Your mommy and daddy received some very sad news recently about your cousin, Brady. He passed away suddenly on Dec. 10th after five months of receiving treatment for his congenital heart condition. Your cousin was born on July 19th and had been in the hospital since he was born. His heart condition, right atrial isomerism, required several surgeries and related treatment. Even though the treatment he received was hard, he was a little fighter. I wish you could have met him. He was such a cute and happy little guy. Even though he was a baby, he changed a lot of people's lives, bringing our family and community closer together.
Your Aunt Barbara was by Brady's side since the day he born, and she held him in her arms the day that he died. She is the strongest, most amazing mother I know. I know the pain I am feeling now over the loss of Brady -- and it hurts. I can only imagine the pain that she is feeling as well. But Pickles, even though so many people are hurting over his loss, we also feel blessed. We feel blessed and comforted in the fact that we had the opportunity and the privilege of knowing Brady and having him in our lives. Although his time with us was short, it was time that we will always cherish.
Losing Brady has opened my eyes to the challenge and blessing of being a parent. Brady has made me and your daddy see both the hopes and fears we have for you already. All we want for you is to be a healthy and happy baby. We know that you are our own little blessing. Your daddy and I already love you so much-- and we haven't even met you yet. I can't promise that I'll be the perfect mother, but if I can give you all the love that Aunt Barbara gave to Brady, I know I'll be on the right track.
Love,
Mommy
