Can I ask a favor?
Don’t treat me differently … share the good things in your life with me. Come to me when you need someone to listen. I’m not broken beyond repair. I want to share in your happiness and sorrow too.
Random tid bit … I really liked this poem I found:
The mention of my child’s name
May bring tears to my eyes,
But it never fails to bring
Music to my ears.
If you are really my friend,
Let me hear the beautiful music of his name.
It soothes my broken heart
And sings to my soul.
Another favor, I know I’m greedy. If you are able to, you are welcome to come to the funeral. We went through this with open arms and we wouldn’t finish it any less. Owen needs a full army for this battle.
All are welcome to attend. Come when you can and leave when you must. (In other words, don’t feel like you can’t stay for the service.) Owen’s story and spirit will be shared. I can’t help but want to scream it from the rooftops and have as many people experience his warrior spirit.
Third favor … now I’m REALLY greedy. Wear orange. The triplets all have their colors. Logan is ‘lime green.’ Get it? Both start with L. Weston is ‘winter blue’ (because white is boring). And Owen is orange.
We are going to both cry because he is gone but celebrate that he lives on.
Love, Mel
God Bless You! Thousands
of miles away, I will be wearing orange, thinking of your
warrior Owen, and those of you left behind to carry
on his warrior spirit. Your story has touched me.
I think and pray for you all daily. May God continue
to hold you in the palm of his hand.
I will leave my one light on and remember Owen and your story forever. Thank you for sharing, I feel like for the short time of reading this I have grown up and realized a little more how huge and undying love a mother has for her children. You inspire hope and strength.
May God be with you,
Elizabeth
Easy peasy. Favors granted.
I color coded my twins with Blue for Breiden and Green for Gavin 🙂 I pray that the funeral is as beauitful as Owens life, that it is filled with people who can celebrate the good things that Owen was able to do and people to help hold up those that are hurting in the process. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
I am in awe of your spirit! Bless you Mel, and your family. Allow yourself to feel any emotion that comes. There is no wrong emotion at no inappropriate time. And, bless your spirit that your faith shines through you. You have allowed others to join in your joy and sorrow and therefore, have touched many lives. Thank you for that. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Owen will always be the little warrior. He lives on.
I have been following your blog since the night that you posted about going to the hospital. I have been praying for you. I will be thinking of you on Wednesday. You have a heart of gold and I am completely in awe of you!!!!! You words have been so hard to read, but I am glad that you are sharing your experience. Thank you!!!
I hope this doesn’t sound tacky, but I’m looking forward to celebrating Owen’s life at his funeral. I will cry with you too. I pray Ascension is bursting at the seams with so many people coming to honor Owen! His story and your sharing it has touched the hearts of many so no one will be a “stranger”. May God bring peace and healing at this time. Owen is now in the arms of Jesus. I lift you all up in prayer everyday!
Heck no it’s not tacky!!! we will cry … but it’s a tribute and celebration of how Owen, in his short 6 month, has accomplished more than we have in our decades of life. amen!
I so wish I lived near you. I would come in a heart beat. I will instead wear orange and be thinking of you. Mel – you are one of the strongest women I know. Thank you for sharing your story with me and everyone. You are loved and admired by so many.
Jamie, Sandy Utah
Oh Melissa…how you have touched my life and so many others, including my daugher Sarah K. I will be there in orange, for your worrier Owen, for you, for your family.
My heart is breaking for you a millions times over…I know your journey too well, as I started traveling a similar one on January 26, 2011 when my little Peanut died in his sleep. (SUDC – a cousin to SIDS that strikes children after their 1st birthday.)
Keep writing. Keep sharing. Keep talking. Remember EVERYTHING. You are walking straight through the fire, but know you will come out on the other side. Treasure the memories and know you will laugh through tears someday. You have a friend in St. Louis, MO if you ever need a shoulder.
With love, prayers and tears – Peanut’s Momma
Mel I am so happy you posted this. I was just thinking yesterday how much I would love to celebrate Owens life in person. I hope to be there and look forward to meeting you. Go team Orange!
If there was any way for me to get there from Texas for Owen’s funeral, I would. I will wear Orange for the sweet little warrior. I am so amazed at your strength and attitude. I hope you are truly doing ok. Many people tell me what an inspiration I have been since Piper’s death and I just think that they would never say that if they knew how many times I break down during the day. Please reach out to me if you feel the need. I know that Piper and Owen are now playing in Heaven talking about how cool it is to be a triplet!
On the first day of June I will be wearing orange … my daughter and sons will be wearing orange … and here in NC we will celebrate Owen’s life and we will celebrate Emmanuel as your blog leaves no doubt, God is WITH you! While I only know you through your blog I have SEVERAL friends who have lost children and your desire to be connected at the heart to your friends resonates with me! The poem you shared helps remind me that it’s OK to honor our loved ones in death by speaking their name(s) and that acknowledging the unspeakable breathes life into all of us remaining!
