Saturday, May 23, 2009

A heavy heart.

Our heart are so heavy right now. Olivia went to be with Jesus around 11:15 this morning. We are at a loss for words right now.
It had to have been one of the most beautiful, peaceful deaths ever. She took her last breath in my arms. She has no more pain. No more scars. And a whole heart.
One amazing little girl.

126 comments:

Heather said...

The tears are flowing....Olivia taught us all so much....

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that the kids got to see her this morning and that you were with her in the end. God bless you, Good Bye sweet Olivia

Angie R.N.

Nic said...

Goodbye Sweet Olivia! You will be missed....and you are loved SO MUCH!

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for the loss you have all had but I am joyful in knowing that Olivia is peaceful. You are all in my prayers. She will be missed by all who knew her

Jami PICU

The Malcolm Family said...

I am so glad she was in your loving arms when she went to be with jesus. My tears are flowing and I will keep you all in my prayers. God bless you all and Olivia

Judy said...

We'll see you soon Olivia! Give Jesus a hug for me! We will miss you terribly and I'm probably going to cry my heart out over the next few hours. We love you so much!!

Megan's Munchkins said...

such love that little girl felt!! our thoughts are with you today.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Olivia is such an amazing, special little girl. She touched more people than anyone could ever know. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your family the last 2 1/2 yrs. Tara Osman

~Katie said...

I wish there was something I knew to say or do to make this all better for you and your family. All I know is that Olivia is with Jesus and is peaceful and happy. You will see her again one day and be able to wrap your loving arms tightly around her. Until then, you have one very special angel watching over you. (((HUGS)))

Heather said...

Oliva has touched the lives of so many people. We are all heartbroken for what she has left behind, but now she can truly be happy in Lord’s arms. Thinking of Olivia and the entire family….

~Heather

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family...Lynnette and all at MJSHS

777clarkstreet said...

Julie and Zac, thank you for taking the time to share your sweet olivia with us... our thoughts and prayers are with you, jack & brooklyn.

Anonymous said...

I am priviledged to have met Liv and your family. You are all so special to me. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you. How wonderful to know that Olivia is safe in the arms of Jesus. Love you all!!
Becky, RN PICU

Anonymous said...

May u feel the love and prayers from everyone who Livy and your family touched. Such a sweet girl, who now is an angel watching over your family. Thanks for sharing Livy and your family with us.
Love and Prayers,
Amy, RRT

Julie (from Kristen's blog) said...

So sorry for the loss of your sweet little girl. May the memories give you strength.

the Conlon's said...

We are so sorry. . . you guys are such great parents and so inspirational. You gave Olivia a beautiful life.

Troy and Jennifer Eckman said...

Can't find the words---there are no words goood enough---God Bless!!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for u Zac and Julie. Lots of prayers for u and the family. But, I am so happy for Olivia. To be able to be a whole little girl, with no meds, no pain, no vent, no monitors, with Jesus must be a great place to be. I bet she is making all the angles and people smile with that beautiful smile of hers that can light up a room. We will miss u Olivia, but we will see u soon in Heaven.

Lindsey

Sarah Joy said...

Sweet Olivia you will be missed by so many! Our hearts are broken and we never had the chance to meet you. We loved you so much!
Julie, Zach and kids.... what can we say. Nothing. All we can do is continue to pray you though these days and weeks and trust our Father to comfort you in this time of deep loss. We send all our love to you this day from Charlotte and wish we could offer you more.
Sarah

The Dranes family said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today. I will never forget her smiling face looking back at us while sitting in church. She was baptised in Christ and will no longer suffer. Peace to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm sitting here in tears for you and your loss. I have been following your blog for some time now and praying for you all. I honestly don't know how you have done it, except that God has given you amazing strength to endure the journey. I'm so thankful that you know Him and have His comfort. I am so thankful that Olivia is safe in His arm...completely whole & new, with no pain. You will continue to be held up in my prayers.

Blessings,
Raeann Reid
(I'm from PA & know Judy & Ryan)

Anonymous said...

I cant begin to express how much we all love Livy and your family. I will miss those feet up in the air and the playful game of fetch the pacifier...she was a joy to care for and to be with, you all are. I will miss her terribly. Love and prayers to you all!
Stephanie Mc
RN PICU

Crystal Montgomery said...

Heaven has another angel. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Good bye Olivia, you will be missed. P.S. Make sure to look in on you mom and dad, they sure are 2of the greatest parents that I know.

Anonymous said...

