Saturday, April 2, 2016

Baby Riggs

A couple of months ago I received a beautiful email from a Mom whose young son had just been diagnosed with CP.

Jennifer said: "My baby boy was born 15 weeks early, weighing in at 1lb 8.5oz on September 22, with his due date of January 6, 2016. He was almost an hour without breathing when he was born, and on his second day of life, he had 2 brain bleeds - one on each side of his head. Yesterday we were told that he would have severe cerebral palsy. When looking online for support groups in this province, I found your site. I read each and every "Tulip Tale", and each one made me realize just how lucky we are to have Riggs, and how special he really is."

Jennifer and her husband, Steve had tried for ten years to get pregnant, before they were blessed with their precious baby boy.

Just over a week ago, on his six-month birthday, Jennifer wrote: 
"6 months ago we were in complete shock, and upset. We didn't know if Riggs would survive, he had a very, very hard start at life. The last 6 months have been a very bumpy, rough road, but every single day he amazes me more and more. Riggs you are mommy's entire world. You are who you are supposed to be, and you have given me the most blessed life lessons."



I was saddened to learn that baby Riggs took his last breath last night, in the arms of his Mommy and Daddy, and surrounded by his loving family.

Jennifer, I do not have the words to tell you how incredibly sorry I am. I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through. I know that you will likely live with the pain of this loss every moment for the rest of your life, but I hope that you will also live with the joy and love that your sweet baby brought to you. You will always have that love, and the bond you shared will never be broken.

Remember your boy. Remember every detail, every expression and every sound he made. Celebrate his life, and know how many lives he has impacted.

Riggs was a fighter and a hero. Jennifer said, "He fought harder than anyone I have ever known, and I lost both of my parents to cancer."

Losing a loved one, someone who made up your whole world, will burn you into a million pieces. There will be darkness, and you may be overwhelmed by the rawness of emotion. But, there is also light in the process. If you give yourself permission to mourn, knowing you will rise from the ashes, it will allow you to break and feel and truly process the unimaginable loss. And this allows for hope.

Jennifer, I wish you and your family much love, strength and hope. May your son's memory always be a blessing.

My sincere condolences to your family.

 

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