Wednesday, May 7, 2008

On Monday morning, Frankie lost another friend. Beautiful Kacey Rose earned her angel wings on Monday morning just before 11am. She had been battling AML. My years blur, so I can't tell you exactly when we met Kacey, but I know it has been over a year. And, unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to meet her in school or on a playground or in a play group. We met her at Yale on 7W.

Families always are glad to meet another family, one to share joys, accomplishments and milestones in their children's lives. But, for families with children with diseases or disorders, we share in the sadness, too. The children become a part of our lives and we hope and we pray that a miracle will happen. We are constantly reminded of how precious life is and how we must all put aside the negative crap that distorts our normal daily lives in order to provide a happy, loving environment to our children every day. Kacey's mom and dad are absolutely no exception.

I cannot pretend to know what it is to lose a child. I cannot imagine the loss they are going through right now. No parent should have to pick out a grave site or headstone for their child. In all honesty, I dread that moment. I do know that my heart aches for their loss. I do know that I will continue to spoil Frankie with hugs and kisses for as long as he will let me.

So, the next time your child spills something, breaks something, climbs on something they shouldn't... instead of yelling, try quietly addressing the inappropriate behavior, then hug and kiss your child. I am a firm advocate of reassuring your child that you love him or her every day.

Please honor the life of Kacey Rose by visiting her site. Her wake is tomorrow, Thursday, May 9 and funeral Friday, May 10, both in Cheshire, CT. The details are on her web site, in the "forums" section.

We will miss you, Kacey Rose!

Kacey's Web Site

On a side note, Frankie has been doing very well at home and at school.