Friday, May 21, 2010

Chrissie's Obituary

Christyn Joy Patterson, our warrior princess and precious angel, began her eternal dance with Jesus during the early morning hours on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Our beloved daughter was known around the world as Chrissie, the Serbian Sensation, who touched more lives in 4 short years than most of us ever will in our lifetimes.


Chrissie was born in Serbia October 8, 2005 under the name Barbara Duga, and she was adopted into her forever family as Chrissie Patterson on October 14, 2009. Shortly after Chrissie was born in Serbia, her birth family abandoned her at a Belgrade Hospital when they discovered she had several severe congenital heart defects that could not be repaired in Serbia. Chrissie spent the first ten months of her life in a hospital in Belgrade, Serbia, fighting for her life, as she was determined to one day meet her forever mommy and daddy. Chrissie was discharged from the Belgrade Hospital as an 11-month-old orphan and sent to live in an orphanage called Kolevka (which means The Cradle) in Subotica, Serbia, where Chrissie spent the next three years of her life waiting for her forever family to rescue her. In June, 2009, God announced His calling upon The Patterson Family of Wimberley, Texas, to go rescue His beloved miracle child, Chrissie. Chrissie was united with her forever family in October, 2009, when her family adopted her in Serbia and brought her to Texas where she joyfully lived for the next six months of her life, surrounded by her forever family who cherished her with all of their hearts.

Chrissie was an absolute joy to all who ever met her. She always had a smile on her face and simply loved life. Chrissie taught the world what it means to truly live! Chrissie underwent massive open-heart surgery at Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, April 19, 2010. Her talented, courageous, and committed cardiac and medical team, led by Dr. Mary Porisch and Dr. Kupferschmid, never gave up on Chrissie. Chrissie spent 31 days in the PICU of MCH, where she fought boldly and courageously for her life. God worked many mighty miracles in one month during Chrissie’s stay at the hospital, and her strong will and amazing attitude will always be remembered.

Chrissie is survived by her forever family who loved and cherished her with all their hearts: Daddy/TaTa Matt Patterson and Mommy Lorraine Patterson, Big Brothers Parker and Sawyer Patterson, Little Brother Kiefer Patterson, Big Sisters Meribeth and Mattie Patterson, as well as two more special big sisters Emily and Samantha Hall and their mom, Stephanie Hall. Grandparents: Nana Betty Immel and PawPaw Larry Immel, Grammie Kathie Patterson and Grandaddy Larry Patterson, and a very special Aunt “Shoosha”, Trisha Immel Huddleston. Chrissie is also survived by many other aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends around the world.

A royal celebration of Princess Chrissie’s life will be held Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 2:30PM at Hays Hills Baptist Church in Buda, Texas. The funeral will be available for viewing live online via the family blog at http://www.allarepreciousinhissight.blogspot.com/ . The family will receive guests during visitation at Hays Hills Baptist Church in Buda May 22, 2010, from 3-5PM. Chrissie’s family will host a private graveside burial Monday, May 24, 2010. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to orphan advocacy at www.ReecesRainbow.com or “Abby’s Wish” at www.RiggsFamilyBlog.com.

“I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you.” John 14:18

Arrangements under the care and guidance of Pennington Funeral Home, 323 N. Comanche, San Marcos, TX 78666, 512-353-4311. Obituary and guestbook online @ http://www.penningtonfuneralhome.com/.

-------end of obituary

I was limited to 600 words for Chrissie's obituary, which was so hard for me.  (I had to edit and cut and cut and cut to get it down to 599 words!)  There is so  much more I'd like to say about this amazing, beautiful brown-eyed girl who changed our lives forever. 

Most of the small town papers had a deadline of last Tuesday for the obituary, which was impossible to meet since Chrissie went to be with Jesus on Wednesday.  Please spread the word about Chrissie's celebration of life since the obituary will not be in the papers until next week.

Many of you have asked for our mailing address:
100 Windmill Cove
Wimberley, TX 78676

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Many of you have asked about our children.  This is a very hard time.  I ask you to continue to lift everyone up as we mourn the loss of our beloved Chrissie.  Would  you please say extra prayers for Emily Hall?  She is the tall pretty blonde girl who was in so many of our photos, and she is having an extremely difficult time, more so than anyone else.  Emily is like a daughter to us, and Chrissie viewed Emily as her sister.  They played together for atleast an hour a day, every day.  Emily is devastated and really needs your prayers.

