"If Jalene is courage, then I want to be hope."

One year ago, almost to the day, Rowan's friend Jalene Salinas became an honorary member of the Guardians of the Children, Von Ormy Chapter.  Her road name was "Courage".  They gave her a leather vest with that name on it, and a large framed poster to commemorate the induction. Rowan got to see her vest later that evening, in her home, while she lay sleeping.  He thought it was so amazing.  When we walked outside later that night, we met a few of the GOC members who were there, and took a picture with them. I distinctly remember Rowan looking up at me afterwards and whispering, "Do you think I could ever be one of them too?"  Then he asked, "What do you think my name would be?"  He thought for a minute or two and said, "If Jalene is courage, then I want to be hope!"  Jalene passed away in her home, just a few short days later.

Fast forward a full year later.  The anniversary of Jalene's death is the 15th of this month.  Today, Rowan believes that Jalene helped his dream come true.  Today, Rowan was also honorarily inducted into the Guardians of the Children, Von Ormy Chapter.  He was given the road name "Hope", the name he wished for... a year ago.  He also received his vest, and a large framed poster commemorating his becoming an honorary memory of the group.  It was an amazing ceremony, and a truly memorable, beautiful day.  He now has a huge network of brothers and sisters, who stand up for and fight to help children in the community.  And Jalene is not just his friend now, she is his GOC sister, in heaven.

It will be next to impossible to explain just how far these folks went to make today special.  We're talking 30 bikes in a motorcade, riding up to surprise him; 50-60 members of Guardians of the Children and their families, lining up to shake his hand and welcome him to their group; them collectively purchasing over $300 worth of his "Rally for Rowan" bracelets, to wear, to support him, to support our family; amazing barbecue and fellowship; them outfitting him with his vest and bandanna; his first ride on the back of one of their bikes, riding down the street with all of them in line.  He left holding on for dear life...but he returned beaming from ear to ear, leaning back on the back rest, relaxed, waving to us all, throwing us the peace sign.  He was in.  He was a part of a tremendous organization of Godly, caring, honest, loving, helpful men and women, who stand up for children who are abused, neglected, or maybe just battling big illnesses...who just happen to also ride motorcycles.

I hope these pictures properly represent the day, and sufficiently honor the actions and integrity of these men and women.  Thank you Guardians of the Children, Von Ormy...not just for a great day, but for accepting Rowan into your family.  When I asked him what the best part of today was, he simply said, "becoming one of them."

He started out, unassumingly, just playing with friends, at what he thought was a little barbecue...

Then, when he started hearing the roar of all the bikes coming, he looked at me and said, "You know something, don't you..."

One by one, they started driving up...

Until there was a huge line of them...

They presented him with a framed poster, bigger than himself, stating that he was a "member for life"!

  

Then, Danny, "Bootlegger", helped gear Rowan up...with his own vest and bandanna...

Briana, "Half Pint", a young lady that Rowan truly loves and looks up to, made sure he was well taken care of all afternoon...

I'd say, he looks pretty good in his new gear, wouldn't you?

These folks know how to cook and barbecue too!  The food was amazing!  

Rowan went all around the pavilion, first taking pictures with Jalene's family (who are now our family too)...

And then with the rest of the GOC group, and their amazing families...

Then, when Rowan didn't think it could get any better...it did!

"Bootlegger" let Rowan chose which bike he would like a ride on.  Rowan's only request was "any bike that's orange."

As I mentioned earlier, Briana made sure he was safe and comfortable...

And they were off...

Hamming it up for the crowd, upon his return...

Getting his helmet off...

and thanking his ride..."Batman"!

Next, they let Rowan cut the cake...

And finally, we wrapped up this unbelievable day with a large group picture of Rowan's new extended family...the Guardians of the Children, San Antonio and Von Ormy.

As I looked at Rowan's vest closely tonight, I am just in awe of the amazing people that God has brought into our lives...even through loss and tragedy....

there still is, and always will be, "Hope".

And as I look at the following two pictures, I realize how we have come full circle.  Jennifer had Jalene's "Courage" vest with her today...

And when Rowan looked at this picture with me tonight he said, "Mom look, her vest is over my shoulder, just like she is always there for me.  I might give people "Hope", but she gives me "Courage" every day."

Thank you Jesus, for bringing these two friends together...

Thank you Guardians of the Children for recognizing them both and for also honoring their individual spirits... 

Thank you Jalene for showing us how to be courageous...

and Rowan for showing us how to always have hope!

Hope & Courage

Courage & Hope

May we all, always have both!