Wednesday, January 2, 2008

The Angels came

At 1:30 pm this afternoon, Ava Christine went with the angels.
Jamie, Jamie, Brayden and the rest of the Weaver-Zimmerman family would like to thank everyone for your prayers, thoughts, words of kindness and support.
Arrangements will be posted as soon as possible.
Again, thank you, and God bless everyone.

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Weaver-Zimmerman family -

I cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that she is at peace now - no pain, no struggling, she is is God's arms being cradled and cared for by her creator. You beautiful little angel knows how much she IS loved by her entire family and her "followers". Be safe in your travels and God Bless you all. I am so, so sorry.

Ginger and Family
Tom and Paula Kazmierski

Anonymous said...

Jamie, Jamie and Bray,

Words cannot express the pain we feel for you today. We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your dear little angel with us for the past three months. We know that she has her wings now and is resting in heaven. She has touched so many of us in countless ways. May God bless you all and provide you comfort and peace. Please know we are all here to help.

With Deepest Sympathy,
Brenda, Alex and Benny

Anonymous said...

Know that our hearts are with the entire Weaver-Zimmerman family on this day and always. Ava is soaring with the angels and is full of all the love that has been sent her way. She will always be in everyone's heart. She is at peace. May God hold you all in his heart and send you comfort.

Mike and Debbie M

Anonymous said...

God sent Ava to the Zimmermans and all of us, he knew what an impact she would have on our lives. Ava touched so deeply, she showed strength, courage, loves, happiness and most of all the power of prayer. God, please hold her close to you and give us all the ability face this life without her.
God is with you, please guild us and give us strength.
PRAYERS WITH SINCERE SYMPATHY,
Amy Archer and Family

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Words can not describe the heartache I am feeling for you and your family. Thank you for having the courage to share your little angel with all of us. I will carry her spirit with me always.
love
Angie Plude

Anonymous said...

Jamie, Jamie, brayden and Family,

If Love alone could have saved Ava, she would be home with you now. She was truly loved and will live in everyone's hearts forever.

Our hearts break for you. May God be with you. Please let us know if we can do anything at all.

Love,
The Smallwood Family

Sara Grishaber said...

Weaver-Zimmerman Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Your little Ava has taught all of us to love more, to hold tight to the ones you love, and the power of prayer. She will always have a place in so many peoples hearts. Thank you for sharing your angel with us. We are here for you if you need anything.

Mark & Sara Grishaber

Anonymous said...

We can't tell you how sorry we are to hear this news. She is in a better place now not suffering. Our prayers will continue to be with you all. We are here for you if you need anything.
the schraders

Anonymous said...

There must be nothing as painful as losing your own child. We are very sorry for your loss. When I told Katie that Ava was now in Heaven with God's angels, she said that maybe the angels could feed her and make her healthy again... Indeed Ava is whole and perfectly healthy now!! Why she couldn't be healthy here on earth is what we will all wonder and may never fully understand (at least not in this lifetime). It sure makes Heaven sweeter knowing that your precious Ava awaits you. I know we look forward to reuniting with our first child there someday.
With heartfelt sympathy and prayers for God's comfort, love, and peace,
Mike, Holly, Katie and Annie Kalling

xoxoxo ~Lori said...

How thoughtful of you to think of all of us and post a message at this incredibly difficult time. Our hearts are just broken...I wish there was something I could do..or say..to lesson your pain. I am truly, truly sorry for your loss and can only find comfort in knowing that her pain is gone.

I also wanted to tell you that when my nephew, Gabereal, passed away, my parents purchased 6 additonal lots, strictly for babies, at the cemetary in Sumnerville(Just off of Indian Lake Rd by Mission Hills). The plots are FREE to families who would like to accept one. They wanted to help lesson the expense for families and also offer a special place for the little ones.
If you are interested, please let me know. It would be an honor to have Ava share a special place with my nephew.

Hang in there, we'll be sending our love and prayers your way!

Love,

Lori, Carey, Ally, Caiden, Adison & Kendall Baxter

Jodi said...

