The sad news has arrived. Casey departed this earth today to join his brother Devlin who passed away on March 16th. It’s been clear for a few days that nothing short of a major miracle would make it possible for little Casey to make it. He was a fighter to the end but the odds were just too great to overcome. May the good Lord bless and keep you, Casey. You fought a valiant fight.
Casey was born on February 23, 2005 in the Grace New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. He was the firstborn by less than a minute. On arrival he weighed 1 pound 5.5 ounces and was 12 1/4 inches long. He lived 52 days on wild rollercoaster ride of big ups and major downs. Casey, know that you were loved. Your mom and dad are special people who will carry you and your brother Devlin in their hearts and heads for the rest of their lives. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and family friends put all of the fervor of their prayers and wishes on your behalf. Parents should not have to bury their children, I know, but life does not seem to differentiate. You and your brother can now watch over mom and dad and help them to slowly bring a semblance of normalicy into their lives and continue on with the business of living in this world that now to them feels like a dark and dreary place.
Pete and Mo: know that we also love you and deeply feel your sadness, anger, and helplesness. Nina and I have also lost two children. Nothing prepares you for that devastating moment when a child is suddenly ripped from your lives and the hurt and anguish continue for a very long time. Having it happen two times likely seems more than you can bear. If we could we would somehow take away the hurt and the anger and the helpless feelings, but we cannot. All we can do is offer our heartfelt sympathy and love along with the knowledge that, while our losses are different than yours and your pain is different than ours, we do know a little bit about what you are feeling. May a feeling of peace somehow find its way into your hearts.
Pete and Mo – while I do not know whom you are, I cried as I read this. I don’t know the plan for us, and I don’t think I will ever understand it, but I do know there is one. Devlin and Casey will always be in your heart, mind and spirit… and while you didn’t get to keep them for long, at least you were blessed with them for the short time they were here. I know that I cannot feel your sadness and anger, but I do understand those emotions and why you would have them. While I wish I could have prayed for them earlier, I will pray for them every night, now, and for the both of you.