She fought to make it through last night, and she fought to get through the morning, but by early afternoon she had a serious case of acidosis, which resulted from the dead bowls sending acid into her blood. The doctors knew then that it was only a matter of time for her.
We spent her final hours holding her, telling her stories, singing her songs, and reassuring her that we loved her more than anything and that we always would. Brooke told her fairy tales of princesses and about how we met, and I told her about Romeo and Juliet (I changed the ending to make it a bit nicer) and Shakespeare and falling in love. We tried to make sure she knew all the things we were never going to get the chance to tell her.
When the time came, she was comfortably resting in Brooke's arms. Her heart rate dropped pretty quickly, and it was over in a matter of a minute. She was in no pain.
We've said all along how great the people at the St. Peter's NICU are and today was no exception. Besides going out of their way to comfort us and ease our sadness, they arranged it so that we could have a family portrait. They brought Charlie out of isolation and Lily out of her isolette and carried both over on portable oxygen tanks. They closed down the entire NICU so we could have some privacy and gave us a chance to be together as a family for the first time. It was brief but it was the best thing that we could possible do. We will cherish this photo for the rest of our lives, I'm sure.
Annaleigh was loved. I said that yesterday and judging by the amazing number of comments I was not wrong at all. We can't express how grateful we are to all of you who have stayed with us through all of this and have offered your love and support. Her eight weeks in this life were way too short but in that time she touched a lot of lives.
We've got to make funeral arrangements now, something I honestly never thought about before. We're probably going to have a small private service for our immediate family-- we're not sure we could emotionally handle anything bigger.
Again, thank you all. We love you baby.
590 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 590 of 590What a blessing Annaleigh had to have you as her parents. What a blessing it is to live and have your parents love you till the very end.
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm happy she was in your lives, even if it was too short.
No words could express my sincerest sympathy as you both go through this very difficult time. May god bless you and your family and take Annaleigh lovingly into heaven. In her short life, she has touched so many hearts across the world, which is something that most people will not accomplish in a lifetime.
Oh my....I am sitting here with big elephant tears streaming down my face. We were cycle sisters for our first IVF's and kept up with eachother for a while last year on the.nest. I've been staying away from the boards...but saw this and my heart broke. It's so unfair that after conquoring the infertility hurdle....you and your husband are faced with this.
I am so sorry about your beautiful, beautiful baby girl. Please know my heart and prayers are with you. May you find comfort and hope in the faces of your beautiful daughter, son and in the loving arms of your husband. I am so sorry for your loss...
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Annaleigh will always be loved.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Annaleigh was beautiful, and I know you will miss her forever. Love and prayers to you....
i am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. she has touched far more lives in her short time here than i can ever hope to.
welcome home to heaven miss annaleigh. <3
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless your sweet little Annaliegh..
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious daughter Anneleigh. She was loved by so many and touched so many hearts. I wish you strength in your time of sorrow!
Love, Allison (Abcteach)
I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Annaleigh. I have been following your blog since the babies were born and have been praying for all of you. Annaleigh was so lucky to have such amazing parents. I am keeping all of you in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I can't imagine what you are going through. I pray God gives you peace during this time.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I am a fellow SAI and multiples board member. I've been following your story and cannot tell you how sorry I am to hear about your daughter. I can't imagine what you are going through. Just know that you are thought about and cared for by lots of people.
I'm so so sorry for your loss. It pains me to read this post. Praying for everyone.
Joe and Brooke,
I am so sorry to hear of Annaleigh's passing. I was hoping that by some miracle she would be spared. I think the hardest part of this is grasping the idea that this once very strong and thriving baby could get sick so quickly. It seems so unfair that she had been doing so well just to have to suffer like this. I have faith in the fact she will continue to live on through her brother and sister. They have even more motivation now to get stronger and bigger. While the pain of losing your young child never truly goes away, I hope that it will ease enough that you can continue being the best parents ever.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your family photo is beautiful.
I am so sorry for your loss! I will be praying for your family!
- Jen (MrsJones2005 from the nest)
And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Revelation 7:15-17
My prayers are with your family during this time. God bless you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know you, but I am keeping you and yours in my prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Annaleigh was beautiful and such a fighter. You will be in my thoughts.
Every day, I anxiously check this site, to see how the babies are progressing and am celebrating every weight gain and move from CPAP. I feel like I know and love your babies, too. My heart breaks for all of you. Please accept my condolences, I can't imagine losing a child.~Lori
I'm so very sorry for your loss. It must be impossible to bear. I am glad you had such kind and supportive medical staff around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for all of you. Annaleigh is now an angel looking down on Lily and Charlie and of course you two amazing parents.
We are so sorry for your loss..God Bless You and Your Precious Little Angel..
Your Family Picture is Beautiful.
