Robert Valenzuela,

Robert C. Valenzuela Jr. my awe-inspiring son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend has succumbed to his life here with us on December 16, 2011 to begin a life he could only imagine... to walk and to be free of pain. Our 'angel in disguise' was born on January 10,1984, to Robert and Augustina. Immediately, his journey began... survival. Spina Bifida was his main culprit, but his other challenges were the severe abnormalities of his; heart, lungs, one kidney, no vertebrae, 'Buddha style' legs -every part of his anatomy was unique. Literally, the anatomy of this child was complex for the doctors. His survival rate was 0 and if he was to miraculously survive, it would be a life without; walking, talking, not much of anything. We chose to take that chance. We said, 'If God wants him, then God will take him, but we must try' and tried we did. My child's journey was extremely challenging for almost 28 years. He encountered numerous surgeries, amputation at the age of 2 with intense pain and rehab, insertion of rods for his spine where he had to live for 6 months with a body brace in a reclined position, and his heart. At the young age of 6 a second attempt to correct his heart - he survived the 20 hours plus of surgery, the heart and lung machine, but a few days later he had a stroke and became vent dependent and in a coma. Praying for answers about his return to us and if he did, to what extent? Well, after a little more than a month, he awoke to continue his journey. Now; he could not talk, walk, see or even breathe on his own. He overcame, adapted and conquered months of pain, tears, fear, and at times depression. He also survived a four-wheeler accident that his arm was left permanently damaged. A few years later, he survived a winter rollover on a dark, icy road. Still with all odds against him, his journey continued... he loved music, movies, bowling, pool, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Denver Broncos, friends, girls, and his family. Especially, his nieces and nephew, who were his pride andy'oy. He never gave up, but throughout the past year he was growing extremely weary. Something was happening... he gave it his all only to receive the losing end this time. His health was deteriorating and so was his hope. He told his sister 3 days before his departure that he will not make it to celebrate his 28th birthday. He was right...an hour before my precious, precious gift from above was to set forth his journey here; a CT scan showed his lungs were completely enclosed by some sort of mass. A mass that must have been growing for a while-Robert is survived by his mother, Augustina (Kelly) Mailloux, father, Bob (Heather), sister, Nichole (Shae) Walters, brother Leonardo, grandparents, Rosario (Shirley) Valenzuela, Augustina Kirkpatrick, Louie (Bev) Lucero, his nieces Andriana, Temeya, AndiLee, nephew Vanik, his Nino and Nina Pasco(Jeni) Hernandez, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Thank you to ALL family and friends, all who helped and cared for Robert. A special thanks to Dr. Gerbasi, Dr. Gunville, Saint Vincent's Hospital and staff, all his PCA's and his most recent caregivers; Shannon and Sylvia. He will be forever loved and missed. Via Con Dios If you were blessed with his presence and inspiration, pay it forward... because he was 'an angel in disguise'. Service: Visitation for Robert will be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Vigil Services will be 6:00 p.m. Tuesday with Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Wednesday both at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.