Saturday, April 12, 2008

Little Saw Man

It's amazing how quickly you can fall in love with a child you have never held or one who has never looked at you. We fell hard for our baby Sawyer over the last couple of weeks and we will miss him so much. Last night, after difficult conversations with the doctors and each other, we decided we needed to let Sawyer go. It had become evident that he was not responding to antibiotics and that even if he did survive, he was likely to face serious long-term health impacts. He was very sick and suffering and we couldn't continue to put him through this. Although we know this is the right decision to make, it is obviously very difficult and sad.

We were with him and holding him when he passed away at 7:30pm. He put up quite a fight this week and we are proud of him. We hope that he is now in a better place and that his strength and vitality will live on in his sister, Zoe. Thank you to everyone for your prayers. We still have a long road ahead of us for our little girl and she needs all the positive energy we can muster.

We are obviously incredibly sad, but feel fortunate to have such a beautiful little girl (that the nurses nicknamed Smiley), wonderful friends, and amazing families that support and love us.

47 comments:

rowantufts said...

I'm so sorry, Margo. I love you guys so much and I loved your little Sawyer even though I never saw him. We think of you and Neil constantly.

Unknown said...

Thinking of you...Emily Norland

Celia said...

We love you so much and all our prayers are with the little Saw man and Zoe. He was a real fighter.

Kahrs said...

We are so incredibly sad for your family and so incredibly proud of the strength you have shown. All of our love and much much more, Lexie, Brock and Kahrs

Unknown said...

We are so sorry to hear about Sawyer. Your whole family has inspired us with your strength these past few weeks. We will continue to send you guys all the positive energy we can. Love - Carrie and Nathan

Jim&AJFoster said...

So sorry. Our love and Prayers are with you all. Jim and AJ Foster

John Puetz said...

We are all thinking of you at the station. My wife and I have you in our thoughts. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you. My heart is heavy for your loss. Be strong and we are here for you.
Love
John and Deb Puetz

Unknown said...

Margo and Neil, there is no way I can know what you are going through, but I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I continue to keep good thoughts for all of you. If there is anything (no matter how large, small or unusual), I can do to help your family please let me know.

Julian
3sundogs@comcast.net

Jodi said...

Margo & Neil,
Our hearts go out to you. You are in our prayers.
Jodi, Ryan, and Anya Scharnhorst

jon & chris said...

We were heavily impacted by Sawyer's fight for life. We know you loved him very much. We grew to care deeply, as well.
Know that we will continue to pray for Zoe and you two.
Much love,
Jon and Chris

Jim/MaryRuth said...

We are so sorry to learn of your sad news and do believe that Sawyer is in a much better place for him. We admire your courage and strength to let go of such a vital part of your family. Our prayers will continue for you and Zoe as you fight on.

Love,
Jim and Mary Ruth

Jason Blachly said...

We are sorry for your loss brother. Sawyer is in a better place now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is ANYTHING you need, just call. We love you guys.
Jason and Jennifer Blachly

Tiffany said...

We're so sad to read about Sawyer. We know the little man was fighting as hard as he could. We'll be thinking of you guys and "Smiley" and that she continues to get better.

Tiff & Mark Jessup

Unknown said...

We wish we could shoulder some of your pain. You little girl will grow up to be a cherished child and we will love her with everything we've got to give.
Abby, Dan, and Silas

Pam Montgomery said...

We can only surround you with our love and hold you in our hearts. With sadness,love and blessings . . . Uncle Pat and Pam

Turner Family said...

We are so sorry for your loss and know that nothing we can say makes it any easier. Just know that we have all of you in our thoughts. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you. All our love.
Jason and Melissa Turner

Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol said...

Sawyer will always have a place in our hearts. We are thinking of all of you and wish that we could do anything to ease your pain. We continue to be hopeful for Zoe as she grows. Love, Jim, Carol, Maclaren & Mason

dale&corinne said...

Margo & Neil

Our sympathy & prayers are with you.

Corinne & Dale

Tom said...

We are very sad to hear of little Sawyer's passing. His fight inspired and touched us deeply. Know that your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.

trampoline said...

Margo and Neil,

I am very sorry to hear about little Sawyer. My heart goes out to your family. Please let me know if you need anything.

xxo,perla

Ehlerts said...

We are so sad to hear about your loss. We are thinking about you.
Sandy and Ben

Sally H said...

Sally H said
Margo and Neil - I am so sorry to hear about Sawyer. He was a fighter. Even though we had not met him, know that he had become a part of many lives at EPA. We all have been praying for all of you and now we will continue to pray and send special thoughts to you. Please let us know if there is ever anything we can do for you.

peggystern said...