The Buschmanns
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Words could never express how deeply beautiful Annaleigh has touched my heart. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bumpie Leslie&Brian
I am so sorry for your family. Bless you and your babies. You now have an angel watching over you four in heaven for always.
My prayers are with you always.
Thinking of you and your family at this time. You will be in are prayers. x
I am so very sorry for your loss. Rest in peace little Annaleigh. (((hugs)))
Annaleigh's purpose in life must be greater than she is. She has shown you love, she has shown you strength, and she has shown you faith. My only wish is that her brother and sister could have known her more so she could have had a greater impact on them. Be well and know there are many thoughts and prayers coming your way from all over. Have faith that she is happy and healthy where she is now. And she loves you more than words could say for bringing her into this world for however short that period of time was.
I am so sorry for your loss. Annaleigh was a beautiful girl and I am so glad I got to know her through your blog.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I lost my own son to NEC and HLHS just over two months ago and I know how devastating it is. You and your family are in my thoughts. I wish you peace at this difficult time.
As others have said, thank you for sharing your story, and your family with us.
We've never met, but I feel as I've known you IRL.
May God give you and your family the comfort, guidance and strength you need to get through this.
Annaleigh is now your beautiful guardian angel watching over all of you.
Annaleigh is now an angel watching over her family. Be strong for Lily and Charlie - Annaleigh will always be in your hearts (and in ours).
God Bless.
Godspeed on angels' wings, Annaleigh.
Joe and Brooke, you, children, and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless your other two little angels and the both of you during this difficult time.
I was lucky enough to stumble upon your story about a month ago. I read, from start to finish, and continue reading everyday about your incredible journey with your three babies. I feel as though I know you all, and am pained by this horrific news. I wish I could, in some way, yield my love and support for your family at this time. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine the heartache you two are going through, but please know you are not alone. Everyone around the world who knows about your story is praying for your family and sending you all strength and hope. Little Annaleigh is watching over Charlie and Lilly Bug now, and she knows how much she was and always will be loved.
Love and hugs,
Laura
My heart goes out to you and you beautiful family. Annaleigh, Charlie and Lily will all stay in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you can find some comfort knowing how many people's lives Annaleigh touched in 8 weeks.
that's a very beautiful picture of your family. I hope it brings you comfort.
poor sweet Annaleigh. my heart and tears go out to your family.
i'm so very sorry.
Joe and Brooke,
Upon my return home today, I went to your blog to catch up on the past few days during which I had been away from the computer. Once again I am reminded of how fragile life is, and of how grateful we are for every minute that our lives are blessed by those we love. I know how deeply Annaleigh was loved and will be missed by you. You are all in my prayers, and I will continue to pray that God gives you strength and continues to bless and watch over you and your children.
My deepest sympathy,
Patte
I am so sorry to hear this news. I will be praying that you find comfort in knowing that your sweet baby girl will always be with you. God bless you all.
I am so sorry for you loss...I cant not even begin to imagine what you guys must be going through.May peace be with you and your family knowing that little Annaleigh is in a better place. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers.
(((((HUGS))))
Lisa
(TTTC/SAIF)
I was crying this morning when I read about Annaleigh. I do not know you personally, but have followed your story since they were born. Please know you have many people in SC thinking/praying for you and your family.
Michelle
mommy to Grant and Lauren 8/6/08
Brooke and Family, I am so beyond sorry for your loss. I don't even have the words to express my heart ache for you. Please know that I am praying for you, your family and especially Annaleigh.
Melissa Maynard (LuckynTigger)
Words cannot express how saddened I am for your family. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
What a beautiful picture. i am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you, Joe, Charlie and Lily lots of love and prayers.
Joseph and Brooke - My heart breaks for you both at this most difficult time in your journey as new parents.
I loved that sweetheart of an angel, she was a fighter...the pain I feel that grips my heart is nothing compared to yours, and today I will hug my boys a little harder, kiss them more, and be thankful for the chance to do so.
Thank you Annaleigh for sharing your ever so short journey with us. We have all learned a great deal from you and your Mommy and Daddy.
May flights of angels carry you to your rest...Godspeed.
Karen & Chuck Titus
I came here only yesterday. I am so very sorry for your loss.
You dont know me but I came across you blog and it has brought me to tears I couldn't just read and not post a comment.
I will keep your family in my thoughts
You are unbelievably strong
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family during this hard time!
Only yesterday did I discover a link to your blog through another blog that I follow and I spent the entire evening reading your story and praying for your sweet Annaleigh. Although I do not know you personally, my heart was broken when I read your latest post. As a new mom myself, I literally felt pain tear through my soul at the thought of what you must be going through and it brought tears to my eyes. Please know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm truly sorry for your loss. Annaleigh is a lucky little girl to have such wonderful parents.
Sending your whole family lots of love, peace, and comfort during this difficult time.
