma & Opa

To all my family and friends who have shared the memories of our Daughter (Hope Chelsea Pasemko) and the many who have shared their stories of our little "ANGEL", for each day passes and it feels just like yesterday that she left our hearts, but when I lite a candle and watch the flicker of the flame, I know and feel her (HOPE'S) presence around me watching over my shoulder.

When hope was born on October 19, 1999, it was the proudest moment of my life to see such a little girl being born and fighting for her first breath, I knew at that moment that she was a fighter, yes HOPE was a fighter from day one and very brave as each day went by, teaching every nurse and doctor let alone Mom and Dad and all family members who knew our little "ANGEL". Hope will live on for ever in our hearts and souls as we remember her, and this will never ever leave us from day to day, whether at home, at work, or when travelling no matter where we go in our lives, HOPE CHELSEA PASEMKO will always be there with us watching. There's more to say, but the following is a short poem I found and is hanging in my bedroom along with other momento's that we have shared together and will never be lost, for HOPE is with us.

Please enjoy the following, (Hope I Love You and Miss each and Every Day, and one day we will meet again when it is our time to do so, looking forward to seeing you, Love always in tears and joy, your loving Father (Al Pasemko).

                    MISS ME - BUT LET ME GO

When I come to the end of the road

and the sun has set for me,

I want no nights in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a sould set free?

Miss me a little - but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me - but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone

It's all a part of the Master's Plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the Friends we know

And bury your sorrow in doing good deeds

Miss me - but let me go.

(as read on March 24, 2001)

Hope:

Your mom and dad asked me to recall some happy memories I have of your short life. This poem reflects the feelings your life and death have triggered.

Death isn't easy for us who stay behind. 

I always wonder why babies die.

I don't know the answer.

Why are babies born with miserable problems and abnormalities?

What is the point if babies die young anyway?

I don't know.

Maybe to bring a family together.

Maybe to meet people we would never have met.

I do not know.

Maybe to teach us compassion for those who suffer.

maybe to show us how to love unconditionally.

Or perhaps to force us to be nice to each other.

I don't know the answer to any of these questions.

But when I looked at your little face yesterday, 

I knew you know all the answers now.

Rest peacefully. 

I met Hope last October when I was invited to her first birthday party.  My daughter Karin had wanted me to meet this special child whom she looked after and about whom I had heard so much.  Upon seeing her, I immediately felt a closeness with her, for there was something about her that radiated towards me, captivating me; I was drawn to her beautiful face and those eyelashes, my they just made me smile.  This bond grew stronger over time as I visited her in the hospital.  I longed to hold her and most oftentimes was rewarded; she would always reach up for my face or grasp at something colorful I was wearing or mess up my glasses with her fingerprints.  But what I cherished most is how she would allow me to calm and comfort her as we rocked in that rocking chair.  I began to feel that a part of her belonged to me, and although she has left us physically, a part of her still belongs to me.  While Hope's life has touched us in many ways she has shown us how to be courageous in the face of insurmountable odds.  I am sad now but so grateful that she came into my life when she did because she has taught me so much about my own courage, and love. 

I will cherish her memory always and feel her spirit, this precious angel, Hope.

I never held Hope, I never saw her play, I never heard her giggle, I never smelled her fresh from her bath all snuggly and warm.  I only met her twice and both times saw a baby girl with an adorable face and a sick little body. 

What I knew of Hope was completely different from what I saw though.  What I knew of Hope was the love and complete adoration radiating from her Mommy's eyes when she even spoke her name.  What I knew of Hope was the gift of love and selflessness her daddy had given her.  What I knew of Hope was the beauty of her spirit by the beauty she inspired in others. 

Some could look at this sweet child and ask why God would put a child on this earth to experience such pain...I know, her parents know, and most of the people in this room know, I suspect, that Hope's gift and blessings transcended any pain and left us the greatest gift of all...her namesake

...HOPE.  Was there ever a child more appropriately named?  How can we not see this world as one of beauty and love when this little girl lived her life to show us that it existed?  How can we not hope for mankind  and especially ourselves  when one tiny child inspired such caring, committment, devotion, compassion and giving in so many people...not just her parents but her family, her medical staff...all of us who knew her, had our hearts touched by her.

