Eight years ago on this very day, November 18, 2000, Gus, Meip Meip, and myself brought Gunner( by this time a 4 pound 5 ounce baby) home from the NICU of Springfield, St. John’s Hospital after living there for 75 days.We were greeted by Bon Bon, Jon Boy, Gappy, and Shadow (our black and white Shih Tzu) with a welcome home meal and cake at our Robinson home on Julie Court.We had been preparing Shadow for the arrival of Gman by bringing home blankets with his scent on them.The first thing Shadow did was give Gunner a big ol’ wet kiss on the face.After being in NICU for 3 months we had been trained very well on infections and germs.I was worried to death about Shadow licking him.She was good with him and loved him so as he loved her too.
That seems like a lifetime ago.Oh if you could turn back the clock of time.I remember how scary and overwhelming NICU was at the time.However, it was nothing like the past 11 months.Believe it or not they both have their positives and negatives.You have to look for the blessings in each incident so there are some bright spots.
Four weeks ago on this very night was the “Gunner’s Favorite Movie Night” and he was disappointed that he could not go because he was feeling so bad.However, it was on this night that he asked to go to the living room to watch tv.Gus and I were so excited because he wanted to be up.We sat in the living room while he ate and he was talking.Gman was very alert.He told me that he was lonely and that he wanted to see Coleton.I called Crystal to see if she could bring Coleton by after the moving and she did.The boys laughed, talked and sat together.Gunner asked to watch the Peanuts Pilgrim Story of the Mayflower.Looking back now we think Gunner knew that this was his last moments to be so alert.He had told his dad some time ago that on the day that we came to get him and take him to the hospital for his Cat Scan, that he had been watching this very same Peanuts show but that he could not watch it because he could not get his head up.Gunner told us that he just listened and laughed when the other kids laughed.How very sad.
Gus and I talked quite a bit this afternoon about him.I asked if he thinks it will ever not hurt to think of Gunner.Oh don’t get me wrong there are a lot of comfort and good memories but there is also a lot of pain too.We think of him daily if not hourly sometimes.It is so hard to have him on your mind all the time.There are so many Christmas trains out that you can’t hardly pass by one and with each one I think of my Gman.They are bittersweet reminders of what I had and what I have lost.Gunner had a traumatic birth and a traumatic death but he still seem to make the most of his 8 years of life and for that I am grateful.
Gunner and I had plans to look for a Christmas tree this year.Gus and I still had the same tree that we had when we got married.It was a pencil thin one (those kind for small apartments) and the branches had gotten pretty thin and worn.Gunner was so afraid last year that our tree would have nothing needles on it this year so we had decided that we would go looking for a new one.So I decided to keep that idea up and so I went looking.I took Garlynn with me and she was not as interested in shopping for one as Gunner would have been.I missed him dearly as he would have been so excited and he would have been just running all over the place looking with his precious hands of his.Garlynn actually acted pretty ugly a few times so I think from now on I will just need to leave her at home.She just does not quite get into it like Gunner.
I want to take this time to thank all those people, teams, and organizations that took part in the Gunning for Gunner Tournament.It was a true success and it could not have been without all those involved.So many people helped.This is a testament of how God works.I am so proud how people have continued to come and do a good deed even more so now that Gunner is gone.It shows the true character of many people by putting so much time into it and not getting anything in return.It absolutely thrills me that people still want to hop on board of Gunner’s train to make a difference.So much went into this tournament that it took all the people involved to make it a success.A Big Thanks to all of you!!!Churches, individuals, teams, strangers, and friends came out to help by doing a variety of things such as donating baskets for the silent auction , baking goods, working concessions, taking money at the gates, playing, and coaching that it was a jammed packed weekend.I know that Keith Steele and Dennis Foust did a lot of work on organizing so I would like to thank them personally.I wish there were words that could express our gratitude and appreciation because “thank you” does not seem like enough.
The Christmas cards have been proofed this evening.They look so good.I should find out tomorrow when they will be done and then I can start to try and process the orders and get them sent out.As mentioned before 1 card has his Christmas Train that he drew about a week before he passed and the other one is a picture of all the people that surrounded our house for the “Glow for Gunner” night.
I was going to talk about our trip to DC but it will have to wait until tomorrow.I am too tired.Gus was gone most of the evening to a scrimmage and so I am glad that Garlynn and I were busy looking for a tree.We did find one and at a really great price.It was marked down to less than half so that was even better.I had a hard time deciding and so I let Garlynn pick it out.I really wish I had two rooms to put a big tree in because I would have gotten the other one too.Hee hee!My friends know why I put that in there as I usually put a tree up in everyone room.Garlynn would have her princess tree in her bedroom and Gunner would have his train tree in his bedroom.I would also put one up in the kitchen and my bedroom.They were all smaller trees but none the less they were trees that needed lights and ornaments but Gunner would help with each one so it was fun to do.Garlynn will help with hers but she loses interest pretty quick.I will miss my G when I decorate this year.
