Jersey's obituary is in the Arizona Republic today. Here is the link.
Jersey Anderson
Anderson, Jersey was born November 25, 2008 with dark monkey hair and a perfect nose. She earned her angel wings on January 5, 2009. She was diagnosed with a congenital heart disorder and respiratory issues. She was a miracle and a blessing, as all babies are, and left prints on many people's hearts. Jersey was such a fighter...a precious girl....a brave girl. She was an angel among us, sent to teach us about life. She is free from her broken body and now twirls on her perfect tootsies. We love her and will miss her dearly. Her daddy and mommy are Chris and Heidi Anderson and her big sister and big brother are Tatum and Tucker. In lieu of flowers the Anderson Family requests donations. Funeral services will be held in Mesa, AZ on Friday, January 9, 2009 at 10 am at the Mesa Central Stake Center, 925 N. Harris Dr. Internment will follow at the Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements by Bunker's Garden Chapel, 480-964-8686.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A Privilege
It was so nice to read Chris's lovely post about Jersey's passing, I loved reading it from his perspective. For me, I would like to have record of my thoughts and feelings and so this is not in any way an attempt to out do or override anything Chris wrote. I simply want to remember...
I was privileged to spend all Sunday afternoon alone with my girlie. I was lucky enough to have a tiny hand free of tape to hold! So precious and soft. She had had a rough couple of days and we could sense in the air growing concern. The doctors didn't need to tell us how fragile she was, we sensed it. While I was running my fingers through her monkey hair Jersey's doctor and I had a hard conversation. She expressed the need for Chris and I to make the difficult decision of do they or don't they recessitate Jersey should she need CPR as she had come very close several times. We concluded our conversation and the doctor left the room. I had a pounding in my heart and I knew the time had come, her mission was complete. The rest of the day was uneventful, both her grandparents visited and Chris and I spent the evening together with her.
I was awoken by Jersey's doctor at 12:30 am and was lovingly informed Jersey didn't look good and it was time to call Chris. We were incredibly blessed to have Nicole with us, our favorite nurse who took care of Jersey every weekend. We grew to love her dearly and trust her completely. We were so grateful she was there with us and Jersey. Nicole asked if I wanted to hold her now or later. Absolutely NOW! I waited 6 very long weeks to feel her weight in my arms! She was unhooked from the now unnecessary things (cerebral monitor, dialysis, a few lines), given extra pain medication per my request, wrapped like a burrito, and placed in my arms. I finally had her little body in my arms, something I've longed for since she was born. We rocked back and forth like mommies and babies do. Her and I talked about sparkles, twirling, and how much I would miss her. I let her know how proud of her I was and that it was okay for her to go. Her grandparents each held her for a short time. How quickly the hours passed. What a peaceful, spiritual feeling filled her room. It was quiet, calm, and so very sacred. How we cried and what we would give....
We let her doctor know we were ready. She excused our family leaving just Chris and I. All her medication was turned off except her fentanyl and she was extabated. Chris and I watched her tiny heart beat its last few beats. Sacred. Heart wrenching. Peaceful. We cried together over our little soldier, what a battle she fought. I'll never forget those sacred minutes with Chris and I and our sweet angel girl.
Tatum and Tucker were brought up a little later to finally hold the precious baby they had heard and sacrificed so much for. Tucker asked immediately when we could take her home, I wasn't prepared to answer his rightful question. How do you explain to a 3 year old his baby will never come home? How do you help him understand angels? Tatum loved holding her. She ran her fingers through her hair all the while talking softly to her.
It wasn't the worst day of my life, not even close. It was too peaceful, too sacred, too important and pivotal to be considered negative. A day the veil was so thin. A day we witnessed a heavenly exchange from our arms to our Heavenly Father's. We were partners with Heavenly Father in her creation, how lucky we are! What a privilege! How lucky we were to have her for the few weeks we did. They weren't easy but I wouldn't trade them. Her time here is sacred to my heart and how determined I am to live my life worthy of her. I hope she will always be near. I hope she watches over her big sister and brother who very much miss her. I hope she knows how I love her and how I am forever changed.
I was privileged to spend all Sunday afternoon alone with my girlie. I was lucky enough to have a tiny hand free of tape to hold! So precious and soft. She had had a rough couple of days and we could sense in the air growing concern. The doctors didn't need to tell us how fragile she was, we sensed it. While I was running my fingers through her monkey hair Jersey's doctor and I had a hard conversation. She expressed the need for Chris and I to make the difficult decision of do they or don't they recessitate Jersey should she need CPR as she had come very close several times. We concluded our conversation and the doctor left the room. I had a pounding in my heart and I knew the time had come, her mission was complete. The rest of the day was uneventful, both her grandparents visited and Chris and I spent the evening together with her.