Godspeed Owen, you have taught so many in such a short time and have a legacy that surpasses the miracles you bring with your leaving.
Consider it done! Loving you all so very much!
I thought I was the one being greedy for wanting to come and share in the celebration of Owen’s life. Thank you for the invitation, I’ll be the one in orange…
Mel –
You have been an inspiration for your strength and amazing ability to to express yourself through your written word. I envy you for that. From someone who does not express them self well and keeps things bottled up. You have an amazing gift that must go on. The other day I was talking to my hairdresser, making small talk and the Childrens Miracle Network came up, and do you know what she mentioned? Your story. Which I had already prayed about and couldn’t get off my mind. Out of all those heart wrenching stories on the radio yours stood out the most and made the most impact. God has chosen you to reach out to people who would have never known you. I don’t know why, and maybe no one will, but please continue this journey with the strength you have shown and know that Owen will always be alive in you and his family through your words. I know that. God Bless.
I can not be there for your son’s funeral, even though I have never met you, I would come. I paint my toe nails orange and keep them that way for a very long while. I have left a light of in honor of Owen. I wish I could hug you, or do something that could make things better. You have my prayers. You have reached thousands upon thousands with Owen’s life and love. I miss him, and I’ve never met him. I’m sorry it isn’t the miracle you had hoped for. <3
My boys and I will be wearing orange on June 1st to honor Owen. Praying for all of you at this time.
Mel,
From Australia, my family will all be wearing orange on Wednesday! Your story is so touching, and I have often thought of Owen when I am driving! Your strength will guide Owen to the angles, and when he is strong enough he will send you strength and guidance
Hugs to you all
Me and my Girls will be wearing orange on Wednesday. Your story is so inspirational. You are such a strong and powerful woman…………I really think you should write a book to share Owens story with the whole world. Still have you all in my prayers.
I can even get you started with a website to help you publish it! I wrote my first book this year and would love to pass along a cost effective way to begin publishing! I’d buy it!
Melissa,
I learned of you and your beautiful family from my friend, Katrena. I am praying for you and your family at this most difficult time. I pray that the love and support of family and friends will bring you comfort on your grief journey. If you need to reach out, when you are ready, know that there is support for surviving multiples, their parents and families, too. This group has been a blessing for me as a surviving twin. My prayers are with you!
Marci, twin to Michaelene – Chicago, IL – http://www.twinlesstwins.org
Thank you for sharing your journey with us – as painful as it must have been to write. I pray that God will carry you through the next few days, months, weeks, and that your little angel may continue to touch the lives of many people.
I commented a few days ago and find myself wanting to say more. I wrote about feeling closer and drawn to God since reading your ‘story’. I went to church yesterday and the sermon was “How Good an Inheritance”. What I took from that message was how our lives have been enriched by our experiences. Kind of like a trip down memory lane. How a song can inspire memories, how people have sacrificed for our gain. How our families have encouraged us to be all we can be. I am forever grateful to you for sharing so much of yourself and your family through your blog. Because of your willingness to share, you have forever touched my life and enhanced my inheritance. You have encouraged me to be a better person, wife and mother. My hope and prayer is that in my life, I am enhance someone else’s inheritance. I will forever remember your family in my heart and soul. What an amazing impact your sweet little Warrior Owen has had on our world. I prayed for your family and also shared your story of organ donation with my church family. Please don’t ever think for a moment that your little Warrior will be forgotten. The hymn following the Sermon was “To God Be the Glory”. I felt Glory fill my soul. Again, you are amazing person to allow us strangers into your life and to invite us to help you celebrate your little Warrior’s life on Wednesday. I will be proud to wear orange!! Peace.
I wish I could be there, to pray and cry with you.. but instead I will wear orange and we will celebrate Owen’s short but certainly NOT unremarkable life…
Wear Orange for Owen.. and may you soar with the eagles baby boy…Love from a mom in Massachusetts
We can’t make it Wednesday, but will be wearing Orange to honor the life of warrier Owen. I have shed many tears for this little guy that I have never met and feel like he has touched my life in so many ways. I strive to not take the little things for granted anymore, because you just never know. May God grant you the strength and peach you and your family deserve!
Karen, NH
totally meant Peace! 🙂
Mel,
You ask so little of us. Of course I will continue to share my life with you, you are one of my best friends! I will speak of Owen often. There wouldn’t be anything that would keep me from the funeral, Ryan is planning on coming also if he doesn’t have to work. I did panic for a second thinking that I didn’t have any orange maternity clothes to wear but then I remembered the coral color cardigan that you gave me! Otherwise I would have found something, an orange “regular” dress that I could wear! I love you darling, and miss you very much.