Thank you!

55 comments:

Krystal said...

That was beautiful!!
Praying for you all.

Cristina said...

I don't know you in real life but followed your journey to Serbia to adopt sweet Chrissie. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers over the coming week as you celebrate Chrissie's life.

Cristina

Caroline said...

Praying for all of you at this dark moment but know that Chrissie will always be a part of you in your daily walks through life.
{{{{HUGS}}}}
Caroline

Kara said...

Thanks for letting us know how to pray. We will continue to pray for each member of your family, and the Halls, especially Emily.

Josh, Candace and Cole said...

This was so beautifully written - it brought tears to my eyes. We are praying for you, your children and also her dear friend Emily. May the Lord use the celebration of Chrissie's life for His honor and glory.

Pam said...

Beautiful story of her life. You did a great job writing it :)
Thank you for sharing the service with us. I will be watching and honoring your princess girl.

I still can't believe she's gone. I'd checked several times a day on her status and grew to love her immensely. I feel like any minute you are going to write that another miracle has occured....that she's still here!!!

I can't wait to meet her one day. Today is two years since Maria Sue Chapman ( Steven Curtis Chapman's 5year old adopted daughter )went to be with Jesus, and I can just picture Maria Sue showing Chrissie all of her treasures, and the two of them giggling and running and dancing :)

Carissa said...

What a beautiful story! I'm sure each person who has followed your blog the last month can add 599 more words about how Chrissie has touched their lives and how God has changed their lives through her!

Many prayers your way for you, Matt, your kids and for Emily.

Naqvee said...

i Know it's hard and very hard .. to live without those who have been with you for a period of time.. everyone in our life leaves an impression of his/her personality and that actually bend of way of thinking..

the biggest happiness usually comes in small packets..

I lost my half sister who was mentally retarded couple of years back.. she had the mind and innocence of a small kid though she was 30 years old.. she made me learn how to speak softly to others..

and i can still hear her laughter echoing in the house!

Our Siberian Sensation also taught us a lesson! TO face every problem with Courage! God's motto through these four yrs of her life was to teach us something, which once again wanted to remind us of! Believe on God..

Naqvee♥

Matushka Anna said...

I will continue praying for strength and peace for all of you as you travel through the next several difficult days. I feel privileged to have been able to share in Chrissie's amazing life.

Christ has risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tomb, bestowing life!

Wendi Taylor said...

Such a beautiful child. Such powerful words. God is using your family to touch lives in ways we cannot imagine. My heart goes out to you in your pain and loss. I wish there were some words I could say to help ease that burden. Know that you are in my prayers.

Linnea said...

The words you wrote about your daughter are beautiful. I am so so sorry for your loss. I pray for strength for all of you.

free_to_dream said...

I'll never forget the answer I got from God one of the first times I prayed for Chrissie. "Ani Adonai"--"I am the LORD" came into my mind and out my lips. I knew then that God was in control.

There is potential to make great meaning out of this, as you are already doing so well.

Sarah

Tami and Bobby Sisemore Family said...

Lorraine,

My love, prayers and hugs go out to you and all the family. That was beautiful. your love jumps off the page at me!

blessings,
Tami

MaggieMae said...

So sorry for your loss... and that God chose to take Chrissie home so soon. Your words in celebration of her life are beautiful and equally appropriate in celebrating the beginning of her eternal life. My prayers are with you and yours and all those who love Chrissie.

Lori said...

I find myself wanting to turn back time...to be able to come to this blog and hear you tell us about Chrissie's progress or prayer requests. Every morning, for a brief moment I think "I need to go check the blog and pray for Chrissie" and that it hits me that she is gone and I don't want to believe it. I know her precious family's ache is MUCH greater...and yet at the same time we rejoice in her healing and being with her Heavenly Father! The obituary is beautifully written. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers! I miss you, Chrissie--though I never met you in person! Hugs and prayers, Lori

Liz O. said...

Unfortunately I did not get ahold of your blog until after your precious Chrissie was called home healthy and whole to be with Jesus. I can tell you that I have been praying for your beautiful family all through out the day and God put on my heart to say that Chrissie's physical heart may have been broken but her emotional/mental heart was healed the moment you all were obedient to Gods calling to adopt her. You all gave her what she had been longing for. God wouldn't allow her to leave this earth without first experiencing His amazing unfiltered unwaivering ever present love. Her first hospital stay in life was the scarriest lonliest moment of her life, but this time she could go in peace because she knew mommy and daddy were there to hold their princess's hand until Jesus scooped her up. Chrissie's heart has not stopped beating because she lives on in the lives of everyone whose life she has touched. The courage, the battle, the unwaivering faith that each of you exhibited has altered my life in a way that is indescribable. Don't mourn her physical loss, celebrate her eternal joy. She went to heaven with a heart overflowing with joy and a wonderful story about her forever family to tell Jesus as she holds His hands and dances with Him.