I was awoken by Jersey's doctor at 12:30 am and was lovingly informed Jersey didn't look good and it was time to call Chris. We were incredibly blessed to have Nicole with us, our favorite nurse who took care of Jersey every weekend. We grew to love her dearly and trust her completely. We were so grateful she was there with us and Jersey. Nicole asked if I wanted to hold her now or later. Absolutely NOW! I waited 6 very long weeks to feel her weight in my arms! She was unhooked from the now unnecessary things (cerebral monitor, dialysis, a few lines), given extra pain medication per my request, wrapped like a burrito, and placed in my arms. I finally had her little body in my arms, something I've longed for since she was born. We rocked back and forth like mommies and babies do. Her and I talked about sparkles, twirling, and how much I would miss her. I let her know how proud of her I was and that it was okay for her to go. Her grandparents each held her for a short time. How quickly the hours passed. What a peaceful, spiritual feeling filled her room. It was quiet, calm, and so very sacred. How we cried and what we would give....
We let her doctor know we were ready. She excused our family leaving just Chris and I. All her medication was turned off except her fentanyl and she was extabated. Chris and I watched her tiny heart beat its last few beats. Sacred. Heart wrenching. Peaceful. We cried together over our little soldier, what a battle she fought. I'll never forget those sacred minutes with Chris and I and our sweet angel girl.
Tatum and Tucker were brought up a little later to finally hold the precious baby they had heard and sacrificed so much for. Tucker asked immediately when we could take her home, I wasn't prepared to answer his rightful question. How do you explain to a 3 year old his baby will never come home? How do you help him understand angels? Tatum loved holding her. She ran her fingers through her hair all the while talking softly to her.
It wasn't the worst day of my life, not even close. It was too peaceful, too sacred, too important and pivotal to be considered negative. A day the veil was so thin. A day we witnessed a heavenly exchange from our arms to our Heavenly Father's. We were partners with Heavenly Father in her creation, how lucky we are! What a privilege! How lucky we were to have her for the few weeks we did. They weren't easy but I wouldn't trade them. Her time here is sacred to my heart and how determined I am to live my life worthy of her. I hope she will always be near. I hope she watches over her big sister and brother who very much miss her. I hope she knows how I love her and how I am forever changed.
Hi friends and family,
This is Chris' sister, Lindsey.
Chris and Heidi are so grateful for all of your thoughts, prayers and comments. They have felt of your love from the very beginning. For many of you that have brought meals and helped with their kids they are especially grateful. Please keep your thoughts and prayers coming.
In lieu of flowers I have set up a Paypal account to go to Jersey's Memorial Fund. If you would like to donate follow this link (click on word link). If there is a problem with the link or you would like to donate another way please email me at linzegarrett (at) hotmail (dot) com. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Much love,
Lindsey
This is Chris' sister, Lindsey.
Chris and Heidi are so grateful for all of your thoughts, prayers and comments. They have felt of your love from the very beginning. For many of you that have brought meals and helped with their kids they are especially grateful. Please keep your thoughts and prayers coming.
In lieu of flowers I have set up a Paypal account to go to Jersey's Memorial Fund. If you would like to donate follow this link (click on word link). If there is a problem with the link or you would like to donate another way please email me at linzegarrett (at) hotmail (dot) com. Thank you so much for your kindness.
Much love,
Lindsey
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Jersey Girl's Service
Jersey Girl's funeral service will be:
Friday January 9th at 10 am
.
At the Mesa, Az Central Stake Center (below is a map)
925 N. Harris Mesa 85203
We love ALL of you and would love for you to come!
There will be no viewing except for a brief family only viewing.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Our Princess
Words can't describe the emotions Heidi and I have felt today (this is Chris writing). Today was a day no parent should have to go through. We had to say goodbye to our sweet, sweet baby Jersey.
Over the last few days her condition continued to get worse. She was starting to accumulate more and more fluid, her blood pressure would dip dangerously low, and her oxygen levels weren't where they needed to be. Yesterday when our doctor asked us about reviving her or not, if the time comes, we knew her time was limited on this earth. I left the hospital around 10 pm very depressed and not sure what to think. When I arrived home I went straight to bed thinking about the condition of my baby girl. I finally had the courage to tell Heavenly Father that I was ready to accept her going home to live with Him. I couldn't handle seeing her under so much stress.