Weaver-Zimmerman Family-

No words can lighten the pain you are feeling, we are so deeply sorry for all the sadness that your family is going through, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers continuously.

With Deepest Sympathy,

The Vanlerberghe Family

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Thank you for keeping us up to date during this difficult time and in return we are all here for you and your family to pull through.
love, the Colemands' and the Millers'.

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Ava has touched so many lives in many different ways. Even people who never met her or your family. She is an Angel and will always be remembered. Our prayers will continue for all of your family, The Zimmermans and the Weavers. May you find comfort in each other and all those around you. For you have changed our lives forever. May GOD be with all of you.

The Brentlingers

Anonymous said...

Our hearts are broken hearing of your loss. and we cannot express our sympathy enough. our prayers and thoughts are with your family through this trial.
The Ehas Family

Erica said...

Jamie, Jamie and Brayden,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Know we are all here for when you need us.

Erica and Cody Hafer

Anonymous said...

Zimmermans

Our hearts our ache for your family right now. Your little angel touched many people with her fighting spirit. We continue our prayers for your family, that you may find solace throughout the difficult days ahead.

Our deepest sympathy,
Alan, Angie, Grant and Bryanna Cramer

Anonymous said...

To all of you,
We too are terribly, terribly sorry for the loss of sweet Ava. We imagine the doctors are feeling some of that pain too, because they sure tried hard to save her. Now we must focus on you, who are suffering this acute pain. We send our love and prayers for your strength in the time to come. Aunt Judy and Helmut

Anonymous said...

Jamie, Jamie, Brayden & family-

We cannot express how sorry we are to hear about your loss. Even though many of us had never met Ava she touched all of our lives deeply and will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing your special little angel with all of us. You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in these times ahead of you.

With our deepest sympathy,
Rob, Korrie, Alex, Lexi & Aiden Krueger

sheryl said...

Zimmerman-Weaver Family,

We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.

May God bless you.
Rick, Sheryl, Abby and Megan McKeel

Anonymous said...

Our hearts break hearing about your loss. Your beautiful angel is now in heaven. Thank you for sharing your sweet little Ava with us - she has taught all of us so much about life. Be strong for each other during this incredibly difficult time and know that we are all here for you if you need us.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Rudlaffs

P.S. I know you've had a hard time these last few months in the hospital with Ava, so I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you right now. I miss you.
Drew Rudlaff

Samantha said...

My heart is so heavy for you all. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time in your lives.

Heart Hugs,
Samantha

Nancy Herrmann said...

Zimmermann Families -
We are so sorry to here of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God has taken a very special little angel to be with him in heaven. Thank you for sharing your little angel with all of us. She was loved by so many near and far. May God comfort and bless you always.

The Herrmann's - Jim, Nancy and Zak

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry for your loss. Hold tight to the precious memories. Know that we all share a small part of your pain and would carry it for you.
Mark, Cathy, Jason, and Brandon S.

Anonymous said...

Dear Zimmermans and Weavers,
Words can not express our sorrow for your loss. We in Illinois have been praying for ALL of you, and will continue to do so. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Thank you for sharing your precious Angel Ava with everyone.
Love to all of you,
The Carrigan Clan

Anonymous said...

So Sorry for your loss. Ava touched each and eveyone of us that read the blog. Thank you for sharing. Our thoughts and prayers are still with your family.

The Millers
Joyce, Herb, Beth, Kyle,
Brad and Matt

Jen said...

Zimmermans -

I absolutely have no words. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your little angel girl. My thoughts and prayers will be with all members of your family as you find a way to navigate the days ahead.

May God bring you peace and may you continue to feel the love of those who surround you at this difficult time.

Jen Freeze

Anonymous said...

LOVE YOU...LOVE YOU...LOVE YOU...

Aunt/Great-Aunt Stacey had a comforting thought. She said Great-Great Grandma Wegner and Great-Great Grandma Behm, in heaven, are taking turns rocking Ava.

How sweet.
And so are all of you.

LOVE YOU...LOVE YOU...LOVE YOU...

