A few requests

mtn, I’m so sorry to hear this.  You and your family will be in our prayers for sure.  Take care of mrs mtn. 

I am so very sorry to hear of your terrible loss.

You are all in my prayers. I don't know what else to say.

Heartbreaking news. So sorry for you guys. 

My deepest condolences for your loss.

I would have done it the same, but due to the innocuous title of the post I didn't open it until today.  I am so sorry for you.  Prayers for peace and strength.  We all love you.

I am so, so very sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what you and your family are going through. All of you are in our prayers.

Just wanted to say that you, your family and especially your precious Angel are at the top of my thoughts and prayers.   

I am deeply sorry to hear this.

I am so sorry. I wish there were better words to tell you this. I am praying as I type this, hoping that somehow some comfort can be sent and received. 

Margie

no words...

Oh man.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Oh wow. My heart aches for you and your family. Hold each other close.

Very very sorry to hear this. 

I'm so sorry for you both, I can't even begin to express my feelings.  If you need to talk or vent or just to have a change of subjects, we're here for you.

Mtn.  I'm very sorry to hear this.  My heart is broken.

a friend had this happen and is very active with a group called hope after loss. 

I would encourage you to reach out. http://www.hopeafterloss.org

I don't usually read this forum with tears in my eyes, but I am right now.

I am sorry for your loss and at a loss for words.

Folks, checking in. I want to thank you for the love and support we have received here and via private message, email, and texts. To answer basically everyone, we’re doing ok considering. We are coping.

To address a few things, lots of people have been asking how to help. Well, here is how: 

1: get all of your vaccinations. Flu shot every year, even if it makes you sick, tdap, everything else. Get it. Our Angela’s heart problem was probably caused by a virus. It was transient, and she was just about in the clear and function restored when the hemorrhage happened. We don’t know what virus, and it is likely that there isn’t a vaccine for it, but everyone needs to get vaccinated. 

2: give blood. Give plasma. 

3: be a donor. Before her function was improving rapidly, we thought she’d need a heart transplant. While it is easy to say for yourself, for a parent it is heart wrenching. Imagine being ready to remove life support, and to be asked if she is a donor. Now you have to wait another 24-48 hours to remove life support as any matches are located, and if they are, then you don’t get to hold your child as they pass. Angela was not a match for anyone, but that was a gut punch we didn’t anticipate. (Her corneas, and probably her skin will be donated)

4: if you want to give to our situation, give to Ronald McDonald House or to Advocate Children’s. Instructions here: https://www.ahlgrim.com/obituary/angela-rose-novak/

5: be excellent to each other. Reach out to your friends and family. We have been overwhelmed, in a good way, by the support. Be there for each other. 

6: hold your kids extra close. Forgive their mistakes. Take lots of pictures, hug them often, and kiss them everyday. 

In reply to mtn :

Thank you for sharing your strength with us, your advice is duly noted as are the Charities for year end giving. Peace

I'm heartbroken for you and your family. 

Man reading this made me sad. 

Words can't express the emotions I'm feeling right now after reading this... I am so, so sorry. 

You and your family will be in my thoughts. 

I completely missed this until now and can only offer my sincerest condolences. RMH is wonderful and helped provide a much needed open heart surgery for my very good friend's 2 year old daughter. RIP Angela. 

I feel for so bad for you and your wife.  We are praying for you.  

So sorry mtn. I'll be sure to send something to the RMH this holiday season.