Graham Oliver Hines

Graham Oliver Hines, 2, of St. Louis, passed away on February 8, 2024. He was born on December 27, 2021 to Megan Hines and Meagan Barfield. Graham's short life was filled with immense love and cherished moments.

Message from his mothers:

Our sweet boy fought bravely against his lung disease, but ultimately, found peace in our arms.

Graham was surrounded by love until the very end. He spent his final day snuggled between us, enjoying special moments like ice cream for breakfast and a field trip outdoors to meet his dog brothers, Teddy and Ghost. Throughout the day we sang him his favorite songs, filling the air with the melodies that brought him comfort and joy.

Graham was the epitome of love and strength. We are infinitely grateful for the two beautiful years we were blessed to spend with our Mr. Handsome. Despite everything he faced, Graham remained the happiest baby, bringing light and love into our lives every day. His smile lit up our entire world. My God, he had the best smile.

Grammy’s passions were as vibrant as he was. He adored music, with favorites ranging from Taylor Swift to the Encanto soundtrack. His love for TV shows like Cocomelon, Ms. Rachel, and Elmo brought laughter to his days. And who could forget his cherished collection of over 20 Wubbanub pacifiers, or his enthusiasm for playing musical instruments like the bongos, drums, guitar and tambourine. Always strumming on the guitar during his music therapy. Oh and we can’t forget his love of gossip lol.

His favorite movie was Encanto, we watched it with him at least 3 times a day sometimes on repeat. He loved it so much, his nurses knew to turn it on first thing. My wife and I have been reflecting on that movie a lot lately. Since Graham was born we’ve been wishing and hoping and praying for a miracle that would heal his lungs and allow him to come home to us. If only we could be given a miracle. But Graham loving this movie was no mistake. He was trying to tell us. Our miracle was him. Every day, every moment, every smile, we had our miracle all along. The miracle was you sweet boy, not some gift, just you.

Though Graham may have lost his battle with his illness, he was surrounded by love and happiness until the very end. Our hearts ache with his absence, but we take comfort in knowing that Graham's love will forever reside within us.

Graham will be forever missed by his mothers, Megan and Meagan, his grandmothers Patricia Hines, Patti Barfield, Jennifer Barfield and Peggy Piper, his grandfathers Brian Barfield and Frank Hines, his aunts Heather Stock, Alexandra Hines and Jessica Hines, his uncles Tim Stock, Matthew Hines, Nathan Hines and Jeremy Hines, and a host of other relatives, friends, nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors and therapy services.

A Celebration of Graham's Life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Graham's memory to Nationwide Children’s Hospital C4A NICU or St. Louis Children’s Hospital NICU, where Graham received exceptional care and support.

If you wish to extend your support to the family during this challenging time, a meal train has been set up.