Gabriel Isaac Anzalone was born on November 18, 2003.  He had a head full of beautiful golden hair that, as he grew, had a funny habit of sticking straight up.  He was welcomed by his sister Brianna and brothers Zachary and Nathaniel.  At three weeks old, he played the starring role in the Church Christmas play as Baby Jesus with his sister Brianna playing his guardian angel.  He was a very strong little guy.  He was climbing stools up to the countertop by the time he was 9 months old and walking before the age of one.  He was also very bright, studying things we would do and then copying them (such as opening jars, boxes, doors, etc.).

Christmas 2004, when he was one, we would drive around for the children to enjoy the lights.  His face would light up and he would say, "Wow" with wonder in his voice.  At church, he would imitate Daddy when folding hands, bowing his head, kneeling, etc.  He knew who Jesus was both in the Nativity and on the Cross.  Mommy would often make a cross on his forehead while he nursed, even the day he died.

We went to Disney World several times that year.  Unlike most toddlers, Gabriel loved the characters.  He would walk right up to them and hug them and even try to engage them in play.

The children were all together almost all the time since we homeschool.  He loved to play with his big brothers and sister who he used to call "Aphan", "Anna", and "Whack".

Gabriel's most memorable trait was his joy.  He was so happy.  He sang, danced, jumped, ran, and played with such joy and delight.  He loved the Wiggles and even had a Wiggles guitar.  He had several guitars.  Many household items became guitars in his capable hands.  His favorite word to sing was "Hallelujah" which he would sing into one end of a jumprope after "plugging" the other end into the sofa.  When music was playing, he would dance and jump, full of life.

He loved and trusted completely. 

His earthly life ended the evening of March 7, 2006.  We know, however, that he has been with us.  We are already telling his new baby sister Cecilia, born on Father's Day 2006, all about her big brother in heaven.  We look forward to seeing him soon.