Jorden Lee Rothamel

Jorden Lee Rothamel, age 12, born September 12, 2000 was granted his Angel Wings on May 7, 2013 after a life long battle with bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria. His final hours were spent surrounded by family and friends that Jorden had touched in some small way throughout his short, yet memorable life. Jorden’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of his existence far exceeded the quantity of time in which he lived. Jorden’s big brown eyes and his contagious smile would melt the hearts of all those around him. Though he never spoke a word, his voice and thoughts could always be heard. Although Jorden’s illness made him appear frail, he possessed strength, perseverance, and the ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges. With his courage he led us to believe that each day was a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. Jorden could spend hours reading a book with you. He enjoyed playing on his Ipad and watching Blue’s Clues or The Wiggles. Jorden’s favorite activity of all was watching NASCAR races either on TV or in person when he could. He would kick his legs and scream with joy and acted as if he was in the lead, racing to the finish line. Jorden loved playing with his sisters and his little brother, he didn’t mind when his sisters would fix his hair and put make up on him like a girl. He always laughed the whole time. Jorden was a 7th grader at Harbour Pointe Middle School and loved going to school. He enjoyed his bus ride to and from school every day. Jorden also attended Northshore Christian Church in Everett, where he had a special bond with many, especially his special friend; Karen Nicholson who was always with him during church services. He was also a part of Awana at Northshore. As part of our beliefs we had Jorden baptized last spring during a special service with our church’s youth group. With Jorden’s passing we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him dearly every day, especially his winning smile, big brown eyes, long curly hair, and his contagious laughter, he will forever remain in our hearts. Through his teaching about life, we were able to create wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. It has been a privilege and a blessing to be his parents and we are so thankful for his sisters Sierra and Ashley, his special sister Yolanda, and his brother Ethan. Not only were they his siblings but they were his best friends. They will hold his gentle and loving spirit close to their hearts always.

Jorden will be dearly missed by all his special caregivers and doctors with the medical ward and MCC and PACT teams at Seattle Children’s Hospital, as well as by the staff with the Providence Carrousel Program, especially his nurse; Jacob. He will also be missed by his nursing staff at Maxim Healthcare especially by his special nurses; Elise and Ellen who took great care of him at home as his home healthcare nurses. He really cherished the time he had with you all and loved you all dearly. Your kind and gentle ways and willingness to sit and read books to him for hours he treasured. You all provided Jorden with love and dignity in his life as well as his death. Jorden was also a part of Children’s Wishes and Dreams and Starlight Children’s Foundation Northwest. Through these two groups Jorden was able to enjoy many things he would normally be unable to do, due to his disability, like going to the zoo, aquarium, Mariners games, Starlight Teen Prom with his older sister Sierra as his date, and many other activities. Jorden also enjoyed music whether it was at his church, with music therapist; David at Seattle Children’s or while watching live streamed concerts with The Melodic Caring Project. Jorden enjoyed life and lived his life always happy and always with a smile on his face. Jorden was born in Yakima, Washington and is survived by his loving parents; Leroy and Marilyn Rothamel, sisters; Sierra and Ashley, brother; Ethan, all of Everett, WA, by his special sister; Yolanda Hernandez of Beaverton, OR; by grandparents; Donald and Caroline Jorden of Parker, WA, Rudy and Paula Labernik of Yakima, WA, Leroy Rothamel III of Deming, NM, by his special grandparents; Darrell and Ginger Johnson of Everett, WA; by his caregiver at church; Karen Nicholson of Mukilteo, WA, and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends. Jorden was an organ donor and with his passing he will live on in the lives of many others. Jorden might be gone but he will never be forgotten. He will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. He is in heaven now where he has been made whole and is doing all the things that he was unable to do here on earth. A Celebration of Jorden’s life will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Northshore Christian Church and Academy, 5700 23rd Drive West, Everett, Washington 98203. Following Jorden’s Celebration we will be having a potluck style get together at the Church and will be concluding all ceremonies with the releasing of pink and purple balloons, which are Jorden’s favorite colors. We ask that if you cannot attend the Celebration of Jorden’s life please remember him by releasing a balloon where ever you are in his honor. In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to the Jorden Rothamel Family Fund online at: http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/jorden-rothamel-family-fund/58431. Please visit www.evergreen-fh.com to leave your condolences on Jorden’s online guestbook.