At 10:37 AM February 7th Leigh discovered that Orion was gone. He died in his sleep. He had a low grade fever for the previous few days and the night before it shot up to 103. We packed to go to the emergency room and just as we were ready to go he fell asleep and his fever had came down to 102.2. The fever appeared to be subsiding and he was finally getting at least a little rest after a day and a half. We thought we should let him rest and take him to the hospital in the morning. We finally got some sleep too as it was 5 AM at this point. I woke up to get Alexis ready for school. I touched Orion and he was warm as if he didn't have a fever. I figured he was just sleeping so soundly because the fever had broken and he could finally get some rest. However in retrospect I think he was already gone by that point. Leigh called me as I was driving back from dropping Alexis off at school and told me "he's gone". I arrived home 5 minutes later after driving behind the slowest driver on earth for the last 6 blocks. The Police arrived a minute later, then the fire department, then the EMTs, then the victim advocates, then the detectives. They were all very compassionate and gave us plenty of time to say good bye to Orion.
It has been an honor to know Orion in his short time on this earth. He has taught us so much already about the nature of unconditional love and he is still teaching. He was so sweet and lovable after the open heart surgery. He came home no longer needing oxygen and he was so smiley and interactive. Reaching for things and truly being a part of this world. It is hard to believe he gone when I held him in my arms only 36 hours ago. It is hard to let him go but I will hold on to the beauty I see in him for the rest of my days.
His life had perfect symmetry. He was in the womb 9 months and three days and lived for 9 months and three days. He was born at 10:37 AM and was found by Leigh at 10:37 AM. He died in the room where he was born in the completion of his journey here on earth. I see this symmetry as confirmation of the divine nature of his mission to help us all find the way to love each other and ourselves. Thank you Orion for being my son and giving me the opportunity to know you and love you.
There will be a memorial service on Sunday, February 10th at 3:00. The service will be located at The 63rd street farm (3796 N 63rd St. Boulder, CO). All who love Orion are welcome.
