Rowan Bear Morgan, 2 months old, son of Wiley Spencer and Sarah (Hanson) Morgan was born February 3, 2023, in Springfield MO. He passed away April 12, 2023, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield MO.
Rowan is survived by his parents; his sister, Cora Bee; his brother, River Wolfe; grandparents, Timothy and Linda Morgan of Alaska, Belinda Owens of Louisiana, Eric Hanson of Louisiana; step-nana, Diana and husband, Buck Howard of Missouri; great grandmother Jeanne Hanson of Louisiana; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Rowan Bear was our third child. We were all so excited for his sweet arrival. He came into the world a little early, (37 weeks). As soon as I held him, I noticed his red-orange hair, which I really really wanted, and immediately afterwards he was taken to the NICU with fluid in his lungs. He graduated NICU after only 6 days and all of his functions stabilized with a little help- just as expected.
At one week old, we brought him home, and his siblings got to meet him for the first time. Rowan loved watching, listening to, and being held by Cora and River. He made grunts and dolphin-like noises which made his momma laugh and smile. We loved when we got to see him smile- mostly after eating. He was a hangry guy and had no patience when it came to waiting for his food. He would turn red and then to purple so quickly when he was waiting for his food that we joked that we had a hot-tempered red-head! He loved being held by grandparents and loved sleeping and snuggling with his mother. Daddy had a very calming effect on him day and night.
He only spent 6 weeks at home, and for 3 of those weeks, our family was plagued with sickness due to the cold/flu season, during which he contracted the common cold which turned into bacterial meningitis, but we learned this too late. It infected his brain tissue and did a lot of damage within a very short period of time. After a life flight to a larger hospital with the means of doing emergency brain surgery, and many tests, he never opened his sweet little eyes again. The breath breathed into his lungs was sustained by life support, and after much anticipation, his health worsened, and it was evident that his mission was on the other side of the veil. We didn’t want to let go, but we are at peace that he is not in pain and is free!
Rowan was a beautiful baby who brought joy to all who met him. His journey through this life was brief, but it has left a deep imprint on the lives of those who grew close to him. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. His family looks forward to being reunited with him again someday.
Fly high little Rowan Bear and visit and warm us often with your sweet spirit. Be joyous with all your heavenly family and baby Ledger Enoch, your cousin, that left this world the same day as you, only 7 hours later. Help us do God’s work before our beloved Savior returns. Godspeed and be with you til we meet again, our angel.