*HUGS*
Joe and Brooke. I just read through all of your posts. Having been a NICU mom as well, I laughed, cried, chuckled, and ached for all that you have gone through. I am very sorry for your loss and am sending you hugs and prayers.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Annaleigh is loved as are the rest of you (Brooke, Joe, Charlie and Lily). My thoughts and prayers are with you and will continue to be.
I heard about your family thru others that I blog with and I just wanted to say I am so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family, and I know beautiful Annaleigh is smiling down on you. Stay strong, we are all here for you.
I'm so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am crying for you right now and will be praying for all of you.
Many thoughts and prayers going up from The Wendt Family.
From our family to yours, please accept our deepest condolences. Annaleigh was a beautiful little girl, and she will be missed by a lot of people who never even met her. I hope you two find strength in each other for Charlie and Lily (and yourselves), and thank you for sharing your little ones with all of us. May Annaleigh rest in peace.
Love, Jeff, Kerry (lovemy2boys from SAIF and Preemies), Max and Wes
Praying for you and crying with you.
God Bless you both!
Joe, Brooke, Lily & Charlie,
I know you do not know me, but I have followed your blog since the babies were born. I can hardly imagine the pain and sadness you are experiencing at the moment and there are no words that I could ever say to make you feel better. Joe and Brooke, you exude the most strength and grace that I have ever witnessed in my life. Annaleigh was incredibly lucky to have you as parents for the short time she was here. Despite the fact that she was taken from this world too quickly, Annaleigh touched the hearts of many without even having come into contact with most of them. I'm sure that she will be watching over her mommy, daddy, brother and sister for the years to come as their guardian angels. She will soar on the wings of butterflies, beautiful, innocent and protective of the ones she loves. May the moments you shared with her keep you strong and may you find peace knowing that your little angel will always be by your side. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many and we are here for you no matter what.
Kerry Schwegler
cloey615 on the nest
I, too, have just learned of your story and was brought to tears by what you are going through. You are in my prayers today and I wish you all peace.
I have been reading your blog for about a month now. One of the girls on the bump shared it.
I am so sorry for you and your family. My heart goes out to you. Your family will be in our thought and prayers.
God Bless
We are so sorry for you and your family. You have done such a beautiful job with the babies. Annaleigh is definitely very loved.
I don't know your family, but can only imagine the grief that you are experiencing with the loss of Annaleigh. Know that many people are praying for Annaleigh, and your family.
joe and brooke,
as many others have written, i do not know you personally, although i feel so close to you all from reading your blog. words cannot comprehend the sympathies and pain that i feel for you right now. they say that you gain incredible strength and power when it comes to protecting your children and the two of you have proved that theory true. be strong for each other and your two little ones and remember that annaleigh has gone to a better place and she will be waiting for the rest of her family when the time comes to reunite in heaven! you are in my family's thoughts and prayers
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your beautiful family are in my prayers.
Brooke and Joe, It is impossible to describe how sorry I am for your loss. You are a beautiful family and Annaleigh was very, very lucky to have you. I am so sorry. --a Nestie friend
So very sorry for your loss. I'm sure your baby girl is healed and is now smiling down on you all from Heaven, waiting to see you again. We are thinking of your family and praying for comfort.
~Deanna
May Heaven bless your sweet girl. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I've been hearing about your beautiful babies through some of my other friends on The Nest. I'm so sorry for your loss...you and your amazing family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I have tears in my eyes and I haven't even met any of you! Annaleigh was a beautiful girl and she'll always be remembered and always be in yours and my heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you ... and I'll send you as much strength as I can muster.
Just another perfect stranger-
Katie
Brooke and Joe, there is nothing I can say that could help ease your pain. You don't know me, but I have been following your blog for a little while now. I am so very sad for you and your family. Your family portrait is beautiful. Take comfort in the fact that Annleigh is not in any pain.
I am very sorry for your loss! Tonight as I pray for my unborn babies, you and your family will also be in my prayers.
I have no words that would even come close... I am so very sad to hear about lil Miss Analeigh. NEC is nothing fun at all.. I am glad that she is not suffering any longer. Hugs and prayers for the days to come.. and for the Charlie and Lily as they continue to fight and get stronger.
Peace be with you all- I love your family photo! So precious!
I'm so deeply sorry...
I am sitting here cyring for your family's loss - I am just so incredibly sorry.
I'm so very sorry. WHat an amazingly beautiful family portrait. I'm so glad you were able to have that done. Annaleigh will always be remembered and loved.
I've been reading your blog daily for several months and my heart breaks for your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family portrait is beautiful. I'm sure Annaleigh touched so many lives. You have my deepest condolences.
(soccerwife, SAiF)
Thinking about your sweet family. There are just no words.
