Today has been a whirlwind for me. My emotions are all over the place and I really don't know how to deal with all of it. So I am going to write. Maybe not every night, or maybe multiple times. I don't know. Writing has always been very cathartic for me so I am going to continue doing this, despite the fact that she's gone. My fingers just hurt typing that. It's still so surreal. I can't go 2 minutes without thinking about her. Or crying. Or clutching my head in pain and confusion and disbelief. Some people may criticize me for displaying my pain in a public arena but I don't care. Like I said, it's cathartic.
But that's not what this post is about today. This post is to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers and condolences. It may not seem like a lot but Dan and I have read every single message sent to us. We may not respond, but believe me, we have noticed. You can look at your stats on page views on blogger and it had 13,000 hits last night. Crazy. Thank you for all of your comments on here, on Facebook, via text, on the radio (thanks Dave, we were listening and it was beautiful) and even on babycenter.com (Here's a link - http://community.babycenter.com/post/a29408939/in_loving_memory_of_naya-?cpg=15&pd=-1) Like I said, it may not seem like a lot but we are reading it. And appreciate it. It warms my heart to know that Naya has touched so many people in her short little life. She had caused people to rethink their lives and hold their families and friends closer. She has caused people to come together in love rather than hate. That's more than most people accomplish in a lifetime. If her story helps even one person prevent this from happening to their baby, then it was worth sharing it. It may not cure my heartache but it helps. Naya has taught me patience and that I have a choice in life. I can choose to be sad and depressed (which I am, don't get me wrong. This is going to be a loongggg healing process) but I can also choose to go on and never take life for granted. To kiss my husband and son as much as I can and tell them how much I love them. To be thankful for the wonderful people there are in this world despite all of the hardships we face. It may not seem like it but we are going to get through this. For Naya.
Thank you. We love you all.
So sorry for your loss. God bless sweet Naya and your family.
ReplyDeleteEven though her time with us was brief, we are all better for knowing her, and we will make her proud.
ReplyDeleteI am truly hoping for comfort for your family, it is just unimaginable... my heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words, you are so right. She did so much in her short time here, left such a great impact. What an angel.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post for a gorgeous, precious baby with a lovely name. She has indeed left a legacy of love. I have held my girls tighter, been a little more patient, and thanked the Lord for their health. Many prayers are going your way.
ReplyDelete-Joanie
Even in your grief you are gracious and giving. My family is humbled by your generosity of spirit. Thank you for allowing us all into your personal world. I know I speak for my family when I say that we have been changed for good. May God heal your soul in time.
ReplyDeleteJamie, I'm so proud of both you and Dan. I'm also so happy to see your post tonight, and to know that in the face of unimaginable sadness, you are able to see a positive light shining through. Most people spend their entire lives and don't get to the point that you are already at. Nikki told me tonight that Naya has helped her learn just how precious life is, and how important family and friends are. I'm honored to be a part of your lives.
ReplyDeleteI love you, Lori
Still thinking about you, Dan and Naya constantly... please let us know if there is anything you need. xo, Mike & Alisa Bleske
ReplyDeleteI am brokenhearted as I write this to you. I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish I could take some of the pain away from your family. If I could I would gladly take it from you. Your daughter has touched so many people in way no one will ever understand. She, without trying, has brought together a community of loving and caring people to rally around her. My entire family, along with friends, offer our condolences in this time of tragedy. In our hearts there will always be a place for baby Naya Jane. Her life will not have been in vain, for she has inspired and changed so many. Your family is always in our prays and in our thoughts. May God's hand be gently upon you all in this trying time. We love you and will never forget.
ReplyDeleteThe De Blauw and Nickel Families
Thank you for sharing your daughter with us for the little time she had here. There is nothing to say to take your pain away but just know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't look at her bedspot without feeling an empty place in my heart and thinking of you. Be strong and know how many people were touched by meeting your daughter and your wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteno-one could ever, ever criticize someone who can write something like that at a time like this. Jamie I dont think i have ever heard such strength,love,poise and throughtfullness from parents in your position. all our love and thoughts to you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I have no other words. . .
ReplyDeleteGood bless you and ur family. I hope u find confort and strenght in your heart. Read from begging to end. And I hope u keep sharing with us all. Will keep ur family in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences to your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you and your family. I just read of your terrible loss, and there are no words. Hugs, laura
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jamie you and Dan have handled everything with such grace and strength. Naya may have been here a short time but she touched so many people and had such an impact. You have all taught us so many lessons about family, life, and love. We hope that you continue with your blog. It is such a comfort to those of us who care and waited to hear. Our deepest condolences to you and your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteNaya is not the only warrior in the family.
Naya fought the good fight... And for that, she will always be remembered. The legacy of love she has left in her tiny wake will forever be etched in all of our hearts. Please continue to blog... For your catharsis, is our catharsis...
ReplyDeleteThe Armentrouts send our love and deepest condolences to you and yours during these difficult times.
Please keep writing, both of you, whenever the mood strikes. We have been shaken to the core. But the core revealed immense love, untapped faith, and strength, guided by Naya's warrior princess spirit. Your circles of family and friends have widened. We are all here to help at anytime. Love always, Janet & Rod
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you heal. Nayas story brought tears to my eyes and reading your post brought more. I held my son and cried just thinking that that could have happened to anyone. Thank you for sharing her with us.
ReplyDeleteI'm from Babycenter. I just wanted to send my deepest condolences and thank you for sharing Naya with us. We have all grown to love her, and she has inspired so many mommies to hug their children a little closer, every day. She is a beautiful angel. Hugs for all of you.
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing mother. Thank you for sharing your daughter with all of us and allowing us to be part of your time with her. I pray for your family, that God gives you comfort and peace and heals your aching hearts. Naya truly has inspired me and so many others to be better people. What an amazing thing to have accomplished in her short time here. God bless and strengthen you.
ReplyDeleteI am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your written thoughts bring me to tears and my heart aches for you and your family. I hope through all this you can find peace knowing Naya is no longer suffering. Your story inspires me to cherish each moment with my family, and I thank you for that. Again, my deepest condolences and sweetest thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteOur souls are richer because you took the time to take us with you on your Baby Naya Jane journey. Your words were powerful and yet eloquent. I'm sure you made your English Profs very proud.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry for your loss. We are ALL missing Baby Naya along side the Manalo-Maraviglia Family. Stay strong Jamie, Dan, and Ty!
VG
Jamie and Dan, I am so sorry to hear that Naya lost her battle. She and you guys fought long and hard but now she has some peace even though you don't. I know how painful this is for you. She was a beautiful baby and she knows how much you and Dan loved her. You need to do whatever it is that you need to do to help you deal with her loss. If that means writing, then please do that. If you need to talk or want to text or e-mail me please call Laura and she will give you my info. Just take life one minute at time. Love you Terry Ps you know Matt is with her now and was there to greet her and he is great with babies.
ReplyDeleteI am here from the July 2011 Board on BBC. My little girl was born 2 days before Naya. It has taken me many days to get through your posts as I get so emotional reading each one. I cannot imagine the hell you have lived for the past two months. Your strength amazes me. Thank you for sharing - you have taught me so much. I am so very, very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI think of Naya, You and your family everyday. Even today I have thought about you guys and I cried. It is very true, you all have touched my life and I will forever keep you and yours in my heart. I wish I could hug you and cry with you. Have some comfort in knowing that you are all loved and darling little Naya will never be forgotten. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. God bless you Jamie.
ReplyDelete-MAV_Smith