I tried to put some more pictures on the page this morning, but looking through them made me too upset. We have a few photos of Rosie from June and July, some of which were taken in the hospital, when she went in for the initial tests. Looking through them made me remember the optimism we had then. Rosie was so full of energy, so vibrant, that it is hard to look at those pictures. Megumi and I were discussing the future, planning to visit England with Rosie, right up until the day of the operation.
I feel so bad that many of my relatives never got to meet Rosie.
We had a small gathering at our house last Saturday. Around 70 people came to pay their respects. We had work colleagues and former colleagues, friends from football, and from Megumi's university, as well as friends we have just picked up along the way. It was hard for us to have to explain again and again the details of what happened, and to be confronted with other people's grief. But we got through it, relatively unscathed, and the support of our friends is still keeping us going. Thanks to all those who came, and to those who helped out as well. Some friends brought their babies along, and we coped with that OK. It felt nice to hold a baby again, after all those weeks of seeing Rosie strapped down in a hospital bed when we just wanted to hold her close.
This doesn't seem to be getting any easier. I think writing helps, though, so please indulge me.
Posted by Gary at September 2, 2004 11:54 AMGary,
You and Megumi don't ever have to qualify what you two are doing. Having such distance between us does not allow for easy gestures. But if there is ever anything we can do (however small or insignificant it may seem) please don't hesitate to let us know. You are in our thoughts daily.
You guys do what you have to, whatever that may be. Indulgence is not a necessary sentiment.
respectfully,
Will & Jeani
Posted by: William Bragg at September 2, 2004 05:17 PMGary and Megumi,
I did feel that Saturday was tough for you both, having to meet a continual stream of well wishers.
If writing helps that's cool. Whatever it takes to feel better after the loss of your little girl.
Dave
Gary and Megumi
Whatever you need to do doll, don't feel you have to worry about being indulged. Everyone is here just waiting for some way to help and if we can do that by just listening then that's what we'll do and do gladly.
Big love
Fi