Hello everyone.
I have noticed in the past few days that the "counter" keeps rising. This means that people are still checking Ava' blog. PLEASE feel free to comment on anything that you would like. We will keep this blog going as long as needed for everyone.
FIY: I am making this blog into a book for Jamie, Jamie & Brayden, so please continue to post!
Again, thank you to everyone for your thoughts & prayers.
Tracy
Sunday, January 13, 2008
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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.
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
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
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)
49 comments:
Good morning our little Angel Ava. And good morning to my best friend in the world, Lizzie.Lizzie, please take good care of Ava for us. You will be a wonderful friend for her. Lizzie is not a licker Ava. So you will always be fresh and beautiful in those clouds. I miss both of you. In your short 3 months Ava, we had a great bond and lots of love for you. So I do miss you and hurt every day that you are not with us. And Lizzie I miss you so terribly. I am very lonely without my girl. I have Harley, but Lizz, you were with me for almost 14 years. Jamie and Jamie, I hurt so very deeply for you both. I am so sorry this happened to you. Take care Ava and Liz. Have a good Sunday in the clouds.
all our love
granny (mom) and poppy
Tracy, what a great idea with the book.
Zimmermans,
Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you today. You are still in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Love,
Josh, Becky, Chloe, Ella and Lily Asmus
Just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you.
Just because Ava is in heaven now doesn't mean that I will stop checking in on her. It was a daily routine for so many of us (more than once a day for me) to check on her that I just can't stop comming back. Even though I never got to meet Ava she holds a close place in my heart and truely showed me the meaning of LOVE! The whole Weaver/Zimmerman family is in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
P.S. Yesterday I was in Old Navy and I heard a mom call out for her daughter "Ava" and my heart felt heavy. Love, Missy Barkman :)
Just wanted to say good morning. Saw this quote and thought of you guys. "Family lifts our spirits and sticks with us when times are tough." Hope you have a great day!
I too, am still doing daily check-ins. Thoughts and prayers still come your way each and everyday!
Much love and prayers,
Ginger
Jamie,Jamie & Brayden:
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
We are thinking of you all daily!
Love,
Sarah Gowen & Family
Jamie,Jamie,Brayden & The Entire Weaver/Zimmerman Family
You are in my thoughts & prayers daily.
I agree with Fran, I know that Ava is dancing in the clouds.
God Bless,
Randy Asmus
Hello my angelAva and Lizzie. (Im cheating a little for Lizzie is in the clouds watching over Ava, and I have to send my love to her also). I had a dream about you last night little Ava. You were about 3, and I was brushing your hair. Granny hates brushing hair! And Im not sure what or where we were, but I can see you clearly. You had on a blue dress, and dark wavy hair. But you looked just like your mom. A pretty little thing. I have to also be on this blog as much as possible. It became my daily routine. I would still know what is happening, but I had to talk to you so to speak. As we all know, I like to talk. Oh Ava, all of this is going to hurt us all for a long time. A very deep pain in our hearts. But hopefully the pain gets easier, but you will never be forgotten. In 3 months you have a lifetime of love!!!!!! As long as this blog is here, I will keep on writing to you Ava. and my Lizzie. Please Lizzie, dont let mom down, keep a good eye on Ava. I know she is jumping and dancing by you, and you are laying there watching her content. Im so lonely without you Liz. But I am glad you went to watch over our Angel Ava. God Bless you both
love forever and ever
granny and poppy
Jamie, Jamie, Brayden & Ava -
I think about each of you daily! I didn't have any doubt that many others do as well, and this site is proof.
I pray with and for each one of you.
Emily W
Can't stop checking the blog.
Can't stop thinking of you.
Can't stop loving you.
Love, Love, Love,
Grandma/Great Grandma Wegner
I see you in those clouds Miss Ava! I will tell Bray how beautiful you are!!!!!!!!!
xxxooooo
love you always
granny and poppy
There Are No Words
There are no words ...what can I say?
At last her sweet soul winged its way
To peace and freedom in the sky
Where never again will she suffer or cry.
