Tessa’s day started out like any other, with her wonderful
nurse Tiffany giving her a few feedings and a bath. Tiffany even sent me a picture at 9:30am of
Tessa enjoying her warm steam bath in the kitchen sink. Things started to go downhill after that and
I got a call around 11:45 am telling me to come home.
It was the call I knew would come one day but I was not
expecting it today. In my mind I had
imagined how it would happen but never thought it would be a reality. As I raced out the door and got into my car
my thoughts flip-flopped from thinking I am not going to make it home in time
to thinking as soon as I get home she is going to be fine.
The minute I walked into the door I knew this was her
time. She has scared us so many times before but for some reason this time felt so different. Dan and I couldn’t hold her enough from the
moment we both got home until 4:00 pm this afternoon when she passed away. Her last hours were so peaceful and she is
such a little warrior. We had a chance
to look each other in the eyes and tell her that we love her.
Friends and family always tell us how amazing we are for all
we have done for Tessa, but I think she is the amazing one. We will miss her forever and always. Goodbye my little Lovebug.
Daddy has a special message he will be sharing in the next few days.
Tessa - you are amazing and my heart has grown because of you. You are an inspiration and special and I love you forever. My selfish little heart can only wish to bring the kind of joy and strength you brought to your amazing parents and brother Brody. Love, Caryn - all my love.
ReplyDeleteWe love you. Uncle John, Aunt Eileen, Kelly and Gannon.
ReplyDeleteOur sadness can not be contained as we read this update. We know that your little Tessa is at peace and hope with time your hearts will heal! With ALL our LOVE! Bryan, Antoinette & Luciano
ReplyDeleteOur love, sympathy and admiration to all of you. Tessa has become part of our daily lives. Thank you for sharing her life with us. Bob and Joyce Linn
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have shared in Tessa's short, but special journey here... Our lives are forever changed for the better by knowing the amazing Shea family. We're going to miss the beautiful little fighter Tessa!. Sending our love across the miles, Chris, Ken, Abby & Zach
ReplyDeleteOur hearts go out to you as you go through this difficult time. We are so proud of you for all that you have done for sweet Tessa. She will always hold a special place in our hearts just as you do.
ReplyDeleteAll our love, Mom and Dad Reed (Nana and Pop Pop)
We are so sorry that little Tessa's life has come to an end, but she will continue to live on in our hearts. We will miss you terribly but pray that you will now rest peacefully. We love you all and are sending lots of hugs and kisses.
ReplyDeleteAunt Kathy, Uncle Eric, Jason, Ryan and Cassie
We are so sorry and want to express our deepest sympathies. You are all such an amazing family and Tessa couldn't have had more wonderful people to spend her short time with. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of her journey. Brian, Teresa and Seth
ReplyDeleteI have silently followed Tessa's journey for quite some time now. Thank you for letting readers like me be a part of Tessa's life. I admire your grace and strength through this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteSorry Jen for the unimaginable sadness and deep loss you and your family are going through...
ReplyDeleteTessa is sharing the greatest Gift now-she is God's little angel. Tessa was your greatest gift, as a family and as a Mom, Dad and Brother just as you were her greatest gift on earth, having you as her parents and Brody as her big brother. You gave her all the love she needed to be happy on earth and now she has the Greatest Love forever taking care of her.
ReplyDeleteWe feel honored to have spent every day's start sharing in beautiful Tessa's days. Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us. You've added to our appreciation of what life is all about. Wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead. Love, Nancy and Frank
Our hearts and thoughts go out to you on this sad day. Tessa's journey on earth was so meaningful and full of love. While we could only follow it from afar she was in our prayers each day. You are right Jen, no parent can imagine the loss of a child so words do not do justice to your loss. Just know that many family members and friends walked virtually beside you and are here to support you now. Tessa will now live in your hearts and she is at peace, she is our littlest angel.
ReplyDeleteLove, Ruth Ann and Carl
Jen, Dan and Brody,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for the unimaginable heartbreak you must be feeling at this time. Please know you all are in our hearts and prayers. May Tessa be at peace.
in kindness,
Nicole, Corey, Abbott
Nowell and Genevieve
God has created many special people and he chose you to take care of Tessa the short time she was here on earth. You are a remarkable family and you and Tessa have touched so many lives without realizing it. You have your own special Angel by his side to watch over you. I am praying for all of you. JoAnne & Manny Ramirez (friends of Nana & PopPop)
ReplyDeleteTessa was a gift which will keep on blessing you in your daily lives. She continues to be with you watching over everything you do. She will surely shepherd little graces your way. The pain may never go away and I am so sorry you have to bear it. You will see her again I am very sure. In the meantime my prayers are for all your family.
ReplyDeleteWe wish you strength as you begin to heal from this unimaginable loss. May your sweet baby Tessa be at peace and may each of you find comfort as your hearts mend a little each day. Your grace and generosity of spirit amidst the greatest challenge you've faced is an inspiration to everyone around you. May the love you have for one another carry you through to happier times.
ReplyDeleteWith all our love, Robin & Adam
Tessa, you were a shining light in a sometimes dark world. You will continue to shine in heaven. We were happy to share in your story and life as told by your Mom and Dad. It is often the littlest ones who make the biggest impression. Our family's thoughts go out to you Dan, Jen, and Brody. Carol, Terry, Samantha, and Amelia Rieger
ReplyDeleteSitting here just crying my eyes out. We are so incredibly sad for your loss and have been following your blog for months now. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts. May you find strength and peace in your love for one another.
ReplyDeleteWith heavy hearts,
Mark & Kelly Morgenstein
Dan,Jen and Brody
ReplyDeleteWe are very sorry for the sadness that has come to your Home. We hope that Tessa's life force will guide you on your journey and become a beacon when difficulties visit.
Love,
Michael Sr and Jr
Our sadness cannot be conveyed by words, but we will take the shining example that your entire family has presented with us forever. I assure you Tessa's life, her courage, and her bravery is a model for us all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThe Gates Family