The Mac's House said...

Patterson Family, (Lorraine)

Thank you for thinking of us that have been praying for Chrissie to be able to share in your celebration.

It was difficult to read the write up with the tears falling down upon my face. I can just imagine how difficult it was to keep cutting it down as she brought so much joy to your entire family.

Praying for you all as you continue to go thru your preparation for the celebration. Big hugs to Emily, will be saying a special prayer for her to find peace.

Teri
in Virginia

To Love Endlessly said...

BEAUTIFUL!! I'll continue to pray, especially for Emily.

Unknown said...

Beautifully written and we will continue to pray for all of you! Praying for Emily as well!

Hugs and much love,
Jill and family

Amy said...

Praying God's peace that passes understanding over your family right now.

{{Hugs}}

Cat said...

What a beautiful verse you added. I'm in awe of your strength and devotion. My daughters want to dress up to support you--they will honor Chrissie while wearing their princess dresses as we say our prayerful thanks and earthly goodbyes with you on Sunday. We'll *see* you on the blog, wishing you well and holding you up in our own prayers. What a treat it will be to see Chrissie in Heaven one day... dancing, smiling and blessing all those who greet her.

Love, Cathy (Flatley)

Ang said...

No words, just tears...just know we're continuing to pray for you.

The Laubachs

The Ferrill's said...

Your family remains at the forefront of our prayers....Chrissie's heart is healed now, and I pray the Lord will mend all of your broken hearts over missing her. I pray His loving arms will wrap around you all and that you will FEEL His love mightily....
Praying in Alabama,
Laine

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your loving story of your very special angel. It must have been very hard for God to have her gone that long. It is so easy to feel her love and joy. One of my sister's is named Christlyn and we were told at 6 weeks of age that she would not live 2 more weeks. She is now 58 years old but has been on kidney dialysis [from PKD]for over 20 years now. She has been our "Chrissie". She continues to preach God's love.

Rhonda said...

I just found your blog and with a child in the hospital and him being adopted also..I can't even imagine writing this..but it was Beautiful!!!!

~Miss Zara~ said...

I am so sorry,she was a beautiful girl and will be missed
here my adddress
zaramayross@fsmail.net

Debbie said...

Praying for you all on this day. My life will never be the same.

Dardi said...

I have been following your journey, & I have to say that while I am sad for your family's pain, I also feel so very thankful that Chrissie died as a daughter, sister & cherished friend vs. orphan. Answering God's call is not easy, but ever so beautiful. Thank you for sharing, inspiring & giving courage to so many...I am blessed by your family & pray that you are soothed by God's embrace through the thoughts & prayers of many.

Anonymous said...

Lorraine, I guess I am one of the few wo can understand the pain you are in right now. I lost my daughter Livvy in 2008 due to Rett syndrome and my foster son in April 2010 due to his heart complication from FAS. I only had the gift of my foster son for 7 and a a half months before his death, our adoption of him was just starting. But like my daughter he held my heart and will continue to do so forever.

I can say without a doubt that God blessed me with these children and I thank him each day for this.

My heart aches each day for my children and this pain will not leave me until i am with them again, my faith assures me this will happen. so its from the strength of this assurance that I find the courage to face each new day. Like yourself having other children requires us to lead by example, we have to show them its ok to cry and grief but we also have to learn how to laugh and love again.

As a family we have decided to foster again a child with special needs, while some people think we are crazy and maybe we are I would never give up the chance to bless and to be blessed by another child.

I am so glad I have found your blog and will continue to follow you.

Take comfort in the Lords promises of eternal life.

Sara xx

Chantelle said...

Beautiful. (((hug)))

Lori said...

You and your family are in my thoughts this weekend. I pray that the Lord will hold you close as you say a "see you later" to your precious princess Chrissie. Though it can't bring her back, know that the world grieves with you at the loss of sweet Chrissie... Lori

sierrasmom said...