I know you don't know me, but my friend Sarah Smith is what led me to your blog spot.
I just wanted to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss of such a beautiful little angel.

Tara Shamer

Laurie in Ca. said...

My prayers are with you and your family as you try and catch your breath after losing sweet Olivia. I am so sorry for your hearts that are broken as Olivia's heart is completely healed now. Asking the Lord to carry you through all the days ahead, moment by moment. She will be missed by all.

Love and Hugs, Laurie

Warner said...

Julie & Zac,

Our prayers are with you now in this time of loss. I'm so glad to know how strong your faith is because that is what will give you comfort at this time. We love you guys.

Tommy & Jami

Anonymous said...

Thank you for letting us get to know Olivia just a little bit.What a precious little girl. You both are wonderful, loving parents. Jesus called for her and she went...he met her with the warmest of hugs. May you still feel his loving arms around you. God Bless you and your kids.

Singlemomma said...

I think of you so often and you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope all the prayers from all the people loving youguys are giving you strength and comfort.

Christine Kennedy

Helen said...

Hi, I am Heather's mom, Helen. Between Heather and Ryan and your blog I have been keeping up with your family. I just want to say that Olivia touched more peoples lives in her short stay here than most 70 year olds do. Remember the special time you had with her and take comfort that she is no longer hurting. Thinking of you, Helen

Jill said...

our hearts our breaking with yours..praying..tonight we will be singing in her honor - I can only imagine Laynie and her finding each other and running, never running out of breath with all the angels, laughing all the way...

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry for your loss ... May God bless you and your family and give you strength.

Jennifer Elliott

“Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.” - Richard L. Evans

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. One amazing family with an amazing little girl.

Spring, Loren and McKenna Churchill

Anonymous said...

God Bless you all. Its more than your hearts should have to bear.

Jude and Renee Kiah

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Your family has been truly an inspiration for your strength, love and faith of a very special child. God knew the right family to bless her with. Another angel got her wing this morning! Our family will keep you in our prayers in the days and weeks to come.

The Lotz's

Suellyn said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Olivia was an amazing little girl who touched so many lives. God bless you all.

Craig and Amy said...

My heart broke as I heard the news. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God's love surround you during this tough time.

Amy Orwig

Anonymous said...

Your sweet Olivia has touched so many lives. I was so hoping for a miracle, but I know that Olivia is whole and happy with Jesus tonight. I am a friend of Judy's (in PA), and I have been praying for your sweet girl. We will keep your family in our prayers.

Holly Cieri

Anonymous said...

I am so sad for your family. She was a precious little angel. It was wonderful that you were holding her and I am sure she knew how much you loved her. May God comfort your heart and give you peace.
Linda ( Alabama)

Anonymous said...

I'm already there. Take a look around. It's the sunshine in my hair, the whisper in the wind. I'll be here til the end. Can't you feel the love that we share. I'm already there.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Olivia was an amazing little girl who touched so many people's lives.

The Johnsons
Dixon, IL

Anonymous said...

Zac and Julie,
Know that our hearts are breaking for your loss. Olivia was such a fighter. It seems she had to make sure you were at peace with your decision before she let go. God works in amazing ways. We are praying for you and your entire family.

Danny and Caitlin

Anonymous said...

Zac and Julie. I'm so sorry for your loss. You have been such an inspiration to me because of your strength and faith in God. He will continue to be with you to keep you strong and grant you peace. Olivia was so special. Thank you for letting me get to know her through your blog.
Cathy Gibbs (friend of Suzanne's)

Anonymous said...

My heart is with you guys. I will always remember Livy's precious smile and her ability to warm everyone heart. I will cherish the memories I have of her on our night's in the PICU together. God has another beatiful angel.

Stephanie Nyboer
Old PICU RN

Anonymous said...

Olivia went from the arms of her mom to the arms of her Savior. Praise be to God!

We love you. We're praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Olivia has truely taught us so much and Jesus now has one beautiful little angel. Zac, Julie, Jack and Brooklyn- We love you all so much and we will miss little Olivia very much but never forget her sweet smile! God Bless.

With much love,
Eric & Sandy Smith

Millicent said...

My heart hurts for all of you, but I am so thankful that Olivia left this yucky world so peacefully. I can just picture her dancing in heaven!

Anonymous said...

Already almost 50 comments...what a testament to the number of people Olivia touched in her short life. Our hearts are heavy as well but it's comforting to know that Olivia is in a better place. Your post summed it up so beautifully, Julie. Thinking of you all as the sun sets on a completely surreal day.

