Bowen Ryker Moses Longoria (2020-2022) Obituary and Memorial

Life story

Our son is Bowen Ryker Moses Longoria. He was vibrantly alive for 775 days. Bowen never knew a stranger and dished out hugs, hellos, and smiles everywhere he went. We were in awe of his inclusive, magnetic energy that drew others to him. He made us parents and took us on a wild journey in becoming people we did not know before and are so grateful to have become.

His birth was not how we hoped it would be. Bowen had to be delivered by emergent cesarean section and taken to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We were transferred to a different hospital in town that could care for him better and he stayed for 10 days on antibiotics and gradually weaned off a feeding tube and supplemental oxygen. While there, it happened that he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a few congenital anomalies that were never seen on ultrasound in utero, which cascaded into so many emotions all at once. They discovered that Bowen had a narrowed airway, a detoured pulmonary artery, and several holes in his heart. Despite this news, Bowen continued to thrive in NICU and was able to come home with planned doctor appointments and procedures looming in the unforeseen future. We were told he might need surgery to correct his airway and his artery, but we'll have to wait and see how his artery, airway, and holes change as he continues to grow. Fast forward a year and a half plus a move across two states, we found out Bowen needed surgery to accommodate his growth, most importantly his airway (trachea).

It was Monday, August 29, 2022, when Bowen had major airway reconstruction and re-implantation of his pulmonary artery. It was a 10 hour surgery and his little body was kept alive on bypass for about 5 hours. Surgery was successful and he flew through recovery in less time than everyone, including doctors, expected. Bowen hit the ground running 5 days after surgery and continued to be boundless the weeks following. These were THE BEST DAYS EVER of uninterrupted family time. He ran, he danced, he laughed, he explored, he learned new words, and most amazingly, he poured out so much love. Sabbath morning, a little past 3 weeks post surgery, Bowen suddenly and quickly died sitting on Jesus' lap in the rocking chair we routinely cuddled him to sleep on in his room. There were no warning signs. We were completely blindsided, frozen in shock while screaming, hoping to be released from this terrible nightmare, and pleading with God that He would bring life back into Bowen's precious body. But his body remained lifeless. The light that just seconds ago sparkled in his ocean-blue eyes was indeed gone. GONE. WHAT! WHAT IS HAPPENING? WHAT HAS JUST HAPPENED?!

We had so many unanswered questions. Our days were all a blur, yet we were blessed to be smothered with loved ones from near and far to lean on. The autopsy later revealed that a fistula (a tiny tunnel) had formed near the surgical site and connected his aorta to his trachea, which allowed blood to flow into his airway and fill his lungs. Although we learned part of the "How?!", we know the "Why?!" will never be answered until Jesus comes to take us home and "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the dead will be raised immortal, and together, we will all be changed" (1 Cor. 15:51).

As strangers on this earth, we fix our eyes daily on our Living Hope as we pray for patience to run this race with Divine help to spread the love and joy Bowen shared with everyone he met. We'll see you soon, son!

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