This post is for our friends and family to whom we may have not reached yet with the sad news of the passing of our precious daughter, Rowan Margaret, on Saturday Jan, 24th after a brief illness. This is not the place where I would want to share such news, but for its efficiency, it'll work for now.
Although we are stunned by the events of the last 4 days, we are comforted that Rowan's illness was not of great length and that we enjoyed the 8 1/2 years we had with her with relatively few illnesses of real concern. This hospitalization was only her fourth in her life: once at birth, two within the first year, and this last illness. Which is pretty remarkable, considering the diagnosis of Trisomy 18 and the grim prognosis of only a 5% survival rate for her first year of life. In fact, as we have remarked frequently over the years, we often forgot about her diagnosis, and were able to live a quality of life that had very little suffering.
Funeral arrangements are pending. We will have them finalized today.
We want to thank all our friends and family, from the bottom of our hearts, for all the love and support they have given us through these 8 1/2 wonderful years with Rowan. We could not have enjoyed her so well without all your support. And to all the doctors, nurses, therapists, educators, and anyone else who helped us care for her, we owe you a deep debt of gratitude. You made it possible for us to enjoy her for such a long time because of the work you do. And we are blessed to have you in our life.
Bryan and I are devastated. Actually, there are no words for our grief. But life will go on without her. Her baby sister has been a wonderful distraction. And we are so glad to have shared Rowan with her. She asks about Rowan, and then she quickly follows with "snore - zzzzzz" - her words for sleeping - as though she knows Rowan won't be coming home. She was especially entertaining yesterday. I think she's taken on the task of giving us the love and affection of two children, herself and her sister by proxy. And she seems to be completing it well.
We are collecting memories in a journal of her. If you would be willing to share yours, we would be most appreciative.
~Bryan and Colleen
6 comments:
Dear Colleen & Bryan,
This is Carleen, in Dubuque. Myself and my family we have been keeping you in our prayers since Saturday night. We were shocked and very saddened to hear that Rowan passed away. Rowan, was a beautiful little girl. I have been looking over your photo albums. Her face just lights up. She truly was a little miracle.
Our last visit was at the graduation party in Dewitt. I will always remember her beautiful eyes. Our love and prayers are with you all. Carleen & David, Lindsey ,Brock & Katherin
Colleen & family,
I saw your link for this blogpost, and was reading through it. I am so sorry for your loss, I couldn't even imagine losing a child. It's just heart wrenching.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that the prayers you receive give you strength to help you cope with your devastating loss.
Katie (Fuller) Brown & Family
Colleen and family -
You don't know me, but I'm a friend of Caytie Anderson's. After following a link in her blog today, I read about your beautiful daughter. I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't presume to know what you're going through, but know that many, many people are praying for your family and for Rowan.
God bless,
Angie Paulson
Colleen, Bryan and Family
This is Debby in St. Charles, mo.
IWe are shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. What a beautiful little princess. I have been looking at yur albums and can tell how she could light up a room. My Family and Myself send lots of Love. You and your Family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Please send me your mailing address.
Debby, Tommy, Lanny, Patty, Leila, Kandy, Marshall, Brooklynn, Taylor, Andy (Reinert-Wilkewitz)
Dear Colleen and Bryan,
So very sorry, so very sorry....
Jeanne and I lost our first child so long ago - our son died just before being born in 1969. We still carry a basic mistrust of life in a way - for that very big curve ball. We of course, moved on, lived our lives, shared the joy of Caytie and Meg,wonderful sons from those marriages, and now 4 and soon to be a 5th grandchild. I know we have never kept in touch - since you left MHS Colleen, so many years ago also - but I think you should know that we knew off and on of your situation, and cared for you and your family from afar - that common human understanding and connection is certainly a mystery worth pondering.
Take care of each other at this time in your life - it really matters, Love, Chuck and Jeanne Jorgensen
Colleen, Oh my gosh! I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you are feeling. She is so beautiful and I know brought your family such joy. Her eyes are gorgeous.
I also wanted to say thank you for stopping by Annabel's site. Praying for peace in your family and your heart.
did they know what the illness was that took her precious life?
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