--Chad and Ellen

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today-My God give you peace and wrap your entire family with his grace.
The Grovers

Anonymous said...

Suzanne just called me with the sad yet joyous news...you are so brave. Olivia has had more impact on the lives of people than anyone else I know of. Our hearts are breaking for you, but we all know she is at peace and being held in your heavenly family's arms. We will continue to pray for you all.

Mike and Linda

Anonymous said...

Suzanne just called me with the sad yet joyous news...you are so brave. Olivia has had more impact on the lives of people than anyone else I know of. Our hearts are breaking for you, but we all know she is at peace and being held in your heavenly family's arms. We will continue to pray for you all.

Mike and Linda

Anonymous said...

NEVER again will Olivia struggle! The faith that carried you through her short life is the foundation that will hold you through the sadness and tears flowing now. I'm sure my dad, Dale, is in line waiting to play with Olivia. I only hope he can keep up with her! I'm so happy to hear you were holding her and that she went peacefully from your arms to Jesus' arms. That couldn't have been a better transfer. His arms are also holding you and your family. He wants you to feel the peace that has been afforded Olivia. Tears and Love, Diny
From Ephesians 3:16-21 "I pray that out of His glorious riches He may srengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints," (today that includes Olivia) "to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Leesa Palmer said...

We are so sad, but we know that Olivia is at peace. May God bless you and your family. You are constantly in our prayers.

Lizzie said...

Sweet smiling Olivia...Your family and friends have heavy hearts, but know we will see you again in heaven. May you take comfort in knowing that God has her protected and safe in his arms. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always Zac, Julie, Jack, and Brooklyn. Love you all!!!

God Bless,
Jake and Liz Miller

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for your loss. The strength and courage that you have shown through this journey has been inspirational to so many around you. Thank you for letting us follow along and know that we are all praying for your family.

The Reeder's

Anonymous said...

Our hearts are heavy with your loss but Olivia could not have been a part of a more loving, caring, and supportive family. You were all so lucky to have shared 2-1/2 years together. There is peacefulness in knowing that she is in a better place. I can see her smiling down on us already. Take care Olivia.

Steve and Margaret Tolley

Anonymous said...

May you find comfort in knowing you are loved by so many!

Anonymous said...

Olivia has taught us all so much. . .as well as the two of you! You are truly amazing parents and as Blessed as you feel to have had Olivia, she was just as Blessed to have you both!!
Sheryl-Child Life

Anonymous said...

We're so very sorry for the loss of your sweet little angel. Words seem so inadequate. Sending our prayers; sending our deepest sympathies and most of all sending you our love. God bless you all.

Bruce and Deb

Anonymous said...

I cannot even begin to tell you how blessed I feel to have known Olivia and your entire family! Thank you for sharing your sweet, beautiful girl with us. She will be missed, but what a wonderful picture to think of her singing and playing in Heaven tonight -- no more pain but a perfect body. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Love you!

~ Kim
RN PICU

Brennan Blog said...

Your family is in my prayers. Olivia is at peace now.

Anonymous said...

The angel with a broken wing on Earth is now flying around in heaven. Livy touched all our hearts and lives here on this Earth. It will be a comfort to know that she is looking out on everyone in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.

Chrissy Hungerford, PICU RN

Jenn said...

I know that you don't know me personally but i am a friend of amy and judy's... i have followed Olivia's story for quite some time and now her time has come. You are so right that she has no more pain and a truely full heart in heaven with jesus. i can just picture her dancing in Heaven with such joy and peace. i'll be praying for peace and comfort for your family at this sad time.

Nancy said...

Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing your faith with Olivia and with all of us. :)

Nancy Myer

Anonymous said...

There is a bright star in heaven tonight. I can see her in the arms of God smiling down on us below. There are little ones that are too good for this life. This is what my dad told me once when a youngster died. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ardell

Anonymous said...

Julie, Zac, Jack, and Brooklyn,
We are very sorry to hear about Olivia. She was amazing little girl. Please know you all are in our prayers. May God's love and strength help you during this time.

The Bierman's
Matt, Stacy, Nicholas, James, and John

Anonymous said...

Although Olivia is in a better place, words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Olivia was very lucky to have 2 great parents. Our prayers are with you and your family.

The Barshingers

Thistle Creek Photography said...

Oh Julie, I am so sorry. There are no words. Your family will be in my thoughts and my prayers.