I am thinking of all of you as you celebrate the life of your sweet Chrissie. What an amazing journey that only God could have orchestrated. I am sorry for the pain you are enduring but know that you are celebrating that you were chosen to be the Mommy and Daddy that Chrissie so longed for!!
Kathie in NY

Vicki McCuistion said...

Lorraine,

We miss you and Matt and your family. So sorry to hear about your little girl. You stepped out in faith and were a loving presence in her life. Prayers for all of you!

Vicki

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said! Do we have the link for the web stream for Chrissie's life celebration?

Sari said...

Dear family, we are praying for you here in SC and with you as you walk this journey. I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter will be missed dearly.

Sandy said...

Just found your blog, in the middle of your celebration of Chrissie's life, through The Riggs Family blog.
I knew Wimberly seemed familiar, then I realized that is home for
the college girl that we "adopted" --
not in the sense that you adopt, but just as her family away from home.
Anyway, I will keep your whole family in my prayers and will continue to follow your blog.
It is awesome how you made it a royal celebration, fitting for your princess!

trennia said...

Sending many ((((((HUGS)))))) to your family,exspecially today.The service was beautiful,what a great way to honor Chrissie.
I live in Ky and just wanted to know my family and I have been praying for your Chrissie,and I wanted to thank you for allowing those of us that could not be there a "Thank you" for allowing us to pay our respects too.

Matushka Anna said...

I just watched the celebration of life: it was beautiful!

God Bless...

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for sharing Chrissie's life with us. I did not discover her until today, when I saw her obituary in the San Marcos paper online. I have not weathered the storm with your family and all of the strangers who followed it with you. The impact of Chrissie's story on me is different from that of many others whom she touched, but it is nonetheless profound and intense.
I lost my own daughter at the age of 4 years old, and she did not have the epic story to share with the world that Chrissie was blessed with. My biggest obstacle in coping with the loss of my sweet baby girl has always been the fact that she left very little behind to remember her by. Her mark on the world is widely unnoticed, and that has eaten me alive for 9 years.
You and your amazing family are everything Chrissie could have ever asked for in this life, and the strength of your bond (as well as your faith) will heal you. I wish you peace and healing as you come to grips with the void that surely now sits on your hearts. Thank you from one human being to another for reaching out and making a difference, by loving the little ones that most need it. Your family is in my thoughts today.

Katie said...

Still praying for you all!! So glad I was able to watch her funeral on here... what a wonderful celebration of LIFE!! I'm sure Chrissie enjoyed watching everyone celebrate her! Although I never got to meet Chrissie in real life, she holds a special place in my heart!! May GOD continue to BLESS YOUR FAMILY ABUNDANTLY!!!!

Rochelle said...

The celebration was beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with all of us who couldn't be there. What a blessing to hear more of Chrissie's story. Praying for all of you as you adjust to life with her in Heaven.
Rochelle Sanderson

Kevin and Krista said...

I hope you will be able to post her service again. I was only able to catch a little bit of it.

Blessings,
Krista

Carrie and Rowan said...

Patterson Family- What an honor and a blessing to be there today, celebrating Chrissie's Life with you all! Rowan and I both have prayed and cried for Chrissie this past month in the hospital, but were able to smile and even laugh today. I told you this there today Lorraine, but I wanted to say it again. It was the ...most beautiful "funeral" service I have ever attended. It was truly a "Celebration of Life". I actually went back and forth with myself over the past few days, wondering if I could handle coming, whether Rowan should be there, etc. Then God woke me early this morning and told me that Rowan and I NEEDED to be there. Lorraine I think you may know why. I think because as a mother of another child with serious health issues and multiple ... See Moremajor hospitalizations and surgeries, I could just as easily be the one in your shoes some day soon. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing Rowan and I to be there. And thank you Jesus for getting us there! Rowan wasn't afraid, he wasn't sad, he was actually overjoyed when he looked in the casket and saw her! He smiled from ear to ear and said, "Mommy, I told you she IS a princess now!" And he had asked me the whole drive to Buda today, "please can we stop and get Chrissie a present?" When I said we didnt have time and asked him what he wanted to get her, he was adamant that he get her a baby doll, so her Mommy could put it right by her so she wouldn't be scared. It broke my heart to not stop, but I just couldn't. Well, when he looked in the casket and saw her baby doll next to her, he got excited once again, "Look Mom, I didn't need to get her a baby, she have hers already, so I know she's not scared!" Again, thank you Jesus. Rowan is better for having attended the beautiful service for Chrissie today, and I am better for having had the opportunity to meet you Lorraine and to have been given a perfect model of a selfless, giving, caring, God fearing, faithful woman and mother of a sick child. I'm not scared or afraid anymore either...Thank you!

my3 kids said...

