Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Owen passed early this morning. Sleep now. Be at peace. We love you. Arrangements will be posted when we have finalized them.

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

Be free beautiful Owen.
Love,
Haley (another cancer kid)

Anonymous said...

Jen,

Owen was, and will continue to forever be, lucky to have you as his Mom. He felt your love, strength, and comfort every second of every day of his life. I know you will continue to be the best Mom ever for Seth, Anthony, and also for Owen. I am sending you much love and hugs. God Bless Owen and your entire family.

Sue Rebmann

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Jenn and your entire family. May God bless your family and keep Owen close.

With Love,
Erin Bibler

Anonymous said...

Words can not express my feelings for you, you family and for him. God has a purpose for all us. The lives that you and he have touched are truly immeasurable. If anything at all, you have reminded me that life is fragile and that we should cherish every moment we have to spend with one another. May God be with you and the family. And remember that Owen will forever be in your heart and ours. With love, Erik Melissa Riley and Emerson.

Anonymous said...

Jen,
I will be thinking about you and your family and will continue to keep you all in my prayers. I hope the love and memories you all shared help to get you through this excruciating time. Thank you for allowing all of us to share in the amazing journey. The love you all have for each other is inspirational to say the least. You are an incredible, loving, caring, compasionate mother and person.
Marge

Anonymous said...

Jen,

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. May you find comfort in the fact that Owen was so blessed to have the family that he did and you for a mom. Many hugs!

Debbie Stoldt

bgraham said...

We are all praying for Owen and his family.

Anonymous said...

Jen,

Keeping you & your family in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you and know that your friends at ACS will always be there for you! God bless.

Pat O.

Anonymous said...

Jen, all your friends will help you and your family through this most difficult time in your life the best they can. My heart goes out to all of you today. You and your family did the absolute best for Owen and his passing has made a difference in all our lives.

Love always,
Mike, Sue, Dan, Tommy and Maria

Jackie said...

jen, I'm so sorry. sending you much love. Be at peace little guy. I will always love you and keep a part of your spirit close to my heart.how many people you have touched, what a difference you have made in this world in the short time you were here is truely amazing. your legacy of a couraagious champion will live forever and continue to inspire everyone who knew you. God bless owen and y our entire family. love miss jackie

Anonymous said...

Jen,
Please know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Owen is now at peace and even closer to you than he ever was. He will be with you and your family in all that you do. Thank you for sharing Owen's journey with all of us. You have touched so many lives. I pray that God give you all strength!!
Kathie

Anonymous said...

Fly High ^^sweet owen^^....now you are free of pain, and in the arms of jesus where you can run, play, and watch over us all until we meet~

Anonymous said...

My heart is with you and your family. My son, Greg, is an angel too, and I am so sorry that you are now part of this group of families that have lost a child. Please know that you do not stand alone.

Anonymous said...

May God hold you close as you deal with this most difficult time. You are in my prayers.

Take My Life... said...

Flying high ,
Feeling the clouds,
the pain is gone ,
cancer lost ,
I won,
I am free,
I live on ,
In your heart ,
now and forever ...

Mimi ( 10-08-2008 ... fly Owen)

Amy said...

i came here from julian's carepage and am praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Jen, Matt, Seth, and Anthony,

I am honored that you have let me into your lives and home at such a difficult time. Your strength and love for eachother is what will get you through. I will always keep these memories of Owen that you have shared with me and this time that I have spent with your family in my heart.
I am here whenever you need me.
Love, Melissa Kurlan

Mr. Turton said...

Your family is inspirational. Our prayers are with you all.

- Turton Family

Anonymous said...

Jen,
Hugs to you all. I hope for peace and strength for all of you in the days to come.
Tammy

Anonymous said...

Jen,
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I know that Owen is with the angels. Your are and always will be the best Mom ever. Many hugs come your way......Colleen

Unknown said...

Our hearts are sick with grief.

I am so sorry for your loss, and so very angry at this wretched disease!


Please feel our prayers for your healing and your peace.

e & molly kate
a mom in missouri

Anonymous said...

Jen,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs and kisses from Texas.
The Chambers' Family

Anonymous said...

Jen,
My heart goes out to you for all you've been through with your little guy. No words can even express the sadness that is felt when a child leaves us all too soon. I had a very dear friend who also lost a child the same age as Owen several years back and she somehow found the strength to carry on and advocate for the fight against this terrible disease. I know you will too. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. - Donna K - Alden Primary

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Fly High Owen, Fly HIgh!

God Bless,
Carol/Angel_Wings

Anonymous said...

We are thinking of you and are so sorry for your loss. But at least Owen is now resting peacefully, May god bless you as we keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Love Danielle and Shannon Winney

Anonymous said...

Jen and family,
Sorry to hear about the passing of Owen. Good thoughts and prayers are coming your way. We met briefly at Stone's Buddies.

Liz(mom to Zack, a bt kid)

Terri H said...

