Bella's Butterfly Kisses: Miss you

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Miss you

I miss you Bella. I have been missing you so much lately. Even though I miss you every second of everyday, the past few days I have missed you one hundred times more. My missing has turned to longing. I long to hear you say mamma, to read your apple book to you, to see your beautiful smile and so much more. The hole in my stomach has become a normanl feeling. It is just a part of my day and I now get comfort from its presence because that hole comes from love. It comes from the love that I have for you.

We are approaching eight months from the moment that she passed and I am shocked that I have survived to this point. I always said that I would die if anything happened to Isabella and I am still standing. Sometimes I wonder where the strength comes from. I now know that it comes from her. She truly is my motivaion for so many things. Crawling into a ball would be to easy. Living is hard! I am living so that she could be proud of me. I want her to know that I am not taking the easy way out, instead I am trying to live and I am doing that all for her.

I love you Isabella

6 comments:

michelle said...: I am sure she would be proud! xo; November 8, 2011 at 6:55 PM
Anonymous said...: I am SO proud of you, Marisa! I always thought the same thing, too. I would surely die if one of my children would leave this earth. I knew I could never survive. I, too, am amazed that I am still alive and coping with losing Carlie 18 months ago. The longing will always be there. You are living and that is what matters! I love you, Marisa, and I SO wish we lived closer!! xoxoxo; November 8, 2011 at 8:08 PM
Lucy said...: I wish there was something I could do or say to take away even a little bit of your pain. All I can do is be here for you and support you in any way I can. I love you very much and would do anything for you.; November 8, 2011 at 9:15 PM
Chris M said...: Marisa - she is no doubt very proud of your strength. She's watching over your every step and sending you the love you use to carry on.

You're making her very proud.

love Chris; November 9, 2011 at 12:46 PM
michelle said...: Thank you to you, your hubby and Isabella. We recieved your tribute letter and I put it on my blog. Dont worry I covered our adresses up. That really meant a whole lot to us. Isabella will always have a special place in my heart with Jack. I picture them together in there often playing, loving each other and of course fighting over their favourite toys LOL Thank you; November 9, 2011 at 7:25 PM
Patricia said...: You are the strongest person I know and you are helping so many people. Isabella is so proud.; November 17, 2011 at 3:34 PM

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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