{ Hello! }

My name is Gavin. I am 11 months old. I was born with a genetic disorder called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency that caused my liver to go into failure. I was misdiagnosed for 3 months and underwent emergency surgery before they found out what was wrong. I am on the Organ Donation List and am waiting for my "gift of life" so I can have a liver transplant. You can read about my story by clicking {here}. Thank you for visiting my online journal!

*It is our deepest sorrow to inform you that Gavin passed away while waiting to receive a liver transplant. He was only 14 days away from his 1st birthday. Please, if you haven't already, sign up to be a registered organ donor today and talk to your loved ones about your wishes: http://www.donatelife.net/. Thank you all so much for your love and support during this last year.

{ This is my family }

{ This is my family }

{ A Mother's Plea }

If you only read one thing on this website, let it be {this}.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Gavin's Funeral Service


{you may scroll down to see more pictures from the funeral service; remember to turn off the music in the sidebar before listening to the links}

Opening remarks by Bishop Free


Opening Hymn "Teach Me to Walk in the Light"


Invocation by Gavin's great-grandfather "Papa"


Bishop Free outlining program


Musical number "Jesus Savior Pilot Me" by Bethany's cousin James


Life Sketch by Gavin's "Grandma Ann"


Piano Medley "Primary Children's Songs" by Gavin's great-uncle Doug


Talk by Pres. Robinson, family friend


Special Musical Number "Mary's Lullaby" by Crystal, family friend


Closing remarks by Bishop Free


Closing Hymn "I Lived In Heaven"


Benediction by Gavin's great-uncle Robert















Bethany's cousin James

Bishop Free

Gavin's "Grandma Ann"

Pres. Robinson

Gavin's great-uncle Robert








Thank you to all our dear family and friends who helped us honor and celebrate Gavin's sweet life. The service was beautiful...the programs, the music, the pictures, the flowers, the guestbook, the video. Everything was perfect. It meant so much to us to have you all there, and we missed all those who were unable to attend.

15 comments:

Melody B. said...

This post was perfect. It really WAS a beautiful service. Some of those pictures are extremely hard to look at, but extremely beautiful at the same time. I love you.

Rebecca said...

Thanks for the sharing this with us. We have been thinking about you and praying for you all the time. It looks like you were so thoughtful and creative in your planning and set up. Everything looks beautiful. Remember to let us know if there is anything we can do. We love you guys.

Anonymous said...

It looks as though it was a beautiful service. Bethany, I still think of you so often as I know so many other liver families have. I know that nothing will ever erase your memories, but I do hope that time is easing your pain. Gavin's sweet smile is forever in my heart.

Love, Jody (Kenya's mommy from Liver Families)

Lacey.costner said...

Wow, it really sounds like it was a beautiful service. We were able to see Alice, Kelsey, and Corinne on Tuesday and heard how wonderful it was. Thank you for sharing it with us, and glad to see an update on the blog. Much Love, the Costners.

nancy said...

dear andre & bethany,
the service was so beautiful and such a tender tribute to your precious baby gavin. there was so much love, and so many tears of sorrow from all there whose lives he touched in such a short time. please know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

love, nancy m.

Thomas Family said...

Bethany-

What a brave soul you are. How precious is your little one? So precious. I can tell this was a sweet service. It breaks my heart to see some of them as I am sure it does you but everything looks beautiful. I hope you are doing ok. Hang in there and remember you are in so many peoples prayers and thoughts, probably forever. :)

Pa said...

thanks for sharing this all with us. beautiful pictures ..........my prayers are with you, sending you and the family peaceful thoughts and hugs!

Patti
papage from LF

Marisa said...

Tears are flowing for you all.
Gavin's memory will live on.

~Marisa from Liver Families

Anonymous said...

Prayers continue...

Frank (Marisa's Dad)

Becky said...

Oh Bethany! Thanks for the pictures & the post. It was a beautiful service. I don't think it could have been better. When you're ready I'd like to make you a blog book from all your entries...let me know if that would be okay. We love you guys so much!!! And I just love the little 'G' pumpkin you carved for Gavin, so sweet.
We missed you tonight.

Brett and Meredith said...

The services for Gavin were so beautiful and the Spirit that was felt in that meeting was tangible. One that will remain in your hearts and the hearts of all who attended. Our prayers continue to be with your dear family.

marie said...

Bethany,
Thank you so much for posting the pictures and audio clips. I listened to the entire service, and it was beautiful. The music and the talks were so touching. I had forgotten about all of the rain before and after our garage sale. That really was a miracle it stopped for those few hours! Thank you for that reminder that prayers are answered. I hope you know you are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
Love and miss you,
Marie

Erin said...

Andre and Bethany,
Though we never got the chance to meet you and your precious little Gavin your story touched our hearts more than you will know. When I read about Gavin's passing I couldn't even imagine the pain that you guys are in. You are an amazing little family and the reunion that you will have with Gavin some day will be amazing. The service was beautiful, thank you for sharing that with us. Please let me know if you need anything at anytime. All of our love.
The Crockett Family

Barrett, Melinda, Angel Trinity, and Baby Zander said...

I am so sorry that you had to have this kind of day for Gavin...Trinity's funeral was beautiful, just like Gavin's...but it wasn't easy...and still isn't. Thank you for sharing the pictures of his funeral with us here on your blog. He's a beautiful little boy and my wish for you is for him to come and visit you in your dreams...I wish for that all the time from Trinity. I'm always here for you when you need another "Angel mommy" to talk to...

Love ya,
Melinda Adams
(Trinity's mommy)

Robin said...

I'm sorry. Losing a child is difficult. Thankfully we have the gospel. It is great to know it, but it is still hard. Remember all the times you had. Memories are a blessing.

Robin Petty
a friend of the Hamatake's