Rowan's Story: Happy 4th Heaven Day Chrissie...Love, Rowan

Monday, May 19, 2014

Happy 4th Heaven Day Chrissie...Love, Rowan

May 19th is a special day. It marks the 4th anniversary of the day Rowan's special little friend Chrissie went to heaven. Four years ago, they spent 30 days in PICU at Methodist Children's Hospital at the same time, before he was discharged and she passed away that evening. Rowan has a very special connection to Chrissie and her family, and he makes something special for her and goes out to visit her grave on her families ranch every year on this day. This year was no different. We drove to Wimberly early this morning and had another blessed moment at Chrissie's grave. Here are some pictures, starting with a letter that he had me type for her. Such a sweet, honest, love...

Rowan tied the letter onto the gate that surrounds Chrissie's grave...

Then he tied a balloon there as well.

Next, he filled the bird feeder that he painted with bird seed,

and placed it on a little pink wrought iron table near the site.

We noticed that the colors he chose to paint the feeder ended up matching his

"Boss Your Heart" Memorial T-Shirt with Chrissie's hand print exactly! So cool.

Finally, Rowan placed a letter "C" fresh flower arrangement at the foot of her grave.

And said a special prayer for her.

"Dear God, I know you are taking good care of Chrissie in Heaven.

Everybody misses her, but I know that you can heal everyone.

I hope her Mommy and Daddy like what I brought for her today.

Amen."

It was such a sweet moment to witness as Rowan blew Chrissie another kiss goodbye.

He takes great joy in leaving her these heartfelt gifts.

Just look at these tiny precious hands as they paint and sign and decorate

presents for his friend in heaven...humbling...

Love and miss you Chrissie!

Thinking of the entire Patterson family today and always.

May you see Chrissie in all things beautiful throughout your day.

Love,

Rowan

1 comment:

LoriMay 19, 2014 at 5:11 PM
I don't think I've commented on your blog before but I have prayed for Rowan after hearing about him via the Patterson's blog when Chrissie was in the hospital for her surgery. I just wanted to tell Rowan that he too is very special and his gifts to princess Chrissie are beautiful and heartfelt! I know she will love them and I think it's so sweet they have such a connection! What a precious boy you have! God Bless you both! Lori
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In Memory of Rowan's 11th Birthday

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*Click the link above to purchase a gift in memory of Rowan's 11th birthday.*

In memory of Rowan's 11th birthday, July 21, we are hosting a virtual birthday party to benefit Methodist Children's Hospital (MCH) in San Antonio, where Rowan spent much of his childhood battling for his life. All gifts purchased through this registry will be delivered in person to MCH on Rowan's birthday, July 21, 2017. The toys will be donated to the Child Life Department at MCH and placed in the new play rooms at MCH for many pediatric patients to enjoy during their hospitalizations. The toys on this registry represent a few of Rowan's favorite things. We all know Rowan had such a huge heart for giving and making the good, so this party in his memory is a way of carrying out his legacy by celebrating and doing the things that mattered most to him. Thank you for being a part of carrying out Rowan's legacy, making the good, and honoring Rowan's powerful life while remembering his 11th birthday on July 21, 2017.

In ICU, post vp shunt surgery...precious angel.

In October of 2010, Rowan started having severe headaches again. He had two spinal taps, just three days apart due to increased cranial pressures (double or triple what they should be). They removed over 55 ccs of excess spinal fluid trying to relieve his headaches. Eventually, when the pain was just too severe and his pressures weren't coming down, he finally had to have a vp shunt placed. When he woke up the next day, he told one of the doctors that he would give him a free autograph for helping get rid of his headaches. A couple days later, he made a sign for me to put in the window of his hospital room, that he says said "Open for business. Autographs $15. Free drink with purchase".

Another battle wound...this one from his Chiari malformation brain surgery.

In January of 2009, Rowan had craniectomy/laminectomy surgery to correct a brain malformation that was obstructing his flow of spinal fluid and causing headaches and other neurological symptoms. They removed a small piece of the base of his skull, shrunk up the bottom portion of his brain, and removed part of his C1 and C2 vertebrae to free up space for the spinal fluid to flow. When we told Rowan that he would be going in to the hospital to get his brain fixed, he thought for a minute and then said, "Will I see Logan (favorite nurse) and can I eat baby ice cubes when I wake up?" When we said yes, he simply said "Ok, Let's do it!"

"Our Little Trooper"

Monday, May 19, 2014

Happy 4th Heaven Day Chrissie...Love, Rowan

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