Wow, what a great post from my hubby a couple weeks ago! What can I say, he’s an amazing husband who is dedicated and faithful to our kids and I. Matt is a man of great character and he loves God with all of his heart. I feel blessed to watch the Lord use him and shape him through this journey we’re on together. And by the way, I should mention that he turned 32 on Wednesday. Happy Birthday Matthew!
Speaking of birthday celebrations, you may have read the invitation in the photo at the top of this post. Our immediate family had a small celebration in honor of Bowen’s first birthday at the beginning of September, but we’ve decided to throw another party for extended family and friends. As part of our “Bowen’s heart” family, you’re invited! I guess we could call it a birthday party, but as you know, it’s so much more than that. It’s a celebration of the miracle that our little boy is still here with us. We hoped deeply and prayed fervently for him to make it this far, and so did you. If possible, we’d love for you to join us for Bowen’s first birthday celebration open house. You can find the details at the bottom of this post.
I also wanted to let you know that Bowen has been doing so well lately. He’s been standing up on his own, trying to talk more, and loving to dance with his big sisters. He especially loves to play DJ and turn the radio up loud. He is such a joy. Sometimes I think I kiss him so much that I’m chapping his cheeks! And his tiny teeth keep coming in…he’s looking like such a little man. I just adore him. I hope that some of you will get to meet him on November 6th!
Here’s the details for those of you who are able to join us for coffee and desserts in celebration of Bowen’s first birthday!
Date: Sunday, November 6th, 2011
Time: 12:00- 5:00pm
Location:
W.W. Knight Preserve
29530 White Road
Perrysburg, OH 43551
Gifts are not necessary.




Emily
October 21, 2011 at 12:48 am
I’m so happy that Bowen is doing so well! The power of prayer is such an amazing thing!
I will be with you guys in spirit…the party will be 15 hours away from where I am. I wish it was a little closer, I would definitely come if it were.
May God bless you all and I pray that the party is one awesome celebration that will exceed anyone’s expectations.
Take care,
Emily
Laurie Kirkendall
October 21, 2011 at 6:01 am
What a time of celebration! Little Bowen is a miralcle child and a beautiful one at that! God is so good! Happy Birthday Bowen!
lis
October 21, 2011 at 6:51 am
Mary Powers
October 21, 2011 at 7:03 am
Well, shoot! I’m working the “Rock and Worship Roadshow” that night, so no long day trips for me! Will see Matt on the 4th in Akron, however.
Thanks for the invite, anyway. I would have tried for it had I not had a scheduling conflict. My kids would have thought that was a hoot!
BTW, Happy Birthday, Matt!
May the God of the universe continue to bless your path.
~Mary
Beverley Bouchard
October 21, 2011 at 7:31 am
Happy Birthday to Matt! AND Happy Birthday to Bowen.
Sorry to say we will not be at the celebration.
May the day and the next year be showered with God’s continued love and watchcare.
Beverley and Leyda (6yo hlhs, hospice)
Nan Lowery
October 21, 2011 at 8:26 am
Just checked mapquest and it’s just a short 8 hour jaunt, and I think if I wasn’t having surgery on the 3rd, it would be a perfect w/e road trip. Will be there in spirit, and just so very happy and thankful that you are able to give this party, as Bowen is quite the miracle. Give him a hug for me! And, Happy Belated Birthday, Matt – praying for many more for both you and Bowen.
Mary & Clare McDaniel
October 21, 2011 at 8:35 am
Happy Birthday Bowen. You are one handsome young man. Keep up the good work on spreading God’s good news through your life.
Kate
October 21, 2011 at 8:44 am
I was just looking back over Bowen’s pictures in your gallery from when he was first born, and in the hospital in the beginning of his journey….how much he’s changed! All that keeps running through my mind is the refrain from a favorite song: “What can I say? What can I do, but offer this heart O God, completely to You…”
GOD IS SO GOOD!
