My Owen. He went to bed last night smiling and barely finishing his bottle because he couldn’t stop making gooey faces at Rachael. Abby went to put Weston down and notice that he had rolled over on his stomach. She reached in his crib to roll him on his back and he was unresponsive.
They called me from giving Jaden a bath. I ran to the nursery and laid him on the ground – screaming to dial 911. I took the phone to give the man my address and started CPR. I gave my 6 month old CPR on his floor. His nursery, where he is supposed to be safe.
The paramedics got there and took over. We couldn’t get his heart beat back. The ambulance came and we rushed to the hospital. No heart beat until a while later. But we got his heart beat back!
What a weight off of our shoulders. I found that I could be thankful for something. Pastor Chris was there and we prayed with my mom, Nada and Jake. Things felt like we had a chance.
They transported my baby to Children’s where he would receive the best care possible. They ran a CT Scan and Echo. The Echo came back normal. But everyone kept saying that they hadn’t heard the results of the CT. Something wasn’t right.
Finally Dr. Meyer came in to talk to us. He said he was going to be honest. The CT was horrible. Those words — horrible. They can’t tell the grey matter from the white matter. It’s not good.
We won’t know really what is going on for a few more days. Things are going to get a whole lot worse before they can get better. We are going to get really bad news before we have a chance of anything getting better.
When I look at the lights on the ceiling I feel my Owen looking down. He’s still here … they don’t know if he’ll stay.
Just pray. That’s the only thing I can do. Please pray. I pray that Owen’s life miracle wasn’t used on being a triplet. He’s got my crazy survivor blood. He’s got a shot.
Please pray. If any of you have any favors to call in with “the big guy” now is the time. This just can’t be happening to my precious Chunky Monkey. Pray.
Love, Mel
My prayers r with you. I’m so sorry for what u and your family r going through right now. I am here for you.
Our prayers are with you.
My heart is aching for you, Melissa. Keep fighting, little Owen. Prayers are with all of you.
YITS, Teresa
Praying.
Dear Owen’s Family,
You and Owen are in our thoughts and prayers. Prayers for Owen to be well, and prayers that you will feel God’s love and peace. Know that heaven is getting “bombarded” with prayers about now! God Bless,
Ron and Dawn Hill
(Friends of Marcy and Jim Schaefer)
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We heard about Owen from Pr. Chris in church this morning. We just want you to know we are praying for Owen and your whole family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything you need. We can watch Jaden and the boys, just let us know. Anything you need just call. Prayers.
Mel and Doug. I pray that God gives us all strength. Keep fighting Owen!! I haven’t gotten to hug you as much as I would like too. I have a lot more kisses to place on those cheeks. Love you all and know that if there is anything we can do, just ask and we will be there.
My heart is breaking. He is a fighter and miracles happen everyday. I wish I were here this week so I could lend you my help and support. If you need anything please let me know. All my prayers are with you and Owen until he is healthy again. I love you!
My heart is breaking for you all. Praying that God will take care and protect Owen and your entire family.
Melissa, Linda, and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about little Owen. He’s in good hands at Children’s, and you’re right – he does have your survivor genes! He also has a LOT of people pulling for him. I will continue to pray for him and for all of you.
Praying for Owen and your family. We’ve had a serious ill child at Children’s and they are the best. Praying for God’s grace and mercy.
Wendy (SEWMOT)
I know that if that were my child I would be hoping for a ton of prayers, too. I do not know your family or your son, but he’s a small child and somehow it never seems fair when a child is sick like this. My kids will say a little prayer before bedtime for your little one in hopes that the next few days will go quickly followed by good news 🙂 Hang in there.
Bissing Family –
We are friends with Katie Andaloro and have our own Owen who shares a similar story. Know that the nurses and doctors at CHW are some of the best in the nation and they will do whatever they can for your little boy.
We are praying for peace for your family, strength for Owen, and wisdom for Owen’s attending doctors.
We will be following your story closely and will do whatever we can to help you, do not hesitate to contact us.
I’m praying for your family and dear Owen (I’m a friend of Jenny W.) Our daughter was seriously seriously ill at birth and spent quite a bit of time at Children’s. They have a wonderful staff and he is in good hands. I hope so much for you that he will be okay.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family. I know the next few days are going to be difficult, but always remember God is there with you by your side.
Please let me know if there is anything we can help you with. Mike & I are praying for Owen and your family.
Prayers for healing and strength going out to your family and especially to Owen, miracles do happen.
We learned the horrible news at church this morning and have been praying for your whole family since. Please know that all of Ascension is lifting up your family asking for healing for Owen; strength and guidance for you and Doug as parents, faith and peace for Linda, George, Jake and then whole family.