Anonymous said...

You are definatly in our thoughts and prayers. Olivia definatly taught me how to be a strong mother. We will miss running into you. And Praying for you all like crazy.. If you need anything let us know.

Anonymous said...

I've been keeping up on Olivia's blog and my heart just broke when I read the latest entry. We "met" Olivia on a brief occasion last year at OSF when our son was in the PICU after just having surgery for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. He went to be with Jesus after only 59 days. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. She is now pain free.

"People only dream of angels, we held one in our arms."

Anonymous said...

We our truly sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that Olivia is in God's embrace. You are wonderful parents that have given Olivia a love filled life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Craig, Joli, Kyli, & Kaci Luptak

Misty said...

We don't know one another, I linked thru Nicole Hawkinson. However, the story of your beautiful, strong little girl has forever touched me. My prayers are with you and your family. Misty

Heidi said...

My heart is breaking for your family! What a special gift Olivia received today to be with Jesus painfree! Praying for comfort for you and your family in this difficult time and a peace that passes all understanding!

The Shaull's
(friend of Judy's)

Anonymous said...

Olivia will have a beautiful 2 month old beautiful little boy named Kade D. Gall with her. They both have perfect hearts now. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Kade and Olivia were both at St. Francis last summer and are together again.
Kade's Grandma Kathy

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family tonight. At least now, Olivia can finally rest.

Robert and Aimee Shouse

Anonymous said...

Dear Chatterton Family,
Olivia was SO blessed to have you all....my heart is broken for you. May He wrap his arms around you and comfort you during this difficult time. I'm praying for your peace hoping your sweet, sweet memories will comfort you!
Love,
Jen Weber

Anonymous said...

It's OK to feel the sadness, the pain and even the anger. God feels that, too. So he came up with this awesome plan that we can be reunited with Olivia in heaven. While she's waiting for you, Olivia is dancing with Jesus.

the Locks in Avon,
friends of Rod and Suzanne

Anonymous said...

I'll lend you for a little time a child of Mine," He said,
"For you to love the while she lives, and mourn for when she's dead,
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call her back, take care of her for Me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and shall her stay be brief
You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief.

"I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done."
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."
By: Edgar A. Guest—1938

Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Jessica said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your baby girl. Praying for your comfort. ~Jessica

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

Amy said...

Words fail. I'm in tears for you and your family. Olivia, we all have loved you so much!

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss. Julie, Zac and Connie, you have been such great parents and grand parent. Olivia was a special little girl with a great smile. She has been the 'cutest cover model' for CHOI calender. She will live in my memory for ever and so will you all. Thank you for making me a part of your family.
-Girish Deshpande.

Anonymous said...

You had a precious gift from God in your beautiful little Olivia. There is such joy and comfort in knowing that you will see her again! I am praying for your family!
Moriah, PICU RN

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless.

John, Jody, Tyler and Carley Jo Chapman

Tom,Kate,Robbie and Alice Axline said...

You are all in our hearts and prayers. That little girl is so amazing. There are so many people that have tried to change the world to make it a better place. And all it took was the presence of one little girl and a family showing the kind of love God meant for us to have. There are a lot of people holding you in their hearts right now... You held Olivia up all this time, now all these hearts are going to help hold you. With all the love in our hearts..

Anonymous said...

Zac, Julie, Jack & Brooklyn,
Our hearts and tears are with you. Just as Olivia is held now in the Father's hands know you are as well. You always have our prayers and love if there is any more we can do please call.
Love,
Bret, Carol,
Matthew & Johnathan Anno

Chris and Julia Frankhauser said...

Dear Zac, Julie, Jack and Brooklyn,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Olivia lit up the church whenever she was there. We were so blessed to have known her for even a short time!

Blessings and Peace to your entire family

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog after seeing your story on a friend and a realtive's blog.
I can't tell you what your story has meant/done to our family. We are so sad for you, but the strength, courage, and faith you have displayed as did your wonderful Olivia, changed so many people's lives... even people you don't know. I have learned so much from reading your story and we are praying and thinking of your family all the time. Thank you for sharing your Olivia and family with us in this blog, what a special little girl and family. May she always be dancing with the angels as she waits to meet all of you. I can't wait to meet her someday as well.

Debby Silber said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, though I praise the Lord that Olivia was in your earthly family for this time and is in your Heavenly family forever. Your family is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.

The Stees Family
Dixon, IL

Anonymous said...

Thank you for being such an inspiration to everyone and for sharing your family with us. We will continue to pray for you.

