Comments on Gavin Owens: Finding Our New Normal...

I don't know how you do it. I really don'...

2009-11-20T06:31:27.587-08:00

I don't know how you do it. I really don't. You prove God over and over. Your resolve and hope are a shining example of the Lord - only someone who is totally dependent on the Lord could have the mindset you do day in and day out. I know at least 60 people have already replied to this post, but I absolutely HAVE to reiterate:

We will never forget.

I probably won't ever get to meet you face to face, and still not a day goes by that I don't think about that sweet baby boy. The Lord chose you, just like he chose Mary, to be Gavin's mom, and you succeeded to the fullest. As a young mom, I've learned so much from you and Gavin. Madi is a blessed little girl. Welcome to your new normal =)

Thank you. Thank you. I can see some of Gavin ...

2009-11-19T19:45:33.748-08:00

Thank you. Thank you.

I can see some of Gavin in Madison's eyes.

Barbara

Our boys continue to pray for Gavin, for now and w...

2009-11-19T18:37:42.195-08:00

Our boys continue to pray for Gavin, for now and when he was alive. They've prayed for him for so long, it's strange to not pray anymore and since they're 7 and 5 and unsure of what exactly to pray for, they modify a little and just keep praying. I love it! Thank you, Adam, Karen and Madi for taking the peace and strength that so many of us have prayed for God to give you. I just studied Esther with Beth Moore this summer and we were reminded/taught that just because people pray some mighty stuff for you, doesn't mean you have to take it. Friends, you honor us in doing so, as well as being so very real about who you are and what you're feeling. Thanks for being you!
love,
Audrey

Gavin has his own place in my heart, and my family...

2009-11-19T14:31:06.764-08:00

Gavin has his own place in my heart, and my family's heart,and especially Ivey's. The past three years watching you from afar, living this real life here, I found a friend in you. Comfort that someone else had the courage to get up everyday and face the unknown and find joy in it - no matter the cost. I hope to meet face-to-face someday soon. I have watched our two miracles change lives and make this world a better place. You are living my future. I truly hope you can feel the support from here. One day in the future I will need yours. Gavin was and is a miracle. Unmistakably. I have often thought that Ivey carries visible scars. But honestly, maybe that is better, maybe, just maybe the beauty in the physical is that our children have never had a day where they carried the burden of a scarred heart. They never have known a world not filled with love, even in the hardest hours, where often my own hands inflict pain on her, she knows it is out of love. I don't understand fully, and I guess I never will. Your family's courage has impacted so many lives. God grant you the courage to trimph in this new normal. Welcome back -to another new normal.+

Really nice post. Full of faith and real Bible ho...

2009-11-19T14:27:47.464-08:00

Really nice post. Full of faith and real Bible hope. Praying that you all will continue in His grace and flourish in every aspect of your lives!

Beautiful. Just beautiful to see your amazing fam...

2009-11-19T14:06:18.047-08:00

Beautiful. Just beautiful to see your amazing family find peace in the sadness.

Karen: You are such an example of the Strength giv...

2009-11-19T12:15:44.831-08:00

Karen: You are such an example of the Strength given by God when we need it. God has worked through you all to show His faithfulness. We will never forget Gavin. His will, his fight for life. Your love and support as you parented him. We wish You, Adam & Madi a blessed life as you pick up and move forward with your life and the awesome memories you've made with your handsome little boy.So glad you are doing well. We will continue to pray for you.
Love you guys! ~Marilyn & Randy

What a relief to see Madison smiling away! I was s...

2009-11-19T09:38:50.065-08:00

What a relief to see Madison smiling away! I was so concerned, but I guess having her mommie and daddy all to herself might not be a bad thing for her. What an amazing family you continue to be even after losing little Gavin. Continue to enjoy peace! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'll be thinking of all of you.
-Amy O'Connor
I hope you and Madi enjoyed your bracelets!

like others, i'm not familiar with your "...

