June 9, 2007 – June 27, 2008

Posted on June 27, 2008. Filed under: Uncategorized |

Click here to view a beautiful slide show of Gavin and his family: http://www.bellissimaphoto.com/Gavin.htm

6/27/08
Today we write to you with the heaviest of hearts, as our baby Gavin has left us for the last time to be with God, the man who will cure him for all of eternity. Right up until the end, our little man would not and did not give in. He fought and fought but eventually the disease proved too much for his little body. Shannon and I would like to send our hearts out to each and every one of you who stood bedside us throughout this entire journey. Words can not express our gratitude and love for all of you. Today I want everyone to look around them and see how special and how lucky they are for what they have… friends, family, children, because as you may take some of those things for granted, tomorrow they may not be there to hold close to you.

Gavin Paul Myers managed to change a whole community and band them together with only a smile and a hug. To me, he is and always will be the biggest, strongest man that I know. At the age of only 6 months, Gavin had literally 1000’s of people wrapped around his finger. He endured many hardships in his short little life but came out of every one of them with a smile. And as we sit here today sad as can be, just a few weeks after his 1st birthday, we know that heaven has just called one of the best little angels that it possibly could have home, and for that we are the happiest and proudest parents in the world!

Visiting hours will be at Tomon’s Funeral Home in Ellport:
Sunday, June 29th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm
Monday, June 30th from 11 am – 1 pm
Following Monday’s viewing, the funeral will be held at Camp Run U.P. Church in Fombell.

We love and thank everyone for everything,
Rick and Shannon

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THE BORROWED GEM

I’ll lend you for a little time
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while he lives
And mourn for when he’s dead.

It may be twelve or thirteen months,
Or twenty-two, or three;
But will you, ‘till I call him back
Take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charm to gladden you,
And shall his stay be brief,
You’ll have his lovely memories
As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return;
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true,
And from the throng that crowds life’s lanes,
I’ve selected you.

Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call
To take him back again.

I fancied that I heard you say,
Dear Lord, Thy will be done;
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we’ll run.

And though we wish we had more time,
We’ll love him while we may;
And for the happiness we’ve known,
Forever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for him
Much sooner than we planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that came,
And try to understand.

(Hope this poem helps during your time of grief. You’re in the entire Seneca Valley community’s thoughts and prayers.

You don’t know me but i learned about your son from Payton’s web site(another child who passed away from cancer)know Gavin is in heaven now playing with Payton and they are watching out for you.May God help you through the long journey that lies ahead for you and your family.
My heart felt prayers go out to you and your family

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

May your smiles never stop and your strength never weaken.

I was so sorry to hear the sad news about Baby Gavin. I have been praying that God’s Will would be done since day one. It is so sad, but we know that he is with all the other little angels. He has been a great little tropper. I have never met his Mother and Dad, but I am a cousin of his Great Grandmother, Shermanetta. I pray that God will give the family the strengh needed to get through the hard days that lie ahead. I will be keeping each of you in my prayers. My God bless you all at this time.

Rick & Shannon,
Our deepest sympathies go out to you. You and Gavin are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. May God be with you and give you comfort through this difficult time.

Mr. and Mrs. Myers and Madison,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know how hard Gavin fought and how strong he was. You have been in, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers. Gavin will forever be one of “our kids”.
God Bless,
Team 3 at Chartwell, PA.

From Shermanetta’s friends in California,
we send our most sincere condolences to you
and your family. There are hundreds of people
in the states of Colorado, Nevada, and
California holding your family close to their
hearts in prayer.
The Newton, Becker, Dooling, and Baier families

Gavin the biggest hero I have ever meet. In his short time his legacy will forever stay with me. I hope and pray for comfort and peace for you and your family.

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Dear Rick& Shannon,my thoughts and prayers are with you tonight.
in his short life,Baby Gavin touched so many of us.May he rest in Peace.
Love,
Ellen
Christine’s Aunt

Dear Rick & Shannon,My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight.In his short life,Baby Gavin touched so many of us.May He Rest In Peace
Ellen El Domeiri
Christine’s Aunt

I am the girl from rite aid pharmacy who always ask about the little guy.. I just heard the news yesterday an it just melted my heart away. I just wanted to say “your thoughts an prayers are with me always.” May god help u thru this long jorney ahead.. Just remember that angels above is taken good care of him..