I am so so sorry that you are going through this. I will be praying for your family. Please know that a lot of other people will be as well. I never thought that I can be so upset over the grief of a family that I have never met. Today, I was proven wrong. I cannot remember the last time I cried so much.
I am happy that you have started this blog. It is going to be a good documentation of Annaleigh's short life. One that Charlie and Lily are going to treasure.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe and Brooke,
There are no words that will ease your pain and sadness. I am so sorry for your loss. Annaleigh has slipped the surly bonds of earth and has touched the face of God.
Nancy @ FTHS
I am so sorry for your loss. The love your family has for each other is profoundly moving and your blog makes it clear that sweet Annaleigh was just lavished and immersed in that love all the days she was here.
Your blog will be a wonderful gift to her siblings (and really all who love Annaleigh) when they are older as, through your words and photos, they will get to meet her and fall in love with her as we all have.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss and I am holding you and your family close in my heart and prayers.
~Courtney (first time poster)
We've never met, and we probably never will, but I will never forget your family. I'm an avid reader and your family will continually be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm very sorry for your loss. Annaleigh's in good hands now and she will be watching over you until you meet again.
I haven't been able to post because I've been too broken. We're all broken but Annaleigh will continue to live in everyone that has loved her. She has touched so many lives and she will continue. Annaleigh just left this earth - but she's still with us.
Stay strong Joe and Brooke - for Annaleigh's memory and for Charlie and Lily.
My Dear Sweet Annaleigh, You've been my little angel since Mommy and Daddy gave me my Valentine's Day Card which has been on my bedroom shelf since. Be brave and strong and watch over Mommy and Daddy and Charlie and Lily. I love you my sweet angel. Until we meet again -you will always be in my heart.
All My Love, Auntie
xoxoxoxo
Hello Brooke and Joe,
I recently became a follower of your blog. I was directed here from Busted's blog.
Anyway, I just got done reading your entire journey. Yes, I read each and everyone of those posts. I rejoiced with you guys and now I am close to tears after reading what happened to your beloved Annaleigh.
I am not a mother ((or anywhere close to it at this point)) so I have no idea what kind of loss this is for you guys.
Keep in mind that I am praying for you as you begin to pick up the pieces and try to figure this out - as a family.
Praying for Charlie and Lily Bug to stay healthy!!
God Bless you two!
-Britt.
I have been following your story for a long time now and I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. You are absolutely correct - Annaleigh IS loved.
Kelly (FaithRocks)
Praying for all of you. You have been so strong for your babies already and I will be praying for strength for both of you to get through such an incredibly huge loss. Your children will have an amazing connection to their sweet, precious sister and guardian angel, Annaleigh. Love, prayers and hugs. Kim (TTTC)
I sat and cried tears of joy when I read your blog post about the birth of your beautiful babies and now I am crying for the loss of your sweet Annaleigh. I am so sorry for your loss and that photo is one that will forever be cherished.
Melissa
(MelZull)
I am so sorry for your loss.
What a wonderful picture to cherish for now and always. My prayers are with you as you make the arrangements. She was a beautiful little girl and always will be.
There are no words to express the sorrow we are feeling for you both right now. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Lean on each other's love during this difficult time and please let us know if there is anything we can do.
-Ryan and Stacey Kimmins
I'm a reader who has been reading daily since the beginning and my heart goes out to you both as well as to all of your closest friends and family members. There is nothing anyone can say to ease your pain, but my prayer is that you continually find comfort and peace that can only be granted from our gracious and merciful Father.
Brooke and Joe,
I am so sad to hear of your daughter's passing. There is nothing one can say to make the loss of your precious, precious Annaleigh easier, but know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of people everwhere. I love reading your blog because you are so genuine in your writing. Annaleigh was loved, very much so, and I'm sure she knew it.
~Em
I have no words to express our love for little Annaleigh. Though I have never seen her, as a mother myself I can imagine how little Annaleigh would have looked and felt. Our prayers are sincere and are with your family in these moments. May your find solace in Lily and Charlie. May Annaleigh rest in peace.She is loved forever in my heart. God bless your family and may Lily and Charlie thrive.
I was praying so hard for a miracle and was devastated to learn this news; I can only imagine how it is for you. Praying for comfort, strength, and ongoing support, not just in the next few weeks and months but whenever you need it through the years. Know that we Multiple Mamas are always here for you however we can be. So glad you got to have a family picture; what a treasure.
Sweet Annaleigh: You have touched so many lives already. You are beautiful, so precious, and you are a fighter. Although you're away from your family now, you will live on forever, in our hearts and in eternity.
It honestly breaks my heart that a family as genuine and kind-hearted as you has to go through something like this. I've been praying for you guys since day one of your journey and will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Although the time you had with Annaleigh was short, I think she experienced some of the strongest love possible from two great parents. God Bless.
