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- Published Obituary
Joel William Burdett, aged 2 months, passed peacefully in the arms of his loving mother on the evening of June 26, 2012 at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. Joel came into this world much earlier than planned on April 24, 2012 in Shenandoah, Texas and weighed at birth 1 pound, 12 ounces.
Joel put up a tough fight with every issue that was put in his path and bounced back more times than anyone expected. In the end, there were too many obstacles for his little body to handle.
He found comfort in holding his mother’s finger and listening to her voice every day. His favorite game was peek-a-boo, and he seemed to enjoy keeping his doctors and nurses on their toes. He will be missed by all who knew him and those who prayed for him all across the country.
Joel William was the son of Andrew and Rebecca (Walker) Burdett of New Caney, Texas. He is also survived by his half-brother, Drew Burdett; his maternal grandparents, William and Kathleen Walker, of Conroe, Texas; and his paternal grandparents, James and Anna Burdett, of Geneseo, New York.
In lieu of flowers, we would be honored if you would direct donations to the Ronald McDonald House in your area, as they allowed us to spend all the time we wanted with our little peanut.
- Notes from Joel's Mother:
I kept a journal of thoughts for Joel, sort of like letters to him. It's the same journal where I kept copious notes regarding his day to day progress, so when the doctors did rounds I really felt a part of things. I sang the Sunshine song, played peek-a-boo, and held his hand for hours on end. Joel was my life.
Andrew has been the rock, the glue that kept us all stable. He lifted our family in our darkest times and always kept hope alive. He was always there with unrelenting love and support, gave Joel "pep talks" before surgeries, and provided great comfort to every member of our family.
Joel was blessed to have a big brother. But Drew's not just any big brother, he's the best big brother a baby could ever hope to have. He accepted Joel into his heart with open arms. It's so fitting that Drew should share a picture with Joel of R2-D2 and C-3PO from Star Wars. Unable to speak, R2-D2 communicates through a series of beeps and alarms like Joel did, and C-3PO understands and guards over him, just like Drew did. This brother's love was undeniable.
Joel was also blessed to have terrific grandparents, both near and far. They rallied around us, surpassing all others with their love and support. This love can only be described as unconditional. Their presence brought comfort to young Joel as well as provided sturdy support for us as parents as we faced insurmountable obstacles. Their selflessness and time communicated volumes to all of us. Their devotion was clear.
In addition to those at the service, Joel has extended family and friends who have lovingly provided support from across the miles.
No one can deny the overwhelming effect this small child had on all who touched his life. Starting his journey in The Woodlands, Joel melted the hearts of the doctors, nurses, and staff. Even after he'd left their care, they reached out to him and his family. When Joel was transferred to the facility downtown, he managed to soften the hearts of a new medical staff, who day after day witnessed the incredibly brave journey of a boy too young for this world. He defeated the odds and broke more barriers than anyone could imagine. His days with us have been truly divine. In his darkest days, he fought through and stayed strong; his strength enabling us as a family to survive another loss in our lives. An infant of only a few pounds, Joel provided support to us as we grieved, thus helping us to pull through and prepare for what was to come. But as days went by, Joel's spirit could no longer be contained in his frail young body.
Joel's time with us was brief yet equally profound. He has touched our lives and made us all better people in the eyes of God. And for that, we must be truly grateful.
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2012 - 2012 (0 years)
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