It's all part of God's great plan ...
Which remains a mystery to man.
We cannot understand His ways
Nor can we count our earthly days.
But who are we to question and doubt?
God knoweth well what He's about;
He knew she longed to "go to sleep"
Where only angels, a vigil keep.
The pain of living grew too great
No longer could she stay and wait;
She did not want to leave you, dear,
But she had finished her work down here.
So she closed her eyes and when she awoke,
These are the words the Master spoke ...
"Welcome, dear child, you are Home at last,
And now the burden of living is past."
"There's work for you in My Kingdom, dear
And you are needed and wanted here."
So weep not, she has just gone on ahead,
Don't think of her as being dead.
She's out of sight for a little while,
And you'll miss her touch and her little smile,
But you know she is safe in the home above
Where there is nothing but Peace and Love.
And, surely, you would not deny her peace ...
And you're glad that she has found release.
Think of her there as a soul that is free,
And Home at last, where she wanted to be.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~
We continue to keep you in our prayers.
The Schelkopf's
P.S To Ava's granny, it brings a tear to my eyes every time I read your letters to Ava. How blessed she was to have you in her life. I pray God brings you the comfort you need for you grieving heart.
Good morning our pretty angel(my Lizzie too), I just read the most beautiful poem I have ever read in my life, Ms Ava! Ava, stop dancing for a minute, and have an older Angel read the poem to you. It is beautiful. I pray your mommy reads it also. It brought tears to granny but in a good way. Ava, not one person will ever forget nor stop loving you. One of your cousins, Hannah, you would have loved her so much. Anyway, she has your picture for her laptop wallpaper. Meggie and Luke, your other wonderful cousins (they all are!), have your pictures all over their rooms! And they never got to meet you. Which granny got in alot of trouble for. I didnt take Hannah to see you on Thanksgiving, and Im not sure she will ever forgive me for that. Ava, I really really really do see you in beautiful blue and white clouds!Sometimes I see you so clearly I think I can touch you. But you cant touch clouds, you can only look at them as I do you every day. Keep dancing pretty girl.
love you and Lizzie always and forever
granny and poppy
ps
To the person that sent the poem, it truly was beautiful and insightful. Thank you so much for the best and most meaningful compliment I have ever gotten in my lifetime. What you said about me is what I live for everyday. I love all of my grandchildren very much and they are all my calling in this life. Thank you!
Good morning Jamie, Jamie and Brayden!
Just checking in and wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Ginger
P.S. I agree with Fran, even though I never met Lizzie or Ava, I am sure they are having a wonderful time together!
Hi Jamie & Jamie,
It's the Baxter's...still checking in on the blog..I am constantly thinking of each of you and praying that you will see brighter days ahead.
Much love & prayers,
~Lori
Jamie and Jamie and Big Brother Brayden,
I know nothing can ease the intense loss you are feeling. But please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If you ever need to talk please know that Kevin and I are more then happy to be there for you.
Lot's of Hugs
Kevin and Debbie Bice
Hello angel Ava in those wonderful clouds. I went and saw your mom and brother yesterday! Bray is doing good. We played forawhile, and I stopped at the store and got him some fruit. Your mom misses you so much Ava. Dont worry, she will be ok someday. But right now, she doesnt understand as none of us do, why you have to be in the clouds and not with her! I do not think we will ever know the answer until we are there with you. But I find some comfort as a granny, thinking you are watching over all of us, and having so much fun up there. As it looked, you may have had some long rods to tow. So now you are free of all pain. And my lizzie is with you. And your mom and dads other dog Sabre! I think Lizzie and Sabre will get along up there. Well Ava, big brother Bray sends lots of love to you and kisses. And we will all do our best to watch over your mom and dad. We miss and love you sweet Ava.
granny and poppy
I pray all Ava's other grandparents are hanging in there also. This is hard for us all. Please take care of yourselves also.
Prayers and thoughts go out to you.
Angie Plude
We have been following Ava's blog, and were so saddened to read of her passing. We will always remember her hair, and how she loved her pacifier. You all have been in our thoughts and prayers constantly. May you find peace during this difficult time.