Grandma/Great-Grandma Wegner
Grandpa/Great-Grandpa Wegner

Anonymous said...

We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. As others have said before me, if love and prayers could have saved Ava she would still be here, healthy and so strong.

As difficult as it is to understand, God had a different plan for your Angel. I wish so badly that it was the plan that you wished for. I am sorry that it wasn't.

I hope that you may find peace. We are praying for all of you. Your strength and love have been an inspiration to us all.

Love,
The Lake's

Anonymous said...

Jamie, Jamie and Bray,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your sweet little angel will always be in our hearts and be an inspiration for all of us. May God bless all of you!

Rich, Becky, Chelsea and Jacob Hamm

Kylie said...

We are sad and so sorry for your loss. Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and praying for you all.

Love,
The Meek family

Anonymous said...

Weaver-Zimmerman Family,

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our hearts break for you. We will continue to pray that God give you strength and peace.

Ava was an angel sent from above who touched more lives than most people do in a lifetime. She will be missed and we thank you for allowing us to share in her life.

Angie & Brad Williams

Anonymous said...

Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. We want to thank you for sharing your precious little girl with us, she has been an inspiration to us all. We will always hold a special place in our hearts for her.

May God be with your family during this time and may you find strength and peace knowing he is taking care of your baby girl.

We will ALWAYS remember your little angel!

With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Josh, Becky, Chloe, Ella and Lily Asmus

Anonymous said...

Weaver-Zimmerman family,

We are so sorry for your loss.

Your in our thoughts and prayers. I agree with Stace that little Ava is getting some very special attention in Heaven.

I hope that you can find some comfort in knowing how many lives little Ava has changed.

With our deepest sympathy,

Sarah,Casey,Ashley,Austin & Addison

Anonymous said...

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Ava has brought so many people together in hope and prayer. Our hearts ache for you and your family. I found this prayer and found some comfort in the words. I hope someday it may do the same for you.

Native American (Hopi) Prayer

I give you this one thought to keep --
I am with you still -- I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone --
I am with you still -- in each new dawn.

All our love, thoughts and prayers,
Spencer and Paula Rose
and Hunter Horton and Pat Richards (Hunter's Nonny)

Anonymous said...

Dear Zimmerman Family,
Just wanted to let you know how sad we feel for you. We continue to keep you in our prayers and ask God to help you through this time of such sorrow.Thank you for sharing your beautiful Ava with us.

Jeff,Andrea,Ryan&Tyler Clutter

Anonymous said...

