Damian Crux Garduno was born on October 4th, 2024, on the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. Over 800 years ago, St. Francis prayed this prayer in front of the San Damiano Cross: “Most glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy will and true command.”

The day of Damian’s birth was also a First Friday for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Prior to his birth, we drew names out of a hat that the kids had written to give us ideas for his name. They called him “Chicken Nugget Bluey” until we could decide on a name. I called him my little frog. Little did we know that God would reveal his name to his dad at Mass the day he was born.

He was the most perfect addition to our family. Anne, his sister, was there the night he was born and accompanied him to his cardiology appointments with us. She gave him many kisses and would say, “baby, baby.” She loved him so much.

Sofia was usually the first to hold Damian and liked helping with his baths. Josephine waited so patiently beside him to be next and took care of all the details, like if he needed his binky or carrying his oxygen. Max was so excited for another boy. He was very protective of his baby brother and would ask questions like why he had little dots on his nose. Adelaide loved reading to him and looked at him with so much love. When he wasn’t playing priest, his brother Carlo would pretend to be a doctor nearly every day and check on his baby brother and mom.

His mom used to sing to him:“I love you in the morning and in the afternoon,I love you in the evening and underneath the moon.Skidamarink-a-dink-a-dink, skidamarink-a-do,I love you.”

His “Papi” (dad) knew in his heart from the day he was born that he would one day be a saint.

Damian Crux would often look off and stare into the distance with a smile. We wondered what he was looking at.

We will miss his dimpled chin, chubby cheeks, gummy smile, Winnie-the-Pooh belly, long legs, big feet, and the kindest eyes. We will miss the warmth, like a blanket, that he brought to each of us, and his contentment when being held. When Damian Crux was not at the hospital, he slept at home for 50 nights.

He was baptized and confirmed by his uncle, Father Jason Keas. We journeyed with him during an Advent season that we will never forget, just before entering the Jubilee Year of Hope. His dad shared his journey so that hundreds, if not thousands, of people around the world joined in prayer. Damian Crux died on a First Saturday for the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He went from his earthly mother’s arms straight into the Blessed Mother’s, as it was the Eve of the Immaculate Conception.

Damian Crux left this world so young. This has taught us how precious life is, that we never know when it will be our turn, and to truly live in the present because that is all we have. We are truly blessed to have had Damian for the time we did, and we are forever impacted by him.

What happens in Heaven is real life, and it never ends there.

Rest in peace, son 🤍 and pray for us.