Joaquin Emilio Salazar

Joaquin Emilio Salazar, 4, ran into our loving Father’s arms as he entered into eternal rest on Friday, October 4, 2013 at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. He was surrounded by his mommy, daddy, and big brother.

Joaquin was born on July 9, 2009 with three congenital heart defects and lived his four beautiful years taking medicine, going to therapy, and going to the doctor and he did all of this with a constant smile on his face. He couldn’t run as fast or as long as the other children but that never stopped him. He would simply stop, catch his breath and start all over again-lesson he taught all of us. Joaquin was born a fighter and he fought all the way to the end.

Continuing his journey on our earthly home are his mommy, Christie Gonzalez Salazar; daddy, Paul Martin Salazar; and his cool, big brother Alejandro G. Salazar. He is survived and forever loved by his grandparents, Juan and Maria Gonzalez and Martin and Frances Salazar. Others that adored him were his tio Juan Miguel, tia Patty, tio Sebe, tia Irma, and his cousins, A.J., Emma, and Simon. His infectious laugh touched many, especially those at Olmito Elementary School.

The family would like to thank the Children’s Heart Center, Sunshine Pediatrics, Mercy Children’s Rehabilitation Services, and Olmito Elementary School for helping Joaquin reach all of his milestones. The family would especially like to thank all the nurses and doctors at Driscoll Children’s Hospital for helping him fight to the very end.

Visitations will begin Monday, October 7, 2013 from 12pm-9pm with a rosary to be held at 7pm at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 1pm at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 2800 Rockwell Dr., with committal service to follow at Buena Vista Burial Park.

A Celebration of life will also be held at Olmito Elementary School’s cafeteria at 5:30pm on Wednesday, October 9, 2013.

The family asks that you wear Joaquin’s favorite color, blue, to all his services.

In addition to flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Children’s Heart Foundation-Texas Chapter at http://Texas.Childrensheartfoundation.org