Bella's Butterfly Kisses

On September 20th, 2009 the world welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Isabella Grace Cappelli. She not only made her mommy and daddy melt with her beautiful eyes and full lips but she captured the hearts of all who came in her path. March 10th, 2011 she returned home to God and is waiting there for for the day that she is to be reunited with all that she loves. Those who knew her were blessed to have had the opportunity to be loved by her. She will be forever missed but never forgotten.

Monday, April 4, 2011

We miss you!!!!

I am touched by how many people have responded to my first post and I hope that you will continue to do so. It is amazing how many lives Isabella has touched in such a short time. Even though Isabella was only present in my life for 18 months, it is as if she was always here. All of my most memorable moments are ones that she was present for. I never knew how much I could love another person until she came into my life. She was not only my daughter, but also my best friend. She had a sense of humour, a big heart and little touch of an attitude. I wonder who she got that from??? As I am writing this my stomach hurts due to the amount that I miss her. I miss changing her diapers, reading her stories, cutting up her black berries and most of all dancing with her and daddy in front of the television to her favourite song every night before bed. All of these things I assumed I would always be doing, yet here I am today wishing that I could turn back time and go back to those moments. I just hope that Isabella knows how much her Papa and I love her and that we truly enjoyed every moment that we spent with her. Thank you for all of the memories, for all of the love and most of all for being you. You are truly missed today and always!!!!!

11 comments:

Lucy santos said...: Marisa, I am too, glad you are finding a way to express your thoughts and feelings. My heart aches for you as I can only imagine the pain and void you must feel. You are really in my thoughts everyday as I wonder where you find the strength. Isabella for sure knew she was loved for the way you adored her she must have adored you. Please continue to write and express your feelings. You are truly an inspiration and I wish for you to one day come to terms with this life changing event. Please don't stop writing and sharing your memories.; April 4, 2011 at 8:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Marisa,
Although we have not seen each other in such a long time, I have to tell you that I can't stop thinking about you. I pray that GOd gives you the strength to cope with this terrible, terrible tragedy. Your daughter was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Be Strong and continue to write about these wonderful memories that you shared together.
xoxo; April 4, 2011 at 10:57 PM
Chris M said...: Well said Marisa, I love the dancing story.

I think you’re doing the right thing by remembering the little moments. Her birthday and Christmas were lovely, but it’s the lazy Sunday afternoons, where nothing to remarkable really happened, that are really special. Continue to document these here and you’ll have them forever.

Our continued support to you both.

Cousin Chris; April 5, 2011 at 9:55 AM
LisaDay said...: I am so sorry about your loss. I hope your blog gives you what you need at this time.

LisaDay; April 5, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Jenny said...: Thank you for reaching out to me. I am so very sorry about your pain. Its so new and so fresh. I cannot believe it happened on the same day as mine. Writing was a huge comfort for me, it was where i could say what i needed to say but let me continue on with my life as well. Losing a child, a 18 month old like we did is something we should have never had to go through. I'm still devasted and lost without her. It still hurts to look at pictures, I still cry at the drop of a dime. It doesn't get easier but it does in certain ways. I'm thinking of you.; April 5, 2011 at 11:17 AM
Natalie Turowski said...: Marisa,

