Gwendolyn

Whenever we suffer a loss in our SMA family, it is hard. And each one has its own affect on us. We reside in a world that we wish with every fiber of our being didn’t exist. A world where little ones become angels far too soon and parents have to say good-bye to their precious babies. But this one, this one just crushed us. Gwendolyn is very special to us as are Bill, Victoria and little sis, Eleanora. Over the years and despite the many miles that separate us, an amazing bond, connection, friendship has grown. We have celebrated with each other, worried and cried with each other, laughed with each other, lifted each other up, helped each other out and leaned on each other. We have just been there for each other.

And Jadon and Gwendolyn? Well, they were boyfriend and girlfriend. Whenever Bug saw a picture of Miss G his eyes would get as big as saucers, he would purse his little lips and get major “happy belly.” And when Miss G saw Jadon, she would bat those gorgeous long lashes and tap, tap, tap her finger. He was her blue-eyed boyfriend and she was his fabulous Miss G. Everywhere you look in Jadon’s bedroom, there is something from Gwendolyn. Multiple pics that adorn his shelves. The turtle she gave him years ago that to this day he insists is turned on at night. The blanket that he loves to have his feet snuggled up in. Valentine’s Day cards she made him. Treasures she picked out for him during trips to Disney. Pout-Pout Fish books. Tickle Monster book. She is there.

Whenever we would go out on adventures and Jadon got a souvenir, he insisted that Miss G would get one too. Always something blue for him. Purple for her. Early in their “courtship”, Jadon found out that a little boy had given Miss G a flower while at a playground. That simply wouldn’t do and he made sure Miss G had an even bigger purple flower from him.

To profess his love for Miss G, Jadon even got a little ink.

And it worked!

Earlier this year, I was blessed to be able to spend some time with Bill, Victoria, Gwendolyn and Eleanora when I traveled out to California for business. It was magical – a moment when you hoped time would just stand still. And as the sun began to set and night fell, I didn’t want the evening to end. I wanted to soak up every second because I didn’t know the next time we would see each other again. When we finally had to say our good-byes, I raced to my room to call Tony. I told him we HAD to figure out a way for all of us to get together. For Jadon and Gwendolyn to meet. Unfortunately, that never happened. Just one more thing SMA has robbed from our kiddos.

When Bill called early Saturday morning, our hearts shattered into a million pieces. The wind knocked out of us. How could this be possible? My knees buckled as I crumbled into a heap onto the floor. This is NOT supposed to be happening. It simply wasn’t fair.

Ever since Jadon was little, he would randomly look into the corners of the room and jabber/chat. We firmly believe he is talking to his angels watching over him. Throughout the rest of the day on Saturday, we struggled with how to tell Jadon about his fabulous Miss G. We desperately fought off tears anytime we were face-to-face with him. As we got him settled in his room to begin nighttime treatments, we finally mustered up enough courage. We told him we had some very sad news to share. He looked at us very seriously and with his eyes said “Yes.” We said, it’s about Miss G. Again “Yes.” We asked him, do you already know? This time BIG, BIG “Yes.” We asked, have you been talking to Miss G? Another BIG, BIG “Yes.” He had been chatting earlier in his room during his chill-time. We should have known he already had a very special visitor come by to let him know she was okay and would be watching over him. Even now these two have an incredible bond that will always be there. We take some comfort knowing that the fabulous Miss G is continuing to watch over him and be with him.

The world was a better place with Gwendolyn Strong in it.

The world is a better place because she lived.

We are better because of Gwendolyn’s life and we will always carry a part of Miss G with us.

We will Never Give Up.

We are… G-STRONG.