Our heart and prayers are with you all, no words can express the sorrow we share with you. We will continue to keep all of you in thoughts and prayers. Heaven truly became a brighter place with Gavin entering it. God Bless. Patti and family

rick and shannon what a beautiful thing you wrote about gavin. we pray for him and the family. our hearts are with you.

My family and I are former New Castle residents and have been praying for your family and Baby Gavin from a far. We are so terribly saddened to hear of his passing. There are no words to help take away the pain. Just know there are thousands of people who fell in love with your baby and are mourning with you today. We pray God holds you in the palm of His hands and wraps His loving arms around you during this terribly difficult time.

rick and shannon, what a beautiful letter you wrote. we pray for gavin and the family.

Rick,Shannon,Maddie and Family,
Deepest sympathy and love.

Im the girl from rite aid who always ask about gavin. I just heard the news yesterday an it melted my heart. My thoughts an prayers are with u always.Just remember that the angels are keepin him safe an sound . Gavin is the angel we will always remember..

Rick, Shannon, Madison, and all of Gavin’s family,
I learned today that Gavin went to a place where he will feel no pain. I am very sorry for our loss and amazed by your strength. Your family will be in your thoughts and prayers.
Jackie

Dear Rick, Shannon & Madison,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at probably
one of the most difficult times you will ever face.
May God putting his loving arms around you and
comfort you. We know that Gavin’s pain is suffering
is no more and he is now an angel in God’s realm.
We love you and will always be here for you, whatever
you may need. God Bless. Aunt Ginny and Uncle Jack

Gavin was indeed a special little man and touched so many in his short time here on earth. Surrounded by a loving family and community of friends, he taught us all how to handle the tough stuff life can throw at you. Thanks for enriching our lives by letting us be a part of your journey via this website. Your love and faith gives you strength and you have generously shared it.
Gavin fought valiently and has earned his wings. We choose to picture him giggling with God for all eternity.

May God keep you in his care and he will, I grew up with Dale, Gavin’s granfather. I can’t imagine the apin the family is going through but I do know that God is there for them and will provide what they need to get throught this time. My deepest sympathy as go enter this time of mouring for Gavin.

Your whole family is my thousts and prayers at this very diificult time. Gavin was a very special little boy and did definately ear his wings!!! May you find peace in knowing that he is no longer suffering.

Our thoughts & prayers are with your family.
Gavin touched so many hearts. He will be
remembered for his amazing strength.

If You Could See Me Now
(Kim Noblitt)

Our prayers have all been answered. I finally arrived.
The healing that had been delayed has now been realized.
No one’s in a hurry. There’s no schedule to keep.
We’re all enjoying Jesus, just sitting at His feet.

Cho: If you could see me now, I’m walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now, I’m standing strong and whole.
If you could see me now, you’d know I’ve seen His face.
If you could see me now, you’d know the pain is erased.
You wouldn’t want me to ever leave this place,
If you could only see me now.

My light and temporary trials have worked out for my good,
To know it brought Him glory when I misunderstood.
Though we’ve had our sorrows, they can never compare.
What Jesus has in store for us, no language can share. (Chorus twice)

You wouldn’t want me to ever leave this perfect place
If you could only see me now
If you could see me now
If you could only see me now

this song has helped me…..i hope it helps you…

We’re so very, very sorry and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

Love,
Jerry and Sandi

God bless baby Gavin and God bless you, his wonderful family. May you feel the love and support you need as you travel through this most difficult time.

[...] June 9, 2007 – June 27, 2008 6/27/08 Today we write to you with the heaviest of hearts, as our baby Gavin has left us for the last time to be with [...] [...]

Rick and Shannon, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you are your family.

Shannon and Rick,

We am so sorry to hear about your loss. May God comfort you during this difficult time.

Though I don’t know you I have followed the story since I heard about it. I am so sorry for your loss. Gavin has touched a lot of people in his life. He will never be forgotten. He brought us a message to love our families and never take them for granted, for none of us knows how much time we will have together. God Bless.

I knew Baby Gavin through Kim Ottaviani. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of immense sadness. Gavin is at peace and is waiting patiently until you can enfold him in your arms once again.

