Christopher Emmet Gibney passed away peacefully, at home, in the arms of his parents, Quynh and David Gibney, on December 19th, 2007.
Christopher was born on January 6th, 2005. When we brought him home, a beautiful rainbow appeared over our home along with a cloud formation that looked like a dragon. That is why we sometimes call him our “Little Rainbow Dragon”.
A big Spirit and an old Soul, Christopher charmed, inspired and touched people from all over the world. Christopher was a brilliant child. He could read the alphabet by the time he was 26 months old. He developed the ability to speak and comprehend both Vietnamese and English and count to 30.
Christopher could turn on our computers and laptop, enter a password and access his favorite educational websites, www.pbskids.org and www.starfall.com. At other times he would load up his own software and play for hours at a time. He would create artwork and print it out for us.
Christopher would do yoga stretches with his Daddy in the morning and pray aloud with him. Then he would help him select his clothes for the day. Loving, thoughtful and empathetic he would ask us, “Mommy OK?, Daddy OK?” and he would reassure us, “I’m OK, Baby OK.”
Christopher’s helpfulness extended to everything that we did. He insisted on opening doors for us, locking and unlocking the car and house and acting as our little office assistant by sending and accepting copies, faxes and scans. He helped Mommy to carry the laundry and water the lemongrass. He pushed the shopping cart and pulled his trademark little red wagon.
At 11 months of age, Christopher was the amazing sushi eating baby scarfing down California rolls at our local sushi bar. He also sang with a beautiful voice. His favorites were “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”, “The ABC Song” and “The People on the Bus go Up and Down”. In Vietnamese he would sing, “The Little Cat Washes his Face”. Sometimes he would change the lyrics and use different melodies. Often he would raise his zippy cup and exclaim, “Cheers!”
Christopher was diagnosed with Stage IV, Neuroblastoma on January 14, 2007 at Kaiser/Sunset Los Angeles Medical Center. Neuroblastoma is the most common form of cancer striking infants. The causes are not known and there is not yet a reliable cure.
Christopher liked his doctors and nurses and was generous with his smiles, hugs and kisses. True to form, he quickly learned to take his own blood pressure and frequently helped to administer his own medicine. Christopher was expert at operating the elevators. He adapted well and knew the way to the hospital playroom at Kaiser San Diego Medical Center.
Parents are supposed to teach their children about bravery and courage. But in this life, it is Christopher who has taught us. He was the most brave and courageous person we have ever met. It has been a real honor to be his parents.
