There are times when the world reaches up and pulls you down in ways you did not expect. There are times when the unfairness – the bloody unfairness of it all – shocks you in a way that you thought you were too cynical to feel. Yesterday was one such day, as I checked my mail and saw one from a friend, a mail that saw me weeping in a meeting.
If you’ve read here for a while, you’ll know of my lovely big-hearted and funny friend, Teresa. She’s been here a while and I love her to bits. You may remember her from here.
She has two nephews, bouncy amazing boys born to her brother, IVF babies whose impending arrival sparked happiness and a flurry of knitting on her behalf. The pregnancy didn’t go according to plan though, and the twin boys were born at 23weeks 1 day. They spent a large amount of time in hospital, battling.
One twin’s battle went better than the other. While Dominic’s brother got healthier and stronger and was able to go home, Dominic wasn’t. He continued to fight and struggle with his health.
A year ago you may remember my appeal for anyone who could help in the St. Louis area. Little Dominic needed a lung transplant, and kindness from people here reached out to the family emotionally, financially and physically. Dominic got that transplant. He was able to be home for one Thanksgiving and one Easter, and after a life lived almost completely in hospital, the family hoped that with the lung transplant he would be spending many more holidays at home.
On Friday the 9th of September, the little guy had a heart attack. His health continued to fail throughout the weekend, although his spirits were up.
On Wednesday the 14th of September at 1:00 in the morning, Dominic died in his father’s arms. He was almost 3 years old.
Teresa asked if I could let you know of his passing since so many of you cared about him and were involved, and it’s absolutely the least I could do to help her and her family. She and her family read here, if you want to say something to them – I know it’s hard to find any words at all. To say he will be mourned, missed, and thought of always is an understatement the likes of which I can never express.
-S.
:(
Indeed. :( No words for this, I’m sorry doesn’t even begin to cover it.
I am in tears, I am so so sorry. That beautiful child, that lovely beloved boy. My heart is aching for his family.
The words “I’m sorry” are not enough. Teresa, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My heart crys for a family that has joined the most terrible group ever- those who have lost a child.
MY sympathy and empathy go to Teresa and her family.
My heart breaks for Teresa and her family. I have three girls, including a set of twins, and I can’t imagine losing any of them. I hope and pray that they find comfort and solace.
I’m so very sorry. Thinking of Teresa and her family at this heartbreaking time.
Bless his little heart. xxx
Teresa, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
“I’m sorry” doesn’t feel big enough to tell you how terribly sad I am for your family, Teresa. Sending love and strength your way. xx
So sorry Theresa, for the loss you and your family are grieving right now.
An unimaginable and heartbreaking loss. I’m so terribly, terribly sorry for you and your family’s loss, Teresa.
No words. Just I’m sorry and that is so pathetic and inadequate. Sending love hugs and prayers. Bless him xxx
Thank you Shannon.
Thank you everyone.
xo
I’m so sorry, words can never explain the pain of losing a child. I learned on June 29, at my 32 week checkup with my midwife, that my baby’s heart was no longer beating. It’s so unfair and we look for something to blame but sometimes there is no “why” – it just is. I pray that Teresa and her family are lifted up by God and find strength and peace during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear about your nephew, Teresa. May God bless you all with peace and comfort during this awful time.
I am so sorry, my condolences to his family and friends. I will light a candle for them and for the little boy.
Teresa, I wish I knew the words. Just know that you and your family are in my heart at this terrible time.
Thinking of Teresa and her family. I’m so sorry :(
I’m so very sorry, Teresa and family. Wishing you all peace and love for the difficult journey ahead without your beloved Domenic.
So terrible. I cannot imagine the pain. Domenic sounds like an amazing person, a strong and determined child with unimaginable will. I’m so very sorry.
His life had meaning…over much much too soon but meaningful still. Your love for him will never end and he will not be forgotten.
Teresa, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Like everyone else above, I don’t have any words to express how sorry I am to hear about Dominic. Know that we are all thinking of you & your family, Teresa.x