Thank you for sharing your journey… I have kept quiet, but I’ve been following along. I wish I could go to his funeral but my family lives so far away. You are all in our thoughts. {hugs!!!}
I will wear Orange for Owen.
My daughter is also 6 months old. We are much too far away, but we’ll both wear orange in honor of your littlest hero.
If I was closer I would be there.. Instead My family and I will ware orange on Wednesday. And our church will say a prayer for your family and your little Owen that night.. Your are a very strong women with a strong family and now hundreds of suporters who have been following your blog. Nothing you ask is ever too much nor is it selfish. You have many who would be there to suport you in a second if we could. but we are here to listen(well read) and offer the little bits that we can aslo..Our thought and prayers are with you and your family
God bless you
Dani
My family will be honoring Owen from Texas on Wednesday by wearing orange in his honor. Your requests are not too much to ask and we shall honor as many of them as we can from so far away. Hugs and prayers coming your way!
I don’t know you but I know someone you went to high school with. Your story and the way God has allowed you to be strong enough to write it out for the world to see is incredible. I have been praying for little Owen since I heard about his trials. He seemed like such a strong warrior but couldn’t have gotten this far without his loving family. Stay strong! and I will wear orange on wednesday in memory of your strong son. I will also tell people I know to as well. This is a touching story thank you for sharing it.
God Bless you,
Jen
It’s amazing to me how Facebook connects people. After a sorority sister of mine (who has triplets) requested prayers for your family, I found your blog, and have been following since Owen was warmed. Your ability to express is amazing and inspiring! As a new Mom, I understand now more than I think I ever could have. I have laughed and cried right along with you. I find myself going about my day, stopping to think and pray about your family and little Owen. I wish so much I lived close and could be there to honor Owen and celebrate the wonderful life he had (for too short a time). Owen will be remembered! Thank you so much for sharing his story!
Carol – Newnan, GA
I feel stupid for saying “I understand”. Those words seems pathetic for too big an experience. I guess simply I mean your experience has impacted me now in a way I don’t think I would have quite understood before being a mother. Your words and your son have brought me closer to my daughter and God. For that, thanks are not enough! God bless
We are thousands of miles away and will all be wearing orange. If I could get a flight out I would. We are all praying and celebrating Owens life and legacy. I found this blog from a poster on the JustMommies.com website. Many of our playrooms have read along, prayed, cried, and hugged and cherished our babies more than we ever though possible. We will all be sporting orange and his “army” will be nation wide. “Eyes With Pride”
Here in Canada, I will be wearing Orange on June 1st to celebrate Owen’s life, the faith of your family, and our God’s great love. I will continue to pray for your family in the weeks to come. I suspect there will be many others in this country who will also be wearing Orange for Owen and praying for you.
I found your blog via another blog and just wanted to say how strong you all are and how much I have ached with you the last four days. I will be putting a white tank top that has an orange sun on it on my little girl today in honor of Owen. I’ll wear orange all week. My daughter is not a multiple but was a preemie miracle and I will tell her about your boys. Our hearts are with you as you mourn Owen and as we go back and look at his smiling pictures. He is a hero; you all are!
Paige
I have been following your blog since a fellow triplet Momma linked to it on her FB page and I’m amazed at your strength. Even though I will not be able to attend the funeral my triplets and I will be wearing orange in honor of baby Owen.
Mel,
I know a young women in Nebfaska who could be of some support to you at jak325.wordpress.com. Jenn gave birth to a baby boy whom she got to enjoy for 13 days. At that time he became ill and lost a great deal of his brain power. For the next 10 1/2 months they strived to keep him alive even though they new he could never be normal. One day short of his 11 month birthday he passed away. Jenn and Steve had 2 more children, beautiful little girls but during that 3 year period Steve developed cancer and also died leaving Jenn with 2 little girls to raise. Your stories are different yet the same, and I have watched Jenn grow over theyears since Steve and Will died. God be with you and help you find strength to go on. Reading Jenn’s blogs may be of some support to you.
Though we’ve never met – My family and several of my friends will be wearing Orange on Wednesday for Owen.
God Bless you and your family.
As I type this I’m rocking my 9 month old with tears in my eyes. All 3 of my children are wearing orange today, and we have Owen and your family in our prayers.
Your strength amazes me, and the gift you gave to others is inspiring.
We are total strangers. Someone linked me to your blog, asking for prayer. Owen and your whole family continue to be in our prayers, and thus, his name continues to be spoken her, far away from you, in Florida. I honestly don’t think I own a single orange piece of clothing, but I’ll get something. Likewise my son and daughter, and we will sing his name in our prayers and hold you up in spirit on Wednesday. We will continue to pray for baby Owen, just as we continue to pray for another far away Angel, baby Calypso, and keep them both in our hearts. I pray that peace and comfort can find you in your mourning.
