Throughout our grief journey we have learned to be more understanding and sensitive to others because there is no greater pain than losing a child .”
~ Blake Oquendo
Blake said , “ It is not an easy journey , any little thing reminds us of Brexton , but my wife , Sibrana , and I took our mental health seriously by seeking grievance counseling and addressed some of the things we felt .”
Sharing Brexton ’ s story to help others has kept Blake and Sibrana motivated and positive .
The Oquendos turned to social media to share their journey in the child heart disease community and learn about medical opportunities across the country in an effort to save their son ’ s life .
“ I was able to contact hospitals , doctors , specialists in Florida , Atlanta , Boston and other places because of people sharing information through social media ,” Blake said .
Sibrana , who kept her social media followers updated on Brexton ’ s health and now updated on their grief journey , said it is “ important for us to share our story in hopes it can help other families in the CHD community .
“ I want everyone to know how amazing it is to live in a small community where people actually care about you and your family ,” Sibrana said .
During Brexton ’ s battle with his illness , they frequented South Georgia Medical Center , where they thank a host of doctors , nurses , chaplains and many more for their hard work and dedication to providing care to their son .
Brexton had his first surgery at 17 days old , pulmonary artery bands . At six-months , he had his second procedure to fix the leaking valve .
The Oquendos said , “ We were told that at the ages of 2 and 3 , he would have to undergo another major surgery . But he started to decline quicker than we and the doctors anticipated .”
The Oquendos live in Hahira , where their two older children , Bennett and Brayden , attend Hahira Elementary School .
January 2022 , Brexton was airlifted to Atlanta after being transported to the SGMC emergency room .
He spent 10 days in the hospital and on the 10th day was released home .
“ He was able to spend his last days at home surrounded by us and his siblings . His little heart just couldn ’ t take it anymore ,” Blake said .
For Bennett and Brayden , grieving the loss of their younger brother , Brexton , has not been easy .
Blake and Sibrana said both children have developed coping skills to remember their brother .
They laughed as they shared the story of Bennett not wanting to attend his class field trip because Brexton , whose ashes are in the urn , would be left at home alone too long .
Bennett and Brayden are used to mom and dad switching from at home or at the hospital with
34 Valdosta Scene | July 2022