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Our hearts go out to you Shannon, Rick, Maddie and family. We pray for comfort and peace for each of you during this time. Gavin is a bright little angel that touched so many in a short time. May GOD hold you and continue to shine HIS everlasting light upon you.

GOD Bless and love,
Susan, Christopher and Brett Hartman

Rick, Shannon and Madison -
You do not know me, but I am Jamie’s sister-in-law. My deepest sympathies go out to you as well as all Gavin’s loved ones. Please take comfort in the perfect knowledge that one day, you will all be reunited again in our Father’s kingdom. How blessed you are to be the chosen ones to care for and love Gavin. The Lord has called Gavin home, but the world has gained an Angel! The same God that chose you will also be the one who will comfort you. Be well…

Rick, Shannon, and Madison..
you dont no me, I’m only 15
but not a day went by when gavin
wasnt on my mind, and he still is
even though hes in heaven now, I’m
so sorry about him, I prayed for him
almost every second of every day.. but
thankfully hes not in any pain anymore
and thats what gets me happy when i think
about him, but now gavin is my new
favoirte little angel, I’ll never forgot him, or you guys.. gavins taught me how to be strong and that theres more important things to worry about in life then crying because you didnt get what you wanted. Once again I am so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Baby Gavin :(

* I’m not sure if you could get to the website, it might be blocked.

We are so sorry for your loss. You and your
family will be in our hearts and prayers.

Rick & Shannon
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family. May his memories help you threw this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless you
The Yova Family

dear madison diana,
how lucky gavin has been – to have you for his
big sister! you played with him, and helped take
care of him, and loved him, and made him smile.
when you miss your baby brother – it’s ok to cry.
and, when you’re happy – let him see you play and laugh
laugh and sneak candy from the cupboard!
I love you and mommy and daddy!

p.s. I think that you taught Gavin lots of
things – like determination and those smiles!

Rick and Shannon,
We are sorry we were unable to attend visiting hours for your little Gavin. Our hearts are saddened. You and the community have gone through is illness together and we will all grieve together. We all know he doesn’t hurt anymore however that won’t take away the fact that your little boys is in heaven. Shannon I know that your parents are with Gavin and will take good care of him. Take care of yourselves and Madison.
Love Pam and RJ Volz

My heart and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. Although there are no words that can take away your grief, I have always found solace in this poem.

SAFELY HOME
I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever, safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder how I so calmly trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! But Jesus’ love illumined every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Pray to trust our Father’s will.
There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remaineth – You shall rest in Jesus’ land.
When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home;
Oh the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!

My deepest sympathies,
Erica

Lot’s of love, thoughts and prayers to Shannon, Rick and Maddie. Even though we never met baby Gavin, we know he will be our angel in heaven when we get there!

Shannon, Rick, and Madison…
We are so sorry for your loss of baby Gavin. We extend our sympathy in your time of grief. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Liz and Howie

Rick and Shannon

So sorry to hear about Gavin. You guys will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so thankful and grateful that I got to meet your little guy and experience first hand that smile of his. Thank you for allowing me that gift. I’m sure my Alex was there along with many other loved ones with open arms awaiting Gavin’s arrival into Heaven. I can picture my Alex showing him around and being the big brother that he loved being here on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Please know that I am just a phone call away at anytime. My heart breaks for you…

Your family is in our thoughts and our prayers. I am deeply sorry for your loss of your precious child.

Dear Shannon,Rick and Maddie,
Words cannot express my thoughts and feelings of this past weekend. I pray that the pain and sorrow of your loss will be replaced by the knowledge that Gavin is in a beautiful place, and that he has become one of Heaven’s most beautiful angels. I believe he will be watching over all of us and those who loved him. I am honored to have known him. May God’s loving Strength and Grace be with you aloways.

Dear Rick and Shannon,

Christine is a dear friend and she has kept us abreast with Gavin’s progress over the last few months. We cannot begin to fathom the grief you feel and want you to know that your story.. Gavin’s story… has truly touched us here in Chicago. As the parents of 2 small children, we made special prayers for baby Gavin and know you have a special angel looking over all of you – especially his sister, Madison. Our heart breaks for all of you.

All our love,
Jeff, Kristine, Easton & Caroline Gross

Shannon, Rick and Madison,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am a co-worker of Kim Ottaviani and just heard the heartbreaking news. Please know that there is a very large group of us here in Florida that share in your sorrow during this difficult time. May Merciful God watch over all of you and may He hold precious Gavin in the palm of His hands. My family and I will continue to pray for strength for each of you as you go forward.

