This morning, 29th September 2011 at about 5.30 am, Niamh died. Her death was very peaceful and happened quickly and without distress. One minute she was breathing and the next she was quiet and her heart was no longer beating.
We spent some time with her in our room having some cuddles on our knees. Emilie gave her cuddles too. We washed and dressed her and now she is in the special room at Acorns. The special room is like a normal bedroom but where the air is kept cold.
It makes us happy to think that Niamh has died on the day of the Catholic calendar Michaelmas or the Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael (the Archangels). She is with the Angels now.
Chers Hélène, Alex et Emilie, j'ai vécu ces quelques semaines avec vous et j'apprends avec tristesse le départ de Niamh. Votre petite fille a eu une courte vie mais vous lui avez donné beaucoup d'amour et fait en sorte que cette courte vie soit heureuse. Vous avez été des parents formidables. Elle est partie en paix, emportant votre amour avec elle. Niamh restera toujours dans notre coeur, petit ange dans le ciel. Toutes mes pensées vous accompagnent. Bien affectueusement. Christine (Vichy).
ReplyDeleteDear Hélène, Alex, Emilie;
ReplyDeleteWe've been following Niamh's long and difficult journey over the last months and have been so proud of how bravely she has fought adversity. Today, we share in your deep sadness and hope that she is now finally at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this extremely difficult and upsetting time, all our love, Emily, Gary, Benjamin and Isla xxx
We found this poem that we thought was comforting..
Look Mum I'm a Butterfly:
Look Mum, I’m a butterfly,
I’m the stars in the sky,
I cannot die.
Watch me, now I’m free,
Look and see.
Hey Mum, I‘m the air that you breathe,
I’m the birds in the trees,
I’m the flowers and the seeds.
Look Mum I’m deep in your heart,
We’re never apart,
…I’m all around.
Look Mum, I’m a butterfly,
I’m the stars in the sky,
I cannot die…
I shall never forget Niamh; she’ll always be in my heart. I have so many fond memories of my time with her, from day one starting nursery with her piercing blue eyes and gorgeous smile to the last few months of her life. I will treasure these forever.
ReplyDeleteHelene and Alex the strength and bravery that you have shown throughout this ordeal is unbelievable, I really admire you both and know that Emilie is going to grow up to be so proud you. Please remember I’m always here.
You are all in my thoughts.
The heavens have gained another beautiful angel, rest in peace Niamh.
Lots of love
Hayley.
Xxx
Helene and Alex, you are in our hearts as you grieve the loss of Niamh. You have admirable strength, coupled with family memories galore of Niamh at her two-year-old best alongside your cherished Emilie.
ReplyDeleteI had a very special spiritual moment today in Niamh's memory. With my sister Anne I visited the rural Catholic chapel where our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and many more of our extended family were received into the church. My prayer was one of sorrow for death, celebration of life, hope for the future, and especially a prayer of thanksgiving for the love and sharing of family and friends.
May Niamh rest in peace.
This sincere wish comes from your uncle Noel and Mary.
Dear Hélène, Alex and Emilie,
ReplyDeleteWe've followed the blog closely and have always commented on the strength you as a family have shown throughout the past year. Your 'Tough Little Cookie' would have undoubtably drawn on the love and strength you gave her.
We remember Niamh as a beautiful little girl, big blue eyes and always smiling....always smiling!!!
As the previous post says...Heaven has truly gained another angel.
Sleep well Niamh.
Scott, Julie, Steavie & Kristie
xxxx
Alex, Helene & Emilie,
ReplyDeleteBoth Pau and myself are so sorry to read your news today, we have both been following the blog hoping a miracle would happen.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences
Love and kisses to you all.
Nick + Pau xxx
Sorry for your precious loss. Niamh didnt give up without fighting. No doubt Niamh has entered the Garden of Heaven. May Allah now give you all strength to go through the coming the days ahead. Ameen.
ReplyDeleteYou are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lots of love hugs
sadia xx
The courage and strength Niamh and all of you have shown over this journey has been an inspiration, and she will always continue to be one. We have been and will be thinking of you constantly and sending you all our love.
ReplyDeleteWith lots of love,
Jaeda, Martin, Zosi and Clover xx
The love of our family goes out to you on this saddest of days. At last she and hopefully, in time, you can now rest. Everyone who has followed the events of the last year closely has witnessed your unbelievable strength and love. No parents could have done more. The ones we love live in our hearts for eternity. Her smile will never fade. She will sleep peacefully. X
ReplyDeleteNiamh has had a special and far reaching impact on ours and many other lives, and she will always be loved and cherished for it. Sending you and your family our love and heartfelt condolences. Matt, Katy, Oliver and Alec. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteI have followed niamhs journey on your blog since you went to acorns and was so sad to hear of your news today! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. You have all shown such unbelievable strength and Niamh was truly lucky to have such a strong, brave and loving family!
ReplyDeleteI truly believe heaven has gained a very beautiful angel today!