I just started reading your blog a couple of days ago. Your story has touched my heart and I am crying as I type this. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss of Annaleigh, she will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. She was such a fighter and now she is looking down on Charlie and Lily. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
What a beautiful family, and I am sure you will treasure this picture forever.
I'm so sorry Brooke and Joe. Annaleigh was very loved indeed and the world is lucky to have known her.
I have no words to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Annaleigh was a beautiful, loving, and courageous little girl and I can only hope that when I have a daughter someday she is as brave and strong as Annaleigh. Just like so many others, I have been truly touched by your story and think and pray for you all, especially now at this trying time. I have no doubt that Annaleigh will live on in her brother and sister and in your hearts forever. She is and will always be loved by those near and far including myself.
Much love from Molly (a total stranger from the WC board on the next).
Sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family during this time. Annaleigh has already touched so many people during her short time here. God Bless.
I linked to your blog through another and am reading for the first time tonight. My heart aches for you. We, too, are parents of triplets (BBG) who are now 7 1/2 months old. Our daughter lived just 62 days, never recovering from a heart defect and her open heart surgery. Like you, even though our arms hold 2 of our babies our hearts are broken as we grieve the loss of one of our triplets. Wishing you the strength that is needed to get through these next minutes, hours, days and beyond. In time may you find peace and comfort returning to your lives.
~ a family from Wisconsin
You will ALWAYS be the parents of triplets: 2 in your arms and 1 in HIS. Annaleigh will be a part of all of your lives forever.
Joe and Brook, I have been crying since I came back home from your door. Being a new mother, it's so hard for me even try to feel the pain you may bearing. Cameron is only a few months older than your little ones, he is almost my whole life, I cuddled him and tears keep running, I just can't imagine how terrible what has happened to you. During the past two months, you both has experienced happiest and saddest moments in life, all these up and downs hopefully will contribute to building a strongest and happiest family for you in the very near future. I know my words can't make much more comfort than people have posted here, I just hope the best for you all from deep of my heart.
Oh, dear sweet Annaleigh, may you rest in peace knowing that your mommy and daddy love you a million times more than you could ever know. Watch over them and your brother and sister. Sweet, sweet girl.
Brooke & Joe-
There are no words except that I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you. Your sweet angel Annaleigh will always be at your side watching over you and her siblings.
~Valerie (gymrat)
God bless you and your sweet babies. I am so sorry.
Joe and Brooke-
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey with us. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. You have been through so much and I'm thankful that the blogging community can show you support.
We all love you and your babies!!!
I am so unbelievably sorry to hear of the passing of little Annaleigh. I checked your blog constantly on Saturday, waiting for an update, and all the while praying it would somehow be good news.
Your family picture is just beautiful, and it chokes me up to think that the hospital made that possible for you. How completely wonderful of them to do so.
I know the coming days, weeks, and months ahead will be difficult for you. Annaleigh will forever be missed. I hope you can take comfort in knowing how many people from all over the country (and the world) took part in loving her. And she will always, always be with you.
God bless Annaleigh. And blessings to you, Brooke, Charlie and Lily. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so, so sorry. You two are strong and amazing parents. I know she will forever be in your hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express my sadness for your family. Life is just not fair. Please know that your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs!! - Loving_Life06
Dear Annaleigh,
Even though you were in this world only for a teeny bit of time your parents showered all the love they could and you should be proud of your parents and you are deeply surrounded by your parents love and dont worry you will be safe and will never be alone for your mom and dad will be thinking of you forever and their love for you is eternal.
God bless .
Brooke and Joe - Your story has brought tears to my eyes. You are the strongest and most deserving people that I "know". Your sweet Annaleigh is so loved. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this trying time. God bless.
~Amber
(Krashed24 on WC)
Dear Sweet Annaleigh,
Even though we never met you, you have had such a profound impact on our lives. We fell in love with you even before you were born and followed your life with so much love. Your Dad is such a special person and your Mom must be one too. Their love for each other and for you and Charlie and Lily is an inspiration to all of us. We want you to know that you have changed our lives forever. The silly, petty things just don't mean that much anymore and you have taught us not to "sweat the small stuff" because there is so much more in life. Please smile down on all of us and help us not to forget the lessons of pure love that you taught us. We will remember you forever and forever you will be in our hearts.
Love always,
Jessica, Michelle, Harry, Sara, Melanie and Emily Katz
I am so very sorry for your loss of sweet Annaleigh. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers and thoughts. (sorry I am just getting to respond, I have been out of town since thursday and was able to read your blog and saif but I couldn't reply)
(((huge hugs)))
-Kristi
I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace sweet Annaliegh. Your family will remain in my prayers, including your beautiful angel Annaleigh.
I just wanted to say that your story has touched me in a way that I could have never imagined strangers could do. I shared your love and tears for your beautiful baby. She was loved and always will be. God bless you.
