Cheryl Haggard
04-09-2007, 05:43 PM
Cheryl,
I wouldn't know you if I saw you on the street, but I feel as if I know you in my heart. What you have done, and are doing for families is beyond words or expression. I only wish we had known you 18 years ago.
I lost my first son at 13 days. He was born with a brain abnormality. Physically perfect, but unable to function without subconcious seizures. It progressed to the point where it could only be controlled with sedation. We removed him from life support on day 13. The only memories are pictures from the neonatal unit at the U of M, and 3 that one of the hospital staff took for us when we removed him from support.
I was reading our local paper, saw the article about your organization and I logged on this afternoon. When I saw the pictures cascading across the screen of the families and their babies, I began cying, and the memories seemed to flood back in as if it were yesterday.
To any families who may have doubts about taking pictures at a time of incredible grieving, I'd say take a moment to reconsider. The pain never goes away, it just seems to become a bit smaller as time goes on. The memories your organization gives families must help to ease that pain with time. The transition from pain, to a smile and a memory. I wish I had known you 18 years ago.
Bravo, Cheryl. You are proof that there is indeed good and beautiful left in this world. It is becoming more difficult to find, but I stumbled across an iceberg sized portion today.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Larry Lindahl
Shakopee, MN
I wouldn't know you if I saw you on the street, but I feel as if I know you in my heart. What you have done, and are doing for families is beyond words or expression. I only wish we had known you 18 years ago.
I lost my first son at 13 days. He was born with a brain abnormality. Physically perfect, but unable to function without subconcious seizures. It progressed to the point where it could only be controlled with sedation. We removed him from life support on day 13. The only memories are pictures from the neonatal unit at the U of M, and 3 that one of the hospital staff took for us when we removed him from support.
I was reading our local paper, saw the article about your organization and I logged on this afternoon. When I saw the pictures cascading across the screen of the families and their babies, I began cying, and the memories seemed to flood back in as if it were yesterday.
To any families who may have doubts about taking pictures at a time of incredible grieving, I'd say take a moment to reconsider. The pain never goes away, it just seems to become a bit smaller as time goes on. The memories your organization gives families must help to ease that pain with time. The transition from pain, to a smile and a memory. I wish I had known you 18 years ago.
Bravo, Cheryl. You are proof that there is indeed good and beautiful left in this world. It is becoming more difficult to find, but I stumbled across an iceberg sized portion today.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Larry Lindahl
Shakopee, MN