Ava, my tough little cookie, my special angel, I want to yell and scream and say so many things. That is the kind of person I am. I have a big heart, but for bad things to happen to the people I love, I want to fight back. Honey, I would fight heaven and hell to have you back in your moms arms. The first time I saw you was the day you were born. I already had 2 grandchildren I was taking care of. Then I got the call to come to Memorial as quick as possible. The other 2 were dropped off and I was there. You were in your Aunt Heathers arms in a rocking chair. What a beauty you are! Lots of black curly hair. Full cheeks. I knew you looked like your mom, poppy and gram right away. You heard our voices and moved to them then. I held you for a long time. And you didnt cry! As much as I love all my little ones, you sometimes cry with me. But you were so content. I remeber that day thinking we were bonding already and maybe your mom would let me have you in the future more. You have a wonderful mom. She just worries about you and Bray. That is good strong love. Where is granny going with all this, I am not sure. But I experienced for a grandparent the worst thing imaginable in this lifetime today. It is not that we have lost you. But we want to touch, kiss and love on you every day. all of that is in our hearts and souls, but not in real life. But Ava, I am feeling very uneasy about alot of things as so many of us are right now, but the one thing we all know for sure, is thatYOU ARE ONE SPECIAL ANGEL". I know you will watch over all of us and help our pain. You will make us fine smiles and tears of joy when we think of you. In the 13 and half weeks, we have cried and laughed. You will bring those memories of the joy and beauty of you to us. Ava, your granny is not the most experienced at death. My granny died, and I wanted to go too. My best friend from when I was 13 to 32 died, and I wanted to be with her also. You, my angel, I would do anything on this earth for you to be home with your mom, dad and brother right now. Also auntie heath, Uncle Billy, Justin, Nicholas and Jamison. I would trade places. For It is my birthday today. I am a kid at heart, but I am trying to put the happy in this day for us both. You my angel, I had a part of your 3 month life. I saw the love your poppy has for you. I saw the love so many people have for you. at first today, I wanted to make the old joke, no more birthdays. Then I rested and thought of you for awhile, and I realized that I was around when a beautiful child was born. Born out of more love than you can imagine. You have the cutest and lovable big brother. Your cousins, and I will count all 8 of them, are reasons to hang on to each day, and you would love them all. But what I am trying to say is, I have always loved birthdays. Today, when God took you from us, I felt that I would rather be gone too, then laugh over another birthday. About 1 hour ago, I thought that I was so very lucky to have known you, loved you, been a part of your family, see how much your poppy loves you, what wonderful parents you have and most important, WE HAVE NOT LOST YOU". For me, every jan 2, (Im 55), it is not my birthday. It is the prividege of a day that I was with a granddaughter that was not only beautiful, but couragious, never wanted to give up, always in good spirits, except when her diaper was being changed, or I am sure her mom has more stories.! It is a day that I saw a little fighter like no other, finally look peaceful. She still looked like a beauty, but at peace. For all of you that can really understand that I am trying to say is, Ava had the look on her face that she knew she was loved. That her mom and dad would never leave her. Ava did not feel pain and looked beautiful in pink. Big brother Bray was the BEST BIG BROTHER AVA COULD EVER HAVE. I saw the love all the family members, staff, Dr. Hirsh, and Carol Eull gave today for Ava. That was a magical feeling. Ava, you have blessed mybirthday. I feel strange saying this. But I was blessed to have you for 3 months to love. Actually, we all starting loving you at about 7 weeks. We have blended families families Ava, which you will see in heaven. And you have brought all of these families together in so many warm warms. I say warm, for it is a more comforting word than together. We have always been together and loved, but you brought WARMTH. So on this day for me that I will never forget even for old age, I am saying I do NOT want to forget it. Your poppy and I love you, we will until the day we die, and then we will be with you. Ava, a little thing I heard today from a cousin on your grannys side, meggie asked her mom what would happen to your stocking, Meg cried, thought I guess, we woudnt keep it. Well our Angel Ava, Your stocking wil be on the wall like the others of course! meg felt better. You have been on earth, loved, now in heaven loved. I think God has you there to take care of your wonderful family. Your Papa and grandma have been there with you so much. And Ava take care of your aunt Carol, she is an angel also. She has watched over you.
Al my Life growing up my mom told me to say at bedtime, I did it too, on my knees at that bed, hands together. I always said this especially if I wanted HIS help. "Now i lay me down to sleep, I pray the lord my soul to keep. If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take". Watch over Ava Dear God. I do believe in you. Right now questions. But belief. Just please, do not let us down. Watch over this child of miracle. Amen
Thank you Carol
We love you dear Angel Ava, always and forever
granny and poppy

Anonymous said...

Daddy, please don't look so sad,
Mama please don't cry~
"Cause I am in the arms of Jesus
and He sings me lullabies."
Please, try not to question God,
Don't think he is unkind
Don't think He sent me to you,
and then He changed His mind.
You see, I am a special child,
and I'm needed up above
I'm the special gift you gave Him,
the product of your love.
I'll always be there with you
and watch the sky at night,
Find the brightest star that's gleaming,
That's my halo's brilliant light.
You'll see me in the morning frost,
that mists your window pane.
That's me in the summer showers,
I'll be dancing in the rain.
When you feel a little breeze,
from a gentle wind that blows
That's me, I'll be there,
planting a kiss on your nose.
When you see a child playing,
and your heart feels a little tug,
That's me, I'll be there,
giving your heart a hug.
So Daddy, please don't look so sad,
Mama don't your cry.
I'm in the arms of Jesus
and He sings me lullabies.

Anonymous said...