I am so very sorry for the pain you're going through, and I know it will never end. I pray that you find some comfort in the knowledge that you were the best mom Owen could have.
God bless you and your family - and especially sweet sweet Owen...

Karen said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your adorable son. I came over from Mimi's site.

Karen, mom to Katie, a 7 y/o brain tumor survivor

Anonymous said...

Jen & family,
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news. Please know that Owen is happy and free a pain. He is with God enjoying all the things a child "should" be able to enjoy-all the things he could not do because of the illness.
My heart breaks for you and your family. There are so many emotions that you will be feeling. It is OK to feel them all. During this time, let people know if you need something. You will need them- That is a reason why they were put in your life. You do NOT need try to be strong in front of the other people that love you. You have been so strong for Owen. You were his kissing blanket. You did everything possible to help him and he knows that.
I wish I could help you by taking away your heart-ache.
Many hugs, kisses, and prayers for you and your family.
Owen- You are free. Enjoy those angel wings!
Kitty

Anonymous said...

Jen, Matt, Seth and Anthony,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Tonight, when you look up,
don't look at them as stars,
think of them as porch lights,
welcoming Owen safely home.

God Bless you and your whole beautiful family.

Fly High Little Angel!!!!!

Love, Peter and Suzanne Mercurio

Anonymous said...

Owen and his entire family are in my thoughts and prayers today and always.

Kristen

Robin said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I hope you can find some peace in the comfort of him sitting on Jesus' lap and being totally pain free. May God Bless you and your family!!!

Anonymous said...

Jen,
My heart goes to you and Seth and Anthony and Matt. Owen is in the arms of his angel now. I know that does not make it any easier for you and I am deeply sorry for that.Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Know that when you feel a little tickle or brush on you cheel it will be Owen giving you butterfly kisses and giving you love.
May God Bless you and give you continued strength.
Love,
Jean

Anonymous said...

God's Loan


"I'll lend to you for a little time,
A child of mine," He said;
"For you to love the while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three;
But will you till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

Bird

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
And should his stay be brief;
You'll have these precious memories,
As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.

Bird

I've looked this whole world over
In my search for teachers true;
And in the crowds that throng life's land,
I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love ...
Not think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?

Bird

It seems to me I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done;
For all the joys thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

Bird

And should the angels call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

~ Author Unknown ~


Hugs- Alice, Amber and Autumn

Anonymous said...

Peace to you and your family during this difficult time.

In deepest sympathy,
The Bolans
www.caringbridge.org/visit/willembolan

Jillian said...

Dear Jen and family of Owen,
I do not know you. I only know of the stories my mother has told me and I have read your blog each time you write. I know you are hurting and so many of us are hurting too. I have struggled with the idea that this tragedy could happen to someone so young but look at what you and your son have done Jen--Look at all the lives you have touched and the many people who will never ever be the same because you have inspired them with you words. Please do not stop doing this. You have made the world stronger. You may feel weaker than ever now but please know that your strength has touched so many people. I know I do not speak alone when I say I send my deepest condolences. You are beautiful. Your story is beautiful. And Owen is and always will be your beautiful child. May he visit you in the most pleasant of ways each day for the rest of your life.
I am truly feeling for all of you.
Be free little man...
Jillian Nowak

Anonymous said...

Jen & family...there are no words.... that I can think are right. My heart breaks for Owen & ALL of you (life now without Owen will surely be so sooo difficult) ..it is truly so unjust!!! Our roads have been unreal,unfair, & worlds are forever changed.... We are here if you need us!!
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you!

The Baddings
Mark ,Robin,Mel ,Markie and forever Jamie

Anonymous said...

Jen,

I pray for peace for you and your wonderful family. Owen's story has inspired and changed our world. Even before the announcement this am in school, I overheard students talking (on their own) about how sad it was that Owen passed, and expressing their concern for the family. His life and story has changed us all. We are all with you now.

Sue P

Anonymous said...

I’m ssoooooooooooo sorry. I know that you were a student teacher for Mrs. Stoldt in my school, and that you know my best friends Nicole F. and Maddie C. but I don't know if you remember me when you and owen came back to visit the school. but ever since then I have been checking your website every single day. And i just can't stop crying. I'm so very sorry for you and your family. Owen is very grateful to have had such a great mom like you.



Alyssa

KKennedy1976 said...

I never met Owen, but I do remember you from high school. I think maybe we were in choir together or rode the same bus? I have been following your families journey. I wish I could find the perfect words to take away some of this horrible pain your family and friends are feeling right now. With each blog, I cry a bit longer and hold my son even tighter praying that cancer never enters his body. Thank you for sharing this with us. My deepest sympathies. I am here for you if you ever need to talk. Kim Nagel

Anonymous said...

Dear Jen
I have followed the Owen blog for a while now I have grieved along with you in many ways. You have shown that you are a wonderful mother my deepest sympathy for you and yours

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you have been in the thoughts and prayers of many. I send your family strength and many prayers.