Mel,
You are so honest, and caring ! I live in PA, but I will be thinking of your little warrior, owen ! May your family have peace and love from God, know that others do care, maybe you could get little orange bracelets made and sell them on your owens relief fund website, Owen, little warrior. They could help you raise money for the cause ! Again thinking of you and your family. Peace be with all !
Melissa –
While we do not know each other, I was away this weekend with friends and all of our children and as I watched our kids run in circles on the grass, I found myself thinking of you and where you were with Owen. I was telling my girlfriends your story and they were all amazed by your strength and grace while going through this process.
The day that you have your service for Owen is my daughter’s second birthday and coincidentally, the dress that I bought her to wear has pink, purple and orange flowers. As she celebrates this milestone in her life, I will celebrate the life of your beautiful little Owen myself.
I just spent the last hour reading your blog and looking at some very beautiful pictures. I wanted to tell you I am so very sorry to hear about Owen. I am grateful you were able to get so many good pictures of him with his brothers/you/dad, etc. that I know you will cherish forever. Please know that a mom/grandmother is here in NC thinking of you and your family. I can’t imagine the pain you are in. I’ll be thinking of you. You have a special little angel that has touched, and lives on, in many, many people.(((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))
Mel, your favors are so easy to accomplish – consider them done! Orange is my favorite color, so bright, happy and vibrant, just like we will always remember Owen. XOXO
I had no idea what I was going to find when I clicked on the link in the online paper today…I found an amazing, strong mother who somehow managed to beautifully write and share what she is going through during something that would cause me, as a mother, to crumble to the ground. My heart breaks for little Owen, his brothers, and your family but know he will always be with you. I will be thinking of him and your family and hope you continue to write about Owen and your boys to help you get through. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to your family,
Heather
Your story is beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. I too am the mom to triplet boys. One of my triplets is Owen and one of my triplets is also in heaven. My Colin was only with us for 8 days. But they were the best 8 days of my life. Your story touches my heart in so many ways and I cry for you and with you. I will be praying for your family as you lay your beautiful angel to rest.
Mel –
You are such an amazing, inspirational young woman. I learned of your blog from Joanne (you went to high school together) and have been reading for the past couple of weeks. I wish I lived closer to attend the funeral, but also give you a giant hug. Your passion for life and your love for others is simply amazing. Give yourself time to heal and grieve. You not only have the support of your family and friends, but also the blog world. I would at Fox Valley Tech in Appleton and I will be encouraging all to wear Orange on Wednesday. God bless you and your family. Baby Owen will be watching over you from up above. I truly hope that your strength and compassion are passed along to others who read your blog. We need more people like you in this world.
Hugs from Van Dyne, Wisconsin
Have to say, I am glad I am not the only one to “colour code” my trio (only way my brother knew which girl was which). May you have strength through everyone who has been reading and praying for you, your family and your little warrior, Owen. I hope everyone close to you will honor your wishes. I got to this blog through another triplet Mommy and so greatful that I did, I have learned so much through your words and all of your spirits that I will take with me.
Melissa, I continue to think about and pray for you and your family. I will be wearing orange on wednesday and look forward to honoring Owen and his story.
We will be lighting a candle for Owen. You continue to be in my thoughts daily. I love reading your blog. You are so strong. I remember feeling the same exact way you are right now. I love talking about my son Logan and share his story with anyone willing to listen. In your loss, I think it is wonderful that through your son, others will have the chance to live. Hugs to you. I know other MoMs have told you about the triplet loss group on facebook. I am to part of that group. It is a great group of women who have been where you are. I hope that you find your way there when you are ready. Email me if you ever need to chat. nenebeesmurfy2@aol.com http://www.motherofatoddlerandtriplets.blogspot.com
Consider your favors granted. They seem like the least you could ask of all of us! We will certainly be there for an “orange” celebration of life on Wednesday.
You don’t know me, but I’ve been following your story since Thursday. My kids & I will gladly wear ORANGE FOR OWEN! I’m praying for peace that passes ALL understanding in the days and weeks to come.
Also – this may be tacky, but thank you for donating life to other children. My cousin’s 17 mo old child is awaiting a liver, and while Owen wasn’t HIS match, he was someone’s! That’s one child who’s going to be healed and one step closer for Harris. It’s terribly courageous of you, and I’m grateful for your faith.
Praying for you from TX. Your story has mesmorized me (all of it!) as I delivered a baby girl on the same day your triplets were born. Same stages, same toys, etc. You are 3x as strong as I will ever be…..
