Black Friday

Damn this last week and a half has been a week from hell!

After a very long life my Grandmother has finally given in to old age. Now people may say that the cancer they found in mid February was the cause, but really, she was 91 years old, and much loved. A good life for anybody.

I'll miss you Grandma.

The second passing was a beautiful baby that, in her short life, affected people more than you can believe.

Hailey Rose (November 27, 2005 - February 24, 2006)

A letter to Hailey

Hailey;

It sure was nice to meet you that day in the hospital, the impact on me was immediate. looking in and seeing you lying there, your beautiful little hands curled up and your little heart beating away ... a new life. You were born with challenges, but you sure were at the right place, Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital, one of the best hospitals in the world. The hope was that you'd get through these challenges that faced you and become the beautiful little girl that your sister has become, but the world had different ideas for you.

In your short life you affected everybody that knew you. you were a beautiful baby that was taken away but has left an indelible mark on all of our lives. I only held you once, something I never do with babies, and you were so delicate, so fragile, that I felt you'd break if I breathed on you. I wouldn't give up that moment for anything.

You will always be loved, and will always be remembered.

The beautiful baby that left us too soon, you will always be in our thoughts.

Brent

" Hailey Rose (November 27, 2005 - February 24, 2006) - Peacefully, at home, in her mommy's arms, on Friday, February 24, 2006 after a brief battle with Gauchers Disease. Cherished daughter of Amanda (nee Vliek) and Chris, beautiful baby sister of Alexis. In Hailey's short life, she touched many hearts with her sweet and delicate nature. She will be sadly missed and never forgotten by her parents, sister, great grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. The family extends their gratitude to the wonderful medical and bereavement teams in the NICU at the Hospital for Sick Children, the nursing staff at CCAC and to Drs. Li and Chapal for their extra care. A warm thanks is also sent to our extended family, friends and neighbours for all their support and love. In lieu of flowers, donations to the NICU at the Hospital for Sick Children or the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation would be appreciated. "