Karen Winters
November 2, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Amen!
Elizabeth Daniel
October 21, 2011 at 8:47 am
Bowen,
If feels like I’ve known you and your family longer than just a year. Your an inspiration, a miracle and a hero to me and so many more! I wish I didn’t live in Kentucky, I’d be there in a heartbeat if I had a way to go. Maybe one day we’ll get to meet, it’s a wish of mine. Love you! Keep learning new things and growing strong little man.
Elizabeth
Andrino Family
October 21, 2011 at 8:57 am
Dear Mr. Bowen, Wish we could celebrate with you for your Birthday in person, but know we are celebrating with you on a daily basis from our home in California. We are so thankful to God for all He has done and is doing in your life and your your families life also! It a blessing to read through the posts and get to know your family through them and ways we can pray for you guys. Its been a blessing to me to watch our childrens heart as they pray for “Baby Bowen”! Hope and pray your celebration day will be a great one! . Love in Christ, all of us Andrino’s 8^) 8^) :^) :^) :^) :^) :^) :^) :^)
Deniss, Tanya, Katelin, Raymond, Alyssa, Ashley, Jeremiah, Mia, Isaiah, and Baby Girl Andrino
Jennifer
October 21, 2011 at 9:05 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOWEN AND MATT!!!!!
Your family is so Blessed to have you both! Bowen’s party is quite a trip from south-central Indiana! Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll be able to make it. But I’m sure there will be plenty of wonderful people there and God’s blessings will shower down on your party!
Throughout the past year or so, we have enjoyed seeing God’s work through your family! There is no doubt in my mind that God uses you all and has great plans for you!
Thank you for your continued updates on Bowen and the rest of your family!
God Bless and have a great party!
Pastor Mike & Jennifer Harper
Bloomfield Mt Calvary Church
Dawn Lopez
October 21, 2011 at 9:05 am
I wish I lived closer. I would definitely go. Thank you for including us in your celebration. It is such a sacrifice for both of you to have Matt away on tour and such. Sharing your struggles with the world has helped so many people. I can’t say it enough, your family are a blessing! Thank You!!! From the bottom of my heart.
Love always,
Dawn Lopez
Mike & Cheryl Bowers
October 21, 2011 at 9:15 am
Praise the Lord! We stand amazed in His presence and marvel at the works of His hand! Thank you, Matt and Sarah, for allowing Him to use you and your precious family to bring glory and honor to His Name.
Kelly Wagner
October 21, 2011 at 9:16 am
Giving glory to God for the gift of Bowen and the for the miracles He has worked. Wish I could join the celebration! Happy birthday to Matt too!
Liz
October 21, 2011 at 9:18 am
I was just thinking yesterday that it had been a while since we’ve had a Bowen update! Thanks so much for keeping informed. Happy Birthday Bowen! I am so glad that God continues to bless Bowen with the gift of life. He is a beautiful boy!
Krista
October 21, 2011 at 9:20 am
Oh how fun! So TOTALLY wish we could make the trip, but alas, we are tripped out right now (took our first weekend gettaway… it was questionable, HA!) Plus, Annabelle is in a cast and back on oxygen, not to mention 11/6 is my eldest daughter’s birthday:-) We’ll celebrate with you from afar!
SO SO SO SO fun that little man is doing so fantastic! Way to go DJ Bowen! You really DO need to meet Miss Annabelle and teach her to do all the fun stuff you are doing! *grin*
Veronica
October 21, 2011 at 9:25 am
Oh I would SO love to come and celebrate Bowen!!! I’ll be in Haiti that Sunday though!! So sad I’ll miss it, but very glad I have this opportunity for ministry! : ) Know that I wish I could be there and I’m so so so happy for you and little Bowen! It makes it extra hard knowing that it’s just a 40 minute drive for me! : ( Have a great time!!
