Nihseem Koda Wilson

Nihseem Koda Wilson was born on Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon, SK weighing 8 lbs 2oz to Tyler Wilson & Symba Morin-Hart. He entered the world earlier than expected due to complications and was very happily welcomed into his family as the youngest of four siblings —his sister, Journie, and brothers, Kai and Parker.

After his birth, Nihseem met the challenges of Esophageal Atresia (EA). EA is a rare birth defect in which a baby is born without part of the esophagus. Instead of forming a single tube between his mouth and stomach, it grew in two separate segments that did not connect. Nihseem required surgery to connect his esophagus and came through with very few complications, he was such a happy baby and didn’t let his condition slow him down. He was a determined baby right from the very beginning!

Nihseem was then diagnosed with Craniosynostosis — a disorder present at birth where one or more of the fibrous joints (cranial sutures) between the bones of a baby's skull close or fuse prematurely before the baby's brain is fully formed. Brain growth continues, giving the head a misshapen appearance. Treating craniosynostosis involves surgery to correct the shape of the head and our little Nihseem had to forego yet another surgery. He came through with flying colors and when he smiled at us after he woke up, our hearts melted. What a trooper!                                                                       

The aftermath of that surgery meant Nihseem needed to wear a helmet. He was fitted with a Batman themed helmet and adjusted quite well. He was dubbed “our little astronaut” by his Uncle Brady.      

Nihseem was given the moniker of “Squeaky McSqueakerson” by his dad — he had the squeakiest, high-pitched voice you’ve ever heard. It was a happy squeak, and you sure knew when he was awake and happy.

Nihseem loved tummy time as well as laying on his back on his playmat — he was very independent with his play time and advanced quickly, holding his head up and rolling over and back again.

He was a happy little guy who loved to laugh and squeal. When he looked at you with those chocolate brown eyes, it seemed he was looking into your soul. He was almost always smiling, which made you smile in return.

Nihseem wasn’t a fan of a soother unlike his brother, Parker, who preferred it. Instead, he used his thumb and hands. He was not sleeping through the night and so by the suggestion of his babysitter, Teresa, he was started on rice cereal. That was a big hit, he quickly gained a few pounds and started to sleep the entire night without waking for a bottle. Nihseem grew fast and soon weighed 12 lbs. 

Nihseem Koda was a hard name for people to get used to, so lots of family and non-family members wanted to know the meaning of his unique name. Symba wanted to give this baby a very special name and indeed she did. After much careful thought and consideration, she chose Nihseem, which means “youngest brother.” Very fitting for the youngest of four children.

His middle name, Koda, means “friend.” Koda sounds modern, but the name has strong Native American roots that go back centuries. In Nigeria, Koda means the last born of a king who is supposed to be a friend to everyone in the kingdom.

When the Disney movie “Brother Bear” was released in 2003, the name Koda became popular. In several Native American dialects, the name Koda is used and can mean “little bear” or “good friend.”

There is a saying that says, “Treat me with kindness and respect and I’ll be your greatest friend — but hurt my loved ones and you will meet the bear.”                                          

For fun on the Wilson side of the family, we became the “Bear Family” with Papa & Mama Bear, Daddy & Mommy Bear, Sister Bear, Brother Bear, Uncle Bear and Auntie Bear, all the way to Baby Bear — who was the youngest brother and greatest friend you will ever know. Baby Bear Nihseem brought great joy to our family, and he will be greatly missed.

Nihseem Koda Wilson passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 — his 6-month birthday. Nihseem Koda leaves to mourn his parents, Tyler James Wilson and Symba Illa Lee Morin-Hart; his brother, Parker John Wilson; his oldest siblings, Journie Aurora Morin-Hart and Kai Theodore Wilson (Winnipeg, MB); his paternal family — his grandparents, Cecil & Brenda Wilson (Swift Current, SK); his uncle and aunt, Ryan & Alanna Wilson (St. Paul, AB); his maternal family — his great-grandfather, Ezekiel Mayham;  his aunts and uncle, Denell Mayham, Ava Mayham, and Brady Mayham; and by his cousins, Margaret and Cedric.

Nihseem, sweetheart, your life was short — a mere six months. We will miss you, but we will also remember you forever. You were loved immensely to the moon and back! There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world. How very quietly you tiptoed into our world. Silently, seems like only a moment you stayed. But what an imprint your footprints have left upon our hearts. We held you in our arms for a short while, but we will hold you in our hearts forever.

Prayer for Tyler & Symba from Brenda— May the constant love of caring friends soften your sadness. May cherished memories bring you moments of comfort! May lasting peace surround your grieving heart!  May God bless you and keep you.

A Private Celebration of Life for Nihseem Koda Wilson was held at the Swift Current Funeral Home Chapel. The service card can be viewed below.

In memory of Nihseem Koda Wilson and for those wishing, donations made to the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital in Saskatoon would be appreciated by the family.

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