Brooke & Joe, I'm so sorry for your loss. Annaleigh was a miracle from heaven and now she will be with God forever. I know that nothing I say, will help the pain that you feel, but just know that a ton of people are thinking about you and your family.
I found your blog though your friends food blog. I have a now 3 year old who was full term and developed NEC. It's very rare in full term babies. Please know that my family is thinking of you all and are very sorry for your loss.
Dear Joe and Brooke,
Words cannot possibly convey the sorrow we feel over the loss of Annaleigh. We are typing this with tears streaming from our eyes. Through your blog and by talking to your parents we have come to feel connected to your children and as parents ourselves we can somewhat, but I'm sure not fully, understand your pain. We have been away and are just now catching up with email etc and had skipped several days of checking your blog so we feel bad about how late we are offering condolences. If there is any way at all that we can be of help at any time please let us know and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Annaleigh and the rest of your family. Through your photos and blog you have created a beautiful memory of Annaleigh and a wonderful gift for your remaining two children that one day they will truly appreciate. You have enabled her to be a real part of their lives forever.
Chris and John Kish
Annaleigh, my thoughts are with you. You brought such incredible joy to your parents and your strength will be a source of inspiration and encouragent to your beautiful brother and sister. Brooke and Joe, my thoughts are with you.
Brooke & Joe,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss and the pain your are feeling. Ananaleigh was a beautiful soul who touched so many.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers,
Zena & Eliza Muzyczenko
Brooke and Joe,
I just checked into the nest/bump from vacation. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for allowing so many of us to love your little Annaleigh. Your family is in our families thoughts.
Luckysunshinebaby (SAIF)
Annaleigh, we are so sad that you couldn't stay longer with your Mom, Dad, brother and sister. We know you are safely with God, we are comforted by how much He loves you and your entire family, so thankful that you came to be and gave so much joy in your precious time here. We hope that memories of your beautiful life will provide healing, comfort, and hope for the Day when your family will all be together again. You are loved!!
Hang in the Joe and Brooke. You are beautiful people whose love for their children is a blessing to witness. We are soooo sorry for your loss. God bless, comfort and keep you now and ALWAYS!
Love, Jon and Anna Aufderheide
Lincoln, CA
Thinknig of you all, and crying tears for your beautiful family. You write of decisions no parents should ever have to make. My heart breaks for you. Thinking of you and beautiful Annaleigh.
(SAIF GuitaristsGirl)
Rest in peace Annaleigh. You have given your parents a heart filled with love and you will be cherished forever.
Brooke, Joe, Lily Bug, and Charlie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find strength in each other to carry on here as Annaleigh is with God now. May He bless you and your family.
Annaleigh was so beautiful. I will never forget her, even thoguh I never knew her. God bless you all.
Kristi Leigh Foli
(Pepperchik18 from the Nest)
I heard about your family on the bump boards and I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Lily and Charlie have the most beautiful guardian angel looking out for them now. My thoughts and prayes are with you all.
Liz
(efarrell on the nest)
Brooke, Joe, Lily and Charlie,
I know you don't know me, and I don't know you personally but I want you to know that your story has touched so many lives (including mine) around the world and you are all loved. We will all miss Annaleigh Lucy and can't wait to see her when our time comes. On a better note, I would like you to know that there still is tremendous hope for Lily and Charlie. My cousin was born premature at 23 1/2 weeks due to placental abruption. After a rocky start and experiencing many of the things your children have and will, he was discharged from the NICU after five months. His adjusted age is now about two and seven months or so, and he is doing amazing! Besides having breathing assistance at night and wearing glasses he is a perfectly normal toddler. (He also has big cheeks like your kids because of the medicine he had at the NICU!) Basically I am sharing this with you because, although Annaleigh Lucy is in a much better place with the Lord now, I know He will continue to watch over you and your children just as he did for my cousin and family. I have faith that they will be strong and survive, and you are all in my constant thoughts and prayers.
Miss you Annaleigh.
Much love,
V.
Someone who truly "knows what you've been through".
May God grant your family peace at this time. I have prayed over and over for your family and Baby Annaleigh.
God Bless You!
I am so sorry for your loss. Many thoughts with you and your little ones.
Joe, Brooke, Charlie & Lily -
We are heartbroken for the loss of your angel Annaleigh. We will pray for increasing physical strength for Charlie and Lily and for your emotional strength to get through these next days, weeks and months. Charlie and Lily will know their sister because of the love you give to them.
Peace be with you, sweet Annaleigh.
Allison, Adam & Jacob Nadelhaft
(charmcitygirl)
I found your blog on the nest and I have been following it for a while. I am so so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family and baby Annaleigh in my prayers.
Brooke & Joe, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your special Annaleigh. She has touched so many lives and will always be remembered. My thought and prayers are with your family.
