we called you "Cota Bear"

with your golden brown hair

your cute little nose

and your wiggly toes

your soft cushy soft skin

and your big bight-eyed grin

I remember your warm and innocent hug

you chasing after a lightning bug

searching for eggs last Easter, on a cool, overcast day

with aunts Kathie and Cheryl stealthily pointing the way

the special love of all, you had

with your simple look, alas, occasionally sad

we tried our best to provide happiness in your life

tried to relieve the pain and constant strife

little son, you suffered all too much

while we offered all we could, a loving word, a caring touch

and you gave us a love freely shown

felt deeply now to a degree heretofore unknown

little DeCota, in life you were given a really bad deal

but through it all you were bright, happy, and real

through your life, death, smiles, and sorrows

we learned to treasure loved ones today as there may be no tomorrow

sweet boy, God gave you to us for two short years

then called you home despite our prayers and tears

you drew a family closer from the very start

we connected deeply with your tender, innocent heart

born during the moments of the setting sun

you were special from the first moment of day one

the tomorrow, September 11 was an infamous day

when the entire country would kneel and pray

on the eve of a grave crisis we celebrated a new son

little did we know how special he would become

a colossal tragedy, nine, one, one

and a beautiful miracle, the birth of a son

the family that all gathered in happiness to say hello at the start

were gathered again in sorrow to bid goodbye when you had to depart

now as we travel this lonely road to grief

the memory of your voice provides some relief

word like: "everybody elmocize, baba, Kaylee bug, and Poppy"

also: "I want my Nani, Chatternooger, c'mon Pop, Daddy and Mommy"

precious words and phrases which ring in my ears

providing some comfort and smiles admist the tears

your time with us reminds us that life is unpredictable and unfair

and demonstrated that people you didn't suspect really do care

we will always remember you Cota Bear

with your golden brown hair

your baba, your smiles,and your laughter

and we'll look forward to being with you in the great hereafter

as I finished this poem, I closesd my eyes and saw you with Nana, whom I've heard so much about

and all through heaven I heard this sound, a sweet and joyful shout

with a radiant smile upon her face

she drew you into her arms with a warm embrace

and little son, you

were beaming and giggling and broadly smiling too

I know you're just tickled with your new toys and wings

I can imagine your delight as the angels play and sing

welcoming you home where you belong

with a wonderful, special Cota Bear song

we will aleays love you Cota Bear

and when we pause and look into our hearts you will always be there