The Leflar's
Patrick, Paula, Ben, Sam, and Jackson (Ava's old roomie in Moderate Care)
Your still in my heart and thoughts. I may not write every day, but that does not mean I love you any less Miss ava! Sweet Dreams baby girl. Keep watching over her my Lizzie. Good night to you both and God Bless you little Ava Christine
Love always
granny and poppy
Your family is still in our thoughts and prayers. I wish our words could comfort you during this time. Please know that everyone is still thinking of all of you and still praying as well. Checking this site daily has become such a part of so many of our days.
Continuing to pray,
Spencer and Paula Rose
and Hunter Horton
Hey Jaime, Good Morning,
Bella's hair is crazy this morning, it made me think of the cute picture of Ava with her crazy hair. I hope you have a good Monday morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Angie Plude
Zimmermans -
Thoughts and prayers for you all continue. PLEASE let us know if there is anything at all that we can do to help you. Words cannot ease the pain, it something you will have to do on your own, in your own time. Just remember that family and friends are here to help - no matter how big or small the task.
Love and prayers -
Ginger
I can picture your sweet baby girl dancing in a field of brightly colored flowers (colors we could NEVER imagine here on earth), playing with all the other babies and resting in God's arms. She is your little angel now, watching over you and wanting to see you smile! We are thinking of you ALWAYS!!
Love,
Becky Asmus
Just wanted to resound what everyone else has been saying--you guys are still in our thoughts and prayers! It feels like the world just keeps on turning when it should STOP and take notice when we've just lost a little loved one. I remember that feeling all too well--but it does gradually fade as a little more healing takes place with each passing day/week/month/year. Sometimes all you can do is just take one day at a time and remember that you are surrounded with loving thoughts and prayers-- always! He still cares...and so do we.
Love,
Holly, Mike, Katie & Annie Kalling
Good night sweet Ava. Keep dancing. Give Liz one of your sweet kisses for me. We are still trying to take care of your mom dad and Bray!!!!
we love you ava. God Bless and Goddnight
granny and poppy
Zimmerman's-
There is not a day that goes by that we don't think about you. We continue to pray for you all. Our hearts ache so badly for you. We pray that time will ease your pain. We can only imagine what you are going through, we miss your sweet little Ava sooo much even though we only knew her through this blog.
Take Care,
The Meek's
Jamie -
I think of you often each day -when I find myself smiling, I'm hoping that you are finding your smile too. My heart goes out to you -
Emily W.
Morning Jamie & Jamie,
I think about you and your family and Little Miss Ava everyday. I hope that you are feeling some comfort in the days ahead. One thing to remember...you should NEVER feel bad about having a good day. It was something our family had to realize after my nephews passed. Just as it is ok to grieve, it is ok to have good days. Thankfully God has blessed you with Bray, as well as a loving, supportive family & network of friends. You will always feel this pain, but you will get through this and the days will get brighter and brighter. I hope you can visit Ava often in your dreams & don't forget to send her plenty of balloons...I am sure Bray would love to do that!
We will always be thinking about you and praying for inner peace.
Much love & prayers,
Carey, Lori, Allysen, Caiden, Adison & Kendall Baxter
Hello ava Christine. This is short. Dont laugh. Granny and Poppy are working hard in Goshen. 13 hour days. But you are in my heart every second of each day and hour. I think you are in a pink dress today. Pretty in pink!!!! I have not seen your mom since sunday, I just pray they are doing ok. You and Lizzie keep a watch on them. Lizzie, mom misses you!!! I will check in later. Keep dancing pretty girl.
I love you and God Bless
granny and poppy
Jamie, Everyday we pray for you and your family. Not seeing you and hoping for you continued healing. Know that you are loved by more people than youll ever realize. Love, Amy Archer and Family
I hung your Picture above our bed today. Keep on dancing in the clouds with our Lizzie. We miss you every day little Ava.
