Farewell sweet child, farewell...
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 7:12PM 
[The slide show has been moved here]
My daughter, Elizabeth. A beautiful child and a beautiful woman—a woman who radiated warmth, love, and inspiration. I saw her just last spring, when she surprised us with a visit from the East Coast. I cling to that memory now because there will be no more.
Last week my son called with wrenching news—the kind of news a parent never wants to hear, the kind of news that tears at your heart and twists your stomach: Elizabeth had suffered a stroke and was in intensive care. She seemed to improve a bit over the next few days, but on Friday, things went horribly wrong and she fell into a coma. Within 24 hours all brain function had ceased, and by Sunday morning, she was gone.
Gone. I have repeated that word so many times I have lost count, yet I remain unable to grasp its ultimate meaning: that I will never again be able to call her, or to tell her I love her; that I will never again be able to see her, or to hug her; that my last photograph of her is the last one I will ever be able to make.
It is all too unimaginable and all too unimaginably painful.
Elizabeth is survived by her mother, brother, grandmother, cousins, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, countless friends, and by me and Patty. All of us will remember her warm, loving, and inspiring ways for the rest of our lives.
Reader Comments (12)
Will,
I've just read this post and burst into tears. I'm so very, very sorry.
The pain you and your family must be feeling is unimaginable.
Our hearts go out to you, Patty and your son.
Lin and Rich
From Marcotte on Twitter:
My God, I am so sorry for you and your wife. There are no words, just a hope for peace. I wish you both peace.
January 16, 2009 8:32 PM
From mirror site here:
MDKauffmann said...
My prayers are with you.
January 17, 2009 12:39 PM
From mirror site here:
Rob Munroe said...
My prayers are with you.
January 17, 2009 2:25 PM
From mirror site here:
Kevin H. Stecyk said...
Dear Will and Patty,
I deeply sorry for your sorrow and loss.
I viewed your tribute to Elizabeth. Her spirit shines through each picture—indeed she was a beautiful child and a beautiful woman who radiated warmth, love, and inspiration.
Will and Patty, I wish you peace and solace as you reflect on your warm and loving memories shared with your daughter Elizabeth.
I extend my deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you both.
Best regards,
Kevin
January 17, 2009 4:46 PM
From mirror site here:
Anonymous said...
Like thousands of others who've viewed this blog, I didn't know Elizabeth. By sharing a little piece of her with the rest of us, you bring a bit of her warmth and kindness to us all. That's something this world is all too short on. She would be proud.
January 17, 2009 9:36 PM
From mirror site here:
Anonymous said...
My prayers go out for you and your family. Having two daughters I can feel your pain. God be with you and yours.
January 20, 2009 11:09 AM
From mirror site here
Tanya said...
How awful. My sincere condolences...
January 21, 2009 4:33 PM
i'm truly sorry for your loss and you're in my prayers as well as your family. know that she still sends her warmth and love from above. she watches you with a smile on her face and one day you will all be together sharing the same memories you once used to. let me know if there is anything you need. i'm always here for you and patty...
much love danielle
DEEPEST condolences at this extremely trying time for you and everyone around you.
i was just reading this website and enjoying it so much and went across with this post. how painful it is to loose your child. one of my close friends lost their son a few years ago and i was at the funeral. you never wish such experience to any one. hope you are getting through this and recovering little by little.
I stumbled across your blog today. I dont know you but as a father, i'm weeping. So sorry for your loss. I have no idea what its like and hope I never do. All the best to you.