Baby Maverick

This blog was created to keep family and friends updated on what's going on with the pregnancy, birth, and surgical plan for Maverick. We'll also be able to keep everyone updated during his surgery and recovery and hopefully be able to show you some cute pictures of him, Maddie, Carter and Chloe along the way.

This was the original intent; however, when we started this blog we had no idea the twists and turns our lives would take. Our sweet baby Maverick was born September 12, 2008 with Transposition of the Great Arteries, ASD, and VSD. We expected to have a baby boy to bring home three to four weeks after his surgery. He had numerous complications after his arterial switch and fought through many that would have taken the life from an adult. He passed away February 24, 2009 - without ever coming home.

This blog is now a place I share my feelings, work through the grief, remember Maverick, and try to make sense out of our life without him. I hope in doing so I am giving a name and a face to babies everywhere born with congenital heart defects.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Arrangements

The tentative plan for Mav's funeral is Friday at 2:00pm. We have to go to the funeral home tomorrow to make certain that will work. The service will be at:

Immanuel Baptist Church
1451 E 45th St
Shawnee, OK 74804

If you plan to attend, please know that casual dress and/or jeans are welcomed.

This is really a strange time. It's almost unbelievable. I kind of feel like I'm walking around lost. My routine of getting up, calling the hospital, getting kids ready, going to the hospital and spending time with Mav, coming home and spending time with the family, calling the hospital, and going to bed will be no more. I can't believe he's gone. We felt almost numb going to the cemetery today to pick out a plot for our baby. We'll miss him so much. He was such a sweet baby and so expressive with his big blue eyes. You could always tell what he wanted by the look in his eyes. We know he's in a better place, but it really doesn't make this any easier right now. If you plan on talking to us, I know you are sorry. We are sorry, too. To keep me from crying so much, please just tell me something positive about the way Maverick has impacted your life.

I know a lot of you are wanting to help in some way. I would like to ask you to give blood. Mav required soo much blood and soo many blood products during his little life and there are many other babies and children in similar situations. He couldn't have made it as far as he did without the help of the selfless donors. We would also like to thank all the doctors, nurses, therapists, and support staff at Medical City Children's in Dallas as well as those at Children's Hospital of Oklahoma. Mav was well loved and cared for at both facilities. Thank you all so much. We love you all - jc

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Arriving at work today wasn't the same without my buddy Mav. It was a hard pill to swallow, but I know he is in a better place. It was my pleasure to work along side with you, Juli and Greg, and take care of Maverick for these past few months. Maverick was the strongest patient I have ever seen, and have ever taken care of. Maverick and your family have impacted my life more than you will ever know. I am thankful for Mav, and the time we were able to have together. What a fighter. What a blessing. I am now celebrating his life and remembering all of the wonderful things about baby Mav. I will never forget him. Love you guys and God bless.

Love-
Lauren, RN

Anonymous said...

Mav was so blessed to have "you guys" as his family. He knew you all were his family and that love has no end. What an amazing witness your family has been for Jesus Christ! The Clark Family faith will lead many to Jesus....you have led your journey with perfect example. God bless and comfort you guys through the coming days. Much love...Sally

Anonymous said...

Julie and Greg, I never left a message for Mav because my hand doesn't work very well. Thank you for sharing your precious little boy with me. From our first Fri. night date he melted my heart. I loved just watching him for hours, waiting for his eyes to open. The music you played made me smile and we enjoyed listening to it together. Danielle was surprised to fall in love with him so quickly. I know well there are no words to comfort you but I am a good listener. Please call any time you just need to talk. Love, Debbie and Danielle

Anonymous said...

My name is Loyce. I live in Chandler and am a friend of Janice Mayfield who told me of your loss.

I pray for your family at this time that you will find peace in knowing that your little guy is no longer hurting.

May God be with you.
Loyce Marie Miller,
Chandler, Okla.
millerville1967@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

I mean this from the bottom of my heart, your precious baby boy taught me to enjoy everyday and to resist taking anything for granted. I'll never forget watching him play with that mobile for the first time, he loved it. Maverick soaked up every minute of life, he never wasted a breath and that will forever impact my life.
Thank you for everything.

Justin

Anonymous said...

Our hearts hurt for you. Mav's life was an amazing blessing to so many and your walk with Christ through what has got to be life's greatest valley, has been a testimony to us all. Thank you for sharing Mav with us and for allowing us all to be a part of his life and yours. We pray that your family will feel God's love more than ever as you move forward. And we know sweet Mav is happy and at home with our Lord. We love you.
The Rowells

Laura-Marie said...