Gretchen Kaderli AHS

Anonymous said...

Jen and Family,

I have been reading your log everyday since hearing about it at work. I am a bus driver with your Dad. It was nice to be able to know how Owen was doing without having to ask about it and making him upset, even though we wanted him to know we care. We are all thinking of you and your family and I cannot even imagine what you are going through. I have three children of my own and you have made me realize how precious life is. Thank you for letting us in on your journey.

Wendy

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen,

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Erica Sagerman

Anonymous said...

Jen,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. May Owen's strength and spirit be with you always and may God bless you and your family.

Love,
Mary Donahue

Anonymous said...

Dear Jen, Seth, Anthony, and Matt,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our constant thoughts and prayers. This is an exerpt from "Embraced by the Light" I hope it brings you some peace during this difficult time.
Perhaps this was a part of Owen's journey:

" I saw a pinpoint of light in the distance. The black mass around me began to take on more of the shape of a tunnel, and I felt myself traveling through it at an even greater speed, rushing toward the light. I was instinctively attracted to it, although, I felt the others might not be. As I approached it, I noticed a figure of a man standing in it, with the light radiating all around him. As I got closer the light became brilliant-brilliant beyond any description, far more brilliant than the sun-and I knew that no earthly eyes in their natural state could look upon this light. Only spiritual eyes could endure it. As I drew closer I began to stand upright.
I saw that the light immediately around him was golden, as if his whole body had a golden halo around it, and I could see that the golden halo burst out from around him and spread into a brilliant, magnificent whiteness that extended out for some distance. I felt his light blending into mine,literally, and I felt my light being drawn to his. It was if there were two lamps in a room, both shining, their light merging together. It's hard to tell where one light ends and the other begins; they just become one light. Although his light was much brighter than my own, I was aware that my light, too, illuminated us. And as our lights merged, I felt as if I had stepped into his countenance, and I felt an utter explosion of love.
It was the most unconditional love I had ever felt, and as I saw his arms open to receive me I went to him and received his complete embrace and said over and over, I'm home. I'm home. I'm finally home."

I bore you on eagles wings and brought you to myself. Exod 19:4

May the strength of God be with you and your family in your sorrow. May you find comfort and peace through family and prayer.

Your beautiful little angel Owen is free from cancer now.

With all of our love and prayers,
Amy, Heidi and Jim

Anonymous said...

Jen,

I can't begin to imagine what life with this disease has been like; except through your words on these pages, so beautifully written, that offer insight into the depths of living with cancer. I know that Owen will be forever loved by all who knew him and even those of us who just knew "of him". You're an amazingly strong woman; through your writing I see strength as well as incredible love that you have for your children and for life. Remember what a joy your little boy was; I know you'll always be grateful for the time that you had with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Love, Julie

Anonymous said...

Jen, Love to you and your family. Your little angel will be your side always! Love, Scheris

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Jen,

There are no words that feel adequate in saying how sorry we are. As a mom, I cannot imagine your pain. I will always remember the first time I met you and your family, and Owen running through our empty house, full of energy and zest for life. I am honored to have known him, and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Cathy Fimbel and Susan, Connie and Christopher (and Holly and Alex too!)

Anonymous said...

Jen -
I've heard about Owen through a few different friends, and although we don't know each other, I am praying for you and your family that God gives you enough strength to keep going.. one hour at a time. Owen is with Him now, and without pain, tears, or sadness. You are an amazing Mom and made Owen happy and content while he was with you.

Anonymous said...

Jen -Owen has touched so many lives and he has changed mine in a way that i cannot describe -i can only do.
The hope is that Gods Angel whose name is Owen will change others as well,God truly has a purpose for us all and he uses his angels to get the message sent.

"be not afraid"
Coach Sil Dan Jr

Anonymous said...

Jen,
You are such an inspiration for your strength and grace in this difficult journey. It is easy to see that you surrounded that beautiful boy with so much love and joy. It appears that you have truly packed a lifetime of wonderful experiences in his short life. My thoughts are with you.
Jennifer Etzel, Alden Primary

Anonymous said...

Dear Jen,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patti Mooney (Carroll)
Alden Primary

Stephanie Skeet Masternak said...

Jen and family -

Since I met you and owen shortly after he was born at Tonys pizza shop and then hearing how he was ill, my heart has ached and ached for you. I live right down the street from you and everytime my girls and I walk by I feel like I want to hold them a little tighter. Jen, I do not know how you can handle this, I have no words for you, this disease is just so devastating and cruel, especially to children. Owen knows how you loved him and now he is your little angel. You will start to see things all around you that will let you know that he is there and always will be in your heart. I wont pretend to say that I understand or tell you that everything will be fine, but just know that God is a powerful being and you have people all over that will help you in any way that we can. Owen is free and untethered to this disease now, he and you can be an inspiration to people all over. Please know that the Masternaks are praying for you and I am truly, truly sorry for your loss jen.