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.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Today was our sweet boy's funeral. Greg is concerned about me not having an outlet anymore - since writing on this blog has been my "therapy" for the last 5+months. I think I'll just keep writing... Maybe it will help someone else along the way if they have to go down this torturous road.
It was a tough day. I went to the funeral home this morning to hold Mav one last time. I think placing him in the Moses basket, knowing it was the last time I would get to hold his little body, was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I hated to leave. I remember going through pictures at my grandma's house and coming across pictures of funerals and the bodies of the deceased. I used to wonder why in the world anyone would want to do something like that. Now I know.
The funeral was just as I wanted it. No depressing music or funeral handouts. If I can figure out how, I'll post one of the cards that were handed out. There was a sweet slide show - I'll post that, too. We had lots of friends and family there. It was nice. After the funeral, we went to Resthaven Cemetery for the graveside service. My friends at Mediflight arranged a fly-over tribute to Mav with all three helicopters flying in formation. It made me cry. I think someone took pics and I'll post those as well. It was hard to leave his little casket there, especially knowing where it would be tonight. I'm crying just thinking about it. This has been such a difficult week.
I'd like to thank our friends and family who have been so helpful through all this process. We have been truly blessed. I'd also like to thank everyone who was able to attend. I know I didn't get to see all of you, but it means a lot to us that you would take the time to be there (thanks, Perky, for coming all the way from the big D - wish we were able to spend more time with you). To everyone who sent flowers and plants, they were beautiful. Thanks again, love you all -jc

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Juli & Greg - I know today was an extremely difficult day for you all...but I just had to tell you there was not a funeral today...it was a celebration of Maverick's life. What a wonderful, inspirational tribute.

Your pastor did a beautiful job in describing how Maverick truly was a gift..and the gentle way he spoke of Maddie and Carter was so very touching. The slide show was perfect and something you will treasure for a lifetime...and I'm so glad you will post it for everyone to see. Seeing all the medical personnel there to support you just warmed our hearts...you are blessed with so many friends. I also think that Greg carrying his baby out of the services was just how it should have been. I don't think words can ever express how beautiful a service it was and how everyone was blessed just by being there.

The flyover with the helicopters - what can I say? It was fantastic - a very special tribute and, I too, just watched with tears streaming down my face. Being a farm girl, I think it's cool Mav is laid to rest next to a field with cows...weird I know, but I think it's perfect.

Maverick was truly a gift from God and will always have a special place in our hearts. Just think - he was only here on this earth for 5 1/2 months and look how many lives he touched. Lots of love - Teresa

Anonymous said...

Hi Juli,

Wish I was able to attend today, but living in Maryland made that difficult to do.

I think blogging can continue to be a good oulet for you.

I would like to do something to honor Mav's memory. I'm checking into a couple of hospitals here to see if they need volunteers for rocking babies.

Next chance I get, I'm going to donate blood as well. I'm O Neg plus I have something in my blood that I've been told is good for babies.

Also would like to send a donation for the heart echo machine. If you haven't done so already, would you please post the address of the church and how to make checks payable?

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this journey. Every video and picture I saw of Mav brought a smile to my face.

Love to you and your wonderful family,

Sherry
Solomons, MD

Unknown said...

I felt like I had to be there, for me. I'll talk with you more when you are up to it. I may be going by ya'll in a few weeks with the family.

Anonymous said...

Julieanne and Greg, How blessed you are to have such a wonderful family. Your strength is amazing. Keep on writing until the words stop. Maybe someday Mav's story can be a book. The strength you have in each other and in God can only be an inspiration to others in their times of need.
I know you are worried about tomorrow and I know everyone wishes they could make tomorrow easier for your family. Wake up take a deep breath and hold Maddie, Carter and Chloe. They need you just a much as you need them. I love you.
Kendra

{rambling} said...

Juli, I think blogging is really good therapy...I hope you do keep it up.
much love,
Dejah

Anonymous said...

I dont think we ever met but I am Dejah's Mom. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Margarett Gumm

Sara Hurt (Biese) said...

I've followed your journey over the past few months and was completely saddened and heartbroken when I read of Mav's passing. I do not know you or your family, but from reading your blog know that you are a strong and loving mother. I am so sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for your family. Your blog has and will help others going through similar situations, so I encourage you to continue as I see it helping you as well...and that is very important right now. Take care of yourself and your family.

Sara

Kellie said...

I followed your story from McKinney. we never had a chance to meet but i feel as if i know a part of you and baby Maverick through your blog. i'm so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you and your family. You will continue to be in our prayers.

Just reading your entry today and the other comments, i think your continued blogging can be an inspiration to others.

Many prayers,
Kellie

Anonymous said...

My daugter told me about your son. I am so sorry to hear about maverick, But maybe Jesus needed a new baby to help him in heaven. Take care, Adrienne Neeley , Fulton, Kentucky