Sweet baby Thalon. The fair, red-headed boy amidst the sea of princess tiaras and Barbie dolls. The perfect representation of Gorillabuns’ Irish roots. Rich’s future partner-in-crime.
Thalon passed away yesterday afternoon surrounded by his adoring family.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention wanting to punch the universe in the mouth right now. Really hard.
For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Shana in real life, you know she is quite the Mama Bear. Long before she birthed her three beautiful children, she was the kind of friend that would fight dragons tooth and nail for you. Fiercely protective. Loyal. She might even throw a Cape Cod in the face of your nemesis. You know, the kind of person you always want on your side.
However, behind that boisterous Mama Bear exterior lies the most enormous, the most feeling heart you could ever encounter. In all honesty, she’s a total sap.
I distinctly remember shortly after Moira’s birth, beached out on her couch with my own pregnant belly, talking about what an independent spirit her firstborn was. “Little Miss Thing (as she would call Celia) sure isn’t into the whole cuddling and hugging bit”. I remember nodding, thinking that Celia was a smart little girl because, well, touchy-feely people are STRANGE. Just at that moment, Celia sauntered over to Shana and gave her a huge bear hug, and as I looked over at my favorite fierce Mama Bear, I saw tears welling up in her eyes.
I remember hoping I could be a mother like that one day. One who cares so deeply about her babies that the simple act of a day-to-day hug could fill them with so much love that the tears flow.
I can’t begin to fathom what Shana, Rich and the girls are going through right now. To be honest, I won’t even allow myself to envision losing my child. What I do know is that they need all the positive thoughts and prayers that you can give them right now. Shana is so thankful for all of your love and concern – it has lifted her spirits tremendously.
I’ve been trying to think of what I can do right now, 1,400 miles away, to help before heading to Oklahoma. I’ve set up a Paypal donation button for anyone who wants to help Shana’s family with the expenses of Thalon’s hospital stay and funeral services. Please feel free to use the button on your website to help spread the word.
Donations would be greatly appreciated, but your thoughts and prayers are just as welcome.
Marinka
April 13, 2009 at 7:56 amSo unfair. So heartbreaking. My thoughts are with Shana and her family.
veep veep
April 13, 2009 at 7:59 amso very awful
Caroline
April 13, 2009 at 8:01 amOh no. My heart breaks for this family. What a horrible, unbearable loss. Please pass on my deepest deepest condolences.
Carrisa
April 13, 2009 at 8:02 amThank you so much for doing this. My heart is so broken for her.
Nothing But Bonfires
April 13, 2009 at 8:05 amOh NO. NO NO NO. I was thinking about this all weekend and hoping against hope that everything would be okay. It feels like a punch in the gut to know this happened. Poor, poor Shana. I cannot even imagine.
katie ~ motherbumper
April 13, 2009 at 8:06 amSo sad, so unfair, and such a huge loss. I’m so sorry and my thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family.
Metalia
April 13, 2009 at 8:08 amThis is such a beautiful tribute, Sarah. I’m sitting here reading it through my tears. My heart breaks for Shana and her family.
Jora
April 13, 2009 at 8:12 amMy heart, too, is broken over Baby Thalon.
Angela
April 13, 2009 at 8:12 amSuch beautiful words to describe such a fabulous woman. My heart has now officially broken. Thoughts and prayers. Thoughts and prayers. Lots of tears.
Manda
April 13, 2009 at 8:21 amI hate this so much. My prayers are with Shana and her family.
BeachMama
April 13, 2009 at 8:26 amOh Whoorl, take my Prayers with you to OK. I have been praying for sweet Thalon and cannot even imagine the pain Shana and her family is going through. Your tribute is beautiful.
Mandee
April 13, 2009 at 8:26 amThanks for keeping us informed. The universe is most definitely on a roll. I got a call from my mom on Saturday afternoon that one of her best friends and a second mother to me was found dead in her bed on Saturday morning. I am a little comforted to know that a fabulous mother has joined these precious babies, but that only takes me so far.
Lots of love and prayers for all those who loved sweet Thalon.
punchlinewalking
April 13, 2009 at 8:28 amThanks for setting up the paypal…I’m going to link it on my page too.
Half Assed Kitchen
April 13, 2009 at 8:28 amSending my thoughts to that family. I cannot even imagine their loss.
Nic
April 13, 2009 at 8:29 amThis is a lovely tribute to your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.