How to even begin?! We went to the Lake Family Reunion on Thursday. On our way down we stopped off at Primary Children's for a visit. Vittoria was doing so well. We got to go in an see her for the first time in two weeks. We were all just anxiously praying and hoping for a heart.
With a bunch of phone numbers given to my mom on how to contacts us on the mountain, we headed out. We got settle and set up camp then went to bed. Friday was a pretty slow day but we did have a fun fishing outing. Early Saturday morning we got shocking news.
Luke's dad has been in an accident in the coal mine. We didn't have any details other than that he had been hurt and was about to have hip surgery. Luke and his mom and sisters dashed off to Price, leaving me up there with the kids. It was so difficult to sit around without cell phone reception and just wait to find out what had happened.
Meanwhile they went down to Price. His leg was pretty messed up as well as his shoulder. It took hours and hours before he could actually go into surgery so he had to wait in excruciating pain. Thankfully surgery went well though and the doctor says he'll recover 100%. It will just be a long road to recovery but it's still lucky compared to what the outcome could have been.
So very late Saturday night Luke came back to the camp and Sunday we headed off the mountain. We stopped in to see Bert before going to unload. We got the camp trailer almost unloaded when we had a terrible phone call.
Vittoria's lung had filled with blood and she was fading quickly. They had decided to turn off the life sustaining machines. We had to hurry.
Sadly, we weren't fast enough. She passed away while we were still in Spanish Fork Canyon.
It is bitter sweet. With the knowledge of our Savior's gospel plan we are so happy for Vittoria to be returned to her loving Father in Heaven's open arms but our hearts ache for her poor parents. We all will miss her terribly in this life. We teeter between so much sadness and so much gratitude. She is no longer suffering. She's guaranteed a place in the Celestial Kingdom (her 8th birthday was one week to the MINUTE from her passing) and we know that her family is sealed together and can be a family for eternity. Val can raise her baby girl in the next life and is exceptionally lucky to have had her for almost 8 years in this life....
But it is so difficult to watch their pain now. We are all sad but the hardest thing is to watch her mom and dad.
We'll get through this.... we will. It's just a very difficult time. Please keep us in your prayers, especially James and Val.
If you are interested, Vittoria's funeral service will be Saturday in South Jordan (not sure of an address) at 11:00 am and a viewing is Friday night. They will bury her in Price.... right by my Grandma who passed away 2 years ago. I'm so glad Vittoria is surrounded by loved ones...even her body will be!
11 comments:
(((hugs))) we're praying for you, that was the hardest weekend ever.
We're so sorry Mary. That's really rough. Even with the gospel death is so painfully and sad, especially when it happens, but underneath it all there is the knowledge that the gospel is true and it will all be better in the end.
Oh Mary, I'm so sad for you and your family. I am so grateful that you and the rest of your family do have the knowledge that you will be able to be with her again. I remember playing with her at your house when she was just a toddler. She was so sweet. I am praying for your family and especially for her parents.
Mary I didn't know about Luke's father. I am so glad he is going to be ok. I will keep them in my prayers as well. I hope he recovers quickly.
James and Val are so very lucky to have such caring family members. You, your siblings and your parents are all remarkable individuals. I am lucky enough to say I am related to you all!! We are so lucky to have the gospel in our lives. When I went back to see her last week, the spirit in her room was so strong. You guys now have a very special guardian angel watching after your every move. I have no doubt that there is something truly incredible in store for Vittoria. I also have no doubt that what Vittoria went through here on earth has opened up many medical doors for other children with Marfan's to be treated.
We love you guys!
OH Mary, that is very sad. Of course we'll pray for your family. I think I remember when she was born (is that possible)? Anyway, hang in there. You already know what to hang on to.
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news! I'm greatful for the gospel that helps us with grief. Your whole family is in our prayers.
Mary - We are so sad to hear the news of Victoria's passing. You have been in our prayers and will continue. Isn't the gospel an amazing thing! Just keep hanging in there. Get a hold of me if you need anything! I'm just a phone call away!
Mary and Luke, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. Even knowing what we know, the pain is still very real and hard. Hang in there it will get better with time.
Mary, I am so sorry! You are in our thoughts and our prayers.
My goodness that is a lot in a weekend. We're so sorry! You and your family are definitely in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary, I'm so sorry to hear about your little neice. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. But what a wonderful thing to know she isn't suffering anymore, and is in a much better place! And how wonderful to know that families are eternal!
I hope that Luke's dad is doing well and recovering too!
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