I had posted a few entries back that little Reesie passed away last Thursday.
Saturday is her funeral. I wish I could be there.
I knew I would do an entry dedicated to her but I have struggled with my words and thoughts.
I had spoken to Reesie's mom Ashley a few times over the phone. She was so sweet and exactly the person I imagined she would be. I remember her saying that they just wanted to know they had done everything possible to help Reese. That she wanted her to be comfortable and happy.
I remember the first time I saw their blog. It took my breath away when I saw a picture of Reesie's tiny face. She had THE EXACT same skin tag on the SAME CHEEK as Makily did at birth.
Makily at four months
Reesie at one month (notice the matching skin tags?)
As I read I was astounded at Todd and Ashley's strong faith. It never seemed to waiver. It took me quite a while to get to the place I am at now with God. I knew immediatley that this was an incredible family with an equally incredible baby girl.
I have thought about Reese and her family all week. I wonder what it must have felt like to have to walk away from Reese after God had taken her home. The pain of that must be all consuming. A parent should NEVER have to bury their child. I thought about the panic and anguish I felt when Makily was having her seizure and nearly died. I remember thinking how I was not ready for her to go, that I wanted to hold her, kiss her, hear her laugh and see her smile one last time. Then I realize that Ashley and Todd must have felt all those same feelings.....but knew that Reesie's body was so damn tired. As a parent they did the most SELFLESS act in letting her go. Their dedication to Reese is to be admired.
Anytime one of our "chromosome 22'ers" dies it hits me like a TON of bricks.
When Payten passed two years ago I was heartbroken. We actually met her at the conference in 2006 and so I was floored that God had called her home.
It also is a HUGE slap of reality to all of our families. I don't know how long Makily will be here. Seeing another child slip away like this reminds me how incredibly fragile and complex our kids are.
Tomorrow is never promised to any of us.
I have hugged Makily even tighter and kissed her even more this week. I am so grateful for every second.
To the Kostjuk's your faith and resilence has amazed me. Your daughter was an angel on this earth. She was too perfect for this awful world. Her work here was done. Take comfort in knowing she is running and playing now. No more pain, no more struggles, she is perfect inside and out.
Sleep well Little Reesie, you are forever loved and missed.
Please click here to visit the Kostjuk's family blog to offer them words of condolences during this very difficult time.
Saturday is her funeral. I wish I could be there.
I knew I would do an entry dedicated to her but I have struggled with my words and thoughts.
I had spoken to Reesie's mom Ashley a few times over the phone. She was so sweet and exactly the person I imagined she would be. I remember her saying that they just wanted to know they had done everything possible to help Reese. That she wanted her to be comfortable and happy.
I remember the first time I saw their blog. It took my breath away when I saw a picture of Reesie's tiny face. She had THE EXACT same skin tag on the SAME CHEEK as Makily did at birth.
Makily at four months
Reesie at one month (notice the matching skin tags?)
As I read I was astounded at Todd and Ashley's strong faith. It never seemed to waiver. It took me quite a while to get to the place I am at now with God. I knew immediatley that this was an incredible family with an equally incredible baby girl.
I have thought about Reese and her family all week. I wonder what it must have felt like to have to walk away from Reese after God had taken her home. The pain of that must be all consuming. A parent should NEVER have to bury their child. I thought about the panic and anguish I felt when Makily was having her seizure and nearly died. I remember thinking how I was not ready for her to go, that I wanted to hold her, kiss her, hear her laugh and see her smile one last time. Then I realize that Ashley and Todd must have felt all those same feelings.....but knew that Reesie's body was so damn tired. As a parent they did the most SELFLESS act in letting her go. Their dedication to Reese is to be admired.
Anytime one of our "chromosome 22'ers" dies it hits me like a TON of bricks.
When Payten passed two years ago I was heartbroken. We actually met her at the conference in 2006 and so I was floored that God had called her home.
It also is a HUGE slap of reality to all of our families. I don't know how long Makily will be here. Seeing another child slip away like this reminds me how incredibly fragile and complex our kids are.
Tomorrow is never promised to any of us.
I have hugged Makily even tighter and kissed her even more this week. I am so grateful for every second.
To the Kostjuk's your faith and resilence has amazed me. Your daughter was an angel on this earth. She was too perfect for this awful world. Her work here was done. Take comfort in knowing she is running and playing now. No more pain, no more struggles, she is perfect inside and out.
Sleep well Little Reesie, you are forever loved and missed.
Please click here to visit the Kostjuk's family blog to offer them words of condolences during this very difficult time.
6 comments:
God bless Reesie and her family and friends.
I was so heartbroken when I opened Reesie's family blog and read that she had gone home to be with Jesus. I was so sad for her family, knowing how much they will miss her. They are an amazing family and I admire their faith and dedication. Thank you so much for sharing their blog. I prayed for sweet Reesie and her family on many occasions and continue to do so. Hugs to you T! I know when a child from the Angelman Syndrome community passes, it is so hard for us as well.
I am praying for Reesie's family as they mourn the loss of their precious girl. However, it is a blessing that she is no longer suffering. I wish I was closer so I could have attended the funeral. Lately and always I notice that death seems to be a large part of my life. I can't believe that Reesie passed away, one of my friends is on her way to heaven, one of my residents passed on Wed, and my great grandpa is also making a journey to heaven. These people are huge blessings but yet they suffer so much. I would never trade any of them for anyone else. Praying for all of you.
Love,
Sami
Praying for Reesie's family. Your entry was well-written. I'm still tearing up. I love your new blog page. The quote about being thankful couldn't have hit home any sooner than it did today. I needed that. Love ya! j
thank you for sharing about reesie...I have been following her blog since I found it on your blog...they are a very strong family.
joan & hannah grace
Sweet Trish. I've been away from the computer for a while and I wish I'd seen your post of my sweet Reesie sooner. It was a touching surprise and I'm thankful for your kind words as I sit and read tonight.
Our precious baby girl fought as hard as she possibly could. Her little heart and body was weak. My heart hurts as I miss her so much. Today was difficult as it was the first day with no family or friends staying with us and the start of a new beginning. My Lexi is taking this very hard and she misses Reese. She doesn't quite understand it all. She asked this morning if we were going to visit Reesie today after taking Gavin to school. My heart broke as I told her no and why we're not able to see her. New pictures have been framed for Lexi's room and Reesie's life will always be talked about. Our kids are so little and the pictures will soon be their memories.
Trish, I'm so thankful for you. I know I've written this to you before and told you this but you gave me a glimpse into your life and showed me what it was like to have a baby/little girl with ES. I plan to meet you one day so I can hug both you and Makily.
The pink blanket you sent Reese was displayed at the service this weekend by all her pictures and hair bows. Thank you for caring for our family and for the phone calls and emails. You hold a special place in my heart.
Love,
Ashley
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