"Our Little Trooper"

"Our Little Trooper"
"Let me live, that I may praise you!" Psalm 119:175

Friday, March 20, 2015

Farewell to a friend...

A photo you hope you never have to take...
your child saying goodbye to another child...

However, this is a picture I will cherish forever.  Rowan loved Jalene, he is stronger for having known her, and a more loving, faith-filled boy for having dealt with her death.  We have no regrets, only wonderful memories.  


Rowan got dressed up in his favorite suit and bow tie for her service tonight, and made sure he had on his "Team Jalene Forever" button...


and his Team Jalene bracelet.


The Church was so beautiful.  
It was a true Celebration of Jalene's life.



A Frozen Wonderland, fit for a princess...




complete with a one-of-a-kind Frozen themed casket, with Olaf smiling inside.


Rowan thought it was beautiful and perfect.



The most moving part of the service was having the honor guards from the Sheriff's Department stand watch over her casket the entire service, changing guard periodically.  So powerful to witness.  A true honor for a very worthy little girl, Jr. Deputy Jalene Estella Salinas.






They  presented her parents with a flag and certificate, just like they would signify the end of watch of any deputy.  A true honor.




Rowan just loves Jalene's Grandma and Grandpa, and was blessed to sit by them during the service.  


and her great grandma too...


Rowan had a special gift for Jalene's Mommy...


A purple butterfly pendant...




Inscribed with a heart and "Jalene".

We love you Jen.


and all of your family.



There were so many loving family members and friends there tonight, a real tribute to the lives Jalene touched.











Before leaving, The Guardians of the Children wanted to take a picture with Rowan too.  What an amazing group of Godly people, doing good in this world.


  We were truly blessed to be present at this beautiful service, and honored to call Jalene and her family our friends.
  

Farewell my friend...


I'll see you in my dreams, until we meet in Heaven again.
Love, your friend Rowan

(Rowan has one more very special thing to share about tonight, but he wants to tell Jalene's family about it first.  Once he has, I can post about it here.)


17 comments:

  1. Well I wanted to attend but I had to work. But jalene is know in a better place not suffering anymore she is know in angel and in heaven looking over us and her beautiful family. May God bless you and your beautiful family amen

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  2. What a beautiful tribute to Jalene and her family. Rowan is such a loving friend to her and her family.

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  3. Beautiful absolutely beautiful Rowan is an Angel, God Bless him. Jalene will always be in his heart as in all of our hearts.

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  4. Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories. Our MC the Hill Country Horsemen were also at the service and there wasnt a dry eye in the house. It was the most beautiful memorial I have ever seen. It was a pleasure to be allowed to be a part of her journey. She touched each of us in such a special way. Your son is such a blessing and I hope he knows what an impact he had on Jalene's short life. Again, thank you for sharing these precious pictures. Jalene is now one of God's angels because she served her purpose her on earth. We are all better people by her example. RIP sweet princess! <3

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  5. What a beautiful to Rown and Jalene and those others who cared for her.

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  6. So beautiful- it looked like there was so much love in that room. Thank you for sharing.

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  7. Rowan you have to the strongest lil guy ive ever seen and I do have to say youve got a heart bigger than anyone i know... Jalene was a lucky lil girl to have such awsome & caring friend like rowan... May she rest in peace an fly with the angels...

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  8. How are you able to live with yourself posting such blatant lies?

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    1. I allowed this post because I have nothing to hide. I am so sorry that you don't believe. I am not really sure what you are saying are the lies either? But I do not feel the need to defend my posts. Everyone who has been a part of this journey, knows that these posts are true. So simply...God bless you.

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  9. @)-,-'---------------------------------------

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  10. Very beautiful! God Bless Rowan and Jalene! Thank you for sharing this amazing story!

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  11. There is proof in each and every pic I've seen, I'm in cleveland ohio and I feel the love all the way here, Rowan you and Jalene have truly blessed my soul, your strength and courage is beyond measures, ,Carrie you are an awsome friend, keep doing what you do,, I'm praying for you guys, HUGGS

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  12. I clearly don't understand what lies are being told, the pictures say the truth. What i wanted to know n hv been anticipating is what else did Rowan hv to say about his sweet friend Jalene?? Please thank your son for being such a wonderful person. Prayers to him n your family

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