Best Trophy Ever

Garrett and I recently spent a weekend of a lifetime together, hunting turkey in Kansas. It was a weekend to remember and I came home with my best trophy ever!

By way of a very good friend, Marv Clynke, Garrett and I were guests of the Southwick family at their ranch in north-central Kansas. The place is a wildlife mecca! Turkey, quail, pheasant, dove, deer, coyotes, owls, crows, snapping turtles, wood ducks, squirrels........more than we could count.

I say this was the weekend of a lifetime, and it is so. Garrett has hunted with daddy many times before. But this time was different. This time I was hunting with my friend and he was carrying his own tag, for the first time ever. Right in the middle of day two, we had worked our way down through a creek bottom so littered with deer tracks that it looked like someone was running cattle in there. As we clamored up to the top of the far bank, we found a good place to set up and ambush. Marv, who was guiding for us, was "bird dogging" about a half mile up from our location. We knew the birds were there, but it was so windy that they were tucked in pretty tight. So I set my back against a tree and pulled Garrett and his little shotgun (borrowed from Marv of course) up into my lap so we blended into the woods as literally just another "bump on a log". Within a few minutes, I got my trophy of a lifetime.

By the time Marv came to our location, I was holding my trophy as proudly as ever. Garrett had fallen asleep on daddy's lap. In the quiet time I had, just he and I before Marv arrived, I marveled at the goodness of God once again. Here in this beautiful place, surrounded by majesty of epic proportions, listening to a distant hen turkey calling, a crow scolding the hen and a woodpecker working on his own masterpiece, I held in my arms artwork unmatched. Through the "miles, trials, bumps, bruises and broken bones", we had reached a new pinnacle. Here, two hunting partners shared the beauty of God's hand, far from tubes, wires, needles, pagers, phones, doctors.....you get the idea. In the way only He could design, he gave me another gift I'll treasure all my days. He gave me the unconditional love of a little warrior cowboy, healthy and happy, in the only place he and I wanted to be right at that moment. And he let that little fighter relax enough to fall into a gentle sleep in daddy's arms. I've never brought home a better trophy. This one's mounted on the wall of my heart and will always hold a place of honor.

I'm continually astonished by the kindness of folks who reach out to us and do something special for my family. This hunt, this gift, will remain one of the most precious gifts I've ever received. It's hard to convey the sights, sounds, chill in the air, breeze........but believe me, all the stars aligned at that moment to impress a hallmark in my soul forever. Hearing his soft breaths, feeling his powerful heart, with him in my arms suddenly I could protect him again, if for only a few minutes. My love has never been stronger. Moments such as this one come along rarely, but thankfully, they do come along.

God bless you all. Take the time to find those moments with your little ones. They are fleeting at best, and to capture but one will give you the trophy of a lifetime.

JD

Organ Donor Awareness Week

The El Paso County Commissioners read a resolution on Tuesday, Garrett's 2nd anniversary with Darren's heart, to claim this week as Organ Donor Awareness week. We were invited to the public venue and were so honored to represent thousands of families effected by the need for organ donation.



They also recognized Garrett, Darren's family and Megan's family for their selfless sacrifice to reach out and help our Garrett. It was a very emotional event and well recieved by local media. Here are a few links to stories carried.



Garrett was so humbled by all the attention. He made a big deal about a "prayer box" given to him by Darren's family. They "put" a prayer into the necklace before they gave it to him. The prayer is for Darren's heart to continue to beat strongly and never fail Garrett, giving him a full life of joy and love. Garrett won't ever take it off.



Please consider becoming an organ donor if you haven't already. The heart we love with is not the heart we live with. Our souls' are already spoken for by the Perfect Physician. The rest is only here while we are on earth. If there is anything that we can do to help another, we are called to do so. That is why we allow Garrett's story to be told. If any part of our journey can help inspire someone to reach out, to help another or to find comfort in their own tough times, then we're happy to share the story.



God bless you all, and remember that in each of us beats the heart of a warrior. Find it and you will find a peace in Him that cannot be matched by anything on earth.



JD

http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=424211

http://www.newsfirst5.com/news/organ-donation-helps-colorado-boy-live-twice/##

http//www.gazette.com/articles/lesson-95020-gets-title-html

Heart Ball 2010 - Two Years of Victory

Over the weekend, we had the honor of representing thousands of families at the American Heart Association Heart Ball in Denver. The 2010 event spotlighted the journey of our little warrior and the blessings received through organ donation and medical intervention.

The black-tie event is an annual gala to raise awareness and money to help pediatric cardiac disease research. A 7 minute video was played that chronicled Garrett's journey through 22 surgeries, 3 hearts and two heart transplants. The film crew interviewed the entire family individually last year, but we didn't get to really see it that night because we were on stage. We could tell by the audience reaction that it was powerful. Sunday night after we returned we had a private showing at the house. Wow......break out the tissues.