Dear Myers Family,
Although I never met you, your sister is my eye doctor and I would always ask about Gavin. We added him to our prayer chain at Church, too. I am so, so sorry for your loss, but know that heaven is much richer because of him being there. May God comfort you during this time and may you know you are loved and held up in prayer by so, so many. Gavin was so blessed to have had you for parents!! Sincerely, Rebekah Upperman & Family

I knew Baby Gavin through Kim. She and I both work together. Baby Gavin touched so many lives and he continues to do so. I am so truly sorry for your loss. My family and I will continue to keep you all in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. God bless Baby Gavin and your family.

Just want to say how much that we all enjoyed the photographs of your family! We really loved it.

I have never met Baby Gavin but love him just
the same! Amy Leas is my sister-in-law and
she told me about Gavin back in December. I
have been reading his updates and praying for
ever since. What a lovely little boy. I am
so sorry for your loss. I will continue to
keep your family in my prayers!

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-
silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the
tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds–and done a
hundred things
You have not dreamed of–wheeled
and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence; hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along,
and flung
My eager craft through footless halls
of air.
Up, the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the windswept heights
with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew–
And, while the silent lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face
of God.
~John Gillespie, High Flight

…and so our wee Gavin dances now with angels
and we vow to still hold you close as you learn
to walk (and perchance one day to dance) now
here without him in your arms…holding his
smile forever in our hearts…

Nee Nee and Steve

Keeping your family in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear about Gavin. I hope Madison is doing ok and hope that you are both staying strong for Madison. Please update on here from time to time so we all know how your family is doing. Hang in there and Fully Rely On God.

Although I did not personally know little Gavin, I was made aware of him through my good friend Kim. We were all praying for him and will continue to do so as he is now an angel in heaven, at peace.

Hello Rick and Shannon. My name is Kristen and I’m a friend of Christine and Chad’s. I began working with Christine again a few days ago and she mentioned the very recent events with your family. Obviously I have never met you nor do I know Gavin personally, but compassion does not require me too. Every human understands love for his or her family.
While it’s clear that immeasurable grief is paramount when a death occurs, you must know there is also always Light. Consider the higher power at work; God always has a plan and He does not make mistakes. This experience in your life was always intended to be there because you were the only souls strong enough to take it on.
I understand that Gavin was in this material world
for exactly one year and 18 days. Considering the leap year that’s 384 days or 9,216 hours or better yet 552,960 minutes. Those are 552,960 minutes of the purest, most unconditional love and light that you were blessed to have experienced and I doubt you’d forsake them for anything in the world; not for nobody and no how!
Our souls arrive here in the vessels that are our bodies and they spend the time they need to on earth. Then they move on. They do not die. While it may have seemed like a blink, this was one little soul whose 552,960 minutes made the impact of a lifetime. Those absolutely beautiful, amazing, amazing photos of your family and little Gavin himself are proof of that.
So here’s a toast to the glorious 552,960 moments
you were lucky to have experienced; I raise my glass to you and the happiness that Gavin indeed brought into your life. Annus Mirabilis!

I’ve been following your journal daily for quite some time. Your family’s journey has touched me so deeply and has taught me, in a huge way, to cherish each moment with my children. Though I don’t know you, thank you for sharing Gavin with me. My deepest sympathy to your family on the passing of your precious baby boy. May you feel God’s love, peace and strength during this time.

“We have lost Gavin, but we have gained many new crusaders in the fight against childhood cancer.

Gavin was a treasure whose spirit and resiliency will never be forgotten. He might have passed on, but he will never die.”

Rick, Shannon, and Maddie– As tomorrow approaches I just want to you all to know that you are weighing so heavily on my mind–I pray for you all every evening to find some comfort in knowing that Gavin is at peace now–Not one day goes by that I don’t think about him and think of you three and my heart still sinks. He still lives in my heart and I will never forget him– God Bless you all in your daily living. I love you– Love, Stac

Still praying for your family. May you find peace in knowing that Gavin is no longer suffering.

God Bless The Meyers Family. Our Prayers Are With You Everyday. Hope You Are All Doing Well.