Peoria Peepers said...

I will never forget Olivia being able to join us, with you, Zac, Jack and Brooklyn, at our lighthouse wedding.
She was an amazing little girl, and will be greatly missed.

Anonymous said...

God gives extraordinary people extraordinary challenges. Olivia was such a blessing to all of us and your family has been an inspiration. You are in our prayers.

James, Erin and Evan Stegall

Anonymous said...

Julie, Zac, Jack, and Brooklyn,

I am not sure where to begin to express are sorrow for your loss. Words cannot express. You have been an inspiration - your faith, love, and devotion! We thank you for sharing with us through all the ups and downs through this blog. The tenderness of Olivia moving from her mother's arms to Jesus' arms is overwhelming. You will all continue to be in our prayers!

God Bless, The Gabbei's (Ritchie, Laura, McKenna, and Ian)

Sarah and Kieran said...

so sorry for your loss! i feel like i got to know Olivia through your words and even though i never met her, i feel like i knew her well! i know she is looking over you all and i will pray for you.

Anonymous said...

My heart aches as I have heard the news this weekend. You are in my prayers. Much love - Angel Chatterton

Anonymous said...

Zac,Julie,Jack and Brooklyn,

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Bob, Jean and Adam Frankhauser

Anonymous said...

God bless you Olivia and all of your family. What an amazing little angel of a girl! And how much love she brought to this world! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We're so very sorry for your loss.

The Timlins

Anonymous said...

Olivia was loved so much- now and forever. You have your own little angel always watching out for you. She taught me so much- I'll miss our little talks in the morning before we started our day, but I'll always remember them.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Abbey, PICU RN

Anonymous said...

Love to all of Olivia's family! Bless you all and hope you can find some peace in knowing that Olivia isn't suffering anymore. Love you Olivia!
Laura S.

Anonymous said...

We've been thinking of you and praying for you since we heard the news. Thanks Olivia for helping us to see more clearly the world we live in. You will continue to be an inspiration to us for many years to come.

The Lingafelters

Becky said...

I am so sorry your time with Olivia was so short, but what an impact she has made. Praying for you in your difficult journey ahead.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you in the difficult days ahead. Just know that your Heavenly Father is walking right beside you.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Olivia's heart may have not been able to sustain her but she touched so many other hearts during her short time with us. God bless you all.

The Fulkersons

Anonymous said...

Zac and Julie, There is nothing I can say that hasn't already been said, but your amazing faith and trust in God has truly spoke to many hearts including mine. Praying for you all. Love you, Deb RN See you later Livy :)

jord,ali,hal,kam and grae too! said...

You are all in our prayers. May God give you all strength. Hugs to Olivia.

Anonymous said...

Zac, Julie, Brooklyn, and Jack,
I haven't really been able to come up with the words to express how I feel right now. So many children have touched my life in my 13yrs as a peds nurse, but a very few have a place in my heart that will last forever. Olivia was one of those kids. I believe Jesus chose her to be a teacher for us, and to bring us closer to Him through her. Every moment of her little life was a testament to His glory. How could we be weak when she was so strong? As far as the rest of your family, you all have continually amazed me with your unwavering faith in the Lord and your powerful love for one another. I can only aspire to be as strong and as filled with Christ's love and glory. As hard as this journey has been for all of you, I am so very grateful that the Lord chose to let me share part of it with you. I will miss Olivia's smile, clapping hands, waving feet, and sweet personality. I'll even miss her "fits," as she was determined to keep her nurses sharp and on their toes at all times! That being said, my heart is comforted knowing that she is with Jesus. All in heaven must have been so excited Saturday, knowing she was on her way home! I'm sure Jesus scooped her up into His loving arms and held her close, just as her mommy and daddy did here on earth. What joy she must have felt! Until you are together again in the Heavenly Kingdom, I hope you'll keep that thought close to your heart in times of sadness.
Thinking of you always...
Love,
Jessica Nowakowski, RN, PICU

Anonymous said...

Praying for God's strength, peace and comfort for your family during this time of great sorrow and grief. It was my honor to walk a lap for Olivia last week with Judy and Amy. Thank you for sharing her life with all of us! She is a true inspiration to all...such a sweet little girl.

-Laurie

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for your loss. You all remain in our thoughts & prayers..

The Turnquists

Anonymous said...

We are SO sorry for your loss. There really are no words....we will miss her greatly! So glad for her that there is no longer any pain. Our prayers are with you all.
Love, Teri, Larry, Cody and Emily

Anonymous said...