Hope reminded us all that all these beautiful things live within each of us.  She has made us all better people... a piece of Hope's spirit will live within us forever.  Thank you Hope, it was an honour to have met you.

My husband and I first met Hope in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University Hospital.  She was our son, Thomas' room mate for three months.  Hope was Thomas' first friend.

Parents with sick children truly understand the value of life-all life.  You'll know these parents when you meet them.  Their eyes will be tired and distant and their voice will be strained.  But still, you'll see their face light up when they talk about their child.

For these parents, milestones are not measured in footsteps or first words.  Rather, they delight in watching their child successfully drink a few sips of fluid, or breath in air for the first time, unaided by a machine.

They see their child as we all should see our children-perfect in every way.  Their tired souls and exhausted bodies are made new by the simple smile of the dear, tiny child.

Of these parents, none could have loved more, or did more for their child than Heike and Allen did for Hope.

I hope you'll all see the same magic in their little girls life as we did.

What a remarkable little person Hope was.

The average person lives to be seventy years old, but can only aspire to rise to the level of humanity that Hope did in her short, but noble life.

In her seventeen months on earth she demonstrated the best aspects of what we all can become.

Hope had the most courageous spirit of anyone we've ever met-young or old.  That amazingly perfect little girl was the essence of all things that are good and right in this world. 

We will always remember her as a great teacher.  She taught us courage because she was courageous.  She taught us compassion because you could not help but want to be a kinder, more caring person just by being around her. 

She taught us love, because she was so very lovable. But most of all, she taught us hope, because she was the purest definition of the word "HOPE". 

Her spirit will forever bring hope to us all.  God bless and forever hold dear that precious and amazing little soul. 

(as read by Allen Pasemko on March 24, 2001)

Her liveliness comes to the fore in teh company of her witty and highly cultivated friends and the caring of special people (Doctors and Nurses alike).  Possessed of a keen intelligence, Hope had a highly observant mind.

Hope had a strong spririt and her determination was rejuvenating.  Hope was extremely resourceful and always showed us that she could bounce back from a tricky situation.  Hope was a decisive little child whose perserverance never flagged.  Hope was very demanding of herself and loved to introduce others to her new experiences.

Thoe who knew her can appreciate her profound strength, and God up above has captured her heart and can testify to her undying loyalty.

Heike and Al,

The first day I met Hope was the day of her first discharge from hospital.  I remember how proud and excited you were.  I remember the photos taken and your expressions of such heartfelt thanks and gratitude.  Not that all children aren't precious to their parents-but this day it was just so apparent.

I tell people that the families I work with all affect me in different ways-the many faceted relationships we build.  I always learn far more that I expect, not about how to do what I do alone, but even more about what matters in this life.  I applaud you for trying to create a home and sense of family within the chaos and obstacles around you.  I applaud you also for advocating for Hope and reminding us that care for Hope was always best done with your guidance.

I've always liked the name Hope.  Your Hope was so aptly named.  It's a name that holds such optimism.  I'm sure you had no idea of the extent of strength, compassion, perserverence and hope you would have to have-through all.

It always strikes me how amazing sick kids are in their ability to find joy and peace.  I will remember Hope's smile and independent character; and the birthday party, and the beautiful girl who came to see us in clinic last June.

I know she and Matthew are having a grand time somewhere....

I am so sorry,

Tina

(as read by Clare McDonald, RN-Primary Care Nurse on March 24, 2001):

Please don't ever leave me,

Let me watch you grow.

Let me take you by the hand,

and walk you down the road.

I want to see you walk

and help you when you fall

I wonder what you'll look like then,

I wonder just how tall.

My love and dreams are in you

with every step you take.

I see the shining future in

the progress that you make.

And if your journey ends

before our walk is through.

Let the Lord walk with you,

and know I'll always love you. 

On Wednesday March 21, 2001, Baby Hope Chelsea Pasemko of Edmonton passed away at the age of 17 months.  She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her parents, Heike and Allen, her brothers and sister, Max, Taryl, Shane, Jason and Allan Jr. Pasemko, grandparents, Oma and Opa Eckert, and Grandma Alice. 

Service was held at Evergreen Funeral Chapel, Fort Road, Edmonton, AB on Saturday March 24, 2001.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Dawn Land Children's Health Care Foundation.