Sunday, January 9, 2011

When a child passes before a parent, it is said that a little bit of the parent passes too. I experienced this unnatural order early this morning when Juliet Grace passed away after just more than six months of the most courageous battle I’ve ever seen. Not sure whether we specifically were experiencing pain, sadness, relief, anger, or shock, it was in an environment of raw emotion from which our angel passed.

Yesterday, Juliet experienced serious internal bleeding, which required a significant amount of donor blood. This episode caused a chemical imbalance in her system from which she could not recover. Believing she had seen the worst, the doctor informed us that this episode was far beyond that from which we’d asked her to rebound earlier. Juliet was comfortable as she passed in the arms of her mom and dad, unhooked from the too many lines that had restrained and supported her. Again she demonstrated the perseverance that carried her well beyond medical expectations. And while her strength was immense, it is surely attributable to the thoughts and prayers of all of you who have followed a life whose briefness was exceeded only by the incredible impact she had on so many. A special thanks in particular to the staffs at Georgetown, Norfolk’s King’s Daughters, and Outer Banks hospitals, and Dare County (NC) Rescue in whose care she spent her whole life.

I am so very proud to be Juliet’s father, so lucky to have Jessica, Addison, and Mackenzie, and so touched for all of the support you have given my family since Juliet joined us in July. I look forward to celebrating her life and memory, and to ensuring that Juliet’s sisters carry forward her tremendous courage in their lives.

We will use this forum to share upcoming details about a memorial service and a memorial fund (in lieu of flowers, please) as they become available in the next few days.

29 comments:

  1. Our heartfelt prayers for all all of you, Chris & Jess.

    Juliet was special - we will remember her always.

    Aunt Ro & Uncle Bob

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  2. Chris and Jessica,
    So sorry for the loss of our little angel Juliet today. Know that we are feeling your pain and that there is emptiness and mixed emotions in our hearts as well. I pray that you can find comfort in knowing that she is free of complications now and with our families in heaven. Courageous she was, and a hero to us all. I look forward to celebrating her life, memory and new beginning in heaven. She will live on forever in our hearts and lives. Although her life was short-lived, she has made a huge impact on all of us. For that, I thank her and will hold her in a special place in my heart. I love you Juliet and will miss seeing you grow. Someday, when we meet again in heaven, we will have that big "tea party" I promised you and the crumpets will be grand!
    RIP little angel....aunt laurie

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  3. To Chris, Jessica, Addison, Mackenzie and family,

    I am deeply saddened tonight by Juliet's passing. I have been following Juliet's blog daily and have been so touched by the strength I read in your words and saw in Juliet's beautiful face. No words can help heal your pain, but know we are thinking of you and your family during this extraordinarily difficult time. Bless you all and your sweet Juliet.

    Much love,
    The Dunns

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  4. It is so hard to find comforting words with the loss of a child but I know you all know how hard Juliet fought so hard to be with your family. She brought so much to so many lives in her short time on this earth with you all. My heart is broken and I can't imagine what your family is going through. I will continue to pray and send hugs your way as your family heals and continues this courageous journey in your lives. God Bless you all. Becky Hinkle and family...

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  5. Dear Chris and Jessica me and Daniela are really devastated for the loss of this little angel. All we can do right now is be there for you guys. Jessica you know how much i loved Juliet even though it was a really short time for that we all have known her, but she had made a big impact in everyone's lives. I never seen anyone i mean anyone in this world that had so much strength to fight for life. She is a true Angel and i know she will be waiting for us when it will be time for all of us to meet her in Heaven. Chris and Jessica we all know this time is painful and its hard but with all the support and love from all the ones that love you including me and Daniela im sure you will get through this Adisson and Mackenzie are two great young ladies that will help you when you guys feel down They are amazing kids with a beautiful heart that can melt anyone as well as our Angel Juliet. Me and Daniela prayed for her, and we still do becuase Juliet is not dead she is in our hearts and forever we have to keep her there to make sure that her memory will live within our lives for the rest of our days. RIP Juliet Grace and we will be keeping you guys in our prayers. Love you guys.

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  6. Dear Jessica and her precious family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. I too followed Juliet's amazing journey and was so amazed at her incredible strength. She was so small yet really showed others how to live! I will continue to be thinking of you all and praying for you! She is an angel! Thank you for sharing her with us.
    Love, Sally

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  7. I received your blog link by Betty Held, the mother of one of Jessica's friends who lives in Florida.

    I just want to tell you that I am praying for you and your family. I know first-hand the tremendous loss when a child dies. My son Noah died in 1998 at the age of nine months.

    I know how badly your arms ache to hold your baby right now. I am sure Noah is already showing sweet Juliet all around her new Heavenly home. Hang on...you will be there with her before you know it. On my worst days, the comfort of seeing my baby again was the only thing that got me through.

    Rest assured, this is NOT the end. You WILL see her again. And death will never, ever separate you.

    My deepest and most sincere sympathies are with you and your family.

    Blessings,
    Sandy Cooper
    Louisville, KY

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  8. I am so sorry!
    Beth Bojang and family

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  9. Juliet Grace is my hero and has been an inspiration. She has amazing parents! Will continue to pray for you all. Love, Betty

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  10. Chris and Jessica, I am so very sorry for your loss. You have both been incredibly strong and brave over the last six months. Juliet was very lucky to have such wonderful, loving parents. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
    -Tara Burkholder Saunders

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  11. Chris - I am so sorry for your loss. Hilary Phillips

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  12. Jess,
    Sending prayers of strength, comfort, and a peace that passes all understanding for you and your family.

    ~Kelly (Rebecky) Bolus
    Charleston, SC

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  13. Chris - Very sorry to hear about your loss!