We were deeply honored to share this special evening at the Heart Ball with Garrett's donor family as our guests. To have Hal and Rebecca with us meant more than we could describe and put an exclamation point on the depth of emotion shared at the event. I was felt so privileged to introduce them to the doctor who performed Garrett's last transplant. As they shook hands, those of us watching were captivated knowing that two young boys, strangers, fought for their lives two years ago. Soon, the hands of that doctor would touch both boys as he took a life giving heart from one and placed it in another and immediately made the boys, one. The first and last hands to touch Darren as a baby and then before Garrett took a part of him to carry on. It was a powerful moment.

I'll post some photos soon, but suffice to say that it was a memorable event raising a lot of money for heart disease research. If one child, one family, one moment of research is helped or improved by knowing this story.....then we are humbled to share the journey.

God bless to all,

JD

Good News

Just wanted to let everyone know that Garrett's tests finally gave us some relief. The good news is that the pain does not seem to be related to his heart. The bad news is that he is still having discomfort, and it's likely that pain is related to inflammation inside the chest wall. Because of all the surgeries over the years and the metal bands holding his chest together, as his body grows it shifts these things around. No fun while he's going through it, but we're grateful that his heart is ok.

Other good news! Garrett's nightmares are subsiding. He's been seeing a counselor who specializes in these issues. Garrett loves her and she is really helping him relax and not be afraid to go to sleep. He's just way too young to carry that baggage around.

This weekend will be busy. We have been asked to be the ambassador family for the American Heart Association Heart Ball in Denver this year. They have created a movie about Garrett's life and will use it to raise funds to help research in this area. Then on Tuesday, the El Paso County Commissioners are dedicating a resolution, making the week of March 2nd "Donor Awareness Week". It's being done because of Garrett, and honors the two beautiful kids who lost their lives but whose families selflessly shared organs with Garrett and others to give them a second chance. It will be emotional for sure.

More soon. We keep you all in our prayers, always thankful for the support and love.

Praise God every day.....for every day is a victory!

JD

Quick Update

Our little warrior started having chest pains yesterday at school. He's been complaining of bad head aches and stomach, plus some pain in his left arm. Don't need to remind everyone that those can be symptomatic of something more severe.

We immediately contacted physicians here and in Denver. As of now, he's had since, three blood draws, a battery of tests and visits to two doctors including Children's today. While we are seeing some things that raise our eyebrows, we're cautiously optimistic. We have to wait a few days for the complete results of all the blood tests, but so far everything seems to be within reasonable boundaries.

At very least, he will have to undergo a stress test next week. They may for ego that design and just head straight to a quick cath lab biopsy to be sure about possible rejection issues. We won't know until Thursday or Friday.

Overall, Garrett's been feeling good. He's been playing basketball and even helped take his team to playoffs. But he had to sit out part of the second game with a severe headache again. So for now, we'll just be grateful for our blessings and pray for healing. This is definitely not panic time, but it's never a bad time to keep praying that we don't get there again.

God bless to all,

JD

What a Game!

The anticipation was worth the wait! Garrett and I arrived in Ft. Worth on Wednesday and were met at the plane by two great guys, Captains 'Mac' McGilvray (F-16 pilot) and Lloyd Childs. Both men are AFA alumni and were helping to host Garrett's dream weekend. Mac also played football at AFA in the late 1990's.

At the hotel, Garrett got to meet with Chris Thomas, Justin Moore and the rest of the Fighting Falcons football team. They gave him the red carpet treatment! He spent the better part of two days hanging out with the Air Force football team and their families. It was fantastic, but the best was yet to come.

Game Day! We met the team at 0830 in the hotel lobby and were led to the team bus. Garrett's seat was waiting. It was a tremendous experience and great teaching moment. The team remains entirely quiet on the bus, taking private time to focus on the battle yet to come.

At the stadium, Garrett got to go into the locker room with the team and hang for quite a while as they prepared. Chris and Justin both took time to visit with Garrett and give him more "gifts" , items such as wrist bands and a pair of receiver gloves that Justin made Garrett promise not to take off during the game. He didn't.

The game was amazing, Chris had 12 tackles and two interceptions. Garrett was beside himself. The day was a cold one, but Garrett refused to break his promise to Justin and would not put on his warm gloves. It may have been an omen, because the Fighting Falcons beat the top rated passer in the country, picking him off 6 times. We watched the game with Chris' family, Mac and Lloyd. Toward the end of the game, Mac reached out to his friend and 3 time Super Bowl champion Chad Hennings, another Air Force alumn. Chad visited with Garrett and let him wear a Super Bowl ring. It was quite an experience.

