Remembering Nash

This is going to be a difficult thing for me to post. There's no other way than to just start typing...my words probably won't be eloquent and in no way will they convey the sadness I feel for this family, and how much I wish that they didn't have to endure this tragedy. So here it goes.

A year ago today, my good friend Tracy and her husband Brad and their then 18-month-old son Tate welcomed Nash Adam Sievers into the world. I remember Tracy sharing pictures from that day and bringing Nash up to school shortly afterwards to introduce him to us. I was still pregnant at the time, and I remember looking at him and his brother and Tracy and wondering (1) how on earth I was going to take care of a newborn??? and (2) how this mom of two managed to stay so happy and smiling (I was sure I was going to be a complete exhausted mess!). Tracy was so helpful and caring when I had Lainey, offering advice and tips and I asked a lot of questions of her. Each and every one, she answered, usually with a smile or a laugh. Knowing Tracy, you know she loves being a mom.

Five and a half months later, Baby Nash passed away very suddenly and without warning from a rare heart condition. As you can imagine, this literally broke his parents' hearts and shattered their world. Nash's sudden passing caused sadness and many tears among so many people who know Brad and Tracy - and even people who didn't know them are affected by their loss. No one wants to see people they care about suffer such a painful and tragic experience, one that permanently changes your life and perspective.

This is a memorial bench outside of Tracy's school (my former school). It's a beautiful way to honor Nash.

Tracy and Brad are amazingly strong, faithful, and loving parents. Please keep this family in your prayers and thoughts as they grieve for their baby boy. If you want to learn more about Nash and the Sievers family, please visit their blog. I'm also attaching a link where you can see a video montage of Nash's life. :)

Even though I only met Nash a handful of times, there are certain things that I will always remember about him. He had an infectious smile. He cried a single tear when he sneezed. He loved his pacifier. He allowed Tracy to "help" him hold his bottle. He had a sweet little cry - quieter than my baby's. He was sweet and adorable, and loved the action around him. This all being said, my heart today goes out to Tracy, Brad, Tate, and their families as they cherish the memories of a sweet baby boy.