There are no words that seem to be enough. We are so deeply sad for your loss. We will continue to lift your family to the lord in prayer. May he give your family strength to endure this painful time. May he hold Ava in his loving arms free of pain and illness.

Jeff, Kellie and Hannah Montgomery

Anonymous said...

Jamie, Jamie, and Brayden,

We're so sorry about little Ava. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lloyd and Lynda Redington

Anonymous said...

Jamie and family--

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. We were so saddened to hear of your loss. May God comfort you at this time of sorrow, knowing now that your little angel is at peace in His loving arms.

With prayers and sympathy,
Sherri Ross and family

Anonymous said...

Dear Jamie, Jamie, and Bray,
Our thoughts are with you today as a true angel has left this earth and gone to heaven. Knowing Ava, even if just through this blog, has changed the way I look at each day. I hug my kids more and tighter, and I worry less about the things that don't really matter. The world seems brighter, and my life here more precious. This is what a little girl that I have never met has done-changed my life, and the lives of so many others. Thank you Ava for all you have given to so many people out there. You have truly changed the world, as well as the little community that we live in. Ava-you were a miracle, and the changes you have made to this world in the short time you were here are truly miraculous!
I just know that Ava is in heaven right now being loved and taken care of, and eating Cheezits, and Doritos, and Applebee's because that's what I know she liked when she was still in her moms tummy.
Rest mom, rest Dad, rest Bray. Your angel watches over you.
Rachel, Brian, O'rion, and Ella

Anonymous said...

Please know that we NEVER stopped praying for you and your sweet Ava! Thank you for sharing her with us.

Our prayers are still with you and your family. There are many things in this world that don't make sense to us here on earth. We just have to keep our faith that God is our master.

I am so sorry for your great loss and the sorrow that you feel. Please take the time to care for yourself and your boys!

With deepest sympathy,
The Brawley's

Anonymous said...

Jaime, Jaime, and Brayden,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious little Ava. It has been mentioned time and time again what a fighter she was, I believe that even though she was so small, she knew and learned how to fight becasue of the family she was blessed with for her days here on earth. She has touched more people than most ever will in a full lifetime. The days ahead will be difficult, I hope God will help you find peace knowing in your heart you fought and loved Ava with all your heart.
Cherie Schaller

Anonymous said...

Jamie, Jamie, and Bray Bray,

Our thoughts, prays and love are with you! Words cannot express our heartfelt sorrow. Please know we are thinking of Ava and all of you.

Love and Support,
The Catalanos
Bill, Kelly, Ryan, Christian and Dylan

Anonymous said...

Jamie,
I am sitting here at work crying as I read all these posts from your loved ones. It is such a miracle how many lives Ava has touched, and the amount of love she has brought into our family. My faith has become very important to me this past year, and I truly do believe that Ava is happy and healthy in Heaven. I want you to kow that our family cares about you, Jamie, and Braydon so much. Please try to be strong and take care of yourself. Your are all very important to us.

Laura,Shannon,Hannah,Luke&Meg Rice

Anonymous said...

Ava is such an inspiration to us all.You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Joe and Heather Racht

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. We hold your family close to our hearts and keep you in our thoughts and prayers during these most difficult times in your lives.

With deepest sympathy
Jill and Mike Teats

Anonymous said...

Jamie's,

I was forwarded your blog via Theresa and cant say how sorry I am too hear all that you have had to go through over the past months. I sincerely hope everything becomes better from this point on in your lives, you certainly deserve it.

Brett Karasek

Anonymous said...

With deep sympathy, God never gives us anything he doesn't think we can handle. For whatever reason, he has chosen AVA to be a lesson to us all that we should trust, have faith, and remember that he loves each and everyone of us. Her mission is big, her strength was bigger; God has great plans for your angel.

Our prayers will continue for the Zimmerman Family that they may find peace knowing their little angel has gone home.

Peace Be With You!
The Dennis Lowrance Family

Anonymous said...

We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and strength to get through this difficult time.


The Graziani Family
Tony, Nikki, and Mia

Anonymous said...