God Bless
Jamie jamie and Bray, I think of you every day and every minute also. Your dad loves you so much, and I also. Bray, we love you little guy!
granny and poppy
Jamie, Jamie and Brayden,
I just wanted you all to know that we are thinking of you aften and hoping that you are ok. Being strong in times like these are very hard. Please know that so many people care about you and your family and we are all sending strength and prayers your way. We miss you and hope that every day the pain will subside a little. When I think back to what Dana and I went through I can hardly believe how far we've come. I would have never believed that we could ever recover. You will too. I know that our situations were very different, and yet, in a way they are similar in how life changing our situations were. It takes time and patience and a little help from our family and friends. Please take care.
Love,
The Daniels
Jamie and Jamie
I think of you and your family everyday. I hope you are still feeling the love and support from this blog because it is a beautiful thing. I wish you peace.
Shannon Johnson
This link was in an email that was forwarded to me and thought I would share....
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY
Also, we took Caiden to TGIF's today for his 7th birthday and when we left, he sent one of his red balloons to Ava and the others. He hopes she liked it :)
Always thinking of you,
Lori, Carey, Ally, Caiden, Adison & Kendall Baxter
Jamie, Jamie and Bray -
I cannot imagine what you are going through right now, but please take comfort in knowing how much support you all have. Things may have seemed to "quiet down", but we are all still here for you for whatever you need. Prayers to you all, we are thinking of you each and every day.
Ginger
I was thinking about my friend Jenny today, last week she celebrated her 1st birthday in heaven. She past away last year from cancer at the age of 30. She had 4 children, one of which she was pregnant with when she was diagnosed. I sent a prayer up today and asked her to take care of Ava. Jenny loved children and I know it would be an honor to watch over your little angel. We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I smiled today after looking at your little ones pictures again. With her chubby cheeks, she looks like a little cherub.
I pray as time goes on your hearts will heal.
Dawn Schelkopf
Dear Mrs. Zimmerman,
This was one of you students from when i was in second grade, I am now in seventh grade. I heard what happened and i wanted to let you no that I am truly sorry and that you are still and will always be the best teacher.
Thank You,
Sierra
Zimmerman Family
We continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers every day. Keep loving each other and smiling at least once every day. In time, we hope the pain will subside and tha happy memories of your beautiful daughter will replace the sadness in your hearts. Love and prayers continue to come your way!
The Gourlay's
Just read all of the wonderful comments and letters from everyone. We didn't realize that the blog was still available and how thrilled we were to see that it is. Checking it became part of our daily lives for quite sometime. Hope that Jamie and Jamie and the rest of the family are finding peace. Know that you are all in our prayers and that Ava Christine will always be remembered!
Love,
Angie & Brad Williams
Not sure if you are still checking this very often, but just wanted to say Happy Birthday Girl Jamie!
We love you and call if you need anything!
Mark & Tracy
Jamie,
Happy Birthday! I hope you got your goodies. Just a few things I remember that you enjoyed!
Love, Sara
The Heart
"Tomorrow morning," the surgeon began,
"I'll open up your heart..."
"You'll find Jesus there," the boy
interrupted.
The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll
cut your heart open," he continued,
to see how much damage has been
done..."
"but when you open up my heart, you'll
find Jesus in there," said the boy.
The surgeon looked to the parents, who
Sat quietly. "When I see how much
damage has been done, I'll sew your
heart and chest back up, and I'll plan
what to do next."
"But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The
Bible says He lives there. The
hymns all say He lives there. You'll
find Him in my heart."
The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell
you what I'll find in your heart.
I'll find damaged muscle, low blood
supply, and weakened vessels.
And I'll find out if I can make you well."
"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives
there."
The surgeon left.
The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery,
"...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle
degeneration.
No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy:
painkillers and bed rest. Prognosis:
here he paused, "death within one year."
He stopped the recorder, but there was
more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud.
"Why did You do this? You've put
him here; You've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an
early death. Why?"
The Lord answered and said, "The boy,
my lamb, was not meant for your
flock for long, for he is a part of My
flock, and will forever be.
Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you
cannot imagine.
