for Samantha – update with sad news
June 10th, 2011
Remember my friend Stephanie‘s little girl Samantha who was sick with meningits, the one I crocheted the blanket for? Well, the latest news is not good, which is an understatement.
The infection ate away most of Samantha’s brain tissue before it was under control. About a week ago they met with all their doctors and specialists to go over what was in store for them. They decided it was time to take Sammy home, to just enjoy their daughter as much as they could, and let as many of their friends and family meet her and hold her as possible. They have hospice nurses helping them out at home, and they are administering medications to keep Sammy as comfortable as possible during these final days.
These past weeks I’ve spent a lot of time thinking of and praying for my friends and their sweet baby girl, whom I will likely never get to meet this side of heaven. I’ve thought about how excited I was for Stephanie and Travis to watch their daughter grow up, how I thought it was cool she was born a day after my birthday, how fun it would be that our babies were close in age and how when we visited them this fall on our way to see Troy’s parents it would be neat to introduce our girls to each other. I think about all those things with grief now, and I know that my grief is so very tiny compared to theirs.
I remember how scary it was when Elliora was first admitted to the hospital last December, before we knew it was RSV and they were doing every test under the sun, including a lumbar puncture to check for meningitis. Sometimes when I’m thinking about Samantha I look down at Elliora as she nurses or sleeps on me, and know it could have just as easily happened to her. There but for the grace of God, I think, and breathe a prayer of thanks at the same time I am crying for my friends.
Loss is a fact of life. I know way too many people who’ve lost babies, and they’re all awful, tragic losses. This one is hitting me harder than most for some reason. Maybe because of Elliora’s time in the hospital and my own brief, terrifying glimpse of what it would be like to stand at the edge of that chasm of pain and grief. I think this is part of why I’ve been having such a hard time blogging lately, actually.
I’m so thankful that Travis and Stephanie are people of deep faith. I’m grateful that they’re being supported by so many loved ones and comforted by the many, many people praying for them. And I’m so glad I sent the blanket when I did. I won’t get to hug Samantha or hold her but something I created has kept her warm and brightened her bed.
If you want to read more about Samantha or leave a message for her parents, you can go here, to Samantha Pittock’s CaringBridge.
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Oh, how terrible. I’m so, so sorry.
So sorry to hear this news. I will pray for the family.
What horrible, horrible news. I’m crying just reading this and I don’t even know them. I really can not imagine what they must be going through.
Faith is a good thing. Praying…
Oh, such sad news. I had wondered what was going on with them – thank you for an update, even if it is sad. I am glad they’ve been able to take baby Samantha home. Why is life so hard? And why do little babies have to suffer?
My high school best friend just lost her daughter, in utero – a terrible syndrome where it was either the baby would die in utero or shortly during/after birth. She is being so strong and brave and I just can’t believe this sort of awful thing happens to people I know.
So, so sad. Looks like this little girl’s parents are being very strong for her and giving her the best care she can have. True love and compassion.
Wishing them every strength and comfort.
My heart hurts for this lovely family. Thankful for a God who loves this baby more than this world ever could. Praying for strength and comfort for everyone touched by this beautiful girl’s life.
I am so sad to hear this! :( You and Samantha’s family are in our thoughts! Let us know if there is anything we can do.
Such sad news. The blanket is so beautiful and I know it will comfort her.
Such a sad, sad story. I’ll be keeping everyone in my thoughts.
My heart hurts for you and them. Hugs and prayers, friend.
beyond heartbreaking, there are no words besides I’m so sorry.
I am so heartbroken for your friends – I can’t even imagine what they are going through. I have been praying for them and Samantha and will continue to do so.
[...] heart has been heavy lately, thinking about Samantha. So I’m reminding myself of some happy [...]
I’m so sorry to hear about your friends baby. Meningitis is horrendous.
oh Bethany, my heart breaks for your friends, just breaks.
[...] my mind: Samantha and her [...]