Lorraine,

Chrissy sure has touched many many people across the world. We are in Canada and have been here for awhile. Today we attended Chrissy's funderal service via the website and your whole family is so beautiful and shared such beautiful memories of Chrissy. I thank God that she had a forever family by her side these past 7 months. What an amazing little girl Chrissy was and she will be remembered always. To be honest I am missing the wonderful updates you shared during Chrissy's hospital stay. I was so excited and a little nervous each morning as I checked in on your Serbia Princess and your words always put a smile on my face. Chrissy was a true fighter right until the end. She is dancing to Cinderella now and is at peace and her mama will always be by her side! God Bless your family xoxo

Janice
dh Scott
ds Kyle 15
dd Kira 10.5 (vietnam)
dd Emma 5 (china)

Qadoshyah said...

Dear Patterson family,
I'm in Oklahoma, so I was able to watch Chrissie's service at the exact time. I was moved to tears several times throughout it. Especially when mommy and daddy Patterson were speaking. I cried a lot for your baby girl :(. And even shared her journey with more in my family as they watched the end of her celebration of life.

texaslauren77 said...

Lorraine-

I cried my eyes out today over the service for your sweet Princess Chrissie. What a beautiful life she had, and a beautiful family, as well. Thank you for sharing your precious daughter with the world. What an amazing gift God gave not only your family, but all of us who were privileged to know her in real life or through this blog. I can't wait to one day meet your Serbian Sensation when I make it to heaven. And with the number of other lives she has touched, God is going to have to make her a permanent fixture on "Heaven's Official Welcoming Committee", because so many others will be looking to meet your angel when they arrive, as well. :) What a fabulous ambassador she will make with her infectious smile, unyielding joy, and love of Jesus! And, as Dr. Porisch said today, He has welcomed Chrissie Home into his Kingdom saying, "Well done, faithful servant!" Prayers to you and your family during this time!

nicole said...

I have seen your daughter button on many many blogs.and with great sadness read about her passing.my heart breaks for you my son was quite ill after he was born and i know what its like to have a sick child and the only thing i can say is that your little girl was able to finally know the love of a family and some times we just dont know the reason why god calls people home.Sometimes in life we hold onto the little precious time we have..your little girl held onto the hope a family would come for her and be with her when she was so ill..and you came you filled her wish when she really needed you you were there momma when before she was alone with god..may he bless you and know that now she is perfect her heart is healed and she is running after the butterflies..you furfilled her wish and now she has gone onto god to see what he has in mind for her..bigg huggs and love from canada

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Dear Lorraine, I came over from another blog and I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss.
I pray for the comfort and strength
of you and your family. Debby

GoGetLily said...

The Celebration of Chrissie's Life was absolutely Beautiful! Her life was too short on this Earth, but filled with Blessings from her Wonderful Family! I continue to Pray (and cry) with all of you, for Peace in your hearts.
I Love You ~ Jo

Peggy said...

Blessings Lorraine & family...My heart and prayers are with you and Emily Hall! This is so beautifully written about your little Princess!
I came via Rigg's blog and I'm so sorry yet rejoicing for Chrissie's dance with Jesus! May God be with you through these difficult days & His Comforter surround you all!

Marsmile said...

What a wonderfully written obituary! Thank you for sharing Chrissie's Celebration of Life on your blog. I watched it and while I wish I could understand what everybody was saying (I'm deaf), I could see that it was a beautiful ceremony. Also, it was very kind of the cardiologist to attend the ceremony.

Please know I continue to think of you all and am praying!

Marissa

Anonymous said...

This was such a beautiful telling of her life. I stumbled onto your blog, and I am very sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl. May you find strength, hope, and peace.

Kara said...

Still lifting each of your family and the Halls up to God. Praying for each of you to experience the grace of God and extend it to one another.

The Fab 5 said...

Just wanted to let you know we are still praying for your family. I saw some pictures from the Riggs family blog and it was certainly a celebration for a princess!! Every princess needs to go to heaven in Royal Fashion!! We will continue to pray for your family as you try and learn to live with Chrissie in heaven with her heavenly father.

Julie said...

Still praying for you all.

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