Kai James Luttmann, 7 weeks

Kai James Luttmann was born on Oct. 25, 2004, at Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho.

At two days old, he and his parents traveled to Spokane's Sacred Heart Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to find a diagnosis for a muscle condition Kai exhibited at birth. Later, at home, the diagnosis came in. Kai had acute Spinal Muscular Atrophy — a rare condition with a very poor prognosis.

He spent his life at home with his parents living life the best way he knew how. Among Kai's favorites were eating, taking long baths (he could move more in the water) and having visitors. Due to his condition, Kai couldn't move much, but that didn't stop him from touching the hearts of everyone around him. He celebrated his one-month birthday on Thanksgiving and was due to celebrate his two-month birthday on Christmas Day.

He taught his parents and all those around him to appreciate life's "ordinary miracles." He had an amazing will to live and even when faced with the inevitable, Kai clung to life with a tenacity that showed just how much he loved this place and those around him.

Kai fell asleep on Dec. 12, 2004, and was brought by the angels to Jesus' arms. There he will wait until his parents can join him in God's Kingdom. He was truly a gift from God, and one that was cherished for the time he was here. It was time for God to call him back, but memories of the love and joy he brought will be cherished forever.

Kai is survived by his parents, Ryan and Nikki Luttmann; his grandparents, Jim and Janet Luttmann and Steve and Lonnie Generaux; his aunts and uncles, Eric and Rhonda Luttmann, Theron and Emily Luttmann, and Michelle Generaux; his cousins, Jacob and Maranda Luttmann; his great-grandmothers, Lori, Donna and Millie; his godparents, Chuck and Colleen Spickelmire; and his dog, Jager. He was preceded in death by his Great-Grandma Low, who loved all babies.

Memorial services will be held at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sandpoint on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004, at 2 p.m. Pastor Steve Nickodemus will officiate. Memorials can be made to the Kai James Luttmann Endowment Fund; Attn: Kendon Perry at 920 Kootenai Cutoff Rd., Ponderay, ID, 83852.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.