Sweet Maverick had a special place in my heart from the minute I met you at the Christmas party. I don't know you very well and I've only seen him in pictures, but he consumed my thoughts and prayers everyday. Maverick's life drew me closer to Jesus, I just prayed so deeply that he would recover and be healed, but our ways are not His ways.
I am so sorry. I am so glad you were able to hold him and love on him his last moments. My heart will never forget sweet Maverick, I look forward to meeting him someday.
Much love and prayers,
Laura-Marie Finley

Anonymous said...

Juli and Greg:
The journey that your family has been has impacted so many. You will never know how grateful and blessed that we feel by your family sharing Maverick with us. I never got a chance to meet him, but I know he was one amazing baby boy. The strength and faithfulness of your family will never be forgotten.
We love you and our hearts go out to you…..
The Stepp’s, The Bryant’s, and The Boley’s

Anonymous said...

I have prayed for you and your sweet family. Maverick was a Fighter and you should be proud.

Before I formed you in the womb, Maverick, I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5

I will continue to pray for your family during this time.

Laura Frye

Watts Family said...

You and your family are in our prayers. Angie is a fellow blogger and she may be able to help you cope at this difficult time. She also lost her sweet baby. Maverick is now with her Audrey in Heaven. Her blog is http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com
I will plan on donating blood as well..I've always been scared to do it but I will go for Maverick!

Many Blessings,

Amanda

Lindsay said...

Juli,
You asked for stories of how Mav impacted lives instead of apologies. You know how much I loved Mav. He was just such a sweet and wonderful little boy. I'll never forget those big blue eyes and that sweet smile. In our line of work, we see a lot of patients come and go. We remember most of them, but only a few hold a special place in our hearts. Mav will always hold a special place in mine. One of my favorite things to do for him was bath time. I know he was usually so angry with me, but you could see he felt better afterward. I loved putting him in the cute little shirts and putting his pretty blankets on his bed and then nestling him in with his animals and his mobile running. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything. Love you guys...

Lindsay, RN

Anonymous said...

Juli and Greg - I have followed your blog since the beginning and have been so amazed at your faith and trust in God. That, more than anything has made such an impression on me and I feel that it was from you that Mav got his fighting spirit. He was such a special little boy. I never got to see him in person but from his pictures he was absolutely adorable. I know that your faith and courage will inspire and change the hearts of many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know God has his loving arms around you and will be with you through these coming days. God Bless.

Love - Jana (Jen Stepp's Mom)

Krisi said...

You are in my prayers! I'm so sorry for your loss! Cling to the hope that your precious Maverick is safe in the arms of Jesus!
Praying!
Kris

Anonymous said...

I just read your story about Mav, my heart goes out to you and your family. He was blessed to have you all.

Anonymous said...

I only visited Mav twice, but fell in love with him from the minute I saw him. The first day I visited him I had a bad day and it was a way for me to get out of the house with grandpa to go see my baby cousin. I didn't know that he would change my life so much. He showed me how little the things I were going through were, compared to what he was facing. While I was angry about things going on in my life, he was fighting for his life. He taught me to be aware of other things instead of being wrapped up in my selfish ways.

Watching Greg the first time I visited Mav inspired me a lot. You could see how much he really did love him and you could see how much faith he had. I will never forget the things Greg said to me that day. Reading your blogs and seeing all the pictures of the family showed me what kind of family I want to have someday. Although it will be a long time away.. Don't worry.

I always said I would never give blood, because I hate needles and blood and anything to do with it really..

But I promise I will now.
Just for little Mav and the people that need it in the future.

My church small group has been praying for Mav and the family, and will continue. You've showed me how to never give up on God and have trust in Him completely.

Love,
Dakota Champeau

Anonymous said...

juli and greg, though i never got to meet maverick in person, i can't tell you how attached i had become to him through your reports of his progress. he made an indelible mark on my heart from the very first picture you posted. each time i read an entry i sat there staring at the screen and marveling at the strength - both yours and maverick's. you have all been such an example of determination and courage. you are all an inspiration to everyone to put one foot in front of the other no matter what. and that strength will get you through this journey that nobody should have to travel. we love you and have you in our thoughts always as we will your precious maverick. god bless - karlin and family