About Owen

My husband, James, and I married in June 2013 but due to complications from severe Crohn’s was unable to become pregnant. In April 2023 James and I went to Florida and celebrated our ten year anniversary and upon returning from our trip we discovered we were pregnant! We could not believe we were finally expecting our first child and were so excited to share the news with our friends and family.

We believe Owen was just too excited to come into the world and meet us for on September 10 at 25 weeks pregnant my water suddenly broke and I was rushed for an emergency c-section. One of the cool things about Owen’s story is he was born at the same hospital I worked at as a respiratory therapist so I had many looking after him. Over the next couple of months, Owen overcame so many obstacles. We were constantly told how much of a fighter he was and that it was obvious he was prayed for.

In his short little life, Owen stole our hearts and brought joy to so many. He always seemed to have a little smirk or smile on his face and was even caught appearing to laugh at different times. He had the sweetest personality and was loved by all who had the opportunity to meet him. Unfortunately, on Friday, November 17, 2023, Owen suddenly coded after just graduating to an open crib in the morning. The medical team was able to get Owen’s heartbeat back after 45 minutes but by that time he had suffered severe brain damage and we were told he had no hope of a meaningful recovery. A few days later on Thanksgiving, we made the heartbreaking decision to remove life support and he died in my arms.

Scripture that encouraged me

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28.

This verse has been an encouragement to me as I am reminded that Owen’s death was not meaningless. It’s comforting to know God promises to use each trial that we face for our good and His glory so we can trust him even when we may not understand his ways.

The second scripture that has been encouraging to me is Revelation 21:4 which states “ And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any pain: for the former things are passed away.” Remembering that this world is only temporary has helped me look forward and find comfort in the day when I will be in the presence of my Savior forever and be reunited with my son.

How I have seen God’s faithfulness

When my son first died my husband’s faith remained firm but I questioned God’s character and was angry that he didn’t heal him. But even when I was angry and shaking my fist at God he continued to show mercy and comfort time and time again. When I was in despair “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand “( Psalm 40:2), and helped me see goodness in the land of the living ( Psalm 27:13).

Through this incredibly hard season, I am so thankful to have such a godly husband, church friends, and family to point me back to Christ and encourage me with the truth of Scripture time and time again. It is through these means that Christ has continued to sustain me. He truly is close to the brokenhearted and has been the lifter of my head over this past year. Since Owen has died I have had a growing desire to keep his memory alive through a legacy of giving back in his honor which you can read about by clicking below. I pray that through the gifts given and Owen’s story people are pointed to Christ and He is glorified.

https://owenhabakkuk.weebly.com/