Heather Offers
October 21, 2011 at 10:02 am
Bowen really is a miracle! We are going to try our best to be there with our little HLHS Miracle Matthew and our daughters. I cant wait to meet Bowen finally! We live near Columbus and so the drive wont be to bad at all!
Patty
October 21, 2011 at 10:16 am
What a wonderful God we serve! Just looking at Bowen reminds us how great God is. Hope and pray that you all have a great birthday party! My gift for Bowen is continued prayer for him to grow healthy and in the Lord. May God’s love and blessings continue to be with you all!!
Mallory Fields
October 21, 2011 at 10:55 am
Hey everybody, wow don’t I wish I lived near you all. Too bad I don’t! I would be honored and surprised if I ever got a chance to finally meet y’all, right now I’m on Fall Break I have been on it for a whole week today is my last day hanging with my mom since a mama’s girl but I’m a junior and school and grades come first. Sometime y’all will have to come to Memphis, TN. Wish Memphis wasn’t so far from where yall live. This goes out to Bowen…Dear Bowen, god gave you the greatest family he could. I sometimes wish you were in my family I wonder how my parents would deal raising two HLHS’S. May your birthday thing be abaolutely amazing I wish I could be there to celebrate it with you I think if I came your whole family would bawl all their eyes out if they met me for the first time. Know that at your party i am the light and sun and clouds and everything outside of your house since I can’t be there. I’m a junior and school and grades come before anything else . I know when I tell my mom this she will cry and want to come visit you so will the rest of my family. But I wish you a blessed birthday with amazing people surrounding you on that day take many of pictures so I can see how much fun you had. Bye for now !!! Stay sick free I am and I have!!!!
Kim
October 21, 2011 at 10:55 am
Would love to be there to celebrate with y’all but, I’m in California and that would be a bit too much for a weekend road trip. I will be celebrating from afar! When I think about that little miracle of yours, it reminds me that everyday is a celebration. God of precious wonders!! Praising Him always!
Happy Birthday Lil Man, and Happy Birthday to Matt as well.
Hugs
)
Kim
Jessica
October 21, 2011 at 11:03 am
If we were closer, we would absolutely be there to celebrate this little man’s gift of life. (We live in CA) I’m so thankful that God has heard all the many many prayers on behalf of Bowen and sustained him. You and your family are such a testimony of God’s grace, I wish we could meet in person. Please know that we send happy birthday wishes to little Bowen from across the miles!
Susie Michaud
October 21, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Happy birthday again Bowen!! (And Matt, and your’s wasn’t too long ago either, Sarah!) I can just see him standing up on something dancing to music having a good ‘ol time with his sisters!
Last night,on twitter, I typed how it would be fun to go on some crazy adventure! I would love to try to make it out to this!!!!! It would mean buying airplane tickets and sneaking off with my hubby for a few days, but I want to try. I will talk to him about it and see if we can pull it off! No promises yet, but we will keep in touch
I’m squealing inside with excitement to meet you all, my hands are clammy, and nothing has even happened yet! God willing though
Bethany Butler
October 21, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Wish we were closer! How fun to get to meet such a great family! HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear sweet Bowen! Hope the party is just wonderful! Make sure to post some pictures! Blessing, Bethany
Elizabeth Ridout
October 21, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Hi Matt and Sarah!