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss Mr D. I think about you and your wonderful family everyday. I did not know Annaleigh, but from the stories in this blog I feel as if I knew her. Your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
I have been following your story since May, Brooke and I both had cerclages placed within days of eachother. Words cannot express the sadness I feel. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for your family.
Your family portrait is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures of your sweet babies. Annaleigh will be missed dearly. Our condolences to you and your family.
Debra & Patrick
I am so sorry for your loss. You are amazing parents and Annaleigh was so lucky to have you. She will be missed.
Words can't express how sorry I am for your loss. She was a beautiful baby and she will always be with you, watching over you all from Heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Even though you don't know me, and I don't know you, I love you, Annaleigh. Please be a guardian angel for us in Heaven.
I have no idea what you and your family are going through, but I can say that I am in awe of your strength and resilience. Your little angel is loved dearly, and your family is in many prayers during this time. Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your world; letting us all be a part of your family. I send warm thoughts and love for you all.
God Bless and protect Annaleigh. Your family is in my prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. Annaleigh was a fighter... she will live on in your hearts.
Praying for your strength during this difficult time.
Annette D
Connecticut
I am so sorry...there really are no words. She is a beautiful baby girl and your life was changed for the better even with the short time she was in your arms. I'll keep you in my prayers.
What a beautiful family portrait.
I am so sorry for your loss.
My heart breaks for your family. I'm so sorry the four of you are going through this. From what is posted on the blog, I completely agree that Annaleigh was loved. Now Lily and Charlie have gaurdian angels watching them from above. ::hugs:: My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I too have been following your blog and am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl! She was such a fighter and Im sure you are so proud of her. She was an angel on earth and is now an angel in heaven. How lucky are Charlie and Lily that they have sucha special angel to watch over them. I hope you find peace and strength and comfort in these trying times. Your family and little Annaleigh are in my prayers.
I've been following you and your beautiful family since I became a preemie mom in May via the Bump. There are really no words... just love and light to send to your family. I hope you get some small comfort and strength from knowing how many people care and have you in their thoughts right now. *hugs*
I wish there was something I could say that could ease your pain. I am so sorry for you loss but I am glad for you that you got to meet your daughter and spend those wonderful eight weeks with her. She must know how loved she is.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God continue to bless and keep your family...
Sweet, beautiful Annaleigh Angel - you are loved my many, but especially your Mommy and Daddy. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your beautiful family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
My heart breaks for your family. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I am so, so sorry. There are no words to express how heartbroken I am for you.
(hillaree from the TTTC board)
I came upon your blog a few weeks ago and have been looking forward to your updates over the past couple of weeks to see your beautiful children. It breaks my hear to read this. Bless your family and your children. May your little angel now watch over all of you and keep you strong!
I was always a big fan of Brooke's cooking blog and I've followed this blog since she posted about it. Thank you for letting all of us be a part of this aspect of your life. You, Brooke, Charlie, Lily, and Annaleigh will continue to be in my prayers.
Brooke & D:
We just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time. We know that you will cherish your beautiful Annaleigh forever and take comfort in your two little miracles Lily and Charlie.
Thinking of all of you, Amanda Lisa Ilana Marcy and Bruce Cortez
Annaleigh -- though your time here was short, your impact has reached further than you can possibly imagine. Watch over your parents, brother, and sister. Sweet little girl, you are so lucky to have been loved with the kind of love that many dream of their entire lives. Rest in peace, love, rest in peace.
To Mom and Dad - Stay strong. How courageous of you to document this for all to see in such a difficult time. So many people are praying for you and thinking about you during this hard time. You are such a beautiful family and such an inspiration to all.
hi. i've following your blog since the birth of your beautiful babies. I am so sorry for your loss and I only wish I could just take away all of your pain. I hope you kind find solace in knowing that Annaleigh will always be remembered and loved by many many people and she will always be with you. I will contiue to pray for your beautiful children and for you both.
Erica
Brooke and Joe, I've been following your story for the past couple of weeks...you are an inspiration! I cannot imagine what you and your family are going through. I am So sorry for your loss. You have 3 beautiful babies that God Blessed you with!! May God be with you each and every day!! Your in our prayers!!!
I am so sorry for your loss :( Your family portrait is beautiful, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your story has touched me so. Annaleigh IS loved!
- Teresa in Detroit, Michigan
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
All my prayers are with you...
God Bless Annaleigh. You are all in my prayers! Good luck to Charlie and Lilly. Like all said, Annaleigh was too precious to be in our world.
Good luck.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones.
Thank you for sharing Annaleigh with us.
May God bless you and your beautiful family.
I, too, have been an avid reader since the babies were born. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I'm sure Annaleigh is watching over Charlie and Lily.
I am so, so sorry. I don't know you or your story, but my heart is breaking for you.
