Rachel  was born on March 16, 1999 in southern Ontario, the pride and joy of new parents Phil and Teresa.  How thrilled her parents were on that sunny morning to be blessed with such a precious gift.
 After an extended and uncertain stay at the hospital, Rachel was eating and breathing on her own and well enough to come home on March 19th.  The following week, doctors diagnosed a congenital heart defect- three holes in her heart that challenged her growth and development.  Ultimately taking her life.
Rachel was treated with medications and continued to do well while being showered with love from family and friends.  She began to develop her own personality smiling , giggling and staring into our eyes while being fed. Tugging on her hair for comfort and falling asleep on our shoulder.
On May 23rd, she was baptized and her aunt Rita and Uncle Jeff were proud  to be her loving God parents.
At the same time her dad began a new career in a larger city and Rachel, her mom and winnie the pooh were off to the big city.

Over the next month Rachel began to show signs that the medication was becoming less effective in her treatment. On July 6th, surgery was performed by specialists to try and repair the tiny holes in her little heart.  After a lengthy recovery, Rachel returned home on July 26th.
With the worst behind her, she began to thrive. She helped her daddy celebrate his 30th birthday and was blessed to share her first christmas with her family. We had much to be thankful for. She was growing up to be quite the little lady, curious and playful and always lovable, creating her own special magic.  She brought joy and happiness to everyone she met.  Her smile warmed your heart and her giggle was contagious.
On her first birthday, Rachel was too sleepy to open her gifts, and although she didn't like to eat cake she sure liked to play with it.
Rachel enjoyed laughing at anything that squeaked, pop-up books, soft music, looking at herself in the mirror, playing peek a boo, snooping at everyone's food and sitting at the computer crumpling paper.
On June 12th, our spirits were crushed when our little angel suddenly left us.  Never was a child loved more. Rachel was the darling grand daughter of Bob and Louise, and John and Anna. She was cherished by great grand parents George and Katie and Maria.
Rachel will always be loved by her many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Rachel:: Mommy and Daddy will always be thinking of you. We smile and thank God for lending you to us for awhile. Blessed to have loved you and be loved by you. Proud of your strength and courage. We are honored that you were our baby.  We miss your sparkling eyes, your sweet scent and soft skin. And although your life was far too short, we will always be grateful for the time we shared.
You will always be " Mamma's baby" and Daddy's big girl". Sweet dreams angel.
We love you.

Mommy and Daddy