I wanted to tell you about a wonderful organization that has been the most awesome thing for my family this year! Whether they are needed or not by each special needs family, I enjoy telling EVERYONE about them so the word of mouth helps spread their love for helping others! We found out about icingsmiles.com in March and they were able to help us (very happily) to celebrate all 4 of our children’s birthdays. They are a nonprofit that works with bakers in the local areas of all the people they help and arrange for the families who have special needs to get free and AWESOME birthday cakes for, not just their sick children, but for the siblings as well. They find the local bakery that is willing to bake the cake for the families and then the family can tell the baker a theme for their cake and what flavors are liked or allergies that are present. They provided us with a seriously amazing pirate cake for our 3 year old, heart warrior cake for our Simon (HLHS) on his first birthday, a Harry Potter cake for our 12 year old, and a very awesome Mario cake for our 10 year old! We are a military family living on one income (since Simon is too sick for daycare) and would not otherwise have been able to afford to put cakes together for these guys this year with Simon being in hospital as much as he was. Icing Smiles saved all of their birthdays! Anyway, I guess what I am getting at is if you would like to use them for a cake for Bowen, you should look them up. If you do not use them, that is ok too but please tell everyone you know about them
They are awesome people! Also, all 4 of our bakers were wonderful people who did not do this out of pity but out of want to help our special children have a day to remember happily!
Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)
October 24, 2011 at 1:06 am
That is so awesome! Thanks for sharing about icingsmiles.com
Elizabeth Ridout
October 29, 2011 at 12:40 am
You are so very welcome! I could never repay these guys for the awesomeness they brought to all my sons so the best I can do is help someone else be able to receive this gift!!!
Bonnie Lopez
October 21, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Happy birthday Bowen, you are a handson one year old.I live in Phoenix so I will not be able to attend your celebration, but I really would love to be there.
My faith has truly been strenghtened seeing the miracle of your life unfold. We certainly have a powerful, loving God. Thank you for sharing your joys with us. Your daddy’s songs inspire me on the days I feel depressed and alone. I pray for you and your family to have many precious days to come.
Joy Kimble
October 21, 2011 at 1:16 pm
I so wish I could come and celebrate God’s gift to your family, your little miracle and bring my miracle for you to see… but Ohio is a bit too far… so I will celebrate in prayer by thanking God for your miracle and mine! Heart hugs from Joy and Jilly HLHS/Stroke Survivor (5 open heart surgeries to date, more to come…)
Debbie
October 21, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Hi to all,
What a handsome boy you have been blessed with!! I wish that I could come to the party if I lived closer I would be there for sure but just know that I will be thinking of you all and I want to wish Matthew a belated Happy Birthday! May the Lord bless you with a wonderful day and plenty of friends to share in what is a MIRACLE!!!! AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRAISE AND HONOR WHAT A GREAT GOD WE SERVE!! Thank you so much for the updates and the opportunity to pray and I feel so blessed to continue on this journey with all of you.
Much Love and Heavenly Hugs ,
Debbie Dewine
Yanna Westmoreland
October 21, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Today is my birthday sweet Bowen, receiving your Birthday Celebration Invitation in my email inbox was the best present I could have opened all day. I am so happy that you are one! It is very thoughtful of your family to want me to be there, and I so wish I llived in Ohio and not Texas because if I did I would be the first doorbell ringer. I just know your mom and dad will share lots of pictures, post some videos, and hopefully write a song or two for the occassion so I will feel like I am there in person. I will spend the rest of my birthday and the day of your party praising God and shouting hallelujah for sending us Bowen. Happy Birthday wishes to you….and many more (ask dad to sing many more in a deep voice for me).
Melanie
October 21, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Wow! How exciting that God is blessed you guys with baby Bowen!! Have a great time celebrating Baby Bowen!
Toni
October 21, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Wish I could be there but I will be thinking of you all with love & continued prayers! Happy Birthday Matthew & again Happy Birthday Beautiful Bowen!
Judy P
October 21, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Only a 10 hour (at least) drive for me. I surely am considering driving up Friday night so I can celebrate Bowen’s birthday!
Happy Birthday, Matt! You are truly blessed to have such a wonderful family! Oh and your music is beyond wonderful!
So proud for such a good Christian family! Wow what rewards this family will have when we get to heaven!
Love bunches!