    Mo

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  14. Chris, Jess, Addison and Mackenzie,
    We are so sorry for your loss. During her short time on earth, Juliet joined right in with the strong perseverance that runs in your family. Your love and strength is an inspiration to all.

    Peace be with you. Juliet is comfortable now. She has touched all of our hearts.

    Jessica C., Joel, Eric and Trevor Newton

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  15. Chris,

    My heart aches for your family today and i am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for God to hold you and your family extra close in His loving arms now and always.

    Jen (Sheridan) Sphar

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  16. Chris and Jess,
    We are all so sorry. Juliet Grace was so strong and brave, and it is heartbreaking that she was challenged with more than even she could handle. She was lucky, at least, to have had your love and compassion through it all. Your whole family is in our prayers.
    Laura and Bo and the kids

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  17. Jess, Chris, Addison and Mackenzie,
    I can not begin to imagine the emotions you are going through right now. Juliet was so lucky to have you as her parents during her all too brief life. She showed you her unimaginable strength and you responded to her with love, positive energy, and compassion. You are amazing parents - an inspiration to me. My heart breaks for the pain you must be experiencing but I know that Juliet is finally able to experience peace.
    Megan Alperstein

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  18. Your post was eloquent and a beautiful tribute to Juliet's short life. Thank you for sharing it with us, and for allowing Juliet's courage, as well as the courage of you and Jess, to inspire the rest of us. I hope that you and your family will find some comfort knowing that Juliet is not in pain anymore.

    Run for your mates, run for the memory of Juliet Grace.

    Mary, Shelly, Eric, Christian, and Colette

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  19. Juliet came into this world too early-she was so eager to show everyone the incredible strength, perseverance, spirit, and beauty that she possessed in one tiny body. Even amongst the tubes and monitors, her eyes disarmed and charmed each person lucky enough to meet her. One knowing look from Juliet told you that she knew she was surrounded by love and devotion. There is no doubt that her fighting spirit came from her remarkable parents. Jess and Chris – your love, determination, dedication, and faith were an inspiration to all of us. Just as she arrived too early, she left this earth too soon. She will watch over us all knowing we are always thinking of her and cherishing her memory.
    In loving memory of Juliet,
    Sheila

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  20. We're so sorry for you guys - this has been such a long road and she was so lucky to have the parents and big sisters god gave her during her all too brief time here on earth. You guys are in our prayers.

    Matt, Jenny, Gavin and Connor

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  21. We are so sorry for your loss. Juliet was an inspiration to us all, as are her parents and sisters. Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers.

    Rachel, Jim, Ellie & Aidan McCracken

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  22. We are so sorry to hear about your darling girl Juliet Grace. We have followed her progress on your blog and kept her and your family in our prayers. I hope you will always find joy in your memories of her. I know she will continue to be an inspiration to your family and to all of us that followed her life. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
    Damon, Jennifer and Jackson Love

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  23. Words fail me. All I can think to say is that I am so sorry for your loss. During Juliet's time on earth she was such a bright little light and she touched more lives than you'll ever fully know.

    With affection,
    The KerMorris Family

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  24. Chris & Jess -

    Anyone reading your blog knows the tremendous love you have for Juliet. What a terrible loss of someone so small and, yet, so strong.

    Eva, the boys, and I pray for your family as you cope with this tragedy.

    - Scott Whitfield

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  25. Our hearts have broken at learning that Juliet Grace has made her way to Heaven. Her beauty and strength were evident, clearly testament to the courage and love she gained from you and your family. Every thought and prayer we have is with you all right now.

    In friendship and sadness,
    Tamara, Stuart and Riley McFarren

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  26. To the Family

    Words can't express how much I feel your pain. But know that my heartfilled prayers go out to you and your family in your time of need. I pray your strength as you now go through the healing process. She was/is and will always be a beautiful Blessing from the Lord and will be with you and in your hearts and spirit forever.

    Loretta Bush NJVC

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  27. Jessica, Chris and the rest of the family,
    What can I say but that I am honored and priveleged to have been able to be a part of Juliet's life and yours. Juliet was an adorable, challenging and lovable part of our lives at Georgetown and we will miss her dearly. I admire your courage and strength and your love for each other and your never ending patience with those of us who got to help care for Juliet. Thanks for letting me be a part of it all. Debbie Rosado

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  28. Chris,
    My deepest sympathies to You and Your Family. My Thoughts and Prayers are with You!
    Sincerely, John McAuley/"Mac"

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  29. This is the longest I've been away from my computer in ages and ages. I think I know why now. Something kept me away...maybe Gwen knowing how already sad I've been this year...but even so I wish I had been on sooner.... I've been praying for Juliet all this time and yet didn't realize how long it had been since I've been online... I'm stunned right now. I love your Juliet, I love you guys and I don't know you at all... forever I'll think of your sweet little girl and I'll carry her in my heart with my own angel...but oh how much this is not what I want for her, for you, her parents, her siblings, her whole family - my heart is already broken from our losses this year...but, a broken heart can keep cracking and mine ahces in knowing of your loss...I'm not resigned to babies leaving and I never will be, mine or anyone elses - we hope for our kids (no matter what their condition) and we never let them go with any ease, but that is what Love is, unconditional and we parents buy their whole life and want it long and beyond ours...and you loved her so well - all she knew in her life was Love - and you will always love her...that will never, ever change - but I know how much you will always, always, miss that amazing and beautiful little Juliet, the full person that she was even so small and tiny, and to that, in that knowledge, I send so much Love and care, so much care to each of you in Juliet's family...and tears and hugs and care and I ache with you and for you. May God be with you. May love and light surround you.

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