Mel,
You are such a strong person. I will be wearing orange on Wednesday, and thinking of Owen, your little warrior! He will be looking down and smiling! You, your family and Owen have changed my life as a mother! You love your kids unconditionally and your blog is a true statment of your unwaivering faith! I pray for you in the days, weeks and months ahead! Know that there are a lot of people praying for you! You are not alone!
Mel,
While we do not know each other I just spent over an hour reading your blog and crying. I am the mother of triplets and cannot imagine the pain you are feeling right now. Please know that thoughts and prayers are coming to you from here in Colorado and all over the world. My babies are color coded as well and we will be wearing orange for your warrior Owen on Wednesday. You are such a strong woman and amazing mother.
Melissa and family
I have been following your story from Minnesota. I want you to know you are not alone. On November 11, 2010 I lost my son. He was a twin. As a read your blog, your words were like an echo of what I was feeling. My son was only 4 days old but he fought and fought hard! I set a goal for myself and that is to be the best mom I can to my other 3 kids, they deserve a great mom and I will give them that. Never let your other kids forget they have a brother. We talk about our Boden and have pictures up of him. Through your blog I feel like I have gotten to know you and the amazing woman/mom you are. If I lived closer I would love to honor Owen by attending his funeral and give you a giant mom to mom hug. But I will be wearing orange on June first in honor of your angel warrior. By the way I love your color choices for the boys, we had
Brenin/ blue and Boden/brown. I will continue to pray for your strength in the months ahead. You are truly an inspiration to all who have read your blog.
Hello, I am a Mom of 16 month old triplets. I have been following your blog from Madison. I have cried so many times reading your stories. You are an amazing woman/mother. You have inspired me in so many ways. Owen will live on and he has touched more people than you know. Our triplets will be wearing orange in honor of Owen. What an amazing little warrior.
I wish I could be there for you. My surviving triplets and I will be wearing orange for Owen on Wednesday. Sending you strength to get through the week.
We don’t know each other. A friend of mine asked for prayer for you all and I have read your posts from this past week. How my heart aches for you! I cry for you! I have a little girl born Sept 18 and as I watch her sleep, I wonder how you all have the strength to carry on. I will wear orange. My children will wear orange. While they will not know why, I will look at them and remember that a mother and father are grieving the loss of their sweet child and will pray comfort for you each time you come to mind. While the grief you feel probably outweighs the knowledge that your sweet Owen rests in the arms of the Father, may it be a source of peace in the days to come that you will see him again and that he is laughing and walking (or crawling at least!) on streets of gold!
Sending prayers of comfort and strength.
I have been following your blog ever so often, In yes I will wear Orange of some sort. In I will have all 4 of my kids in some sort of Orange, In Because we Live In California I will be their in spirit. My prayers go out to you and your family <3
Mel, I’m so sorry for your loss. I only just found it by way of another blog and have been sobbing my heart out for you the past hour. I cannot fathom the loss of a child, and here you are, so strong. I am all the way in Asia, but love and light go a long way, so I am sending them to you, your beautiful family and your angel baby Owen.
Wearing Orange for Owen, your little warrior. xoxo
Your family has been in my prayers. I will be wearing orange on June.1st in Owen’s honor. Owen is a true warrior an a fighter and he will live on forever.
I just have to say it is amazing how many lives Owen has touched. I read all the comments and so many people are changed for the better from this story. I have even shared it with my friends and family because your whole family is so amazing. Even though your story is of loss, it is also of love, strength, faith and giving. I wish I could be at the funeral to celebrate Owen’s life, but we will definitely be wearing orange that day. May God Bless all of you and give you a beautiful day to celebrate Owen on the 1st. Take care and God bless and know many people are praying for you and your family. You truly are beautiful people and children of God.
Hi Mel –
We don’t know each other, but I believe we have a mutual friend – or you are a friend of a friend. I started following along with your blog when my friend posted Owen’s story on Facebook. I admire your strength and ability to chronicle this difficult time – the blogging is definitely an outlet for pain. I wanted to let you know that tomorrow, my son, my wife, and I will all be wearing orange in honor of your little warrior. I continue to keep you all in my thoughts/prayers.
Sincerely,
Jaime
May God continue to Bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing your Owen with us. We will gladly wear orange to celebrate his glorious life. I do not even know you but love you all dearly. We will be praying for you all.
Mel…my little girls and I will be wearing orange tomorrow in honor of your sweet little Owen…I feel so connected to you all and wish I could be there tomorrow to celebrate Owen with you….I will be there in spirit…sending my love, hugs and continued prayers your way:) God Bless you all<3
You don’t know me but I came across your blog and have followed Owen’s story. I have prayed for your family many times. I am in awe at your strength and faith in God during such a difficult time. I will be celebrating Owen’s life by wearing orange on Wednesday. Your little warrior is a true hero.