Margo, you are so brave, you have always been brave,and I am very proud of you. Sawyer is singing with the angels now; I send you
all my love,
Peggy Stern

Portmann said...

Neil and Margo, we've followed you with hopes and tears. Tears now, let's look to a happy future.
Love, Roger,Cindy and Chris

Michelle said...

PJ and I are so sad to hear the news... We are so sorry for your loss. We think of you all the time, and are sending happy thoughts and positive energy to Zoe to stay strong and healthy.

Scott & Mistry said...

Our hearts are heavy as we have you guys in our thoughts and prayers. You guys are so incredibly strong and we can't even start to imagine all the emotions you both are experiencing. Know that you guys are loved and we are thinking of you in your loss. Love, Scott and Mistry

Christysroom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christysroom said...

Neil & Margo,
We are so very sorry.
Please know we are thinking of you all...The Whites

Ric Cochrane said...

I will miss you, Saw Man, and I'll throw all that love I was going to give you into your sister, and into everyone who loves you and your parents so much.

There are things of which I may not speak;
There are dreams that cannot die;
There are thoughts that make the strong heart weak,
And bring a pallor into the cheek,
And a mist before the eye.
And the words of that fatal song
Come over me like a chill:
"A boy's will is the wind's will,
And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."

Unknown said...

I am so sorry Neil and Margo. You all have been in Katy and Jake's nightly prayers (and mine) I am sending out positive thoughts for Zoe and looking forward to meeting her someday. Therese

Gregg&Marcia said...

Neil and Margo, How did a boy so tiny touch the hearts of so many? Please realize the love that Sawyer brought out in us all. We love you all and are thoughts, prayers, and hearts will remain with you.

Hilkka & Bruce said...

Little Sawyer will certainly be missed. Sending our love.

Anonymous said...

Margo and Neil, my thoughts are with you. I love the idea that Sawyer's spirit lives on in Zoe. stay strong.
-burke

Christina McDonald said...

Sending lots of love your direction. This was such a tough journey. Now our love and support will go towards rebuilding your strength and getting little Zoe strong. Love, Christina

Unknown said...

Margo and Neil,
There are no words to convey how sorry we are for the loss you're experiencing. Your thoughtfulness, love, and support in the wake of my mom's passing has meant more to me than you could know. I hope I will be able to return a fraction of it to you as you go through this very difficult time. All of our love to the three of you.
-myra and adam

Roberta W said...

Oh, God. I'm praying for you all. I think you're right that Sawyer's fighting spirit will live on in Zoe. Stay strong for Zoe and eachother. Love, Roberta

Keith said...

Neil and Margo, We are so sorry for your loss of little Sawyer, Our thoughts continue for the three of you. We are all here for your support, please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
With Love and Support
Keith & Kim Shaw

Maureen Dunn said...

Mike and I are so sorry for your loss, we wish we could carry some of your pain. You are on our minds and in our hearts. Much love to you all during this challening time.

rod said...

I dont know what to say, but to say how sorry i am to hear about your little man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care of each other, and call on me for anything, anytime.

Mike_Barbara said...

Neil, Margo, I know that sawyer is with God. We are so sad for you and happy at the same time b/c of Zoe. May God always bless and protect your family. So much love is sent from us to you. Barbara & Mike

bspf said...

I am so sad with you Margo. My thoughts, prayers, and hopes are with you, Niel, and Zoe. More "smiley" days are surely soon to come... Brenda Foos

Tod G. said...

Neil and Margo,
Words cannot begin to express your loss, but we grieve with you. May God grant you strength and peace as you carry your burden. Know that your fire family is with you every step of the way.

God bless your family,
Tod and Lorena Gates

Steph said...

Margo, Neil and fam,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Lots of love.

Steph Decker

Josh said...

Neil & Margo, We grieve with you over the loss of little Sawyer. We are praying for your comfort during these difficult times, and for the continued strength of Zoe.

Josh and Xica Peterson

Mike and Maj said...

Neil and Margo,
We are so sorry to hear about Sawyer. You family is in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know what we can do.
Love, Mike and Maj Hudson

Unknown said...

Dearest Neil and Margo (and 'grandma' Pam...) I am so connected to you and greive with you deeply over Sawyer's departure. As you know I have a solid grip on scripture and can tell you he is safe with our Lord who chose to take him back. You and Neil are very brave and have done the rigth thing. It still is awful to 'lose' anyone so precious so please know that my prayers for special stength are with you daily. You are not alone and you are so deeply loved. Uncle Nubby

starr said...

Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you. We are so sorry for your loss and as many others have commented, impressed with the strength you have shown these past few weeks. May peace bless your hearts. With much love... Starr & Calder