At 12:48 am I received my answer. Heidi called me and told me it was time. Jersey had maxed out all her drips and ventilator and there was nothing else we could do. I rushed to the hospital so we could be with her for the remaining moments of her life.
When I arrived I walked into a very calm and peaceful environment, just as Jersey would've wanted. We took off all the unnecessary cords and tubes so we could hold her. We still had her hooked up to the ventilator, heart medication and pain medication. We held her, talked to her, sang to her and told her how much we loved her. We called both our parents so they could see her one last time.
At about 5:50 am Jersey's heart rate and blood pressure weren't holding. We told our doctor it was time. We excused our parents and I was able to hold her as they took off all her cords and IV's. Once everything was off the Doctor removed the tube from her mouth. We were finally able to see her precious little face without a tube and tape.
I had the privilege and opportunity to hold her as she passed away. It was a very spiritual and sad thing to experience. We felt her spirit leave and enter into the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Once she had passed we gave her a bath and brought our family in, as well as Tatum and Tucker, to say our goodbyes. Both our kids were able to finally hold their baby sister free of any cords or tubes. Tatum loved every minute. She sang her songs and told her all the things she would teach her to do (twirl, cart-wheel, etc). Tucker held her for a few moments but then wanted his mommy.
Today was an extremely difficult day for us, but necessary for Jersey. She fought a good fight and gave it her all, but Heavenly Father wanted her home. We will miss our precious little baby Jersey, but we know she is in a better place. A place free of IV's, tubes, cords, surgery's, blood pressure cuffs, monitors, etc, etc. She touched our lives in so many ways and Heidi and I feel so honored and blessed that Heavenly Father would send her to our family.
Our hearts ache for our sweet baby and we miss her so much. I can't put into words the love I have for our special Angel. She will always have a special place in my heart and not a second will go by that I don't think of her. Yesterday when Heidi and I took a nap we slept with one of her blankets, it was her favorite blanket and the one she was wrapped in as she passed. It was so nice to have a piece of her home with us snuggled in our bed. We look forward to the day when she welcomes us home. It will be a special day for us all.
Heidi and I have felt an overwhelming amount of support from everyone. Your prayers and thoughts were felt throughout the day. Please keep them coming as we are going to need them over the next few days, weeks, months...
We are holding a funeral service on Friday morning and we will post details at a later date. Everyone who was touched by Jersey is welcome to participate on this special day.
Over the last few days her condition continued to get worse. She was starting to accumulate more and more fluid, her blood pressure would dip dangerously low, and her oxygen levels weren't where they needed to be. Yesterday when our doctor asked us about reviving her or not, if the time comes, we knew her time was limited on this earth. I left the hospital around 10 pm very depressed and not sure what to think. When I arrived home I went straight to bed thinking about the condition of my baby girl. I finally had the courage to tell Heavenly Father that I was ready to accept her going home to live with Him. I couldn't handle seeing her under so much stress.
At 12:48 am I received my answer. Heidi called me and told me it was time. Jersey had maxed out all her drips and ventilator and there was nothing else we could do. I rushed to the hospital so we could be with her for the remaining moments of her life.
When I arrived I walked into a very calm and peaceful environment, just as Jersey would've wanted. We took off all the unnecessary cords and tubes so we could hold her. We still had her hooked up to the ventilator, heart medication and pain medication. We held her, talked to her, sang to her and told her how much we loved her. We called both our parents so they could see her one last time.
At about 5:50 am Jersey's heart rate and blood pressure weren't holding. We told our doctor it was time. We excused our parents and I was able to hold her as they took off all her cords and IV's. Once everything was off the Doctor removed the tube from her mouth. We were finally able to see her precious little face without a tube and tape.
I had the privilege and opportunity to hold her as she passed away. It was a very spiritual and sad thing to experience. We felt her spirit leave and enter into the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Once she had passed we gave her a bath and brought our family in, as well as Tatum and Tucker, to say our goodbyes. Both our kids were able to finally hold their baby sister free of any cords or tubes. Tatum loved every minute. She sang her songs and told her all the things she would teach her to do (twirl, cart-wheel, etc). Tucker held her for a few moments but then wanted his mommy.
Today was an extremely difficult day for us, but necessary for Jersey. She fought a good fight and gave it her all, but Heavenly Father wanted her home. We will miss our precious little baby Jersey, but we know she is in a better place. A place free of IV's, tubes, cords, surgery's, blood pressure cuffs, monitors, etc, etc. She touched our lives in so many ways and Heidi and I feel so honored and blessed that Heavenly Father would send her to our family.
