My name is Paul and I had died just after I turned 11 years old in February. I loved a lot of things in a short period. My mom and dad got lucky in Las Vegas where I was born, but “we didn’t stay in Vegas” because what was “happening” in Michigan, my Nana and Papa and a life with my best friend and brother, Eddie.  I really enjoyed visiting my grandma in California and when my grandpa came to stay with us in the summer time.  Sometimes school was hard on me, but I was hard on school.  I had the best teachers and aides and they really helped me to get better in my class work. Summers in Sylvan Lake at the beach or boating with friends were something I enjoyed daily.  I loved sports and had to really dig deep to be competitive because “things seemed not to come too easy”.  Skate boarding, cycling and playing with our dogs were other favorite pass times.  I loved my sport jerseys and you should have seen me when I would walk into Papa’s suite at the Palace.  I would take off my jacket, stretch out my arms, stick out my chest and shout “God it’s good to be here again” as if I owned the place.

Sorry that I didn’t get to know the full biography of the great president FDR whom my school was named after.  Sorry for not sticking around long enough to see the first female or black president.  Sorry that Eddie has to take care of mom, dad and dogs.  Sorry you are all saddened at this time.  However, I know that you all loved me deeply as I hugged and loved each and every one of you, and you looked into my rare “Armenian blue” eyes.

I was developing a sense of style and Papa told me he liked the way I walked with purpose, with my head up and to look people in the eye when listening or speaking.  I never said “no” to Papa even when he would push certain foods, but I might shake my head negatively. 

Last year my baseball improved by going to the batting cage and I was just starting to hit golf balls this year.  Who knows, maybe I could have been “Tiger Paul” or maybe “Terrific Paul”

I had a taste of Sunday School, Armenian School, tennis lessons,  day camps, school trips and God only knows what other things Papa was trying to have me experience before his time was up on earth.  I was making big strides in a lot of areas and I guess it was Gods idea that he needed me in heaven with my Nana.   I defy anyone to ever say “Paul?...he’s no angel!”. 

Please remember me as your loving child, relative, friend, schoolmate, neighbor, team mate, and brother.

Big Brother Paul  B

Angel in Training