As the minutes fast approach ending another year and the end of a decade, we are in the literary sense glad to say goodbye to 2009 which has been a difficult year for our family, and yet, we are literally grateful to have our son, Carter, home tonight resting soundly. 

Rather than comiserate on our low points, I am closing out this journal entry (the last for our "Home in Texas - 2009) section with thank yous to all the families, friends, medical professionals and other people in our lives.  It has been difficult to take this journey of LIFE, but without the tremendous support of all of you, we would be unable to carry our torch - emotionally, spiritually, physically, financially, and every other way imaginable.  

• Several key people at Childrens Medical Center of Dallas/Legacy and Childrens Hospital Boston have been stalwarts in caring for Carter on a daily basis - we are indebted to them. 
• We are forever thankful to our unknown donor family that allowed Carter to have another opportunity at life.  
• We thank the hundreds of unknown blood donors who have provided the precious gift of blood so that Carter could receive the dozens of blood transfusions this year (including two this week, one today). 
• To the selflessness of charity we have been bestowed upon - the special family who opened their home to us this year;
• the special family who ensured that Carter would have a Christmas instead of providing for their own,
• to the special family who has provided and offered financial gifts during my job loss - all of you and many more have touched our hearts in ways that only TRUE friends can. 
• And especially, our families who have continued to keep us uplifted.

Our New Year's wishes are simple: health and happiness; the rest will follow. 

There are too many individuals and families needing the same wishes fulfilled. Some have medically fragile children and are experiencing the same struggles as us.  Some have lost family members - young, and much too early, and old, but forever missed.  Some have lost jobs or experience tremendous financial hardships.  Too many frankly to acknowledge but not too many to pray for.  God has a plan.  Unfortunately we never know what is in store.  Continue to pray for us and them in the coming year.  May God keep their hearts full of hope, laughter and love regardless of their plight.  Let them never give up.  Give them strength in every facet. 

And our last selfish requests: become an organ donor, encourage others, and donate blood.  Carter and many other children would not be here today and tomorrow without your precious decisions and actions to donate and/or become a donor.   LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST DAILY....YOU ARE ONLY GUARANTEED IT NOW.

Happy New Year from our family to yours!  Thank you for following our family and praying, caring and loving us.  We will continue "next year" and keep you informed on the comings and goings of Carter.

First, let me say- Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  Second let me apologize for my "self-pity table for one" past yesterday. Some days are just better than others and today is one of those I'm excited days.  The sun is shining, the bird is in the oven, the game is about to start and most importantly- I just read the coolest post on Gavin's website.  I know many of you, just like me, would love to help, love to contribute in some way to the Owens' family.  Well, here is your chance and a great way to give to some children this Christmas.  You might have noticed Gavin's clothes and the fact that he was unable to wear pants, instead Karen had these awesome things called Babylegs.  Karen has ask that people help get every child at DuPont a pair and she just got an email from the Marketing person at Babylegs- Here is what she said-

  The following is an email I received from Samantha Wattson, Marketing Director for BabyLegs:


"In the last few days we have received numerous emails about your BabyLegs for Kids campaign. It is obvious that you have touched the lives of many people by sharing your families’ story.  I spent some time on your blog today, looking through your posts, and reading about the daily victories and perils you have faced in the past few years with Gavin. I am sorry to hear about your loss, but hope peace and love are surrounding your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.  
 

 We would like to help you in your efforts to bring BabyLegs to the AI DuPont Hospital. I have a few ideas that I would love to share with you to help increase your efforts. We would also like to match the donations that you receive from people. We would like to match up to 5,000 pairs of BabyLegs, with a minimum donation of 1000 pairs."

OK- so here's your chance to give back to the little boy who touched our lives and gave us so much to be thankful for!!!

Here is the website and Karen said they are doing buy one get one free and free shipping.

www.babylegs.com

Also, here is the email to get the address where to ship...Adamandkaren@comcast.net

Let's make a difference in some child life today in memory of Gavin. 

I really can't believe it's Thanksgiving. A time to be thankful.  To give thanks for all God has blessed you with.  I have to admit, my spirit hasn't really been in a thankful mood. I think the reality of everything has been heavy.  The reality of trying to raise a transplant child in a world full of germs.  The reality that it has been almost a year since Sean lost his job.  The reality that others have normal lives that continue to move forward while we feel stuck.  The daily task of watching Carter like a hawk to make sure we don't miss any sign of sickness.  But the truth is our "reality" is not as bad as others.  We DO have so many things to be thankful for.  I suffer from depression and have for a long time.  Many times, it's easier to sit and cry than it is to pick myself up and focus on the good.  We really do have lots of good.  If you could see Carter, you would see so much good.  I know you would just love all his little tricks.  He really is a happy child.  He doesn't know all that he has been through. He doesn't know Sean doesn't have a job.  He lives everyday and every minute with a smile on his face.  Ok, not every minute, but most of them. We visited Sean's family over the past two days and Carter was in full bloom.  Lots of pretty eyes and signing, making everyone laugh.  I am thankful for that.  I am thankful that he has so many people in his life to love him. I am just struggling with how to live in a world that poses so many risks to Carter.  Instead of relaxing and enjoying our time, I spent the whole time worried that Carter might catch something and be sick for the holidays.  I am not sure where that balance is.  But I am thankful I have that problem to solve.  Thankful I can wrap him in my arms and kiss him all over while he trys to slide down my leg to get down and walk away.  He is so normal in so many ways.  Smart as a whip, quick and much quicker than Sean and I.  So, tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  I promise to try and focus more on the good in my days and not the things I cannot change.  I am sure you are thankful this post is almost over. Sorry for my crazy ramblings.  Oh, one more thing-

GO COWBOYS!!!!!  I am also thankful my Cowboys are in 1ST place!!!!

I hope each of you have wonderful day!

I am both sad and joyful to write that our little buddy, Gavin received his angel wings last night at 10:43 pm Eastern time.   It is hard to understand why God chooses children to be sick.  Many people ask me all the time, why did this happen to Carter?  I don't know.  I don't know why God chooses children to come Home sooner than others.  All I do know is that God has already laid plans for each of us and I have to assume that when we complete our mission, it is time.  It was Gavin's time.  Through my tears, I close my eyes and try to picture him running and playing on the Lord's beach. I bet they have great choo choo trains to play with in Heaven.  In my vision, there are no lines, no tubes, no wheelchair, no sadness in his sky blue eyes.  No scars are on his body and he has no limitations.  NONE, only to be the Child of God he was created to be.  I don't proclaim to understand any of this.  Not Carter, not Gavin.  I won't even pretend that I am completely comforted by knowing the fact Gavin is in Heaven.  I will still miss seeing his smile.  What I will do is continue to ask for healing for his mom and dad and his sister.  Ask that angels surround them everyday and give them the strength to carry one without him.  I don't know how they will do it.  But they will and God will help them.  I have met tons of parents along this crazy journey.  None as amazing as Karen and Adam.  They believe in living and living everyday to the fullest.  I think over the course of the past year all the trips to the beach, trip to Disney World, all the things they made sure Gavin got to see.  Not saying, maybe next year, maybe next week.  Nope, they packed that child up and saw the beauty in God's World.  I am truely blessed to know them and the witness they continue to be to me and thousands of others who follow Gavin. 

So, Gavin- Take lots of pictures and we will look forward to seeing you again someday.  You have truely been an Angel on earth to my family.  And in the words of Nemo's Dad, "Now go have an adventure!".  We love you Gavin!

 Gavin Christopher Owens

6/14/06 to 11/08/09