Abbey
October 21, 2011 at 5:04 pm
know right where that is, and i’ll definitely be able to make it. bowen is such a little miracle and he is a big part of why i want to go into pediatric cardiac care nursing, hes an inspiration everyday and i can’t wait
Rachel
October 21, 2011 at 6:13 pm
I wish I could be there!!! I live in Alabama so it’s a little to far!
I just wanted to say I have been so touched by Bowen’s heart!
Happy Birthday to Matt and Bowen!!!!
With Love,
Rachel
beth beck
October 21, 2011 at 8:23 pm
Happy birthday to both Hammitt men. What a wonderful invitation. You guys are amazing!!
Dan and Jessica Makuh
October 21, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Wow! A party invitation! That is so nice of you! My husband and I will definitely consider coming with our two girls. I don’t think we have plans that day. We live in Wapakoneta, which is not far south of Perrysburg, and since our daughter Lauren is turning 3 next week and has HLHS, too, it would be so wonderful to meet you all. I always enjoy meeting heart families who are traveling the same journey we are traveling and we haven’t met that many yet. Thanks for the invitation! I know about celebrating milestones in our little heart babies. We are thrilled that Lauren is turning 3 on October 24th! When she has the Fontan next summer we are planning on having a great big Post-Fontan party!
Wendy
October 22, 2011 at 12:28 am
Happy Birthday sweet Bowen. This birthday is such an awesome milestone for you…and I am wishing you many many more little man!!! May God bless you and your family beyond words, and keep you in this world until you are an old man. Hugs <3
Page Family
October 22, 2011 at 1:43 am
We really wish we could make it in person! Thank you for opening your celebration to everyone though. Bowen, happy birthday again and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers often, as is your family.
Lots of love, hugs, kisses, and blessings from Jesus this next year as you continue to grow and show His glory in your life. We hope that you are able to find much joy, laughter, and fun times with your sisters and parents. May God continue to bless you and keep you, may He watch over you and guide you when you get older.
Love the Pages
Isobel
October 22, 2011 at 4:30 am
Aw! Wish there wasn’t a great big ocean of a puddle in between us
How I’d love to be there to meet you all and kiss your little chapped cheeks. You look wonderful Bowen and the love of your mommy and daddy shine thru’ those big blue eyes!!!
Happy Birthday Matt !! Hope you all have a wonderful time with lots and lots of Bowen’s heart friends. Will be there int hought, anyway.
Love from the Johnsons.
Melanie Lake
October 22, 2011 at 5:42 am
I really wish we could attend but we are in Florida. I am so happy to hear that Bowen is doing well. Happy Belated Birthday to Matt, hope it was a good day.
God is so good to us and meets all our needs. He meets us right where we are.
Continued prayers and healing for Bowen and all of your family. I hope the girls are still loving their little brother and doing well themselves.
Love and Prayers in Christ,
Melanie Lake
Alaina,
October 22, 2011 at 11:38 am
happy birthday bowen and matt
can’t believe your 1 already
Debbie Butler
October 22, 2011 at 11:44 am
God bless you little man! I am thankful that God answers prayera.
You are living proof! Enjoy your day Bowen! You are loved!
Rebecca J. Sams
October 22, 2011 at 4:08 pm
I can’t believe that Bowen is 1 year old already! I remember the first time I heard about him on K-LOVE. Happy Birthday, Bowen!!!!!
Jesus loves you!
Brian Elliott
October 22, 2011 at 4:50 pm
How awesome your family has invited the Bowen’s heart family to the birthday celebration for Bowen. What an awesome celebration! Unfotunately my family lives in Bakersfield, CA and can not attend. If we were closer it would have been really awesome to have joined in on the celebration for Bowen’s birthday and the celebration of GOD’s AMAZING GRACE. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOWEN and MATT!. The GRACE of our LORD JESUS CHRIST continue to be with your family.
The Elliotts in Bakersfield, CA
Jean
October 22, 2011 at 6:04 pm
What a great celebration for Bowen! So glad to hear he is doing so well. God is good.
