Sydney Elizabeth has Scimitar Syndrome. She is a patient at Children's Hospital in Minnesota.
It is with a heavy heart that I post this letter from Sylvie Stephens, mother of Sydney. I am inspired by her strength and faith.
Never give up faith. Never.
On Monday, the doctors indicated that Sydney is having multiple organ/system failures. It breaks my heart to tell you all that she will not ultimately survive. There is nothing the medical team can do for her except offer comfort, dignity and loving care. Yesterday we had a care conference with her doctors and nurses where we decided the goal of her care is to keep her comfortable.
Currently, she is well and having quiet alert periods. She is living her life happily. She is at peace.
Many parents have lost children, I won’t be the first. But I have the privilege of having the awareness to make each moment with her count from here on out. I am drinking her in everyday, and focused only on her. I try not to think about what is to come, rather live in the moment that is the joy of being with her. She is the greatest blessing of my life. I am changed for the BEST because of her. I will always have her with me. Always.
Without faith, how can any mother survive this? I prayed to God to always hold her in the moments when I can’t, and He will answer this prayer. I have always prayed for her protection from pain and suffering, and this too will be. I would rather suffer the loss of her than have HER suffer. But what loss? She is mine, and always will be. Her and I are connected forever, heart and soul. I am really not losing anything. But I have gained so much…
I don’t know how much time there is left. My goal is to be with her as much as possible. Family and friends can pray for our family, pray for her comfort. Hope is still around us. It’s only changed form. I appreciate all of you going through this journey with Sydney, and I offer my love and compassion for your feelings of sadness and loss. She is a light in all of our lives. No one will forget this precious little girl. Our lives are better because of her. She did have purpose. I will never know how many people prayed for her. How many became closer to God because of her. How many held their own children a few minutes longer each day because of her.
As for all the blessings she has given me, there are too many to share right now, and I am anxious to go back to bedside with her. She had a wonderful bath and is in an adorable outfit. She looks beautiful and is very comfortable. Her blue eyes are so tender and innocent.
We are all connected by her. Please celebrate her life and her gifts to us. She is loved by so many. Thank God for Sydney Elizabeth.
Tags: heart, Scimitar Syndrome, Sylvie Stephens
2 Comments on Update on Sydney
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
What a beautiful tender letter. Yes, thank you , Jesus, for Sydney, and thank you too for hope, the hope that we have in You. Please hold this family close in your arms and continue to be their comfort and strength.
Prayers continue.
My thoughts and prayers are with this family during this time. How precious our children are to us, and even more so to God. We may only be able to hold them in our arms for a little while, but they are in our hearts forever. And rest assured, Sylvie & family, that even tho many people are not there in Minnesota with you during this time, we are with you in prayer, love and concern for you all. Little Sydney has been and will continue to be a blessing & inspiration for all of us.
With much love and prayers.
Jan