We are sincerely touched...

Dan, Jack and I are truly touched by the love and support that we have received over the past weeks, and even more so at Sophia's Memorial Service. What we anticipated as being the most emotionally difficult day turned out to be one of the most beautiful days of our lives.

We obviously never, ever would have wanted to plan a funeral for our sweet baby, Sophia. But, since it was our only and final tribute to everything that she meant to us we sat down with our families several times and put our heads together to plan the most lovely day for her. And lovely it was.

One of our favorite parts of the funeral was the music. I recently read a book about a family who was told that their child may not live long after birth due to heart disease. The mother explained that her biggest regret was not sharing a lullaby with her baby. I remember reading that section of the book to Dan and sadly said that if Sophie doesn't make it that I wanted someone to sing a lullaby at her funeral. Our soloist sang Brahm's Lullaby. It was absolutely breathtaking. I know after that there was not a dry eye in the church but it meant everything to Dan and I.

We could not have asked for a more wonderful Pastor to preside over Sophia's service. He spoke about Sophia and her short life in such a sweet and uplifting manner. One of the things that he said about her that has resonated with so many was that "You cannot measure a life by the amount of breaths that you take, but by the amount of breathtaking moments that you share." We will hold that statement in our hearts forever.

Another favorite song that the organist played at the recessional was Somewhere Over the Rainbow. We both have always loved that song and it seemed very fitting.

After the service we were able to spend a little bit of time thanking our friends and family for coming in support of Sophia. We were touched that so many people were able to attend. Our only regret was that we were only able to visit for a short amount of time.

Our families then went to the Internment at Lakewood Cemetery. Sophia is laid to rest with her great grandmother. Our families were all there and it was truly a beautiful setting, however a very difficult moment for Dan and I. It was the very first time that we both felt the finality of Sophia's passing. We were blessed to have our parents, Sophia's great-grandma, all of our siblings and their spouses, as well as Jack and Sophie's cousins at our side. One of the most comforting thing that we have learned throughout this is how truly blessed we are to have such loving families and that we are not alone in our grief. It is touching how much her life has impacted our entire family.

After the Internment we went to the Woman's Club for brunch. We gathered our families on the rooftop and, with a pink balloon in each of our hands, we said a short prayer for Sophia. After the prayer we released the balloons. Sophia's cousins loved it because they said that they think that Sophie will get to play with many balloons once they reach her up in heaven (and maybe even pop a few!) The adults thought it was amazing that, until the balloons were out of our sight high above the clouds, they all stayed together in a group. What a fitting sight to be seen. Jack also kept pointing up to the balloons saying "Wook it! Bawoons!" It was very sweet.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to celebrate our sweet baby's life. My good friend Clare said something very sweet to me today. She said that she has met many people in her life, but no one has ever made a greater impact on her life than Sophia. Dan and I couldn't agree more. A day will not pass that we do not think about Sophia and think about the impact she had on so many.

Finally...we thought that we would post the letter that we wrote to Sophia which Dan read at the funeral. I have never been more proud of my husband. He did a beautiful job.


Our Dear, Beautiful Sophia,

You took your mother and I on an amazing journey…from the moment we first heard your heart beat to the moment we were at your side as you took your last breath.
The doctors told us there was a good chance we would never meet you. We would not listen to this nor accept it, and neither would you. We searched across the country for the right answer and for someone to tell us there was something that they could do to help you while you were in your mommy’s tummy. All that we learned was that it was up to you.

You were feisty, a bit dramatic at times, and you surpassed the expectations of everyone. How you gathered the strength to meet us is amazing. You are our miracle, our blessing, our special gift.

Your mom and I fell in love the second we saw you. We will never forget the first time we gazed upon your sweet little eyes, or when you wrapped your precious little fingers around ours.

Although we only had a short time together, the time we had with you cannot begin to match the impact you had on our family. Your big brother Jack loved meeting you and was especially fond of your precious button nose. Your grandparents and your aunts and uncles were all there to meet you as well, and were so proud of your strength and your fight to give them that chance. You brought out the best in so many in a short amount of time.

It has been one week since we said goodbye. Your mommy and I have such heavy hearts. We did not know it was possible to shed so many tears. However, we find comfort in knowing that your next journey will be peaceful and your heart will be healthy. We know your heart is beating effortlessly at 160 beats per minute and is functioning beautifully.

Our dear, sweet, beautiful Sophia. Our baby girl. Although it may seem like a lifetime away that we will see you again, please know that a day will not go by that we do not dream of holding you. A light will shine for you forever. Dear sweet, Sophie. Thank you for our precious day. You will forever be our beautiful gift.

Love, Your Daddy and Mommy

We would also like to thank the following who took such great care of Sophia:
-Dr. Donna Block and her staff at Clinic Sophia
-Dr. Sivanandam and Dr. Williams at Maternal Fetal Medicine at the University of MN
-Dr. Straughsburger and Dr. Wakai at the University of WI in Madison
-Dr. Hanley from Standford University
-The Pedicatric Cardiologists from Children’s Hospital of Boston
-The entire team from The Children’s Heart Clinic of Minneapolis, specifically Dr. Rios, Sophia’s Cardiologist and Dr. Overman, Sophie’s Heart Surgeon
-The MN Perinatal Physicians, specifically Dr. Wothey and Dr. Calvin, and Dr. Fairbanks who delivered Sophia
-The Staff at Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- We would especially like to thank the nurses in the NICU who cared for Sophie and helped make our day with her so amazing
-Finally, we will forever be indebted to our hero, Doctor Ronald Hoekstra . He gave her such special and extraordinary care. We know in our hearts that there is no one else who could have given our baby better care and attention. He will forever be in our hearts.