Your sweet family is in my prayers. I have faith that some day we'll find out why some of us have to work so much harder at making and keeping a family. I have faith that your sweet, perfect angel is in heaven where she will watch over and wait for you.
Love,
Hillary
I am very sorry for your loss, your family portrait is beautiful. may god bless your family
my heart breaks for you...I'm so so sorry for your loss.
My condolences. Annaleigh was certainly loved during her short time on Earth. My prayers ate with your family.
Oh - my heart just breaks for you as you say goodbye to your sweet baby girl.
That pictures makes my heart sing and break at the same time.
Much love to all of you. Share is always ready with support when you need it.
xoxo
Annaleigh is and will always be in my heart. She is my hero and tonight my prayers will be for her. We don't know each other but that doesn't matter because in the short amount of time i have read your blog i feel like i have known you my whole life. Good bye sweet annaleigh now you are with the angels. God bless your family ...<3
Brooke and Joe:
You are a beautiful family. And you will continue to blessed throughout your lives with the kind of unselfish and unconditional love that the most precious angel Annaleigh has brought out of you. How lucky Charlie and Lily are, to have gotten to share their bond with an angel...
I wish I knew something to say that would make the loss hurt a little less. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this time. She is sitting with GOD, pain free, looking down on you and smiling.
Jill Sella
Fellow mother of tripets
I'm so sorry for your loss - your story is truly remarkable and no child was ever loved more.
I just read about your story today and I am so sorry to hear of Annaleigh's passing. I am heartbroken for you and I will pray for Charlie and Lily.
SDKelli (Thebump.com 3rd tri board)
I was just sent the link to your blog and wanted to add my sincere, if belated, message of sympathy and support. It may be easy to believe from the news that the world if full of cruel selfish people but in reality I think the opposite is true. I'm so glad that you've been able to experience the love and support that comes from the best place in all of us.
I wish that I had more to say other than I'm so sorry...
I wrote about your family on our blog... My prayers and condolences are with you every single step of the way...
Guys I am very saddened to learn of your loss.
I am so sorry. I have been following your blog since a week after your beautiful children were born but have only brought myself to comment once before. See my husband and I adopted twins born at 25 weeks 5 days but they were five months old before anyone took a picture of them (and 14 months old before we met them) so I had no clue what they were like in the beginning, I have been living vicariously through your blog about what my children may have experienced before they left the hospital. Doctor after doctor told us we have miracle babies and I never believed them until I read this post. I am so sorry I stalk your blog and never say anything, I am so sorry that you had to deal with the loss of your beautiful baby girl and I wish I had the words to make it better though I am aware there are none. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
A friend of mine shared your story with me and I want to offer you many prayers and strength for the future. I lost 2 babies in utero on 2 different occasions and your story brings back the pain at losing someone so little that in whatever time you have with them leaves an amazingly large feeling of loss. Hold your other little ones close and enjoy every moment you have with them. Annaleigh is watching over you all...and so are my lost little ones..
my deepest condolences..
I drop in to read your blog about once a week or so...I am so sorry about your loss. I am thinking about you and praying that God will comfort you.
My name is Annaleigh, I am 12 years old. I was looking to see if I had anyone I could share my name with, since Annaleigh is such an unusual name. I am very glad to know that I can share it with such a sweet little girl who made a lot of people very happy in the time that she was living on Earth. Thank you from one Annaleigh to another.
I know you don't know me, and I don't know you. I hadn't even heard about you until this afternoon, which is why I'm commenting so late. But I've been reading your blog for hours, and when I read this, I nearly cried. I feel so, so sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to comprehend how upsetting it must have been. I'm not even a parent. I'm just a teenage girl, with four nephews. I love my nephews more than anything in the world; I didn't know a person could love anyone that much. But I'm now an aunt to 4 boys, ages 7, 5, 3 and 1, and they've made my life so much greater. I can't imagine losing one of them. And you, as actual parents... I can't even start to imagine. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and I will continue to follow your blog. You're entire family will be in my thoughts, probably forever now. I really don't know what else to add, but I hope the best for your family.
You will probably never know me. I stumbled across your blog just this evening, and was enthralled in reading the adventures of Chily. Reading backwards, I knew this was coming, yet I was not prepared for the utter sadness that I feel in my heart over your loss of your precious Annaleigh.
Annaleigh, what a beautiful name for a beautiful girl.
I'm a clinical doctorate student in Audiology (cheers for Charlie and Lily passing their hearing screenings!), and there are very few babies in my family. Each one we have, though, has been blessed with good health. I haven't any children of my own, so I'm fairly certain that I do not know what your family has endured since August. But my heart aches for every ounce of sadness you have felt.
I am not religious, and I'm not sure I even know how to pray, but I will keep your family in my thoughts for years to come. I am sure that your baby girl is forever watching over your family. God bless you all. Here's hoping to a happy and healthy 2010.
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