Jennifer Dayton, Ohio
Don’t have a lot of orange, but I will improvise and will definitely be there. While I know that tears will be shared over Owen, I am eager to celebrate his awesome life and how it is continuing on in so many ways. Not many people can say they made such a difference in 6 months the way Owen has. There is always a light on here.
xoxoxoxo
I have been reading your blog since it was shared by a friend on facebook and my heart breaks for you but I am so humbled by your honesty and strength. Your words are inspiring and there is no doubt that everyone understands how special Owen was from the way that you speak about him.
It is clear to me that to honor him and keep his memory alive you are going to do great things and I am sure that people are going to be cheering you on all the way (including me… a complete stranger)
I get what you are saying about being treated differently, my son was diagnosed with cancer 10 weeks ago and it seems at times like others think that its wrong for me to hear about anything happy what they dont seem to see is that I need to hear about something good, something to shine a little light on a world that suddenly went dark.
Your true friends and family will figure out what you need and how to be a support to you.
(((HUGS)))
Cassandra
Hi Melissa,
Monica (again) I feel as if I’m your little stalker.
But i just want to say thank you for all your kindness and openness in these difficult times, it is absolutely amazing. I am so in awe of you and your strength and eloquence during all this. I hope you can find peace and happiness again soon. Just know there are so many people out here that are thinking of you, praying for you, and willing to help, myself included. I am going to try my best to make it out for the funeral, since I’m in the area it seems wrong to not be there to show my support for you and to honor little Owen!
Stay strong.
I just happened across your blog today as I was reading the most popular blogs on worpress.com. My heart is broken for you and your family. I’m so sorry you’re experiencing such pain. I will wear orange and think of Owen. You are being lifted up in prayer in Texas.
You can shed tears that I am gone,
Or you can smile because I have lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that I will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that I have left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see me,
Or you can be full of the love that we shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live in yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember me and only that I am gone,
Or you can cherish my memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what I would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
I was given this poem when my mom died. I had to share it with you. What a blessing little Owen was and still is. What a warrior you have been thru all of this. You are truly an amazing person!
Melissa,
I learned of your sweet baby Owen through a friend. Your story of strength and courage have been so inspiring. How lucky your sweet Owen is to have you on his side through this journey. In honor of your sweet angel, my 3 boys will be wearing orange tomorrow. You and your family will continue to be in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. xoxoxo
Mel – I have followed your story over the last week with prayer in my every breath, hope in my every heartbeat. I am devastated by your loss and have howled as I could see how this story was morphing into the ending none of us wanted to hear. I live in Brussels in Belgium. Yes, that’s right, I’ve been right there ‘with you’ from the middle of Europe. Like many other people who have left you messages, we are bonded by being mums to precious ones. You are an incredible woman, an amazing mum who leaves me humbled by your inspiring words, your brutal honesty and your raw heartache. My dear Mel, I will walk behind you tomorrow, along with thousands of others, our heads and hearts heavy for your loss. My 4 year old son, my 2 year old daughter, my husband and I will all wear something orange. In rememberance of a remarkable little boy, blessed by a remarkable family. xxxx
We also don’t know each other but your blog was shared with me via FB from a friend who lost their daughter when she was delivered at 21 weeks. Your story of Warrior Owen has touched my soul and been in my prayers since I began reading it. I pray for you, your boys, and your husband. I have rocked my 5 month old a little longer everyday since reading about your journey.
I had just finished a book before I began reading your blog called, “Heaven is for REAL” by Pastor Todd Burpo. it is a story about his son who had a near death encounter and was in heaven, his story about Heaven through the eyes of a child was so comforting and to know that all those we love we will hold again. Colton Burpo the child this book is written about said that Jesus really really really loved the children, and he told a man on his deathbed not to worry, Jesus is the first one you will see. I just know that Warrior Owen is sitting on Jesus’s lap right now, so proud of you, his dad, and his brothers. We will be wearing orange tomorrow in honor of Owen and the profound impact he’s had on so many in such a short time. God bless!
Tomorrow, people around the world will be wearing orange in honor of your beautiful son, Owen and to witness God’s glory! Every person I see wearing orange tomorrow I will think of Owen, and his brothers, Weston, Logan and Jaden. I will think of Owen parents, Melissa and Doug and their incredible faith. I will think of Owen’s extended family, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I will think of Owen’s many friends around the world. I will think of Owen’s three miracles… the three lives he saved by giving his own. I will be reminded of God’s glory and His faithfulness to all of us… when He gave His only son to save us all from our sins so we would have life eternal with Him! Melissa, thank you for having faith even in your darkest moments and for sharing it with the world!! I think the number of people wearing orange tomorrow will be unbelievable!