His parents will one day join him here,
and they will know peace, and
My flock will continue to grow."
The surgeon's tears were hot, but his
anger was hotter. "You created that
boy, and You created that heart. He'll
be dead in months. Why?"
The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb,
shall return to My flock, for He has
done his duty: I did not put My lamb
with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb."
The surgeon wept...
The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"
"Yes," said the surgeon.
"What did you find?" asked the boy.
"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.
Author Unknown
Ava, are you still dancing??? yes, I see you our small angel. I see those chubby cheeks and dark wild hair! you have a peaceful smile on your little face. We all love you Ava. God Bless
Jamie and Jamie, I am still thinking about you every second. Trying to figure out how I can ease your pain. No one can I suppose. But all of us are here for you if you need to reach out. I do hope you talk to my friend Annie. She lost her little one in her arms also. At Riley. I bet Kylee Grace and Ava Christine have met! She will be a wonderful friend. Remember Lizzie is there also with Ava. Lizzie loved you Jamie. You were one of the few that she ever paid attention to and let love on her. Well I am going on enough. I like others, am glad that you still have this blog. I find this blog to be very consoling and helpful. I need to write and read just for myself. It also keeps me close to everyone that loves our family and has cared about Ava. I thank all of you for your care and support to the Weaver/Zimmerman family. I have never felt so much love in one community. God Bless all of you
granny and poppy
Hi Zimmerman's,
Just wanted to let you know that I think of you and your family often. I hope that your hearts start to mend a little each day. I find myself thinking of you all and not sure how your getting through this difficult time in your lives.
You are in my thoughts often. My heart still breaks for the pain you and your family have had to experience.
I pray that some day soon you will start to feel the peace you need and in time your hearts won't feel as broken.
Love,
Sarah Gowen
Just wanted to say good afternoon. You are in our thoughts and prayers today as you are everyday. It is the first warm spring/summer like day here, 80 degrees! olivia has been in the pool twice today. We hope you are beginning to find your smile again.
Angie Plude
Hi Jamie,
I just wanted to let you know that you know that you are not alone. I truly understand how much you are hurting down to the very core of your soul. I am very sorry that another mother had to endure this type of pain. You are in my prayers. I promise you that is does get easier. Kaleigh would have been 9 on the 17th of February. Jim & Fran have my contact info if you want to talk.
Just wondering, by any chance...was Ava'a surgeon Sara Hirsch? That was Kaleigh's surgeon at Riley Hospital.
From 1 angel's mom to another,
Anne
To the Zimmerman and Weaver Family,
As a fellow bereaved parent I know there are days where it's hard to believe it's been a little over a month since she left your arms and yet other days where it seems like only yesterday. I thought I would share with you a poem that I found recently. The author is unknown.
In the silence
In the silence you hear me,
In the silence I am here.
In the silence you can feel me,
In the silence it is clear....
That my spirit hasn't left you,
I am just a thought away.
You can see me in the shadows,
Anytime you look my way.
Look for me in the sunshine,
And in the stars at night.
In the wind, trees and flowers,
Everything that is in sight.
Talk to me, say my name,
Know that I'm still here.
In my death I have a new life,
And one day it will be clear.
Sp talk to me and look for me
In everything you do,
For I haven't gone so far away,
I'm really right next to you
I also thought I would share with you some programs that helped us.
Dave Labrum is an Art Therapist he wrote the book "A Hole In Me Since The Day You Died" This really helped Kevin and many people that are part of our support group. Dave is out of South Bend and if you contact Hospice they can provide the information. Jamie also Kevin can give you this if you contact him thru work.
The Compassionate Friends also runs a local support group which meets the second Thursday of every month. The group is for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. Brayden would be too young for the meetings. However, Ryans Place in Goshen and now Elkhart runs support for younger children and their peers.
I know The Compassionate Friends and Ryans Place both have websites.
I hope this helps when and if you would like something like the above. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know it's a long road ahead. The offer still stands if you would ever like to meet and talk. We know the pain of losing a child.
Kevin and Debbie Bice
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