2009-11-19T08:29:37.688-08:00

like others, i'm not familiar with your "old" normal but if it's okay with you, i'd love to stick around for your new normal....

gavin was such a special soul, and i for one would love to hear more about his last hours. i went through my mom's last hours just a few months ago, and after we made the decision to remove her vent (after lifting her sedation and getting her blessing to do so)....it was such a beautiful experience that unless you go through it, i don't think it makes any sense to say that watching someone cross over to the other side is really a beautiful thing. yes, it was painful and sad beyond belief....but i know she is up in heaven right now, probably watching gavin run on heaven's beach and laugh and play.

anyway, yes. thinking of you all and i'm along for your new normal.

I don't know you personally but have read your...

2009-11-19T06:06:37.317-08:00

I don't know you personally but have read your blog for awhile now... I was first MOVED when I realized that Gavin was the same age as my "baby". Reading what Gavin was going through each week made me SO grateful that my boy was healthy and at home with us - but seeing your outlook on life through each post was SO encouraging to me to enjoy life (no matter what's going on - good or bad). You just enjoyed every moment and capture SO many great images of him (even with all his tubes and in the hospital)... you won't know what an encouragement that has been to me! Just to enjoy life and not worrying about everything being "perfect" or "normal" all the time.
My heart aches for you not having your little boy in your arms anymore but I rejoice with you that you know his Father will hold little Gavin more than you ever could and love him until you get there! :)
Thanks for being an example of God's faithfulness and love...
I look forward to hearing more from you. Praying for your family!

I am impressed with your attitude, I truly am! Kno...

2009-11-19T05:23:33.648-08:00

I am impressed with your attitude, I truly am! Knowing that Gavin is healed and perfectly healthy and being with GOD must be the hugest comfort for you. I pray that you all are protected and can heal too. You are a wonderful, strong family and Gavin is a true gift for all of us!
Iris

Your interpretation of Gavin's life is exactly...

2009-11-18T22:38:20.987-08:00

Your interpretation of Gavin's life is exactly how I see it as well. He had a job here on earth and when it was done he was called home. I think he did his job exceptionally well. I feel that one of his roles was to teach about love and faith during suffering...how both grow stronger, deeper with meaning as things are more difficult...how both will hold you up when things are down. And how even though you can't see him, Gavin is still with you...in your heart.

God bless,
T Tran

I am glad you see you post. I, like many others I...

2009-11-18T21:54:03.034-08:00

I am glad you see you post. I, like many others I'm sure, have been checking back. I don't use Twitter, but I admit I have been following your link on there. You said to feel free to ask questions so I will. You mentioned that you had a photographer come to the hospital during Gavin's last days. I'm curious about this. NOT that I am asking if you are going to share the pictures. I'm sure they are sacred and precious and private. I'm just curious as to what type of pictures they were. And secondly, I know it is very early in this healing for you, but I think you should eventually print this blog as a book. It would be a beautiful tribute to Gavin. It is so beautifully written. Are you going to continue with this blog or eventually start another? I'm sorry for the questions, but honestly I've been doing a lot of thinking about you guys and these are a few things I was wondering.

Much love from Saskatchewan

Thank you for continuing your blog as you start a ...

2009-11-18T21:20:57.193-08:00

Thank you for continuing your blog as you start a new chapter. We continue to pray for you, Adam and Maddie as I'm sure you will have your ups and downs. Isn't God good though to give peace and strength when we need it? I have a CD for you that I had made when my brother was battling Leukemia. I will try to get it to you through church. Oh, and we will never, could never, forget Gavin!

I have just tuned into your blag within the last f...

2009-11-18T20:51:42.169-08:00

I have just tuned into your blag within the last few weeks,I started from the beginning and worked my way to the most present of posts, I found myself in tears throughout. The impact that little boy had on life will truly shine through the stars, you can see it in his sisters eyes, she is sparkling. Thank you for making me realize how to make the most of everything that comes across us in life.

I only came to your blog in Gavin's last few d...

2009-11-18T20:46:53.368-08:00

I only came to your blog in Gavin's last few days in his eartly body. My heart broke to hear the pain you talk about and I found myself pray that God would cradle him to Heaven. I am the mother of a little girl with full Trisomy 18 and who is 4 1/2. She is on borrowed time. I pray that when her sweet body can't go any longer I have the faith and strength that you have to let Gavin go home. To be whole again. Thank you for sharing his life. To Madison who is such a beautiful girl that she enjoy all her mommy and daddy's attention.

