There Were Pink Ballons & Then There Were None

Yesterday I received the kind of news that no one ever likes to have to hear. Our next door neighbor had passed away after welcoming her new baby girl into the world not too many days before. It's a horrible horrible thing that I just cannot wrap my mind around and my heart just breaks for the family.

A lot of you had asked for background information on twitter in response to my tweets so here is what I know.

The mother was only 23, actually turning 24 on Sunday. This was their first child. Both were very healthy (in fact she was a runner and in great shape) and given the all clear and released from the hospital a few days ago.

Mom and baby were doing great and had been home getting settled back in for a couple of days. In fact, not too many hours before it happened I drove by the house and waved to the proud, beaming new dad. Everything seemed to be going well and we had plans to drop by with gifts for the new parents and baby a little while later.

Unfortunately, during that period of "a little while later", the mother went into cardiac arrest. They were unable to resuscitate her and she passed away.

A final verdict on cause of death hadn't been released as of last night, they are still waiting for the autopsy to be finished. The initial statement is that the cardiac arrest appears to have been caused by a fast developing infection, cause of the infection unknown at this time.

We stopped by last night and talked to our neighbor and his father for quite awhile. I could tell it hasn't hit yet. When I had driven by the house shortly before, I saw him outside walking. He was slumped over and looked so defeated. I tear up just thinking about, the whole thing is so horrible.

They were high-school sweethearts. Newlyweds. The father is only 24 and runs his own business in addition to another contracting type job-both with sporadic and long hours. Couple that with having to learn to cook and care for a house AND care for a newborn and he's in for a extremely challenging road ahead while at the same time trying to cope with the grief of loosing his soul-mate.

While visiting last night, we offered up my mom, 3 sisters and my assistance with the house, meals and baby and his eyes lit up right away and he looked so relieved. Hopefully he will not be afraid to let us know what they need and that we are able to meet those needs.

Parenting is a tough enough challenge for two, nevermind one. They are going to need so much help and grace to work through this, please please keep them in your prayers.