We will have a virtual celebrate with you on November 6th from here in NC!
Jeri
October 22, 2011 at 10:06 pm
I listen to the Christian radio station, KLOVE every day. It is on this station that I first learned of Bowen and his need for prayers. We were encouraged to pray for him and I added him, and your family, to my prayer journal. Out of curiosity I looked back just now and saw the date I added him to my prayers. It was September 13, 2010. I have been praying faithfully for him and your family every since!
I am SOOO going to try to make it out to his, and your, celebration. I feel like I know you all : )
I live in the western suburbs of Chicago, but truly hope to be there!
Thank you for the invitation! AND the continuing great news about Bowen.
God is an awesome God!
See you all soon I hope and meet you in person!
Jeri Lau
Lori
October 23, 2011 at 11:48 am
hey bowen, and family sorry we can’t make it to your brithday, but I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating it..
Angela
October 23, 2011 at 11:54 pm
I would love to be a part of the celebration, but I live too far away (South Carolina). You will be in my thoughts and prayers! Happy Birthday to the both of you! Have a great day Bowen!! So happy this day of celebration has come!
Mallory Phillips
October 23, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Went to see Lindsay McCaul, The Afters, Sanctus Real and Casting Crowns tonight in Macon, Matt shared the song with some videos of baby Bowen…the song made me tear up, makes you think about the bigger picture of life! Glad to hear he’s doing so well!
Good night!
Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)
October 24, 2011 at 1:10 am
We would love to be a part of the celebration but we’ll have to wait until closer to the time to know for sure. We’ve been sick and I wouldn’t want to take a chance on spreading any of our illnesses to anybody else. Whether we make it or not, I’m sure it will be a blest time for everyone.
Happy First Birthday Bowen, you little heart warrior.
Happy Birthday to Matt, too!
Kristen Arispe
October 24, 2011 at 9:38 am
Right now I’m wishing I lived a lot closer to Perrysburg than Texas. (Though my children really think I should fly out for it
)I would love to come and meet you all in person, and others from our Bowen’s Heart family. Thank you for including all of us in the invitation to your joyful celebration. How encouraging it is to look back over the last year and see all that God has done and then look at Bowen’s sweet smiling face now. Happy birthday to Matt. May the Lord continue to bless you and give you wisdom for leading your family and in your ministry. Also a late happy birthday to Sarah. May God bless you with grace for each day, and an abundance of love, wisdom, and strength to be everything you need to be for your husband and children.
bridget
October 24, 2011 at 10:18 am
happy birthday bowen! we are so blessed by you and your family! to say that you are a miracle is almost undermining all that God has done for you, and for all of us. it is such a joy to see your pictures, and to read how well you are doing. it is my prayer that you continue to grow and develop, and bring many more smiles to many more people! you are blessed to have such a strong family, filled with faith, and they, too, are blessed to witness the everday miracle that is you. we all love you bowen!
sarah curtis
October 24, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Dearest Hammit Family! Birthday Blessing To Bowen & Matt!