If there is anything else we can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Becky, Brianna and Brittany Klotz
This is so terrible what happened to your precious Owen. I’m so sorry Melissa! Please know that SEWMOT is storming heaven with prayers for you and your baby….
(I met you at the last sewmot dinner)
Shelly Dooyema
Dear Melissa, and your whole family – we also heard that Owen was at Children’s while we were at church this morning. We are so sorry to hear that this has happened. Please know how much everyone at Ascension cares about you and your whole family. You’ve been in my prayers all day today, and shall remain there. Take good care.
The Memmels
My thoughts are with you – a friend of mine sent me here – I am a mom of twins, and one of my twins has a severe brain injury from an anoxic event at 11 months old. Our MRI was also HORRIBLE. Every child is different. Look at the child. But I really do know what you are going through – and I wish it on no one. But you are not alone. Please reach out to me any time, when you are ready. You are not alone. My positive and healing thoughts to your entire family. Jenny
My folks attend Ascension and told me about Owen yesterday morning. Last night I read the email from SEWMOT and checked your blog. We are praying for Owen. My devotional yesterday read, “History has been changed time after time because of prayer. I tell you, history could be altered and changed again if people went to their knees in believing prayer.” Unto The Hills, Billy Graham. Praying for Owen and your family.
My family is definitely praying for your little Owen! Something pulled you into that room to notice … someone is watching over him!
You have the most beautiful heart what a great Mom you are…all 4 of your boys are lucky to have you & Doug as parents. I will pray the prayers you have asked for. God is with you all and Owen. Please let us ALL know what we can do for your family. God Bless….. Amy J.
[…] been living a nightmare. She has four boys, three of which are triplets. She recently found Owen unresponsive in his crib. After finally getting a heartbeat back, the family has received nothing but bad news. Please pray […]
From one mother that had a scare with an infant to another……my family and I are praying for you and yours. God is a mighty God and he will take care of little Owen
Praying for your family and Owen. Did he receive vaccinations recently?
Mel, I’m so sorry! My thoughts are with you and your family.
If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know.
We’re praying melissa!!!!!!!!!!! Love rachel and clint!
I dont know you personally but I wanted you to know that we are praying for Owen and I have asked my fb friends to pray too. This is a response from a dear friend to bring you hope. God Bless
“I am praying for Owen…this happened to me with my middle child. If you can tell them to only believe…Casey is a miracle…I only believed. That happened after his birth at 31 weeks and and 2 month is the hospital…he was home one week when he quit breathing…I went to put him in bed after not taking a bottle and letting him sleep on me, it could be REFLUX….it keeps the airway from being open…just a suggestion…it took them a week to figure out that was it. I am praying for this little guy…GOD CAN DO ANYTHING!!!!! Don’t give up no matter what the report of the docs is.” Judy
I will be praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. If Owen has your spirit, and I’m sure he does, he is fighting!!!! Please let me know if there is anything you need as well!
I will pray for you and your Owen! My heart truly aches for you! I know that fear of the unresponse & calling 911. We were very fortunate and my River is doing great. I will pray you receive the same miracle.
Misty
urechquads.blogspot.com
I am praying for Owen. I am so sorry you are all going through this nightmare and I am praying that God will give you answers and help Owen’s body heal from this.
As a mother of 4 children myself, I cannot even imagine what you are going through right now. My heart breaks for you and your little Owen. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God bless.
I dont think I know you (unless you are on my facebook) but I am a fellow triplet mom. I am so sorry to hear about this. I hope and pray that baby Owen pulls through… I could not imagine. Many prayers!
A few of my triplet mom friends shared the link to this on FB. My prayers are with you all and especially Owen and his doctors!
fellow triplet mom also, we are thinking of you and keeping you in our hearts!
Praying for your son.
I learned of your heart wrenching story from a friend of mine that has triplets. You are an amazing dad for what you were able to do in a time of crisis and still in the waiting period. My prayers are with your son right now and with your family that you all come through this.
Praying so hard for you, your family, and Owen.
We’re expecting triplets and I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through right now. Just know that we’ll be praying for all of you.
You don’t know me, but my family is praying for your family and especially for little Owen.
I too recieved this link from a dear friend of triplets:) I want u to know that we r all praying for ur son over here and i will be reposting your story on my fb page also and try to get a prayer network going for him:) the more prayers the better!! Gods luvv be with u and ur family thru this difficult time!
Love,
The Vallad’s
This was posted by a mother of a triplet group I belong to. Praying for your Owen, you and your family.