I will never forget Niamh, the special little girl who really touched my heart - rest in peace sweetheart!
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jo
Thank you for sharing yours and Niamh's journey with us. The love and strength of your family has been inspiring. We are glad that Niamh is at rest now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Helene, Alex, Emilie and your families. Love Deirdre, Carlos, Pablo and Ellen
ReplyDeleteSweet dreams beautiful Niamh. You are an amazing family and have shown so much love and bravery. My thoughts are with you. Sending big hugs Claire x
ReplyDeleteHelene, Alex and Emilie,
ReplyDeleteWe were so sorry to hear your news this morning. The day of the angels. How sadly fitting and appropriate. Our absolute deepest thoughts, love and prayers are with you.
Aideen & Tom
Dearest Helene, alex and emilie
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read of your news today. But I hope that your brave little fighter, niamh, can finally rest now. She and you all have shown so much courage through all of this, you are an inspiration to us all. Please take care of yourselves , our thoughts and love are constantly with you at this difficult time
all our love,
ian anouska lola and India xxxx
Dear Al & Helene,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear that Niamh's battle is finally over. I know you have been amazed by her strength but we have also been amazed by yours. You truly are inspirational. We hope that you all find comfort in each other at this desperately sad time. Sending all of our love.
Jo, Aaron, Jake & Charlotte xxxx
Nous sommes par la pensée près de vous dans ces moments difficiles ou les mots n'ont plus de sens.
ReplyDeleteQue votre famille et vos amis continuent à vous donner la force de surmonter cette terrible épreuve.
Niamh est partie pour un monde que l'on dit meilleur.
Que la vie vous soit plus clémente à l'avenir.
MB et Christian ( France)
Que Niamh soit heureuse là où elle est maintenant.
ReplyDeleteNous continuons de penser très fort à vous tous et nous vous souhaitons un avenir avec beaucoup de soleil.
Nous vous embrassons tous.
Mireille & Jean-Claude
Chère Hélène et famille,
ReplyDeleteC'est avec une immense tristesse que je vous présente mes plus sincères condoléances.
A travers votre blog, vous nous avez transmis l'image de votre magnifique petite fille si courageuse, souriante et joyeuse, bien entourée de l'amour de ses proches. Nous garderons cette image pour toujours.
Mes pensées vous accompagnent.
Alima (Cannes)
I am so sorry to read the news about brave little Niamh. I cannot imagine what you are all going through at the moment.
ReplyDeleteAll of our love and thoughts are with you at this sad sad time.
Abi, Dario, Zoe and Roxy xxx
Rest in peace with the angels little Niamh.
ReplyDeleteGracia
hi, i dont no if u remember me but im emma kate (codys mom)cuz, i met u and your gorgeous little girl in hospital when she was next to cody, i have been reading your blog since you stared it, naimh seemed so brave and battled on, my thoughts are with you and your family i thought about you all every day and always asked katy if she'd herd from you, im sorry for your loss i really am, rest in peace niamh xxx love emma and family xxx <3
ReplyDeleteEven though I only met Niamh a couple of times, on each occasion she was full of smiles, happiness and joy. I have no doubt she is playing with the angels in heaven whilst her spirit lives in your and everyone elses hearts every day. Love to you all at this difficult time. Andrew and Charlotte x.
ReplyDeleteDear Hélène, Alex and Emilie,
ReplyDeleteI have been following our blogs through Muireann and have always been amazed your incredible fight and bravery and Niamh beautiful spirit! You are an inspiring family. Am so saddened to hear the news, a beautiful girl, may she finally rest in peace and be laughing and dancing with the angels. Thank you for sharing your story, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you strength, comfort and love.
Luisa xxx
Je n'ai vécu avec vous que pendant moins de deux semaines mais ces moments resteront gravés dans ma mémoire.
ReplyDeleteLe sourire de Niamh, les rires malgré la douleur, le courage, les jeux manuels et les conversations avec Emilie, votre gentillesse... Et bien sûr Tiny pop, Tiny pop + 1, et Peppa pig.
Niamh était un petit ange, une lumière sur terre qui est montée au ciel. Peut-être même est-elle en train de regarder Peppa pig en ce moment...
Emilie, l'au pair qui a appris tellement plus de choses que ce qu'elle avait pu imaginer en arrivant en Angleterre.
Dear Alex, Hélène and Emilie,
ReplyDeleteHaving regularly read this blog over the last year or so, we were very sad to hear of Niamh's passing away last week and are thinking of you all at this time. As many have said before, you have been incredibly strong and brave throughout this journey, and are to be admired. Your little girl was a fighter to the end, you must be so proud of her.
It's said that 'to live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die', and so it is with Niamh. She will never be forgotten.
Lots of love,
Dom, Kate & Harry Bourne
i have been following your blog and praying for your little brave niamb. i am sure she is playing in heaven with the angles and smiling down at you. my heart will be with you and your family.
ReplyDeletesweet dreams baby niamb
ReplyDelete