After Andrew fell asleep, they started a morphine drip to keep him comfortable; he's such a bruiser that they had to turn it up a few times before he even felt it. We sat next to his bed and held his hands until he was sleeping so soundly that he wasn't taking extra breaths above the ones the ventilator was giving him. We then moved him to my lap, added another sedative to guarantee complete comfort, and removed his ventilator tube. It was the first we've seen his beautiful upper lip in a long time (it looks just like mine), and we were able to say goodbye and kiss his little mouth. He was completely peaceful snuggled in my arms, and he slowly drifted away. At 7:03pm, the doctor confirmed that he was gone.
Of course this ordeal was not what anyone was expecting during our pregnancy. We've been heartbroken throughout the last five months, and we were devastated when we realized he wasn't going to recover as we had hoped. However, given the eventual outcome, we're confident that today went as well as it possibly could. We had a wonderful time with him the last few days, and were able to bid him farewell and obtain some measure of closure. He fought long and hard, and he was a brave little boy; today we simply allowed him to stop fighting.
Andrew Christopher Ryan
June 15, 2007 - November 19, 2007
June 15, 2007 - November 19, 2007
Heaven has gained a precious angel. We pray that all the love and support that have surrounded Andrew will bring you comfort. Our love and prayers, Lori and family
ReplyDeleteWe are deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Jennifer and Ryan
ReplyDeleteYour little angel will always be in our hearts as are both of you. Thank you for sharing him with us. My love and prayers to you both.
ReplyDeleteSue
Dear Jaime and Danielle,
ReplyDeleteYes, Heaven has gained a precious angel...
Our children are only ours for a short period of time....Andrew was yours for much too short of a time. But, in that very short time, he taught you everything you need to know as a parent. He taught you that the depth and a love of a parent has no measure, he taught you the joy of having your first child, he taught you to hope when there is no hope, he taught you to trust God and his doctors, he taught you to learn to understand all you need to know, he taught you to have patience when you it isn't easy, he taught you to support and comfort each other when grief and sadness is all you feel, he taught you that despite that grief and sadness, you just need to look at him and it all seems worth it, he taught you that life is not fair, but despite that-his life brought you joy, he taught you gratitude for the doctors and nurses who tried valiantly to change the course of his life, he taught you acceptance when that was not to be, he taught you forgiveness for all the times you asked ‘why’, he taught you peace in letting go, but most of all, he taught you to love, laugh and treasure every moment we have with each other. It must have been so hard to let him go, but he didn’t leave you without the gifts and support you will need to go on without him. He gave those to you…and he gave you the gift of knowing that love never dies. My heart goes out to both of you….I know you will miss him more than words can say, your grief will only be comforted by the love and knowledge that he was a most precious child whose life, although so tragically short, was so beautiful and so giving… I will miss him and miss being a ‘part’ of your lives. He was truly a gift from God and he did fight long and hard, but finally he was able to know you would be okay-so he could go…He earned his Angel wings. "God’s speed, little man…".In love and prayers, Cathy Owens
What do you say to two such amazing people who have been through so much except to let you know that we love you. We came to know Drew with every blog and although we never got to hold him, he touched our hearts and we will hold him there forever.
ReplyDeleteYou are both pillars of strength. I don't know that I could have gone through what you did and been as strong.
Bill, Cathie, Matt & Amanda
There are no words to express my sympathy for you both and what you've been through. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. With love, Sandy Brown
ReplyDeleteWe know that God is Sovereign and that Andrew is being taken care of in Heaven. We have a daughter in heaven that was only on this Earth for one day. We know that God is a loving God and that we shall see all our loved ones once we are reunited in Heaven. If we can be of any help to you, please contact us. We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jim and Leah
Thank you both so much for sharing yourselves so freely with us, and letting us be a part of Andrew's life. You are both so generous to let us all in, and for your honesty and your amazing words. We have enjoyed Andrew, and learned a great deal from his strength. We are sending you our love and prayers. Thank you for sharing your beautiful son with us, and your journey with him.
ReplyDeleteKreg and Nicole
May God grant your most precious angel a place of eternal rest. May the two of you find solace in his memory and in the love that you shared with him.
ReplyDeleteAll our love and prayers,
Jim, Frances and Athanasia
May his memory be eternal!
The courage and unselfishness shown by you is a testament to your love for Andrew. We can't express how deeply sorry we are and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing Andrew with us, he touched all of our lives. Love Gary, Jane & Family
ReplyDelete