Finley Alexander Chrislip

FINLEY ALEXANDER CHRISLIP, age 3, son of Keith and Teri Chrislip, passed away Monday, February 10, 2014.
Finley was born January 21, 2011. He was a beautiful child from the day he was born. At two days old he was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. A congenital heart defect that affects 1 in 10,000 babies. Over his lifetime he endured many surgeries and medical procedures but always endured with a beautiful and infectious smile. He was loved every day by his parents who never took for granted the wonderful gift that he was to them.

Finley had blonde hair and stunning blue eyes with the longest eyelashes. He was the perfect combination of his parents. He was so handsome and adorable with a smile that went on forever. He smiled so much it was hard to believe a human being could be so happy.

Finley was a boy who loved to play. This past summer he enjoyed spending time outdoors playing with his water table, in his pool and his playhouse. He recently loved playing with his kitchen. He would serve his mommy and daddy wooden toast and pretend drinks. He also loved his train table he got for his birthday. Always knowing where to help his engine along. A day would not be complete without several episodes of Caillou. He would turn it in on multiple places. Each night he would go to sleep in the big bed with his mommy watching his favorite show.

Finley loved to eat! Which his parents never tired of because they did not know if he would ever eat by mouth. He loved corn, pasta and chippies, especially Doritos. He had began to start helping himself to chippies. He would get them off the counter and mound them up in his bowl. He loved to push the start button on the microwave and to help stir things.

Finley used his own signs to let his parents know what he wanted. He would point to his chin when he was hungry. He would rub his chest if something was yummy. He would wave his hand to say all done. He would point to himself then you to hold him. He used pictures also. His daddy cut out a tv picture for him. He would bring his parents that picture and whatever character he wanted to watch. He would also bring them the grocery ads to show what he wanted to eat. When you would ask him a question he would put his finger to his mouth and say um, hmm so adorably.

He loved to make people laugh! Once he got a laugh for something he would do it over and over. He had started burping and tooting, then he would just laugh. Such a boy! He loved to steal your spot. If you got up he would hurry and steal your spot. When you got back he would just smile and laugh. His laugh was so wonderful to hear. It was the most beautiful sound.

He loved animals, especially his canine sissy, Chloe. He was so gentle with animals. He was drawn to animals on his favorite shows. He loved Bubble Puppy and Gilbert the cat.

His parents fought hard to get Finley the best care for his heart. He had been through the hard part. It was supposed to be easier. Either of them would have traded places with him in a heartbeat. Now he has their whole hearts while they are left heart-broken. Baby boy you are all done. No more doctors and hospitals.

Finley is survived by his loving parents, Keith and Teri, and his canine sissy, Chloe, of Olathe, his Noma and Papa, Laurie and Mike Boston of Blue Springs, his Grandpa and Grandma, Rick and Joyce Chrislip of Wichita. Many other loving family members and friends, including his extended heart family. He was proceeded in death by his Grandpa Mutt who we know is keeping him safe until we see him again.

Hug your children tight, do not worry about the small stuff, just love them! You never know if you will have another tomorrow.

Keith and Teri want to express their extreme gratitude to Dr. Delsie Filardi and Dr. Jim Lock. They both gave us the gift of additional time with Finley. Memorials are suggested to Sisters By Heart, PO Box 511, El Segundo, CA 90245, or the Greater Kansas City ASPCA.