Levi M. Lipnick was born to us and proud big sister, Emma, on June 1, 2005. He was a blessing from the moment he was born. It's so difficult to capture his essence in words, but we want to provide you a glimpse of what he was about.

Levi was a precious and happy little boy. He laughed and laughed…he made us laugh and laugh. Laughter and happiness personified him. Very little bothered him or caused him any discontent or fear. His joyful, uncomplaining and gentle disposition was so wonderful to behold.

Levi had boundless energy from the time he woke until he fell asleep. He was always “busy” and his constant curiosity took him on many adventures. The more he did, the more energetic he became. He learned so much so quickly. Ducks, dogs, trains and trucks, in no particular order, had become his favorites. He loved being “outside” and never tired of making such a request.

Action, whether he was creator or witness, captivated Levi. For example, he insisted over and over that dada make the garage door go up and down and was fascinated by the moving conveyer of clothes at the cleaners. He loved to climb ... over a barrier to prevent him from wreaking havoc in Emma’s room, over a couch to see “outside”, or onto his chair so that he could triumphantly stand with his arms raised. He created mass disorder in the kitchen playing with anything he could get his hands on. He loved to be thrown up in the air, go down a slide, be bounced on an exercise ball, play hide and go seek, and ride in his red car (and crash). He'd always run, not walk. Walking simply took too much time.

Levi had so much love to share with others. He had the widest smile whenever we arrived at “poppy’s” house.

Levi was as hungry for food as for all other aspects of his life. He was, to say the least, an avid eater. He let us know it was time to eat by banging on his high chair. What youngster could claim peas as a favorite food? Levi could.

Levi would voluntarily put himself in “time out” when he knew he was disobedient (he would literally drag the gate over to his time out spot to close himself off). The joke, however, was on us. He was full of mischief and frequently took off with a cellphone, keys, Emma’s school project or Dada’s glasses—hiding them when he could. He repeatedly closed the television cabinet door when we were watching and exclaimed, “uh oh”. Emma was not fond of such interruptions. But Levi also wanted to help—help raise or close the curtains, imitate mamma stirring a pot or help dada with his shoes using a shoehorn.

Nighttime was so precious. Levi loved his baths, rubber duck, and books. This was the time when he calmed down as if he knew that he had to give us a break. He loved his nighttime music and kisses in his crib. He would blow kisses before we left his bedroom. He was so tranquil when he went to sleep.

Levi simply enjoyed life to the fullest. He knew what he wanted and how to express it. Little got in his way. His life was filled with so many special moments.

Levi was seemingly a perfectly healthy and happy toddler with a wondrous future. But on March 11th 2007, just over 21 months old, he died suddenly and without explanation after being put in his crib for an afternoon nap. The unthinkable happened. He was not quite himself when being put in his crib, but to have THIS HAPPEN…We do not know if he died in his sleep or not.

Our world has been shattered. Our hearts are forever broken. Our shock is exacerbated by questions without answers.

Levi was so special. His short life gave us boundless pleasure, love and gratitude. Hardly a moment goes by when we do not miss him and think what could have been.

Owen and Betty Lipnick