The evenings are so long.I think because it gets dark so early and because it is so quiet around the house with one less kiddo around.It is amazing to me the difference that one child can make.
Off to sleep.Hugs and love to all!
Angel Gunner’s mama, Janna
The little boy is forever 8, whole, healthy and tumor free!
I am going to repost the service info as I have had some people asking for it.I believe that it will be on the funeral website for 90 days.
Gunner's Memorial Service and Celebration of Life took place on Monday, November 3, 2008 at the CalvertCityUnitedMethodistChurch in Calvert City, KY at . There was also a Memorial Service near Gus and Janna's hometown on Thursday, November 6th at 6:00 pm Illinois time (7:00 pm Indiana time) at the First Baptist Church, 2625 Wabash Avenue, Vincennes, IN 47591 with a Celebration of Life taking place afterwards at the Moose Lodge in Lawrenceville, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Gunner Gillespie's Magic Train Memorial Fund at
Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB)
PO Box 467
Benton, KY42025
Please specify with your donation the account to deposit your contribution as there are two funds there. One for Gunner's medical and memorial fund and this new one that has been created to start a non-profit organization to help with research and the many other organizations that have helped the Gillespies during this journey as well as other DIPG families in need of assistance.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Gunner's spirit is alive and well as he is already leaving signs that he is ok and happy!
WPSDTV continues to play wonderful tributes about Gunner and the need for more information and research about DIPGs. They have given him many minutes of air time and once again they have done a wonderful job. We are lucky to have such a supportive TV station in the area with wonderful people working there. Below are both links to the stories they aired. The first one being the most recent one.
They have supported us on and off the air. Thank you so much to everyone at the station. We truly appreciate your support, love, and prayers. God Bless you! My hope is that they will continue to help against the fight of Childhood Cancers and DIPGs.
Below is a fundraiser that I had mentioned some time ago but Tiffany wanted me to repeat it in case people had forgotten. Thank you!
Fundraiser for Gunner Gillespie. Pampered Chef products are a collection of kitchen tools and entertaining pieces. To browse the catalog online go to this link, https://www.pamperedchef.com/ordering/shopOnline.tpc Please make sure all orders are emailed to tbeamer@comcast.net otherwise the purchase won’t go towards Gunner’s fundraiser. 20% of the product sales will go to help the Gillespie’s and I will donate the commission I earn to them as well. This is a great time to start Christmas shopping and products can be shipped anywhere in the country. All orders need to be received by November 30th. Traditional stoneware pieces are 20% off. Happy shopping, Tiffany Beamer.
I want to share some info below about a 9 year old girl trying to be an advacate for Children’s Cancer. You go, girl! Please help Mercedes by buying her book that she wrote.
Together, Mercedes, Dillon, Madison, Raegan, Emma, and Sophie will solve the mystery of “The Deep Dark Forest of Doom”.
The Deep Dark Forest of Doom is a 32 page book written for a younger audience of children ages 1-10 years of age. The book is written by Mercedes Bierman and co-illustrated by Dillon and Mercedes Bierman.
“To live a full life is to make a difference in the life of another. I hope to live a full life each day of my life”.
Author Mercedes Bierman
Mercedes Audriana Tate Bierman is 9 years old. Mercedes began to enjoy writing stories while she was in 2nd Grade. Her teacher, Mrs. Crites, inspired her to write and illustrate books. Her writing skills have grown over time through other wonderful teachers. In the 3rd Grade, Mercedes had the privilege to write the book, “The Deep Dark Forest of Doom”, which was chosen as the district wide Young Authors Winner.
During the Summer of 2008, Mercedes had the honor of being named 2008 Illinois State Overall Sunburst Princess, as well as 2008 Sunburst International Little Miss Queen. Immediately, Mercedes chose Childhood Cancer as her official cause. She wanted to publish her book, “The Deep Dark Forest of Doom”, and donate 100% of the profit to children who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
Mercedes will be donating the profits of her book to 2 children, Gunner Gillespie, and Landon Stukey who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer. She hopes to expand her efforts to other children with cancer.
Her book will be available on-line, in book stores, or through orders placed directly to her. More profits will be available if the book is purchased directly through her, so she is urging everyone to please place book orders directly through her. By purchasing your book directly through Mercedes, you will receive a personalized, autographed book. Books can be purchased by e-mailing plbierman@yahoo.com for more information.
Mercedes hopes to make a difference in the lives of others. She hopes to grow up and become an actress, model, and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.
Thank you for your support!!
Hugs
^^Angel Gunner’s^^ mama
Janna
Gunner Gillespie (Forever 8, whole, healthy, and tumor free)
