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 Buddy Walk® first came to Missoula
Montana in September of 2002 through the incredible effort of a few
parents, friends and family members. The inspiration for the
Missoula Buddy Walk® was interwoven with and dedicated to the loving
memory of Daniel Warren McGowan, a smiling little guy who also
happened to have Down Syndrome.
On April 11th, 1999, Mike and MaryAnn
McGowan became the proud parents of a healthy, precious son, Danny.
Danny was the first of the McGowan's three children, followed by
Burke in February of 2001 and Annika in December of 2002. They
became lovingly involved in many fascinating aspects of their son's
life, including reaching out to other families who also had a child
with Down Syndrome.
 Danny was just one year old when our
4th child, Josilyn, was born with Down Syndrome. The McGowan's total
acceptance of Danny and their unconditional love for who he was so
encouraged us in our new and uncertain world.
Mike and MaryAnn
reaffirmed our heartfelt feelings when they clearly declared of
Danny, "We wouldn't trade Danny and his chromosomes for any other in
the world, because then it wouldn't be Danny!" and "We love him just
the way he is, we wouldn't change anything about Danny!" Danny
taught all of us to value a wet kiss, a contagious smile, to just
take your time and to love people just for who they are. He was
sunshine every day.
 A messenger sent from God, Danny's
mission was accomplished when he passed away on August 17th, 2001 in
a drowning accident. Danny's life was not lived according to
disability but Danny lived to his fullest ability every day of his
life. This earthly part of his mission accomplished, the impact of
Danny's life continues to reach people even today. The Missoula
Buddy Walk, in loving memory of Danny McGowan, is one of the ways
one little life continues to make a meaningful difference to so many
people in our community.
Lovingly submitted by Mary Cross
 You came to us more perfectly,
We almost missed the plan,
The landing though a little rough,
Our gift of joy was Dan,
You wasted little time to play,
Your laughter brightened face,
And softened hearts a better way,
The mission of His grace,
 The days pasted by to quickly,
With our brother Danny Boy,
You broke through normal barriers,
His smile to enjoy,
Through liquid crystal passageway,
Joy springs rise to heaven,
Sunset rays stream cross the sky,
His message has been given,
 You traded earthly wooden wings,
For ones that Jesus blessed,
And rose on winds of One who knew,
That celestial wings were best,
The voice of your Commander Friend,
Must have been to good to shun,
You dipped a wing back toward the sky,
And fell into the Son,
 We wanted you to stay so much,
We wept through tears "Oh No",
We felt we needed you the more,
You did His Touch N' Go,
Love springs hope eternal.
And though your stay was brief,
We need Your help in healing now,
Pure Joy replaces grief.
August 2001 sml |
