Celebrating the Life of Delaney Rose
I am sorry to tell you that our precious little girl passed away on Sunday. We held her peacefully as she took her last breaths on this earth. Even right up to the end she was the fighter that we have come to expect. Our Tenacious D wasn't going to let go easily. Just as we have seen her hold those little hands so tight for comfort she held on to her mom and dad with all of her might. We now look to all those who have gone before us to embrace her and give her the joy that she struggled to find here on earth.
It had been a difficult few days last week as we noticed some signs that indicated Delaney was having trouble. However, she had been down that road so many times over the past 9-10 months that we expected her to fight on, to rally. Unfortunately, this was out of all of our hands. We woke up Suday morning and her breathing wasn't normal and a few other cues that gave us a sick feeling. As the hours wore on it was becoming clear that she wasn't going to make it. We could do nothing but offer her medications to ease the
pain and keep her calm. More than anything we held on for dear life, it was the hardest thing that we've ever had to do, and we thought we experienced that already before.
There are so many emotions that come into play at this point. We won't miss the challenges of medical care, of the constant worry about her breathing and state of mind. What we will miss is that glimmer in her eye that told you "I'm here Dad, and I love you" or "Mom, don't worry...it's gonna be alright". We won't miss the pain in her eyes when things weren't going well and she just wanted us to make it all better, and there was nothing we could do. I will miss how she settled into my chest when I held her at night, those little sighs of comfort. There were times when one of us couldn't console her but then we were trade off and it was if she said, "all I wanted was mommy"...or "I just want Daddy to hold me" and she would quickly relax. It's how we knew she was really "there".
Even though we often saw those glimmers, I think Delaney was frustrated a lot. I do think she was present in this broken shell that failed her, but she so badly wanted to move in a certain way and she just couldn't get it to work. It's probably a big part of why she would get so fussy and agitated at times. Who can say for sure, but we knew what our experience was. When I think back to what the neurologists first told us about her brain injury and that she was "gone", I knew they were wrong in my heart and in so many ways she proved them wrong. I only wish she could have overcome even further, she certainly had the strength of will, her body just couldn't respond the way she wanted.
We know that she will always be in our hearts and looking over us, following our family as it grows in the future, cheering on her parents for joy and happiness in every way. Her spirit is strong and will live on in everything that we do, forever!
There is so much that we haven't had control of over the past ten months but what we will have control over is how we celebrate her life. Please feel free to help us honor, memorialize, and celebrate her life. We have made arrangements with Lynch & Sons Funeral Home. The public viewing will be set for this Wednesday from 3:00-8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Lutheran Redeemer in Birmingham on Maple. It will be an 11:00am service on Thursday with a Luncheon to follow.
Flowers are welcome, donations welcome but are encouraged to be sent to the Katie Herb Foundation in the memory of Delaney Rose Flatter.
Location of the funeral home:
Lynch & Sons
For those wanting to learn more about our story, please direct them to delaneyrosefund.blogspot.com, we will still accept donations as we are determining the future of where those funds will be allocated. Please feel free to honor Delaney in your own way. Prayers of support are valued and appreciated.
Love,
Brian & Lindsay, and our Sweet Angel Delaney
Sorry for your loss but very touching and well written blog today
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your sweet angel. There are no words to heal your pain... but please know that so much love and light is being sent your way, in hopes that in some way it can help ease the heaviness in your hearts. Your posts have touched me to the core and I'm blown away by the strength you two have shown. I will be there on Thursday to join along with so many to celebrate the life of a true fighter.
ReplyDeleteToday's post is a wonderful tribute to Delaney. As Melissa and others have already said, your story, your strength, your courage, your honesty all have been truly awe-inspiring. I know that wasn't necessarily your intent with sharing your story, but it is what happened. Thank you for sharing Delaney's life with all of us; please know that we continue to pray with and for you, Delaney, and your families.
ReplyDeleteI am soo sorry to hear about your lil' one. May God hold , carry , and love ya'll in this rough time and calm the storm! Bless you and Love ya'll
ReplyDeleteMy sister Kathleen informed me of your struggles and eventual loss of Delaney Rose. My deepest sympathies are extended to you both. Having lost an infant son nearly 30 years ago, I can assure you the pain abates somewhat over time, but rears itself every so often. May you continue to seek consolation in your faith and your dedication to each other. Know that Delaney Rose was and forever will be a vessel carrying the overflow of your love for one another.
ReplyDeleteOur deepest sympathies to you for your unimaginable loss. Your deep faith, courage and strength continues to inspire us all. May God bless you now and in the future.
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry to hear about your tragic loss. Reading your blog has brought Delany's light to so many - thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteWe are vey sad to hear about your loss of your presious little Delaney Rose. Our thoughts and prayer go out to you and your family. God bless.
ReplyDeleteWe send our prayers of support and strength to you and your family during this very difficult time. The Burke Family
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of Delaney's passing. I have been and will continue to pray for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how the short life of your beautiful daughter has caused so much history, thoughts, prayers, smiles, feelings, empathy, sorrow, happiness, tears, joy and primarily so much love. Your pictures are a treasure, may she rest in peace. Mom an Dad, she sure was strong, you gave Delaney strength with your love, support, words and faith. Delaney and her family have touched so many lives.
ReplyDeleteBrenda Hascall (Seaholm Parent)
Lindsay and Brian and Families,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of the loss of Delaney. What a wonderful job you did as parents and caregivers! Please be proud of yourselves!
I wish you paeace,
Lisa DeLano
Bay City, MI (St. Boniface)
Mr. and Mrs. Flatter,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. From what I read you did everything that you could, my thoughts are going out to you!
Julia Austin
Lindsay and Brian -
ReplyDeleteI just wanted express our sympathy to you both. As I stated to Kel I planned to be there however I was in the hospital myself as frustrating as its been nothing compares to what you have been through. You have taught a bigger love and faith that I haven't always had and I thank you for that! Not a day goes by that I am not thinking of you and our swee angel Delaney, may she rest in peace. Xoxoxo