KAT's blog: "Nathaniel J. Deitzel"

They were so wonderful to my brother and Val. The funeral costs would have been around $4800.00. They told my brother and Val, when they went to pay, that there is no charge. They never charge for children! That's proof that there are still some really good people in this world. They know it's hard enough to bury a child without having to worry about the costs. KUDOS to them!!!! :) It's just part of their policy but I felt they should receive some recognition for such a wonderful act of kindness, in such a greedy world! By the way, almost 300 people came to see him at the viewing Thursday night. Everyone was overwhelmed by the support! Thanks to all who have helped the family through this, with best wishes, prayers, and kind words.....Thank you all!!!

Nathaniel J. Deitzel Nathaniel Jason Deitzel, 16 months, died Friday June 13, 2008 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Jason and Valerie (Karol) Deitzel of Catasauqua. Although his time with us was short, Nathaniel has made a lasting impression on all those whove been in his life and even those who were not. Nathaniel was an organ donor and has already been a hero to at least three children. Survivors: He is survived by his loving parents, family and friends. Services: graveside, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2008 in Berks County Memorial Gardens, 201 Evansville Road, Fleetwood, 19522. There will be a calling period from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 in the Brubaker Funeral Home Inc., 234 Walnut Street, Catasauqua, 18032. www.brubakerfuneralhome.com Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions, which will be donated to a childrens charity of the familys choice, may be made to the family care of the funeral home. Published in the Morning Call on 6/16/2008.

As I type this through heavy tears and a ravaged heart I needed to let those of you that dont already know that Valerie and I lost our babycakes, our angel Nathaniel. Tuesday as Val was picking him up from daycare it was discovered he had a fever and went into a febral seizure. The EMT responded, resuscitated him and kept him stable. As he was in ICU he was gradually prrogressing day-by-day. We were given hope of "when he would get out of the hospital" not "if"... Our nightmare that we had belived would never be true came to reality on Thursday when a CAT scan showed brain swelling due to potential lack of oxygen sometime durring cardiac arrest on Tuesday. The swelling did not subside and as of yesterday he was declared brain dead and a time of death was called. I am heartbroken, numb, horrified, scared, angry, disbelieving and I want sooo badly to be with him again walking, talking, dancing and all those things I now wish I hadn't taken for granted. We ask for your prayers through this difficult time. Our lives will never be complete nor ever be the same again. He is somewhat of a hero as we've donated some of his organs so that other babies can live and parents like us NEVER have to go through this loss. Part of me feels guilty for taking what belongs to him and giving to someone else, but I find comfort in the fact that not only will he live on with Christ in heaven but will live on through other children. Honestly I want to die so I can be with him again NOW, today, but I realize I can't and must be here so Val and I can continue to be a family and help each other through this. Part of me wants to be angry with God but I realize he gave us Nathaniel as a gift for the past 16 months. If you have a small one at home, pick him or her up and hug and love them as much as you can EVERY moment and EVERY day. God bless you all. -Jason