Omari Joel Buchanan was born to Omar and Jasmine Buchanan on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 5:45 p.m. in Silver Spring, Maryland.  Although presented with many obstacles immediately after birth, Omari continued to fight and experience great things no doctor or man could even imagine.  Omari’s parents did not allow his terminal prognosis to affect his quality of life.  Omari has traveled to Nebraska, Geogie, Arizona, Florida, North and South Carolina, New Jersey, and Virginia.  He has flown the friendly skies three times, and as recent as ten days ago, sailed the Chesapeake Bay.  Omari took swimming lessons, attended gymnastic classes, and community play groups through The Infants and Toddlers Early Intervention Program.  His hobbies included cuddling, singing, hanging out, and doing arts and crafts with his mommy.  In addition he loved rubbing on dad’s beard, lying on his grandma’s chest, both grandpas whispering in his ear and rubbing noses, and touching vibrating sensory toys.

Omari was an active and beloved member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. John W. Davis.  He was a member of the youth department, Showers of Blessings choir, and when he was not in the hospital, he could be found visiting the sick and shut in.  He attended Kingsford Elementary School where he played daily with his two friends Dwight and Pierce.  His teachers did an amazing job at adapting activities to his abilities, and including all the students in the classroom.  After being home with his mother for two years, it took Omari a while to get acclimated to school.  Eventually he stopped pretending to sleep, and against his will participated in the class and grew to love the staff!

Omar had a contagious spirit where those who came in contact with him couldn’t help but feel God’s presence and immediately felt a connection to him.  His family often joked that touching and holding him brought more comfort to others, as he probably could care less!  Although Omari was non-verbal and vision-hearing impaired, he still found ways to communicate.  His purring and moaning (especially during massages and a good head rub) indicated his satisfaction; His grunting and crying meant beware I am about to fuss until you figure out what I want!  Omari knew when he was in a new environment and when other people were around – he was quite aware of his surroundings.

Consistent with the diagnosis, Omari’s disease caused a rapid regression causing his neurological and respiratory status to worsen.  Despite his numerous Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admissions, Emergency Room visits, and doctor’s appointments he still persevered never stopping his extracurricular activities.  Just two days after his sailing excursion, Omari’s heavenly Father peacefully called him home as he slept as his earthly home with his God-given parents, June 4, 2018.  Omari leaves behind his mommy and daddy, paternal and maternal grandparents, host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.  He will be greatly missed, but there is comfort in knowing he lived a full life.