Our hearts ache for our sweet baby and we miss her so much. I can't put into words the love I have for our special Angel. She will always have a special place in my heart and not a second will go by that I don't think of her. Yesterday when Heidi and I took a nap we slept with one of her blankets, it was her favorite blanket and the one she was wrapped in as she passed. It was so nice to have a piece of her home with us snuggled in our bed. We look forward to the day when she welcomes us home. It will be a special day for us all.
Heidi and I have felt an overwhelming amount of support from everyone. Your prayers and thoughts were felt throughout the day. Please keep them coming as we are going to need them over the next few days, weeks, months...
We are holding a funeral service on Friday morning and we will post details at a later date. Everyone who was touched by Jersey is welcome to participate on this special day.
Angel Jersey
Our princess Jersey passed away at 5:56 this morning in our arms. Her little body is pain free and I'm sure the Heavens opened and welcomed her home. She is hopefully sitting on her throne waiting for us to live worthy of her. She is perfect, special, and ours forever.
Friday, January 2, 2009
The Grim Reeper
Jersey's surgery went well with only minor issues. The surgeon placed a permanent catheter for kidney dialysis and performed a pleurodisis. She had some venting and sats issues but they were resolved. She tolerated the procedures well and rested comfortably the rest of the day. Her surgeon, Dr. Nigro, was pleased with her and the repairs and anticipates no further problems. She came back looking only slightly puffier which was a huge relief to me.
We met with her team of doctors: her cardiologist, surgeon, and nephrologist (kidney dr) to discuss her treatments, future plans, and prognosis. Her cardiologist says her heart function is good, her tricuspid and bicuspid valves are a little leaky but he isn't concerned. Her graft (donor valve) is working and while her pulmonary arteries are still big everything is relatively working great. Her nephrologist, who I now like to call the Grim Reeper, was very frank in an uncompassionate way. She's in acute renal failure which is hugely horrible. If she was a healthy little girl with only a kidney issue she would be very sick; Jersey has her heart, lungs, and now kidney issues making her prognosis grim. If the dialysis is unsuccessful there's nothing more that can be done for her. She has to be at least 20 lbs. and relatively healthy before she's even considered for a kidney transplant. If she's lucky she'll get back 25% kidney function. Her prognosis is small. The cardiologist said she maybe has a one in three chance of survival. Does he see her as a three year old? No, probably not. They just unloaded terribly rotten news, the worst we've ever heard and then he says "but don't lose hope". It was like a sick joke. We never have lost hope, but the hope we have was just squashed and thrown out the window.
It was a crappy, depressing day to say the least. We're ready for the stars to align in her favor, we're ready for the miracle, we're done with this cruel life for her. If she's going to be taken just do it now, her little body has been torchered enough. Give her relief, give us relief! There's no doubt in our minds Heavenly Father can make her whole. It's up to Him whether we get to keep her or say goodbye but I'm tired of waiting...watching. I'm exhausted, just about defeated.
We met with her team of doctors: her cardiologist, surgeon, and nephrologist (kidney dr) to discuss her treatments, future plans, and prognosis. Her cardiologist says her heart function is good, her tricuspid and bicuspid valves are a little leaky but he isn't concerned. Her graft (donor valve) is working and while her pulmonary arteries are still big everything is relatively working great. Her nephrologist, who I now like to call the Grim Reeper, was very frank in an uncompassionate way. She's in acute renal failure which is hugely horrible. If she was a healthy little girl with only a kidney issue she would be very sick; Jersey has her heart, lungs, and now kidney issues making her prognosis grim. If the dialysis is unsuccessful there's nothing more that can be done for her. She has to be at least 20 lbs. and relatively healthy before she's even considered for a kidney transplant. If she's lucky she'll get back 25% kidney function. Her prognosis is small. The cardiologist said she maybe has a one in three chance of survival. Does he see her as a three year old? No, probably not. They just unloaded terribly rotten news, the worst we've ever heard and then he says "but don't lose hope". It was like a sick joke. We never have lost hope, but the hope we have was just squashed and thrown out the window.
It was a crappy, depressing day to say the least. We're ready for the stars to align in her favor, we're ready for the miracle, we're done with this cruel life for her. If she's going to be taken just do it now, her little body has been torchered enough. Give her relief, give us relief! There's no doubt in our minds Heavenly Father can make her whole. It's up to Him whether we get to keep her or say goodbye but I'm tired of waiting...watching. I'm exhausted, just about defeated.
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