Today is one of those very rare instances.
Today my friend Nicole and her husband Roger had to say goodbye to their 16 month old son Travis.
(Travis on 4th of July at the local minor league baseball game)
Travis was born with a heart condition called HLHS.
As a parent you never ever want to out live your child.
I am angry, I am confused, I am heartbroken, and I am just... I don't know. For once in a handful of times in my life, I am speechless.
It's just not fair. He was just a happy boy. Always smiling. I will always remember his smile! It was infectious.
I am honored to say that I knew Travis DiCarlo and that he shared that happy special smile with me.
Travis, I know you are in a place where you don't have to dread anymore scary hospitals, doctor's appointments, surgeries, or nights away from your parents. Just know that you changed so many lives and were loved by many.
Tonight a group of us went to a local pizza place because we didn't know what else to do. We feel helpless but know that Nicole and Roger need to rest and be with family right now. As I looked around the room, I saw an amazing group of people that I am lucky enough to call friends. Friends who came together (within a few hours notice) in another friend's time of need. And together we hugged, cried, planned, and celebrated Travis' life.
To any of our friends or if anyone else would like to help, we could use Target, Walmart, or grocery store gift cards, or you can go directly to their blog page and donate.
So hug your loved ones extra tight tonight and be thankful that you are able to. I know I am.
(Travis and my son at our town's Christmas parade this past year)
Rest sweet boy!
You can read his story here.
It's such a terrible day :( So sad! Hug your babes a little extra tight tonight! We will be there for our friend in the coming days & months to help her anyway we know how! We are so lucky to be surrounded by such amazing people! If anyone wants to help we could use gift cards to Target, Walmart or grocery stores to purchase food & items for the service.
ReplyDelete6:45 am and I'm crying with crocodile tears down my cheeks. I can't imagine loosing a little one and like you said they are supposed to outlive us parents. I pray the parents, family and surrounding friends find peace and know that he's know in a better place. The parents sound like they have an amazing set of friends for support and amazing everybody got together last night to help. They are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteKellee...my heart aches for this family and I don't even know them. My husband and I were driving up to LA and I started checking fb...I saw your status update giving a link to their blog...I clicked on it and read the post about the incident where he coded and then the post that he was going in for a ct scan...then the post about the battle being over popped up...I felt like I was punched in the stomach and started crying...no words ever feel right in a time like this, but I know the family will appreciate all the love and support you and your friends are giving them!
ReplyDeleteKellee... I'm so sorry for the family, my heart aches for this Beautiful little Boy~~~ I can not belive this happen to him so sorry. I can't stop crying for the family. Travis you are one of God little angel's now ~~I need to stop now can not stop crying !!!. All my love to the family ~~ xxoo
ReplyDeleteDiane
I had to write a similar blog post in October. My friends son was 51 days old when he died from HLHS. I'm praying for you, them, and everyone whose heart is aching right now. If you ever need to talk, let me know. It's hard to be there as a support sometimes...
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry. I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a child.
ReplyDeleteYou are a good friend for the love and support you give to Travis's family in this difficult time.
Wyatt's Mom
No parent should ever lose a child, it just not fair.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear that, I am sending good vibes and wishes or peace to you and Travis' parents.
Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts!!! I too, cannot imagine what Nicole and Roger are going through. I just hope to help in any way possible that I can. My heart just breaks for them. Nobody should ever ever ever out live their child!
ReplyDeleteI am just so sad for them and cannot stop thinking about little Travis. They are so fortunate to have such a supportive group of loving friends to be by their side during this tragic loss.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to say....just tears....
ReplyDelete