Ethan Michael Maus, a gift to the world from his loving parents, Kathleen and Joe, arrived as a radiant reminder of our purpose on Earth on August 4, 2005. He lived a lifetime in just a few short days, filled his family with elation and hope for the future, fought his battles, and left us with a collection of treasured memories on August 13, 2005.
We all had plans for Ethan. His cousins wanted to show him how to hit a baseball, shoot a basket, pick himself up off the ground after getting tackled. His sister Maria didn’t quite know what she was in for yet, but with the loving personality she inherited from her parents, we know that she would always be there to help her brother to his feet. His aunts, uncles, and grandparents wanted to read to him, educate him in the ways of the world, watch him grow to adulthood. His parents wanted only one thing for him: everything.
Ethan’s passing changed those plans like a clap of thunder out of the clear blue sky. A dark cloud has hidden the sun, leaving us with the question that nobody can answer. What could a newborn baby do to deserve such a fate? That dark cloud will never disappear completely, but we will use the valuable gifts that Ethan gave us—joy and hope and courage—to gather closer together, see the good in those around us, and regain our sunny days an hour at a time. As we work to replace our despair with the good memories that Ethan gave us, we will give a baby boy the life he deserved.
Ethan’s entire family is grateful for the life he shared with us. He was preceded in death by his great grandparents.