This was such a fantastic idea. It's a great way for you to share your thoughts and feelings and memories. I think your writing is an inspiration to others that are reading this and may be going through the pain that Frank and yourself are. Your words are so touching and the poem so sweet it made me cry. I think Bella is always with you and she knows how much you miss her. You may have already heard this but I think your strenghth through this ordeal inspires those around you to be strong too. I think of you all the time. Love always. Natalie; April 5, 2011 at 1:20 PM
Christine Cosentino said...: A couple weekends ago, we had a family "thing" and my cousin brought his little one, Lucas, who is about 7 months old. I was holding him for quite awhile so I sat him next to me on the soft. He reached over to grab his feet with both hands, pulled off his socks and threw them across the room. I immediately thougth of Bella. Brought a bunch of tears to my eyes. I miss that kid ...; April 5, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Christine Cosentino said...: A couple weekends ago, we had a family "thing" and my cousin brought his little one, Lucas, who is about 7 months old. I was holding him for quite awhile so I sat him next to me on the soft. He reached over to grab his feet with both hands, pulled off his socks and threw them across the room. I immediately thougth of Bella. Brought a bunch of tears to my eyes. I miss that kid ...; April 5, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Sandra said...: Hi Marisa. You are such a beautiful writer. I'm glad you and your friend created this site in memory of Isabella. It's a great place for you and loved ones to express & share feelings about the tragic loss of your precious daughter. My heart aches for you & Frank. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about your family. Even though I didn't get to meet beautiful Isabella, I feel like I knew her through all the stories Lucy shared about her. Lucy always lit up when she talked about her. She loved & adored her niece so much.
Through the love & support of your amazing family & friends, you will get the strength to make it through each day. Keeping those special memories of Isabella close to your heart will help. I truly believe Isabella is now your guardian angel, protecting you from heaven, still feeling your love every day.

You are in my thoughts & prayers always.
Lucy's friend, Sandra; April 5, 2011 at 9:16 PM
Patricia said...: I love you
Have faith
A sign is on its way; April 6, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Hi Marisa,
I cannot understand the magnitude of your loss...but know that you have MANY people who are thinking about you and who love you and Bella very, very much. Please take care of yourself.; April 9, 2011 at 8:34 AM

Group A Streptococcus: The Facts

(Information courtesy of Directors of Health Promotion and Education - http://www.dhpe.org/)

What is Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep)?
-a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin
-the letter "A" is in reference to the specific classification of bacteria in the genus Streptococcus
-in some cases Group Strep A might cause no symptoms of disease, while in others, it can cause infections ranging from mild to life-threatening
-it is spread by direct person-to-person contact
-can usually be treated with anti-biotics

What are the related infections?
-mild illnesses: strep throat or impetigo
-serious illnesses: scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, postpartum fever, wound infections, pneumonia

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-strep throat: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph glands
-skin infections: red, weeping skin sores
-scarlet fever: the above symptoms plus a characteristic rash on the neck, chest, skin folds and inner thighs

Ocassionally, a more deadly strand of Group A Strep can bring on two rare, but severe diseases:

1. Necrotizing Fasciitis
-often called the "flesh-eating disease"
-an infection that attacks the deep layers of tissue
-occurs when the strain enters through an opening in the skin
-for unknown reasons, the strain becomes very aggressive, releases a toxin and destroys flesh and muscle

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever and sever pain, swelling, heat and redness at a wound site

Note: In Canada, 3-7 people per 1 000 000 are affected each year with necrotizing fasciitis, which is approximately 90-200 cases per year. 20-30% of these cases are fatal.

2. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome
-causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure
-damages kidneys, liver and lungs
-toxin causes irreparable damage to tissue and organs

Early Signs and Symptoms:
-fever, dizziness and confusion
*this disease has no sign or symptom that make it distinctive from other illnesses

In all instances of Group A Strep infectiosn, symptoms will appear quickly, within 1-3 days.

What are some preventative measures?
-wash hands thoroughly and often
-ask your doctor for a throat culture for a sore throat paired with a fever
-keep wounds clean
-seek medical attention for infected wounds paired with a fever

How is Group A Strep contracted?
-the bacteria are carried in the discharges of the nose and throat of an infected person and/or in infected wounds or skin sores
-the bacteria spreads when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth of an uninfected person
-the bacteria can also enter the body through cuts and scrapes
Note: When an infected person is ill, the risk of contamination is the highest. People who are infected with no symptoms are much less contagious. Household items like cups, plates and toys do not play a significant role in the spread of Group A Strep.

Who is at risk?
Anyone.

What is the treatment for Group A Strep infection?
-various anti-biotics
-early treatment may limit the risk of death but does not prevent it in every case