Hi all
On Tuesday 22 December, Tom and I went back to the hospital to meet with Alannah's surgeon, cardiologist and CLN. The purpose of these meetings after a person has passed is to go through the case with the team. In our case, we wanted to make sure that what we knew was right - and it was.
The surgeon told us that since Alannah he has had two more cases with clotting problems and he has performed another procedure on these children. It's a form of patch that has been successful on both. If he had to do Alannah's operations again, he would have performed this patch instead of successive shunts. This did not upset us. There always has to be one case that changes how future ones are carried out. Unfortunately for us, we had to lose Alannah but we like to think that she has played a part in giving these children a chance of a future. I am sure though that others have lost in order for us to have had what we did with her.
Alannah's corneas were not used as donor tissue and they did not know exactly why. It is thought that perhaps they were too small. This was a pity because Alannah's eyes were open so seldom, it would have been great to know that someone else was given the gift of sight because of her. But that's the way it goes at times.
We have had a lovely Christmas with Mikey and our families. It has been emotional and hard - something that I had not expected for some bizarre reason.
We will be holding a fundraising event in the Phoenix Park on 27 March 2010 to celebrate Alannah's birthday and would love it if you could all support it. We have created another blog page Forever Blowing Bubbles Day for it. Click on the link on the left to read all about it.
We are looking forward to a happier and less eventful 2010 filled with good health, happiness and positivity and would like to wish you all the same. Thank you for your continued support and love.
Love
Eveline, Tom and Mikey xxxx - we'll always add a fourth kiss from Alannah
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Dear Eveline,Tom & Mikey,
ReplyDeleteI read your blog,it made me cry and smile,you have shown how much you love Alannah and its so beautifully written.
She will always be with you and her memory will live on.The blowing bubbles day is such a unique and lovely idea.I hope to be able to share it with you.
I will never forget your support at Dail Eireann in June,you were both so brave and selfless to come and support for all the little children who need Crumlin-thank you so much.Alannah must be the proudest little Angel...and your grief for her must have been so raw,you are both an inspiration...
much love Aisling xxx
Just checking back in and remembering.
ReplyDeleteXX
ah thanks Brian. Rarely check back here myself. Nice to know it's still read from time to time x
ReplyDeleteAnother year has passed. Seven years in total. Hard year this year but sure that's just the way it goes. Thank you for looking after us sweetheart. Your presence is always felt, your name is always spoken, our love never dies xxxxx love Mum, Dad, Mikey and Grace
ReplyDeleteAs the days go by, the blossoms appear and we know your birthday is near. We've our bubbles bought and birthday celebrations are well under way. I've started reading a book called "Wonder". It tells the story of a boy born with a facial defect and is told from a number of different perspectives. Naively, I thought that it would bring me into the world of that little boy, August. Little did I think that it would bring me into a different world that made me wonder, if you had survived and had the difficulties we thought you would have due to your low oxygen levels, what would life have been like for us all. I have often thought about it, but this book seems to make things seem more real and delve into the what ifs a lot more. Love you always, Mum xxxxx
ReplyDeleteJust thinking of you this morning sweetheart xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHappy 9th birthday sweetheart! We miss you every day xx Your little sister was at camp last week and one of her new friends was Alannah. She gleefully told me how her new friend called herself Alannah banana. What fun they had and how my heart broke at what could have been. As you know, your sister is an amazing girl. Like your big brother she has a brilliant sense of humour, great sense of adventure and fun and is a caring and sensitive girl. Oh how she would have loved you - actually, she does love you, very much so and you never actually met here on earth. It's always hard to imagine could have beens. As always, we will celebrate your birthday today honey. Thank you for watching over us all so well. Enjoy your heavenly celebrations. Love Mum xxxxx
ReplyDeleteI see I haven’t posted here for a while but all your birthdays have been fully celebrated as you well know. 12 this year! Wow, where did that time go? We see the blossoms in the mornings which bring you closer. Bubbles are still blown every year. Your big bro and little sis talk about you often. You’re as much a part of us now as you were when you were here - if not more so. I hope you’ve seen Helen. She was a huge support to me when you left us. She joined you last year and I’m sure she’s paid you a visit. Give her one of your special hugs from me. Another angel Daire, has joined you. He fought a big fight and is probably a little tired, but when he rests, I know you and your heavenly pals will take him under your wings and entertain him in heaven’s playground. Missing you always but know you are with us wherever we go. All our love on your birthday sweetheart. Love Mum xxxxx
ReplyDelete14 years? Where have they all gone? I went back there today. Just thinking about you and bang, I was there. You are never forgotten. Your life. Your fight. Your bravery. Your strength. Our love. Always in our hearts and our minds. Love you - Mum xxxxx
ReplyDeleteWell this year your birthday and Easter Sunday fell on the same day. It was our turn to host the Lennons and we had a great bubble celebration. It was the Gibbons’s first experience of a bubble day and they enjoyed it. 15 this year - it doesn’t seem that long ago. We talked about you lots and have shared our memories - it’s been great.
ReplyDeleteNo point in wishing for what could have been. What we had with you was very special. You are forever loved and missed sweetheart. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom . Sending you all our love - Mum, Dad, Mikey and Grace xxxxx