Bella's Butterfly Kisses: Dreaded day

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Dreaded day

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who offered us support today through a card, email, phone call or whatever way it was. It is always comforting to know that Isabella is in your thoughts and hearts as well as ours. Today marks two years since the dreaded day. It means that I have lived more days without Isabella then I have with her. It seems as though she has always been in my life. My world was so different when she was in it and the center of it. I found myself a little angry this week. I wasn't angry at anyone in particular, not at God or the doctors or even myself. I was just angry at the situation and at the fact that she was not given a chance to play sports, go to school, have her first crush or even get grounded. All of those experiences that most people take for granted. I was and still am angry on behalf of all of the children that have to die. It happens to often. It seems that every day I hear another story about another child who has died and it tears me up each time. This should not be. Innocent children should not be taken so soon, they should be here giggling and running through sprinklers. We should be buying them ice creams and not bringing them flowers. Even though today is a terrible reminder of what has happened it is still just a day. Today is not any harder then tomorrow or yesterday. Each day I carry the same pain and each day my heart aches to see my little girl again. Each day I have to remind myself of the promise that I made to Bella when I saw her that last time. I promised her that I would make her proud and I can do that by being a good mother to Julian, good wife to Frank and a good friend for those who need me. I hope that you are proud of me Bella because I do all of this for you. I love you more than words can say. Mommy

7 comments:

Anonymous said...: Marisa, I think of you and isabella everyday and today I said an extra prayer in her name. God Bless her yesterday, today and forever more. Love you signed Lisa Nagy; March 11, 2013 at 4:51 AM
Christine Cosentino said...: We didn't want to bug you yesterday but we were thinking about you all day. Em and I went to visit Bella on our way home from church. She is in our hearts and minds always, as are you, Frank and Julian. We love you :)

Chris; March 11, 2013 at 11:54 AM
Lucy said...: Bella is in my thoughts and heart every single day. Her gorgeous eyes and curly hair are so clear in my mind. I can hardly believe that it has been two years since I've cuddled her. I often feel angry that she is not here in the physical world to be with us. It's strange, but I also feel her presence telling me that its okay and that she is happy. It makes me feel a little bit better for her as I know she is a beautiful place, but not a whole love better for you and Frank, and all,of us that love her so much. Never doubt that as time passes we will forget. Bella is and always will be your 1st child, the first grandchild, my Niece and god child, a big cousin, little cousin and so much more. Even though she is not here physically with us, no one can take the memories we have with her. She lives on through all of us, especially you,Frank and Julian.; March 11, 2013 at 10:22 PM
Angie said...: A day doesn't go by that I don't think of our precious baby girl. She brought so much joy to our lives and I am grateful for the time that we were blessed to have her with us. She is around us everywhere. All the beauty of the world is Isabella. She will never, ever be forgotten.

Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

Love you all so much,

Angie; March 12, 2013 at 11:10 AM
michelle said...: Isabella is always in my thoughts xo; March 13, 2013 at 2:56 PM
Gina said...: Your family is always in my thoughts. I am so grateful that Isabella continues to make you strong! Be proud Marisa.

xoxoxoxoxo; March 19, 2013 at 6:00 AM
marisa said...: Thank you All.

Love you,
marisa; March 27, 2013 at 11:20 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