We are sorry to hear about Olivia. You are a special family who has touched many lives. God Bless Olivia and your family.

Ralph, Joanna, Andrew and Zach Graham

Anonymous said...

To one of the most amazing, inspirational families I've ever had the priviledge of caring for-I've been meaning to leave a note for you here since yesterday morning but have found that I am literally at a loss for the "right" thing to say, for I feel that there is nothing I can say that makes any sense right now, so I'm just going to let it pour. I've been reflecting back on my experiences with all of you and there are oh so many of them. I can't say that I exactly remember the first time I ever took care of Olivia. I always approach every family I care for as if they are my own, but I have never gone into a room thinking "gee, maybe this family will make such an incredible impact on my life and help to shape my nursing career?", which is exactly what you all have done for me. I feel like it's not fair, me getting more from you guys than I could give to you. As a fresh out of school nurse, Olivia was quite daunting, nothing ever made sense and she broke all the rules, but I learned so much from her, not only all the technical, medical, nursing stuff, but the good stuff, the caring, loving, adoring, admiring, stuff made of miracles. She led me to believe the unbelievable, and that is a lesson that is priceless. Now, to recount a few of my memories-from going into labor on a night after discharging her, realizing that Zac & I actually worked at the good 'ole Hy-Vee in Canton at the same time (both knowing Slack, me not by choice, you by choice? :-), spending countless nights with Grandma Connie (always up for pulling the night shift with us), getting smiles from an intubated patient, going out and getting a pink talking purse just like Livvy's for my daughter because it was just too darn cute, visiting Livvy wherever she was on a given night in the hospital, and one of my favorites, coming in a little early to hang out with Livvy and Connie the evening before another discharge and getting a big smile and some high fives (which she had been witholding from people for days)before she left. I know you're going to read it hundreds of times, but your family is amazing & inspirational, but also true. You are true to who you are and never waivered in what you believed in and that is admirable. You were the greatest advocates Miss Livvy could have ever been blessed to be given to. I will never forget "The Chatt Pack" and hope you all know the amazing impact you've had on our lives.

Love to you all,
Erika, RN

MommytoAJ4 said...

I cannot find the words. My heart aches for your pain, but rejoices that Olivia is is in the arms of Jesus and in no more pain. Prayers for you all.

Angie (a friend of Suzanne's)

Anonymous said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers!

The Stufflebeam's
Kris, Julie, Grace, Sarah & Stephen

Anonymous said...

We all loved her so much. She was such a blessing in all of our lives. Angel

Anonymous said...

We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers our with you and your family.

The McMillin family

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.
We are praying for you and your family. I'm sure Olivia taught all of you so many things! May you have peace that one day you will all be together again.

Molly W. said...

I am so so incredibly sorry for your loss. Prayers from Ireland are being sent your way.

Dconrad said...

My heart just broke when I heard the news. Liv had such a big impact on so many lives, she will never be forgotten. Your family is amazing and your presence on the unit will be missed. You were not only Livs family but also have a huge place in the PICU family. Thinking and praying for your family during this difficult time.

Alyssa Cabrera said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sweet Olivia is an angel now in heaven watching over us all! love alyssa and Jakob

crystal said...

Although we have not met Olivia in person - our family has been praying for her and your family Julie from day one. I remember the first day that Nicole asked me to pray for you. God bless you all.

The Munson Family said...

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness I am so sorry. I am crying so much right now reading this. I also have a daughter with Down Syndrome that has a heart condition. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby girl.
Blair

Anonymous said...

We are so very sad to hear the news of sweet Olivia's passing. We were so hoping she could come through and that the medical prognosis would be wrong. I love the photo of her from the hospital calendar that is on my fridge -- her sweet smiling face and pigtails brighten my day.

Olivia is so very loved and she went from arms of love to arms of love. Thank you, Julie, for sharing your lives with us online. I think I learned more about being a mother and about faith through all you wrote. I treasure the image of Olivia watching "Barney" on your laptop and I am glad to have seen the photos of her playing with her wonderful brother, sister and cousins.

With deep sympathy and gratitude,
Judy and Kevin

Unknown said...

Your strength and love during this difficult time are inspiring. I feel so privileged to have cared for her over the last two years. She is one of those angels who touched the lives of so many people, and the PICU will never be the same. We will continue to pray for your family.
God Bless.
Lisa P.

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.

Scott & Nan