Mel,
I have been following your blog since Owen first went to the hospital. Let me first tell you how you have truly inspired me. You are so strong and your faith is so real. I know there are no words to help take away your pain, but I wanted you to know that all of my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I know God will guide you through this and bring good out of this tragedy. I hold my son a little bit tighter now and have a deeper faith in the Lord because of you and Owen! My son, husband and I will proudly wear orange tomorrow.
Owen is a warrior in God’s army now!
Mel, I can’t begin to comprehend the pain of losing a child, but your words have touched me in ways I never expected. Thanks so much for sharing your story and your pain. It is evident that Owen was loved very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Sweet Mel, Owen will be in my heart tomorrow, and forever. Place each 25 pound stone of pain and grief in my silver boat, and my Angel and I will row them to our Lord, Jesus, and drop them into the well of love.
Virginia
I love your poem.
Our family will all be proudly wearing orange tomorrow in honor of celebrating your Owen’s precious life.
[…] I need a favor … please? Can I ask a favor? […]
EVERYBODY in my family will be wearing orange tomorrow-even my 8 month old’s daycare teacher at momentum early learning in sussex is asking the babies to wear orange-i guess she used to be a teacher of jadens at kohls…i would really love to share owens memory with you doug and your family tomorrow, but i really want katie liek to be able to get to the service so instead i am hopping to stay late at work for her as my way getting another soldier to owen tomorrow. i am looking forward to preparing dinner for your family this weekend and since jaden and i share some alllergies i am hopping to whip something speacial up for him, too! reading your blog the past few weeks has really “rattled my cage” so to speak and because of you and your example of strength i can truly say i appriciate what i have been blessed with a little more these days…thank you for renewing my faith.
I will be wearing orange and thinking of you always xxoo
I am so sorry to hear about all that you, your family and Owen have lost.
I will continue to follow your blog and think of/mention Owen.
I will be thinking of Owen tomorrow. I hope that his service is everything that you hope it will be… given the cicumstances.
I will wear orange in memory of him.
Owen has given so much in his time on earth. I can tell from your posts that you are so proud. As you should be.
Please contact me if there is anything that I can do to help. Know that you are not alone.
Mom to Triplets (identical boys, fraternal girl), our dear Alexander is in heaven.
I’ve painted my nails….”Orange for Owen”! Each time I see my beautiful, bright nails – as beautiful and bright as Owen – I will be saying a prayer for your family, especially tomorrow June 1st. I will be blessed to tell my family, friends and co-workers about my orange nails for Owen! We may be “strangers”, but we are united in Christ. Sending thoughts and prayers from Chicago.
In honor of Owen…
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=106868222736322
Mel,
I so badly want to come tomorrow but I cannot. Please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers all day. When you have no more strength left let God carry you. He’s holding Owens hand and they are right next to you all the time.
Hello,
I have been reading your blog since a friend posted it on Facebook. My family and I have been praying for your family. We will be wearing orange tomorrow for Owen.
A coworker told me your story and I started reading your blog. As many others on here I’m amazed at your strength. I feel like I’ve gotten to know you through your blog…I’ve laughed with you and cried with you. It’s made me realize how truly short and wonderous life can be. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless all of you during this time!
Word travels fast in the triplet community. I heard about your little Owen from a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you! You are an amazing woman. Stay strong!
Let me start by saying that I am so sorry you lost Owen. It is truly not fair.
I am so glad that you are letting others help you and take care of you. When we lost our son in February, the best advice we got was, “Let people help. Friends and family know that nothing they say can take away your pain, so let them help you in any way they know how. People want to do something.”
There are no words to make what you are going through any easier, but I do know that whatever emotion you are feeling at any given time is how you are supposed to feel. If that makes sense. . .
I hope you don’t mind if I use the poem you wrote in your last post on my blog. It is perfect and beautiful.
My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care.
I will be wearing orange tomorrow.
Your strength and faith has touched me in ways I never thought possible from a person I have not met in every day life. I have thought about you and your family every day since I was first made aware of your story over a week ago. You have caused me to look at life with new eyes and you have made me a better mother for it and for that I thank you with genuine appreciation in my heart. If I lived closer than NY I would make the trip to your beautiful baby boy’s service. But, since I cannot attend I will certainly honor your request and wear orange tomorrow in honor of Owen. May God give you and your family strength tomorrow and beyond and just know that Owen lives in so many ways in the people you and he have touched.
