Baby Aspen

[Andy Leach]

My wife and I lost our first daughter, Aspen Rachel, on July 6, 2006 to a cord accident at 38.5 weeks (i.e. 11 days prior to her due date). My wife and I worked together to write a complete story about our experience that can be found here: http://www.leachfam.com/securearea/1story.php?storyid=57 (http://www.leachfam.com/securearea/1story.php?storyid=57). We hope it may bring comfort to other couples in similar tragedies or helps friends and family members understand what parents are going through.

One of the brighter spots during the whole ordeal was having photos taken by a NILMDTS photographer. Betsy, of Portraits By Betsy (http://www.portraitsbybetsy.com/ (http://www.portraitsbybetsy.com/)), did a fantastic job. We are so grateful to Betsy and NILMDTS for the wonderful photos we have of our beautiful daughter.

- Andy

[Rayna']

I am sorry for your loss. Aspen was a beautiful baby.

[Cheryl Haggard]

Andy,
Thank you for sharing your story and your daughter Aspen here with us.
My heart and prayers are with you and your wife, and baby Aspen. What a beautiful name...I will always think of her now each year when the Aspen leaves turn golden in the late summer.
I pray that you find peace and hope in her images.
Many blessings,
Cheryl

[Jennifer Turner]

Andy, I just spent an hour or more reading your entire story. What an amazing gift you have given here, I think that by reading this I have a closer understanding of what parents go thru. Thank you so much for sharing this time in your life. Aspen is simply beautiful as is your faith.

[Tammy]

Julie & Andy,
Thank you for sharing the beautiful story and photos of your sweet little girl Aspen. Please know my heart and prayers are with you both and know if you ever need to vent, we have a wonderful support group here with many caring and knowledgeable people~
I hope you are able to find peace during this difficult time, knowing Aspen is in the loving arms of our Lord, along with all of our little ones as her playmates.
Thank you again for giving us the priveledge to know Aspen. She is truly a precious little girl.

[Andrea Hillis]

Julie and Andy thank you for being here and sharing Aspen with us. She is beautiful!

A.

[Tasha Nicholls]

Julie & Andy,

What a beautiful tribute to Aspen. The tears flowed as I read through your story and felt a *tiny* bit of the heartbreak and pain which you have endured. Thank you for sharing your story... I'm sure it will help many others, whether they are going through such heartwrenching circumstances themselves, or just trying to be there for a friend or relative that is experiencing such profound loss.

Aspen is beautiful.

Tasha

[Andy Leach]

Thanks for all the support. Today one of my wife's best friends gave birth to twins. This is the last of the births from the many friends my wife was pregnant with. It will be hard day for her I'm sure, but hopefully the sharp pangs of sorrow will slowly begin to dull in the future. We appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers.

[Tammy]

It is my hope Julie will eventually join our forum, when she is ready and if she wishes to do so. I believe all parents who have experienced such a devastating loss, need a place where they can freely express their thoughts and feelings with out the worry of making someone else feel uncomfortable, which is sometimes the case when talking with family and friends face to face. Unless that person has "walked in our shoes" it's difficult for them to fully understand the pain we are experiencing.
Many of us here can attest how helpful this forum is, knowing there are other families who have been through this painful experience and can share our grief. This is not something we have to go through alone.... :o

[Sandy "Sam" Puc']

Andy,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am just coming back from a very long trip so I thought I would just take a quick look at your site. The minute I started reading I was overwhelmed by your words and read every sentence. You have so much courage and strength. I especially appreciated when you explained the differences in how you both handle the grieving process. I think that it is
so important to understand both sides.
Little Aspen has touched so many hearts. Thank you for sharing her with us all.
With warm regard,
Sandy

[Andy Leach]

It is my hope Julie will eventually join our forum, when she is ready and if she wishes to do so. I believe all parents who have experienced such a devastating loss, need a place where they can freely express their thoughts and feelings with out the worry of making someone else feel uncomfortable, which is sometimes the case when talking with family and friends face to face. Unless that person has "walked in our shoes" it's difficult for them to fully understand the pain we are experiencing.
Many of us here can attest how helpful this forum is, knowing there are other families who have been through this painful experience and can share our grief. This is not something we have to go through alone.... :o
Thanks. I will certainly let her know. Julie is pretty involved in the message board at http://forums.ovusoft.com/ so I'm not sure if she has the time or energy to participate in another one.

[tinantravis]

Andy:
I just want to express my sympathy to your family. The story you wrote on the website was powerful. The imagery and description provided put me right there with you as you experienced your great loss. I, too, was due in July 2006 and was shocked at 32 weeks to find out Isaiah had a fatal chromosomal defect called triploidy. I feel a connection with your family and hope that you can find some comfort by sharing and hearing others. I've learned that there aren't any "right" words for a family that has just endured the deepest and greatest lost one could ever face, but it is sometimes just comforting to know that we are here for you. Please feel free to contact me...
God Bless,
Tina
Mother of Ethan (21 months) and our angel, Isaiah