You guys are amazing..I know I will certainly neve...

2009-11-18T20:15:20.234-08:00

You guys are amazing..I know I will certainly never forget Gavin and what he taught me about life...as well as the two of you and what you have taught me about life and faith. I wanted to tell you that at Gavin's celebration, Maddie was incredible! She is a star!
Please know that our family continues to pray for you. And thank you for this blog and including us in your journey.

I am so glad to read that you are finding your new...

2009-11-18T20:05:28.903-08:00

I am so glad to read that you are finding your new normal and that you are all doing okay. I only just came across your blog on Nov. 7, yet I think about Gavin - and your family - every day. As the mother of a medically fragile child (who wasn't supposed to survive) I think I can truly appreciate what it must be like to live life without Gavin. No tubes, no schedules, no appointments. Freedom for his soul, and freedom for yours. I think about my daughter's life - and death - everyday. It is a weird way to live life. And certainly not a way that most would understand.

I just want you to know that Gavin - and your family - are in my thoughts. I never met him. Yet I will never forget him. Thank you for sharing him with us.

You are a beautiful family! I pray that the Lord c...

2009-11-18T20:02:52.701-08:00

You are a beautiful family! I pray that the Lord continues to give you peace and blessings. Thank you for sharing your Gavin with us! And thank you for showing so many how to continue to have faith in God and love Him even when things didn't make sense. In all your family's pain, weakness and suffering you still stood strong in your faith!

I love going back through your blogs and listening to Gavin talk! He had the sweetest little voice....it makes me smile everytime! The video of Maddie rubbing on Gavin's little head is so sweet! Such a beautiful sight to see Maddie with a big smile on her face every time she was with her little brother.

I could only imagine the changes your family is going through. Just know that there are lots of us still praying for you :)

I have a very good friend that lost her son (he was Gavin's age) very suddenly about 6 years ago. I so wish I could bottle up some of your peace, faith and strength to give to her!! She is still hurting so bad and just found out her new baby could have the same autoimmune disease that ended her son's life.

I don't personally know you but I love you! God Bless You!

Katrina

(((((Karen and Adam))))) I will NEVER forget your...

2009-11-18T19:20:35.179-08:00

(((((Karen and Adam)))))

I will NEVER forget your little boy. He has touched my heart and life, I am so grateful that I found your blog (about six months ago). He will be missed by many people from around the world, I'm sure. Thank you so much for sharing him with us!!!

Karen, you are such an amazing strong person. I love your attitude on this whole thing, I would just be in pieces right row. Gavin was VERY lucky to have you and Adam for his parents!!!!! (and Madison of course!)

Hugs and prayers, God bless. ♥ ♥ ♥

I'm glad you all are doing well and appreciate...

2009-11-18T18:49:02.748-08:00

I'm glad you all are doing well and appreciate Gavin's total healing. I felt the same way when my mother passed after alot of suffering. That is a great way to feel, deal and heal. We continue to pray for you all.
Debbie S. in CT

Madison is so beautiful. I admire your strength. G...

2009-11-18T18:48:24.738-08:00

Madison is so beautiful. I admire your strength. God Bless. ((HUGS))

I have thought about all of you so often, I was so...

2009-11-18T18:41:51.382-08:00

I have thought about all of you so often, I was so glad to see an update today. Madison looks beautiful as always, I'm glad she is smiling and transitioning well. Hugs to you!

Please keep posting. I have been wondering how yo...

2009-11-18T18:40:33.266-08:00

Please keep posting. I have been wondering how you family has been doing. I know you will never forget Gavin. As I write my eyes are clouding. I know I never met him in person but his infectious smile and big round eyes were such a joy. Madison does look well. I'm so glad you are choosing to experience joy and not let allow sorrow to consume you. Virtual hugs and continued healing to you.

Thanks for sharing. We appreciate the update. Co...

2009-11-18T18:35:42.397-08:00

Thanks for sharing. We appreciate the update. Continue to let us know how you are doing and what you are feeling. We will continue praying!