One of my biggest fears after Gideon’s death was meeting new people. I had no idea how I was going to tell them about the most important person in my life, that they would never be able to meet. The only way people would get to know Gideon was by me telling stories about him.
I realized the first new person I had met was the doctor who cared for Gideon that night in the Emergency Room. This doctor was a complete stranger, yet she played such a role in Gideon’s story. She saw the full extent of his injuries. She was the one who stated Gideon’s time of death and told me my son had died. She heard my cry as she said those words. She hugged me that night and told me “Gideon was instantly with Jesus.”
I did not want the only image this doctor had of Gideon to be while he was her patient in the ER. I wanted to give her a glimpse into the life of the child she worked so hard to save. I decided to send her a card. In the card, I told her a little bit about Gideon’s personality, what he liked to do, and I included printed pictures of Gideon. I wanted her to be able to see the joyful and vibrant little boy he was. Thus began an unexpected friendship with the doctor who was there for the worst moment of my entire life.
A couple weeks ago, this doctor and one of the ER nurses asked if they could hold the Cook Children’s Emergency Department’s annual toy drive in Gideon’s honor. I was overcome with emotion. We met for lunch and they explained that they don’t often get to know the children and the families they work so hard to serve. Yet, they had gotten to know Gideon from the stories and pictures I had shared with them. This is how Gideon’s Christmas Wish came about.
So I wanted to take a moment to tell you more about Gideon since many of you are just learning about his story.
This is Gideon. He was born on June 25, 2019. He had a big smile and an infectious belly laugh. He loved his family and friends and would include them by name in his nightly prayers. He was protective of his younger cousins and loved playing with them. He was curious and imaginative. He had a really big heart and wanted to make sure everyone was ok. He was very energetic and loved to run around.
He always had toy cars or trains in both hands. He pushed his bigger cars all around the house and the yard. He loved seeing the hippo at the zoo and had a really funny story involving the hippo relieving himself on the fish swimming around. He said one of his favorite things to do was make chocolate chip cookies with me. His favorite place was the train station and he loved watching trains go by.
Most importantly, Gideon loved Jesus and he knew that Jesus loved him. He would sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” and sing about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey while people sang “Hosanna.”
Jesus is the reason for the hope that I have. John 11 says that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Him, though he dies, he will live.
On May 23, 2022, Gideon was happily walking with me to the mailbox. We needed to mail some letters and then we were going to walk to his “favorite place in the whole world” – the train. He was pushing one of his favorite toy trucks. In the blink of an eye, he was in Jesus’s arms. A car pulled forward out of its parking space and the driver didn’t see Gideon. The doctor said he was “instantly with Jesus.” Our worst day was Gideon’s best day – he got to sing Hosanna directly to Jesus. I am looking forward to the day I get to see Gideon again because I know he is in Heaven.
Cook Children’s Emergency Department is honoring Gideon’s life by giving toys to kids and their siblings who have to spend their holiday season in the ER. Many local businesses have graciously allowed for drop off boxes to be placed at their establishments.
To participate in Gideon’s Christmas Wish, please visit these locations to drop off toys:
– Outpost 36 Texas Barbeque in Keller
– Horizon 76 American Grill House in Keller
– Lilium Floral Design in Colleyville
– Willow Sage Salon in North Richland Hills
– PJ’s Coffee in North Richland Hills
– Black Rifle Coffee Company in North Richland Hills
– Clearfork Pediatric Dentistry in Fort Worth
– Turning Point Wellness Center in Burleson
– Let It Brie-Granbury in Granbury
– iLoveKickboxing – Bedford, TX in Bedford
– Venue Spa and Nails in North Richland Hills
– Oxford at Iron Horse in North Richland Hills
– Cook Children’s Emergency Department in Fort Worth
– Texas Dental Arts in Fort Worth
You can also send toys directly to: Cook Children’s Emergency Department, 886 6th Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104 *Make a note that this is for Gideon’s Christmas Wish*
I hope this has given you a glimpse of the amazing little boy Gideon was. His life was short, but he is still having a big impact. I am so proud to be his mommy. Thank you for partnering with me in our mission to bring smiles, laughter, and hope to families who are hurting this Christmas.