Weaver-Zimmerman Family,
I join all who have expressed their deepest sympathy for your loss. Perhaps you will find some comfort in knowing there are so many who love you and grieve with you.

I will be praying that little Ava may now rest in peace following quite the valiant battle.

Sincerely,
Linda Freeze-Libs

Anonymous said...

Jamie -
Though I'm not sure if reading these messages is something you're even able to do right now, I wanted to write to convey how sorry, sorry , sorry we feel about Ava. From the day that you began working and teaching with me at Ellis, I witnessed you go above and beyond to help kids, and your drive and determination always impressed me. You showed that same strength and spirit throughout Ava's life, and I continue to believe that she was blessed to be so deeply loved and cared for...With deepest sympathy, Gretchen and Dan

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of your little angel's passing. Thank you for keeping us updated on what's been going on through out this whole time. I pray that God is with you all right now and that He will help to comfort you in this time of need. Keep safe in your traveling. Again I am so sorry.

Anonymous said...

Jamie, Jamie, and Brayden

Our heats break to hear of the pain that you are going through right now. Thank you for allowing us to see her through her journey. We will have you in our thoughts and prayers every day and are very sorry for your loss.

Damian, Doris, Anna, Ciara Curry

Anonymous said...

Jamie, Jamie, Brayden and all of the Weaver-Zimmerman Family,

I cannot express how sorry I am for your loss.

Thank you for sharing Ava with all of us, she touched so many in so many ways.

May God be with you during your time of sorrow.

With Sympathy,

Randy Asmus

Anonymous said...

What beautiful pictures of Bray and Ava. Again, deepest sympathies and prayers to you all.

Ginger

Anonymous said...

Jamie & Jamie -

This poem was given to our family when my sister died and I have always loved it. I hope you find some comfort in it too.

Love, Theresa

A Child Of Mine (To All Parents)
Edgar Guest

I will lend you, for a little time,
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while she lives,
And mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three.
But will you, till I call her back,
Take care of her for Me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief.
You'll have her lovely memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over,
In search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love,
Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take her home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness,
We'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for her
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.

Anonymous said...

She is absolutely beautiful, truly and angel from God.

Ava has no idea what an impact she has made on those in this community. She has touched so many lives and we are all blessed that you have shared her with us when at times I’m sure was hard. Peace be with you sweet baby girl.


Thank You and God Bless.

Anonymous said...

May God give you the peace and comfort you need during this difficult time. As I sit and read all of the letters on this site, I am so amazed at how one little girl had such and impact on so many lives, a whole community lifted in prayers for this one special angel. What a beautiful family you have. Ava was so blessed to have people like you in her life. May the prayers that surround you give you the strength you need to get through this difficult time.
We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers,
The Schelkopf's

Anonymous said...

Jamie and Jamie,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We were part of the Ava faithful who would read her blog daily and pray for your little angel. We fell in love with your beautiful baby girl. Thank you for sharing her with us.
With heaftfelt sympathy,
Jim, Kelly, Cal and Kayla Flenar

Ava with Mommy & Daddy

Ava with Mommy & Daddy
Isn't she beautiful!

It's A Girl!

Hello everyone and welcome to Ava Christine's Blog.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.

Before surgery

Before surgery

The Next Step

The next step in repairing Ava's heart was to fix what is known as Truncus Arteriosus. Truncus arteriosus is "characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over which a large, single great vessel (truncus) arises. This single great vessel carries blood both to the body and to the lungs". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073) Below is a picture of what Ava's heart was like before surgery.

Before Surgery

Before Surgery

After Surgery

After Surgery
The above picture shows what the surgeon did to repair Ava's heart. "Surgery is required to close the ventricular septal defect and separate blood flow to the body from blood flow to the lungs. This is generally done early in infancy to prevent high blood pressure from damaging the lungs' arteries. A patch is used to close the ventricular defect. The pulmonary arteries are then disconnected from the single great vessel and a tube (a conduit or tunnel) is placed from the right ventricle to these pulmonary arteries. This is sometimes called a Rastelli repair". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073)