Avery and her Grandmother 2013

I've been thinking a lot about my friends in Vermont, Aubree, her husband Patrick and their little girl Avery. A week and half ago, Avery overslept. Aubree got a bad feeling about it, so she went to check on her, and Avery was breathing but non-responsive. I cannot even imagine the horror. Aubree reacted quickly and called for an ambulance. The rescue team was able to check her on the way over. Her blood sugar was low and they were able to bring her back to consciousness promptly, but the family had to stay at the hospital for several days over the holiday weekend while they tested her to see what was wrong. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending how you look at it, they weren't able to find anything wrong.

Avery back to her beautiful happy self

The three of them had just gotten home when Patrick's mother had to be admitted to the hospital and suddenly passed away. She had fought cancer around the same time my dad did, and for two wonderful years she was winning the battle. In those years she got to meet and love Avery and spend more time with all of her family. Patrick was very close to her and since they live fairly close to each other they saw each other frequently. His mother was an extremely positive and inspiring person, and every extra day with her was a gift. But losing someone that wonderful is all the more painful. I know the sad journey that Patrick is beginning now, and I wish there was something I could do to help. But I know his mother's love is there supporting him, and that her love is so strong that it will eventually guide him back to happiness.

Aubree, Patrick, Avery and Patrick's parents

Avery and her grandmother Ginny

I hope that Avery grows up to be the kind of inspiring woman her grandmother was, and I hope Avery has an angel looking down on her as she goes through her follow up appointments with the doctor.