Shannon, Rick & Madison,
Your family has been in our thoughts and Prayers. As tomorrow approaches we will be thinking of you. If you need anything we are here for you.
Debbie, Jim & Cory

We continue to think of you and pray for you… Gavin made a huge impact on a small community, and will certainly not be forgotten!

Rick and Shannon, I just wanted to wish you both a Happy Anniversary ( even tho I see it wasn’t so easy). I still pray everyday for God to help to ease your pain and help you to move on. I check the sight daily to seeh how you are doing. It still breaks my heart to think of what you are still going thru. I am happy that Maddie can still be happy and that her happiness helps to help you!! She is a wonderful little girl and you are very blessed with her. Shannon when I saw you at the ER last weekend with Blake I just wanted to grab you and hug you–but I know that always makes it worse, and I did not want to upset you. I was actually praying that Jarred or Blake did not say anything to you. I just wanted you guys to know that I still think of you everyday and Gavin is still alive in my heart. I love you!
Love, Sis

Shannon, Rick & Madison,
There are no words to express to your family. We just want you to know we think of you often.
God Bless
Debbie, Jim & Cory

Hold on to what is good even if it is
a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe even if it is
a tree which stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do even if it is
a long way from here…
Hold on to my hand even when
I have gone away from you.~Nancy Wood

…remembering…moment by moment…
holding on…heartbeat by heartbeat…and
sending big love always…

Shannon.Rick & Madison,
You are in our Prayer’s

Debbie, Jim & Cory

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Myers,
I think about your family often and still pray that things get a little easier day-by-day. I still find strength when I think of your story. I was watching Oprah a week or so ago and learned about a little boy named Eliot Mooney, who suffered from a rare condition that ultimately took his life, but for 99 days he was blessed with all the love he could possibly receive. When I saw Eliot’s story and the wonderful gift his father created to honor the memory of his son, I thought of your family. Maybe viewing this video and reading his story will bring you strength like it has to many people around the world. I feel blessed to have tuned in to Oprah to see this tribute to Eliot. Both Gavin and Eliot’s story have changed me forever and I like to think that they are playing in the clouds where they will never feel pain again.

trisomy18support.com
Oprah.com search for Eliot Mooney

You are always in my thoughs and prayers.

Regards,
Jackie Leasure

I am praying for all of you to make it through the tough times. Gavin is in a better place and is waiting for you all to join him someday. Post some pictures of Madison sometime. I bet she is getting big.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~ Kahlil Gibran

For the Love of Gavin…we invite you to celebrate the delight that was Gavin…a small boy who made a big impact…by making a small donation and raising a glass of lemonade in his honor to help cure childhood cancer one glass at a time…in celebration of what would be Gavin’s second birthday on June 9…please visit

http://www.alexslemonade.org/stands/13041

(click on the lemon next to “donate” NOT on “contribute” at the top for your donation to credit towards the For the Love of Gavin’s Lemonade Stand though all donations go to the same fund really to help fight childhood cancer)

…we remember…blessings…

Nee Nee and Steve

Shannon, Rick & Madison,
We are thinking of your family today.
Our Prayers are with you. Gavin touched so many people.
Debbie, Jim & Cory

We miss you, baby Gavin! Happy Birthday to you in heaven.

Rick, Shannon & Madison: We love you and hope you find comfort in knowing Gavin is enjoying his birthday today with God and all the angels in heaven.

Shannon, Rick & Madison,

We are thinking of you this week and weekend to come. It will be hard but your Angel is safe, happy and most of healthy and feeling no pain. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Love, Michael Tiffannie Widmaier and family

You are the comfort of my soul in the season of sorrow. You are the wealth of my spirit in the heartbreak of loss. ~ Rumi

In celebration of wee Gavin and in honor of all the families like the Myers Family who so bravely champion for their children…with hope that one day soon there will be a cure…

For the Love of Gavin Lemonade Stand
is still “open for business”…donations in Gavin’s name can be made to advance research to cure childhood cancer at:

http://www.alexslemonade.org/stands/13041

(click on “the whole lemon” (DONATE in blue letters) in the fundraising goal box in order to “record” your name as “donor” on the page…thank you…)

We rememeber…and we will not give up the fight…

Shannon, Rick & Madison,

Thinking of you today. Your in our Prayers.

Debbie, Jim & Cory


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