He died in his sleep
@GardenGerty (167791)
United States
January 5, 2026 5:38pm CST
We do not know details as he no longer attends our school, but my student I have spoken of over the years passed away in his sleep last night.
They notified our superintendent who let Ellen know. She came and found me immediately to let me know.
People have come to me today all day wanting to make sure I am okay. I am as okay as I can be. I miss him. I know that he is likely running and walking and seeing everything and talking and better off all around.
Likely this was caused by a seizure.
His were getting worse and more frequent.
Do not let people tell you that handicapped people have no personality. Do not make the mistake of believing they do not understand, have a sense of humour, love others,
RIP Mr. Christian.
26 people like this
24 responses
@DaddyEvil (168386)
• United States
5 Jan
I am so sorry! I'm sure you're right and he is enjoying his new life. 
You have my number if you need somebody to talk with... 
You have my number if you need somebody to talk with... 5 people like this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
6 Jan
I appreciate it.A lot of us have done a lot of talking today. Yes, I do still have your number. One of the para's that had just started working with him, but has known him all his life made a special trip over to talk after school. I have received many hugs. I really feel for his family and life will be strange going forward.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (168386)
• United States
6 Jan
@GardenGerty Yeah, his family will need a lot of support.
I'm glad you've had a lot of support, too. And yes, I can see that.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
5 Jan
He touched a lot of people, just being himself.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
He was a big part of our school in his way.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
6 Jan
When someone has multiple needs it is inevitable, but you know, it came as quite a shock. He touched a lot of lives.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
@sallypup I think sometimes we forget that people with disabilities are people who also have abilities.I imagine your husband can tell quite a few stories.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (68023)
• Centralia, Washington
6 Jan
@GardenGerty I'm sorry it happened. My husband spent some of his boyhood in a state school for the blind. He still tells fond stories about some students who happened to be developmentally delayed.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
6 Jan
It is hitting more this evening. People have been very kind and checking in on me.
2 people like this
@Akutza90 (406)
• Semarang, Indonesia
6 Jan
@GardenGerty Have a nice day myLotters
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
The family visions him doing all the things he was too disabled to do in this life. His memory brings us joy.
1 person likes this
@pahak627 (5228)
• Philippines
16 Jan
@GardenGerty I guess he was an amazing person.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
16 Jan
@pahak627 He was amazing in that he lived as well as he did and for so long.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
@wolfgirl569 I am glad that they had a good Christmas break together.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
That is the truth, we can learn a lot in our interactions with our special needs kiddos.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (12527)
• United States
15 Jan
@GardenGerty Something people don't realize, all have emotions as everyone else. My grandson can be stubborn and want his independence. He can be sad or annoyed. But man, can he give the best hugs and love.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59892)
• Philippines
6 Jan
I'm sorry for your loss. My youngest daughter who has a male student in her previous school assignment was run over by a speeding passenger along the high way. He's a bright student in their class.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (59892)
• Philippines
14 Jan
@GardenGerty Yes who knows he might be the future leader for the country for good.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (54980)
•
6 Jan
Oh, I'm so so sorry, Heather.
Yes, you are so right. Handicapped people are still ''in there'' and often understand even more than people who should understand things. And they have deep feelings. Yes, he is no doubt free of his burdens now and doing everything he always wanted to do.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
6 Jan
I feel for his family, as even his brothers had a big care taking role. I think he had a good life.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (54980)
•
7 Jan
@GardenGerty
It sounds as if he was very loved and well cared for, he will be missed.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
16 Jan
He was a very dear young person to me. I was proud of what he achieved.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
17 Jan
@Ineeddentures I did not realize or had forgotten that you had lost a child.
I did not realize or had forgotten that you had lost a child.1 person likes this
@Ineeddentures (18147)
•
16 Jan
@GardenGerty
I could relate to every word you posted, particularly them last paragraph.
I reflected the same feelings and thoughts when our Alan passed when he was 14
1 person likes this
@valherma00 (1301)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
6 Jan
i am so sorry. it sucks when kids die.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
It does, but he was not even supposed to live long enough to be born, and we had him with us for thirteen years.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51404)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
6 Jan
With all the time you had spent with him, it must feel like losing your own child. Hugs.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
I often told him I could be his grandma. Yes, he was a big part of my life for a while.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
It is a new life in heaven for him, and a new chapter in our lives that are left behind.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (94441)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Jan
I am so sorry, I will send up a prayer for his family,
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
This is a whole new chapter for them, quieter in a way, but hopefully they will also have a lot of peace.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
Yes, he was a very precious child and big part of my work life.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
I am doing okay, I know his home must feel pretty empty now without him. He had a big personality.I feel sorry for his mom.
@aureliah (24688)
• Kenya
14 Jan
@GardenGerty May they find comfort. You can never get over such loss but it will get easier with time
1 person likes this
@Laurakemunto (13791)
• Kenya
6 Jan
I am sorry for your loss I know his absence is a huge void . Yes people should be aware that even the ones with special abilities are just human like any other human on earth
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (167791)
• United States
13 Jan
In a way they are super human, surviving difficulty to prosper anyway.
1 person likes this
@Laurakemunto (13791)
• Kenya
14 Jan
@GardenGerty I agree thata beyond the normal human strength
1 person likes this
