My Little Warrior Garrett

Today is Monday and it seems I find myself in a funk. I'm not sure what to term it cause I can't describe it.

Today is now Tuesday and I've just come down the stairs and I'm staring at four little Christmas stockings bought for each one of my grandsons. Gma starts crying. One grandson is not with us. Today is going to be a difficult day.

Today is Wednesday and today's feeling is that of anger. Why did we have to go through 3 surgeries, countless tests, poking, lab work, MRIs, CT scans and more just to come up empty? Will tomorrow be better?

On Nov 12, 2009 Garrett Michael Klein came into the world weighing 7lbs at 7:44am. Grandpa and I drove to Wabasha to see him and the kids. What a beautiful family. Little Garrett was beautiful. This was to be his family: Dad (Chris), Mom (Mindi) and big brother (Jonathan).




Gpa held him first and after what seemed like hours, he looked at me and said "do you want to hold him?" Hello? Is that a rhetorical question? Of course. I've just bitten off my nails waiting.

I got him in my arms and just studied him, His little face, lifted his individual fingers, amazed at how small the little nail was.



Isn't it something to think that this little miracle was born out of love and how he comes into the world and someday he'll be running and playing in the yard and waving at Mom to "watch me, Mommy!"

As I held him, I listened to him whimper. Was he in pain or was he just dreaming. Mindi called it his talking. I just wanted to hold him close and kiss him. Being Gma, that's what I get to do. I love kissing my grandbabies.

They are such miracles from God. They look up at you and you just want to melt. You come into their house and they see that it's you and they light up and squeal, and coming a running.

He was born with a rare condition called vein of Galen malformation. I won't go into all the details but he did have three brain surgeries and was asked to perform at 100% every minute. This little warrior accepted that challenge and performed at 110%. Friday, December 11th was to be his third surgery and alas, my little warrior could not fight anymore and went home to be with the Lord.

As a grandmother, I can tell you that it only takes anticipation of that birth and the subsequent holding of that child to fall hopelessly in love with them. You can only imagine and pray for them as they grow. Will time dim how I feel about him? Not in the least bit. In fact, it will only grow. The fact that he survived each and every surgery and kept giving, allows me to have a pride in him and that in turn deepens my love for him.

I was given this poem years ago and I quote parts of it now:

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today
While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you
And each time you think of me, I know you'll miss me too
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand
An Angel came and called my name and took me by the hand
And said my place was ready, in heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home
God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne
He said, "this is eternity and all I've promised you".
Today for life on eart is past, but here it starts anew.

You will always be my little warrior, Garrett. I love you and am grateful I had the chance to hold you but ever for a short while. I pray that you will watch over us until we come to see you again. All my love Gma Rossing.