Henry's heart is whole again.

Henry Caudle, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, January 24, 2019. He was four years old. 

Henry was born January 1, 2015, at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Before he was born, he was diagnosed with a severe congenital heart defect, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, HLHS. Despite having only half of a heart, no child loved more fully then Henry. Despite three heart surgeries before he was three and a half, he always enjoyed the company of those around him. He was always ready to greet his family, friends, classmates, nurses, and doctors with a hug and a laugh. 

Like any four year old, his joys were simple. He enjoyed being read stories, especially Pete the Cat; he loved watching his favorite cartoon, PAW Patrol; he loved playing games like Connect 4; he was great at doing jigsaw puzzles; and, he loved going out to eat, because it meant seeing more places and meeting new people. Once he was comfortable in a room, he would immediately become the center of attention. 

Perhaps Henry’s favorite thing to do was to swing. If he managed to convince you to push him on a swing, you were likely to be there for half an hour - or more, if you let him. It was likely the small, infant swing he used in the ICU that formed his love of swings, but whatever it was, they brought him such joy and comfort. In Henry’s honor, memorial contributions may be made at CoreFirst Bank & Trust, to be donated to the Topeka & Shawnee County Parks & Recreation to build or maintain swing sets in the city for other children to enjoy. 

Henry is survived by his parents, Paige and Jason Caudle, and his cat, Lily; grandparents, Pam and Dean Hatfield; great-grandmother, Glenna Hatfield; aunt, Mallory (John) McDaniel; cousins, Loren (Megan) McDaniel, Hunter McDaniel, Gunner McDaniel, and Blakley McDaniel; and many wonderful great aunts and 
uncles.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Diane and James Caudle.

A celebration of life will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 2019 at First Congregational Church, 1701 SW Collins, Topeka, Kansas 66604. 

Memorial contributions may also be made in his name to any of the fabulous organizations who helped us in Henry’s journey: TARC Tiny-K program, TDC Learning Centers, Sister-by-Heart, the Ronald McDonald House Charities, or Children’s Mercy Hospital. 

To learn more about Henry’s life and journey, please visit fellowshipofthecaudles.blogspot.com 

Henry’s light shone briefly, but brightly, searing himself into the memories of all who knew him. Henry, we love you. Always.