)
This last year has also been a rather difficult one for my family, yet we have been very blessed by God’s love and grace. My eldest niece found out when she was just 4 months pregnant that her daughter
(Karley Elizabeth) suffered from Tetrology of Fallot. This is a form of congenital heart disease,consisting of
four coexisting heart anomalies, present at birth. When Karley was born on 10/29 last year, she was also
diagnosed with DeGeorge Syndrome. Through it all Karley has been a little trooper. It is hard to believe that this Sat. 10/29 she will be a year old. She has finally cut her first tooth. As Karley grows older, she still
has many things to go through medically yet, but I am not worried because she like Bowen has had many
people praying for her this last year. Having had her heart surgery at about 6 months of age, Karley’s progress these last 6 months has been fabulious. So in three weeks on my birthday (11/11/11) Karley will
have her surgery to make a soft pallet which she was born without. It is amazing that God has chosen this
special Veterans Day this year for my little princess to have her special surgery. Another part of this blessed family is that Karley’s mother is not only my eldest niece, but also my Goddaughter (Shannon Elizabeth). Now the last historical fact for this story is that Karley is the fifth consecutive female on my mother’s side to have Elizabeth as her middle name: Ruth E., Anne E., Sarah E.(myself), Shannon E. and
(little princess herself), Karley E. From Sept 1 thru Nov. 12 our family has six birthdays: 9/8 John(my dad;75 yrs.),9/16 Chris (my son;19 yrs), 10/8 Bud(my older brother;53 yrs.), 10/13 Alyssa(my youngest niece;16 yrs.), 11/11 Sarah(myself;52), 11/12 Kia & Matt(my youngest sister-in & her twin;both 42 yrs.). So we also have had one or two different parties. Since we live in the area of Waukesha,Wi (10 mi. from
Milwaukee,Wi), I will be with your family in prayer that day. May God continue to bless your entire family
with all the love and joy of each other and from all the many of us who joyfully click on to this site to watch
you all grow together in God’s abounding love and grace.
An eternal follower, Sarah
Angie
October 24, 2011 at 7:40 pm
I just got tears in my eyes reading this!!!! I love hearing that Bowen is doing SO well! God is Awesome!!!!
Jessica T
October 24, 2011 at 10:21 pm
He is so cute…I wish I could come…I hope it is a fabulous day!!
God Bless!
<3
Nancy Black
October 24, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Hi Matt, Sarah, Claire, Emmie, and Precious Baby Bowen,
This is the most exciting event ever. I wish I could go. I am listening to the song, “All of Me.” I love it. It is such a great feeling to know that I was given the greatest opportunity to be able to pray with all of you to help your beautiful baby boy. What a joy. I love his beautiful smile and such a healthy skin tone now it is wonderful. God is so beautiful and so loving. I have such love much for our Holy Father and Jesus. I really and truly grateful for allowing us to share a bit of your life. I thank you so much for helping me to grow spiritually. All of you have given me so much strength. God Bless you.
Nancy
Sal Giordano
October 25, 2011 at 6:38 am
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY BOWEN!!! I hope you enjoy the great day our Lord and Savior has prepared for you. He alone knew that you would be celebrating this great milestone…it was up to us to pray and ask for His guidance for your well being.
Hope you have the best day of days!
Happy Birthday and Many more to come…
Sal
Jessica
October 26, 2011 at 10:07 pm
Such great news. It is nice to see a”survivor” and know that my hope is warranted . We are awaiting scheduling for our Glen procedure. Although I struggle with giving it to God, I know that is what is pushing our son through.
Mary Hernandez
October 27, 2011 at 2:43 pm
I’m so happy that you have been able to celebrate his 1st birthday!! God is so good! I know there has been a lot of heartache along the way but I believe the positive has far out weighed the hard times! I wish we were closer and could come meet the little guy and all of you! Enjoy the special time and may God continue to bless your family!!! Thank you for letting others share in your life, it is a great blessing to many of us! My prayers will continue ♥
Jenn
October 28, 2011 at 4:24 pm
You guys are so sweet. I know you will have a great turnout, and I will pray for good weather. Take lots of pictures for us!
Ron
October 28, 2011 at 6:49 pm
I’m so happy that Bowen is doing well! He looks great! A celebration is certainly in order!
I really want to come and finally meet the little guy I’ve heard so much about. But I have prior obligations that day and won’t be able to make it.
God bless!
Ron
P.S. Belated happy birthday wishes to Bowen and Matt!