I saw a link to this post on facebook. I don’t know you, but my family is praying for your son. We pray that he will recover and continue to bring joy into your lives. Hang in there.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and baby Owen!!!
We are praying to Jesus for your little Owen and also for your family. Remember, Jesus is in the healing business. He loves us and he knows what is best.
Jessica told me about your precious baby Owen . I too will be saying lots of prayers and asking God to give Owen strength as well as you and your whole family. I can’t begin to imagine the heartache. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Jessica’s Mom
Oh NO!!! I just read about Owen on Rachel’s blog and I don’t know what to say other than little Owen in your family will be right in the forefront of my mind and prayers today!
Thank you for your thoughts. Which Rachel posted on her blog?
For Owen and all of His family:
God is hearing so many prayers for your family. He loves Owen and his family as noone else can. May he surround you with this special love and care at this time.
Praying for you all the day long.
Your Ascension family friend.
Jan Zastrow
Praying for your family to get through this horrendous situation and strength with the little guy to pull through.
With lots of love and hugs,
Lavrenz Family
I got your link from a fellow triplet mom.
I had triplets as well, BBG. When my girl was 4 1/2 months old, she had a very severe anoxic brain injury. We got the same terrible results from the cat scan and eventually the MRI and EEG.
She is severely disabled now and it’s very hard, but we love her a lot.
If you just need someone to talk to, to ask questions about the future in this sort of situation, how day to day life is, etc.. please feel free to call me or e-mail me. 719-964-2785.
I wish I had had someone to talk to that would have answered me honestly. Everyone that spoke to me was either Dr’s or parents who didn’t know what we were going through and had no idea. We had the chance to speak with one family with a child who had a similar injury, but they weren’t interested in speaking about the difficult periods or answering any questions.
If you need that like I did, I can help. I needed to know everything I could and it wasn’t possible for us and that made things much harder for me.
Prayers and more prayers. I have no other words 🙁
My thoughts are with you and Owen. My he find the strength to pull out of this soon and live a long healthy life, full of joyful memories.
I just want you to know I have been praying for your family since I heard your story. I have a six month old and can’t imagine what your going through. I attend Crosspoint Church in Oconomowoc and we are all praying for your little man and family.
God bless and give you strength,
Sarah Hanson
This story makes me want to go take my 15-month-old out of her crib and not ever put her down. I’m so sorry for what you’re going through but we will be praying fervently for you and your family. May you find peace in knowing that God is amazing and He will take care of Owen and your family. You’re an amazing mother and your children are so lucky to have you.
Praying for strength. God bless, Jamie
Many prayers for Owen and for strength for you.
I don’t know you, but I saw your post through a friend online. I will be praying for you and your family and speedy recovery for your sweet angel. I will be sharing your information to my prayer chain to send more prayers up for him, too.
[…] My Owen. He went to bed last night smiling and barely finishing his bottle because he couldn't stop making gooey faces at Rachael. Abby went to put Weston down and notice that he had rolled over on his stomach. She reached in his crib to roll him on his back and he was unresponsive. They called me from giving Jaden a bath. I ran to the nursery and laid him on the ground – screaming to dial 911. I took the phone to give the man my address and … Read More […]
A friend posted a link to your blog. My heart goes out to you, and I’ll keep your family in prayer.
I lost my adult son 7 years ago…I’ve asked him to put a word in with the”BIG GUY ” for your baby and your family…..my heart is aching for you and we are all praying…may GOD bless you all
[…] I can’t imagine all that she has been through in the last week. Please consider reading her blog posts, donating to the relief fund set up in Owen’s name, or donating to the Children’s […]
[…] with the mom’s post from just five days ago describing “what happened,” click here.) Maybe, as a photographer, I’m more sensitive to life’s precious moments. But as I […]
Again, I’m so sorry. This story just breaks my heart. If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here for you. My 18 month old daughter passed away last year. I’m thinking of you and I’m praying for you.
[…] mother of Jaden, and was blessed with triplets this 6 months ago Owen, Wenston and Logan. Sadly, on May 22nd, Owen was found in is crib, on his belly and not breathing. After spending a week at […]
Praying so hard for you guys right now! I found your blog through a friend’s facebook page. Trust in the Lord- He has plans bigger than we can even imagine or understand. He loves you guys. Praying!!
[…] to walk again, graduated college pregnant, single mom, spontaneous triplets, lost my precious baby Owen to SIDS and most recently divorced just to name a few life experiences. AND ALL IN THE LAST […]
[…] Weston came out of his bedroom. “Mama, what are you doing?” I explained to him that Owen’s heart stopped 10 years ago today. He wanted to see him. So I pulled the book (I printed just for immediate family) off of the […]