Following the game, Garrett was brought back into the locker room to share in the victory celebration. Chris gave Garrett a big hug and all of the coaches and players kept thanking him for coming to the game. The overall character of these tremendous men boggles the mind. They are truly the best and the brightest. The future of our Air Force is in great hands! They represent what is good and decent about our Country, and I'm so proud to know them and have my son look up to them. Their behavior the entire time was beyond reproach. He ended his trip with a visit to Mac's family home. They are great people. All of them.

Garrett came home with a signed football, other trinkets and memories to last a lifetime. More than that, however, Garrett received so many positive examples of how true humble warriors should behave. From the coaches and players to the families, everyone was top-shelf and treated Garrett with such care, dignity and love.

There will be more to follow, but I wanted to drop a quick note to share just a glimpse of what a fantastic experience this was for our little warrior with the heart of a champion. It was a good break, because as we returned, he had more blood tests done. There were concerns that his kidneys may have been in trouble. Indications now, though, are that all is ok. Praise Jesus!

One last quick note....Garrett played his PSP video game on the plane trip down. He played the Air Force Vs. Houston game. His score: Air Force 49. Houston, 14. The final score of the real game: Air Force over Houston, 47-20. Pretty darn close!

God Bless you all. Remember to put on your armor and always fight the good fight.

JD

Merry Christmas

Wow! What a Christmas it has been around the Ross tribe. The blessings keep pouring in for us.

When Garrett wrote his "Santa letter" about a month ago, the first thing on his list was a "Chris Thomas" jersey. Chris is a remarkable young man who plays Strong Safety on the Air Force Academy football team. He is one of the best safeties in the conference! Garrett has never met Chris, but is really a fan of the player. I can't think of a more positive roll model than an Air Force Cadet. Our military have thousands of great people who stand for the right things in life.

I made a simple phone call to a great friend, Mike Simler, looking for a replica jersey. Mike's father was an Air Force General, Air Force Academy A.D., and started the Commander In Chief's Trophy. Well, that started a firestorm when Mike pushed buttons. Now a simple search for a Christmas gift has developed into a gift he'll never forget. The Air Force Academy football team, Chris Thomas' family, the Simlers and others, are sponsoring Garrett to join the team at the Armed Forces Bowl in Ft. Worth, TX on New Year's Eve! He will stay at the team hotel, ride over to the game on the team bus and get to spend time with the team and their families. What an incredible gift! We are humbled beyond comprehension. This truly will be a gift he never will forget. How many kids ever get to see a bowl game, with their favorite team and college player?

The kids gave me the best gift I could have received this year. They knew funds were tight so they didn't ask to buy each other a gift. Instead, they each on their own, decided to give the other an item of theirs that is very special. To watch that interaction and see them hug each other Christmas morning without being influenced by mom or dad is truly a gift I will never receive. Those two are best of friends and the love they share makes me proud. They've been through a lot together, and their bond is extraordinary. They showed this, too, during a recent filming event to promote research for heart disease.

We have been asked to represent the American Heart Association as an "ambassador family" of sorts, for a large event and fundraiser in Denver next year. We've always said that if Garrett's story can help another child, we'll share it. They are producing a short film on Garrett's journey, and just hearing what the kids said about each other, family, friends and God.....again, warms the heart of a daddy.

Jessi has been amazing throughout all of the challenges and highlights. There's been so much done and said about Garrett, and Jessi has quietly stayed in the background being supportive, loving and unselfish. Even when Garrett was so sick she would go around to me, Garrett or mommy and make sure we were all ok. She's much more mature than her 8 years. Kathy and I have decided that an "anonymous" donor is going to sponsor her for a trip with one of us for being such a great sister through all of this. She is more eaten-up with rodeo than even her brother, so we're going to take her to an out of state rodeo for a few days and really make over her. Garrett is a very special boy, but he's just a boy and we want to balance how much attention he gets while Jessi sits back and watches in silence. There needs to be a reward for that kind of courage, too.

Well, it's winter again. The cold keeps us inside more than we like, but it gives me fewer excuses not to drop you all a note and let you know how the little warrior is doing. He's taken to basketball now and is doing well. He likes the game and his coach plays him a lot. He continues to have nightmares but we've finally gotten a few leads on someone who may be able to help him move past that.

As I sign off, I ask you all to pray for a family I know who lost their son to heart disease just a few days ago. While we were able to celebrate the magic of Christmas with our son, another family is planning a funeral for theirs. The gifts we have been given are not wasted because we will continue to use these gifts to glorify God and help find a way to cure this terrible disease.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may you all share in the blessings of the Christ Child, the warmth of His love, and the magic of the season seen through the eyes of a child who for a while, can forget about fear and pain. If we learn from them, we can too.

God Bless,

JD