Mel,
I came across your story last week and have been moved by Owen. I was drawn to you because I am also a mom to 4 boys, 3 are 17 month old triplets. My thoughts and prayers have been with you and many of your entries have brought me to tears. Owen is a beautiful sweet soul that God summoned home and he is now in Heaven rejoicing. You will see him again and until that time, your decision to have Owen live on as well, here on earth, through his gifts of life to others, may you find comfort there. I don’t know what more to say, which you will find, many don’t at times, but to say, thank you for sharing your story and may the Lord wrap his arms around you, Doug and Owen’s brothers and lift you up in his name.
I love this! Its speaks so loudly of you Mel! You ask such easy favors, always thinking about you and your boys, miss you tons! XOXO and HUGS
Holding your family before the throne of grace while wearing Warrior Orange in Baton Rouge, Louisiana today (6/1).
I am so sorry for you loss! I know Ab’s is just heartbroken…and I have to thank you… I have a 2 week old son that I am watching diligently each night now and looking over just to make sure he’s o.k. I know that doesn’t really seem like the right thing to say or do at this point, but you have made me so aware that their little lives are so precious, and I am just crying and sobbing over your loss. I don’t know how you have the strength, but I am praying for you and your family. God Bless you.
Far away, we are wearing orange today in honor of Owen and are thinking of him and your family. May it be a humongous orange celebration of a truly special warrior! Continued prayers for all of you.
Praying for you today. May you be comforted by our Heavenly Father in the knowledge that Owen is HIS arms. rejoicing with the angels. May your friends and family be a rock for you all in this time.
Wearing orange in Germany for Owen…God bless him and your family…
I am so touched by your story. I just read your blog for the first time and had a crash course in humility and strength. You have a beautiful family. Life will move on without Owen, and you have so much more to look forward to- all with the spirit of your little orange warrior beside you!
Stay honest, stay strong, and remember to cherish your moments together as a family- life is short, and sometimes too short.
Much, much love from The Warren’s of Pittsburgh!!
Hi Mel, its me JILLyour long ago roomie from college. I have been quite shy when it comes to online posting like on facebook and blogs ect since my divorce/depression and have resorted to texting when communicating with friends(which has been not often) I went into quite a shell through my pain and fear or being judged by college friends and family. But Mel we always were close in college and I ALWAYS looked at you as one of the strong woman in my life. I missed having you around! So, per my statement about hiding…I am tossing my fear of the internet aside today for Owen. Because I want to share my day today with you, your family and all your blog
readers.
I read your blog all the time fyi. Ok so hear it goes, God and Owen are here in mn today also. I was so broken that I couldn’t sneak awayto wi today to support you doug and the kids and family but after you told your story about the kids colors and requested to wear oarnge today I felt I could do something.Well mel, I had many God moments today. God Owen and orange. I had my boss with me and the first clinic
we went to the doc was wearing a bright orange tie. The first
patient who came in had on orange shoes. The new fda
approved product for men, which I might add I am launching today for the first time, the Brand color is Orange. The flowers
at the front desk atthe next clinic, orange lillys. At my own
doc appt today the staffs scrub colors for today, orange!!! My doctor she is wearing Orange! I am wearing orange today hun and just couldn’t help but think, im proud of you, im proud of both you and doug. This is not easy, this is not fare, this will be challenging, and it is just plain all around shitty. But you let owen give life a chance for others when his own would not allow him to fight back. He. Loves his mommy for that and he will always love you. God is all around us, I am sure of it today. He was here in mn celebrating the life of your son through me, just a roomie from college, who happened to get to room with one of the most strongwilled persons she knows, you mel. And in these times when you don’t feel strong, call us call me we all love you. Please know that I am there in spiritwith you today in grieving and in celebration for his life. My prayers are with you my dear. Be gentle to your soul , God loves you. Love,
Jill
I am so sorry for your loss. I too, lost my son, his name was Tyler, he was 16 months old and passed after a bone marrow transplant for a rare genetic disease. This was 10 yrs ago. You are all in my heart and prayers, as is Owen. I’d like to think my Tyler is helping “show him the ropes” I have a wonderful poem that was sent to me. God Bless! The poem is as follows, and I read it at Tylers funeral. The title: My Broken Doll, by Ted Farrell
A BROKEN DOLL was sent to me
From Heaven up above
A broken doll to have and hold,
A broken doll to love.
My joy was turned to sadness,
My life I thought was done,
I’d hoped the doll I would receive
Would be a perfect one.
But God does send us varied things;
He even sent His Son;
Recall the passage in His prayer-
Thy Will, Lord, will be done.
God could have sent a perfect doll,
But our broken one was blessed;
It strengthened my religion,
I hope I’ve passed my test.
It’s strange how that which seemed so sad
Should be a joy and fun;
I thank God for this priceless gift,
My broken doll, my son.
You are so brave, I can only imagine what it must have been like for you, I will remember you in our prayers. god bless