Shareen here
(hijacking Julie & Lowell’s blog as I don’t really seem to be using my own
any more).
I might as well come
right out and say it. Our beautiful little girl is gone. We welcomed her with
such joy just a few weeks ago, not knowing that her time on this earth was to
be so short.
On Friday, November
14, Colbie stopped breathing and her heart stopped beating. Doctors were able
to re-start her heart but she was not breathing on her own. She was airlifted
via STARS to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. The staff there did
everything they could but it was soon evident that her condition was not
compatible with life. We prayed for a miracle, but we did not get the answer we
hoped for. On Sunday, November 16,
Colbie passed away while I held her close.
We do not yet know why
or how this happened and many tests are being done to hopefully find some
answers.
We are so grateful to
family members who dropped everything to come to the hospital and say their own
goodbyes while supporting us in saying ours. We are so blessed to have such a
vast community; we have been flooded with love and support in the form of
prayers, kind words, flowers, and meals. And to those who are farther away, we
feel your love.
On Friday we said “see
you later” in a private family ceremony. Julie and Lowell created a beautiful video of
Colbie’s short life—we are so appreciative of their gifts. (Warning for
sensitive viewers, there are pictures of Colbie in the hospital that are tough
to see.)
Going forward will be
hard and we do not yet know how people can best help us, For now, please know
that despite the tragedy in our little family, we love your children and are
eager to hear about them and watch them grow. Do not be afraid of offending us
with your sharing.
Little one, my darling girl, we are crushed to
see you go. You changed our lives and now we must figure out how to carry on
without you.
We love you, kiddo.
Always.
Posts
10 comments :
What a beautiful commemoration of your beautiful little girl and how honestly you put your feelings out there. I love how you put families at ease and answered unasked questions. You are a very special couple and I love you. Auntie Cheryl
Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful tribute to your angel. It takes so much strength to be able to open your grieving up to others. May you find peace as you and your families go through this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all.
Shareen and Craig, my deepest sympathies to you. Thank you for sharing these pictures. What a sweet, beautiful little girl. I loved her yawn in the middle of the video.
I am so so sorry for your loss.
-Tavis
What a beautiful video tribute. I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet baby girl. Your grace and strength are commendable.
That was heartwarming and heart shattering to watch. Little Colbie could not have experienced more love in the short time she was with you.
-Scot
Shareen and Craig,
I am so so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. What a beautiful little girl whose journey on this earth was cut way too short. It seemed like just yesterday when we were celebrating her birth in our household, from a distance. We send you our deepest love and support in these difficult times.
Tanya
Dear Shareen and Craig:
We weren't with you last Sunday, but Stan and I and Jared (our son) wept and wept as we talked to Ava on the phone about little Colbie. We could only imagine all the tears you cried. We're so deeply sorry for your loss. We're grateful that your family included us with pictures, also of the service. You remain in our prayers as you adjust to life without your sweetie.
love, Stan & Bernice
I am so sorry to hear of your devastating loss.
Shareen
I can't even begin to imagine the sorrow and grief you must be experiencing. It is so hard to find meaning in the loss of a child, and I pray you find comfort somehow. I am joyful your little girl got her heavenly reward so soon, but my heart breaks for all those who are left behind.
Love to you,
Katie
I lost my baby after 14 days. It doesn't have to be like that. But God gave me 4 wonderful babies thereafter. I am very confident that the good Lord will wipe away your tears and show you the way forward. The women bible study group in my church is praying for your family.
Oye (Jen Hinshaw's friend)
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