I would never have believed how many emails I have received since posting
about Olivia's passing this morning. I am so overwhelmed by the love and
support from everyone. There is no way I can completely tell you thank you or
to
let you know just how much it means to me and Valerie.
Today was one of those days I wish would never happen. I guess the weekend
and today, really.
First, my husbands niece had a baby last week who died 2 hours after being
born. We already expected the baby would not live, ultrasounds had shown no
kidneys. I had already planned to attend the funeral today.
Last night Valerie was coughing and running fever. I even wondered if the
news of Olivia's passing had something to do with it. How weird is that?
Valerie decided to stay home from school today, thinking we would just go to
Birmingham and be admitted to the hospital after the funeral.
That funeral was so hard for me. I kept thinking about Olivia and all of
the other friends Valerie and I have lost to CF. She is only 13 years old but
we have lost at least 13 friends. That is too many. Then, the baby's
mother, my niece by marriage - I do not see how in the world she faced today.
She
just sat there, tears rolling down her face staring at the casket.
I tell you what though, I honestly can say that I knew that we were not
alone out there in that cemetery. I know we are not supposed to talk about
religious stuff on some sites so I won't get into it, but I also know we would
not
have made it through that funeral alone. Someone else, greater than all of
us, had to hold me up. I was strong. That was not me alone.
Some have asked for Olivia's family address. I am sorry but I don't think I
will be able to get it. Long story, but I may be able to get her sister's
address. The sister, Lanelle, was adopted by another family. Olivia spent a
lot of time alone in the hospital, her Mom wasn't around much. I don't want
to talk to her because I am still angry at her for not being there with her
child. I would understand if it were just sometimes, or even if she came to
visit every once in a while. But, in all the years we knew Olivia, I never
met her mother. As far as I knew, she never came to visit her at the hospital.
How is that possible?
I don't know how to tell you guys how much I appreciate the kind words you
sent today. I really needed them today. Thank you so much.
Valerie says she is going to school tomorrow. She said she would be ready
to go in the hospital next week but she has 2 ball games this week and the
coach really needs her. She is going to pitch tomorrow night, and we will see
after that game how she feels. If she starts running fever or coughing she is
coming off the mound.
Her coach just called. He is the best coach she has ever had! He wanted to
check on Valerie, to let her know that he will not let her push herself too
hard. He told me to tell her that if she is running fever or coughing she is
not playing tomorrow. I told her, she is already planning on what kind of
medicines she can take tomorrow before she sees him so she won't be coughing
or have fever. If it were not for softball, I wonder what Valerie would have
that gives her that extra strength she has. I think if I felt like she does
I would be on the couch with my blanket, orange juice, and whatever else to
make me feel better.
I know most all of the people with CF that we know are like that. They have
this extra something special that gives them the strength to go on when us
"normal" folks would have laid down a long time ago. I really do admire yall,
you are all my inspiration. Thanks!
Before I turn this into a full fledged book I am going to close for now.
Thank you again for all of the wonderful thoughts today. Olivia is breathing
free, she is not in any pain. The baby, whose name by the way was Matthew
Austin Presley, never opened his eyes on Earth but do you know that means that
the first person ever seen by him was an angel? Olivia and Matthew Austin are
together.
Thank you all.
Love and Hugs to Each of You,
Sue Pettit -


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