Rebecca J. Sams
October 29, 2011 at 11:28 am
Hey Matt, I can’t make it to Bowen’s party, but I would like to send him a birthday card. What address should I send the card to? thanks
gary
October 29, 2011 at 3:31 pm
matt . it was so great to meet and talk with you friday nite at lifechangers church. i missed giving you a card for the party tho. where can i send it to? p.s. thx for lifting me up. this week i lost my job, fell ill,lost 2 very close brothers in christ, and about to lose my house, BUT God >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Raquel
October 30, 2011 at 1:21 am
Happy birthday Bowen! I am very happy to witness this blessing, your life has impacted mine and many more, kisses, I would like to celebrate with you but I’m a little too far (fl.), anyway thanks for the invitation I feel very honored .
Happy Birthday Matt! although a little late
PS. I want to send something to our little warrior, to what address can be sent?
The Lavina Family
November 1, 2011 at 12:18 pm
We found by calling the Preserve that they will accept mail before the party at the headquarter office…just give them a call : )
Elise
October 30, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Happy birthday dear Bowen! What a gracious invitation, Matt and Sarah! Like many others here, family circumstances and distance will prevent me and my family from celebrating with you in person, but just to know that we would be welcome means so much! I hope (well, I know) that the day will be incredibly special and filled with blessing. Will be thinking of you all from northern Michigan. I thank you all again for allowing me to be part of your incredible journey, from praying for you and your sweet baby before his birth, all the way up to today. The way you have allowed God to work through your trials, and the way you have shared yourselves and your story so transparently, is a beautiful thing. So beautiful. <3
Lindsey Morrison
October 30, 2011 at 10:14 pm
We are so happy to hear Bowen is doing well. We are hoping to get up there to meet Bowen. My son is excited to meet Bowen, and so are we.
Sandy Daron
November 6, 2011 at 12:24 pm
HAPPY, HAPPY 1ST birthday, blessed Bowen!!! You and your family are SUCH an inpiration!!!! I can NOT wait to see God work mightily in your life!!
Have a blessed day!!!
I love you!!!
Mrs. Sandy
Mallory Fields
November 6, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Hey guys,
Sorry I couldn’t make it I really wanted to.
Today when I was looking at my phone I realized that today was Bowen’s family/friends birthday thing Sarah and Matt ya’ll were throwing for Bowen. Hope all went well hope ya’ll had fun celebrating with a lot of people. Bye
Debbie
November 6, 2011 at 9:05 pm
It was an awesome party!!! Thank you so much, it was such a blessing to meet Bowen and your family!!!
Kiesha
November 6, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Hope all the celebrating went well today!! God has blessed me greatly through your story. Praying for you and thinking of you guys all the time!
Best wishes!
Isobel
November 8, 2011 at 3:33 am
Looking forward to hear how the party went. Was thinking of you
XxX
Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)
November 8, 2011 at 9:39 pm
I’m with Isobel. I’m also looking forward to hearing how the party went and hoping to see pictures, too. We were with you in thought though we couldn’t be there. We hope to see at least Matt when he comes to our town for Winter Jam after the New Year. I doubt the rest of the family will be in tow since it is over 5 hours from your home.
May God continue to bless. You are still in our thoughts and prayers.
Nick Bailey
November 10, 2011 at 1:04 am
I pray for continued favor for your family! My daughter turns 1 on November 13th and I cannot remember life without her nor do I want to! I hope that your party was a celebration not only for Bowen but for you as parents and your journey that God has lead you through!
Nick Bailey
Lima, OH
Robin
November 11, 2011 at 8:03 am
How was the Birthday party? Are there any pictures? I was not able to make it but just to let you know I thought of all of you often on this special day.
Happy Belated Birthday sweet baby Bowen. Hope all is well. God Bless!
Rosa Daniel
November 29, 2011 at 8:40 pm
What an awesome blessing from our Lord Jesus Christ!! It is so amazing to worship such a faithful God!! Your Son is just so beautiful and has been blessed with the most amazing family!! May our Lord continue to hold all of you in the palm of his precious hand. I am a nurse and have been blessed to be in my profession especially when prayers and miracles come to a full circle. May God Bless Bowen and you all!