Tributes

With her loving family holding her, Charlie Rose Villegas peacefully passed on January 23, 2023 at the angelic age of 5 years old. Charlie Girl knew nothing but love and acceptance from her identical Twin sister Emma, and her mommies Rose & Jennifer Villegas. Charlie was spoiled by her grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Coming into this world, Charlie proved to us all that she had the strongest heart we knew. She had multiple surgeries and hospital visits within the first year and a half of her life, but with every hospital visit she won over COUNTLESS supporters with her beautiful smile and strength. As we all know, there were things that Charlie couldn’t do. She couldn’t walk, talk, or do many things other people take for granted every day. When some people looked at her, that’s what they saw – the things she couldn’t do. But that’s not what her friends and family saw, and that’s not who she was. Those who knew her seldom saw what she couldn’t do but instead saw the many things she could do. Charlie could smile, she could laugh, and she could feel unbridled happiness. Charlie also loved unconditionally. She would show her love without ever saying a word – an ability not everyone has. Charlie would express her love with a look, with a smile, with a squeeze, or to some people that meant a lot to her, with a loving kick. Most importantly, anyone who saw her beautiful baby blue eyes or infectious smile fell in love with her, as seen today and over the past 5 years. Throughout her life Charlie taught her family and friends quite a few things as well. Charlie taught us about perseverance and strength. She showed perseverance by fighting battles in health and limitations that would crush many of us. She showed strength by never giving up, day after day, defying physician expectations. We were terrified when one Doctor told us Charlie would only feel pain and would have a touch and sound aversion. Boy, did Charlie prove that Doctor wrong! Charlie LOVED interaction! She adored kisses, music, dancing, going to school, being on roller coasters, and being included. Charlie taught us patience and perspective. She reminded us daily that most of our problems aren’t really problems at all, and to be grateful for every small victory we have. She taught us to savor the sweet, beautiful moments we have every day and to remember how fragile life is. Where Charlie felt most comfortable was next to her sissy, Emma. Charlie always let Emma win at Rock-Paper-Scissors and at Thumb War, and with Charlie’s CP, she should have won! She would lie awake without making a sound, uncomfortable, while Emma smothered her in sleeping hugs. Charlie would smile after Emma would use her as a mannequin while applying makeup and would fall asleep within minutes once Mommy Rose would lay her head down on her chest. Charlie had the most amazing twin connection with her sissy, Emma. If Emma was whining, Charlie would laugh. If Emma was really hurting, Charlie would cry. Charlie also knew she could rely on Emma even at such a young age. Emma would wipe Charlie’s face, would try to help her cough, and would always sneak in cuddles to reassure Charlie she was never alone. Emma continues to hold Charlie in her heart and knows she’s a forever twin. Charlie girl realized early on in life that she had a love of male voices. If there was ever a male nurse, a new boy in her daycare class, or her boy school friends, her eyes would light up with a slight glimmer and the biggest smile. Out of the entire household, Charlie received the most flower arrangements. She was such a smart and lively girl. There were many teacher conferences with Ms. Rishell where we clearly agreed that people underestimated her intelligence daily, and she took full advantage of that. Charlie mastered the art of playing possum during therapies, but would laugh and scream during naptime. What is known is there are too many moments of happiness in Charlie’s life to be read. We invite anyone who was touched by Charlie’s personality and love to come enjoy her Celebration of Life on Sunday February 5, 2023, at Mission Park Funeral Chapel – Medical Center. The Charlie Party will be located at 8332 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, TX 78229. There will be an open viewing from 9am to 9pm with a Service at 6pm. We invite everyone, including Charlie’s Doctors, Nurses, and Friends, to stop by for 5 minutes or 5 hours. There will be a few art tables, sensory toys, and snacks available in the Family Room. Come together for one day to love on our 45-pound sack of Sugar!

Tributes

Charlie Rose Villegas

October 15, 2017 - January 23, 2023