Looking at June’s calendar we knew the month was full of events, but we weren’t necessarily looking at what the unexpected may bring. The first 3 weekends were booked with weddings.
Randy and I both cherish participating in an event that brings so much joy and commitment. It makes me appreciate the gift of the man God had intended for me to spend the rest of my life with.
Jordan was able to share in the events. I guess you could call it bribing because we did not leave the house without his puffs to help keep his babbling skill down to a minimum during the services.
We were also filled with sadness as we will have attended 5 funerals as well, varying in ages from 10 to 80 years old. A common perspective is no one is ready to have a loved one pass. Each person made a difference in someone’s life.
Listening to each legacy makes you want to be a better person. It’s not the money you have, the kind of house or car you drive, but the time you invest in other people’s lives.
Today is actually the fourth visitation. We met our inspirational, courageous, heroic, soldier in February through Akron Children’s. We were so excited to watch and listen to the radiothon this year. Randy and I would leave either the radio or computer on for the duration of the event. We were inspired by each story that came across the airwaves.
One story in particular grabbed the attention of many hearts. He was referred to as Jedi Gino. We were beyond excited to walk into the radiothon to catch a glimpse and grab a photo with this hero with our little man.
As we spoke to his courageous mommy we asked what the outlook looked like for her soldier. She said they would need a miracle. As the months passed we kept in contact though Facebook and his CaringBridge website to keep up to date on how his treatment was progressing.
Jordan and Jedi Gino even shared Dr. Hudgins as a neurosurgeon. On Sunday we were saddened to hear that Gino had defeated cancer “General Grievous” once and for all.
My heart aches for all who had the honor of reading and following his journey. But you know, his legacy lives on, his journey inspired so many families, his light and love for life encourages us to push through the hard times, and causes me to want to love more.
God placed Gino at Children’s that day to make us all smile, and when I hear the song played with Gino’s voice telling the world his story it makes my heart proud to say that he was so brave and will be another inspiration to Jordan to never give up, never give in, and never take what you have for granted.
Lesson learned. Take each moment, laughter, time, smile and kiss goodnight and keep them in your heart’s treasure box. Thanks, Jedi Gino and family. We pray that you are wrapped with God’s love and know that we are humbled to be blessed by your warrior.
Read more about Megs’ and Randy’s journey of raising a child with spina bifida through her blog, Labor of Love.
