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.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

A poem for Bella

Isabella's Poem
A ray of light
A soft summers breeze.
A sunset that brings me to my knees.

Tiny drops of rain
A bright blue sky.
The songs of birds as they fly high.

A sparkling star
The moon so bright.
The sweet smell in the air on a summers night.

Signs from above
I receive everyday.
You tell me, "Mommy, it's okay."

I close my eyes
And blow a kiss
Until we meet again
These signs I'll never dismiss.

I love you Bella

12 comments:

Ashley said...: Beautiful; June 23, 2011 at 4:09 PM
michelle said...: Wonderful poem, you write beautifully, I'm sure Bella loves it and is blowing you back that kiss.; June 23, 2011 at 4:43 PM
Lucy said...: You really have a way with words. This poem is a beautiful tribute to Bella and how she is still able to connect with you. Keep writing!; June 23, 2011 at 8:36 PM
Patricia said...: very beautiful; June 24, 2011 at 9:31 AM
Angie said...: What a beautiful poem. It's amazing how you write about the most simple things in life that we all take for granted. Or should I say we used to take for granted.

love you,

Angie; June 24, 2011 at 9:32 AM
Gina said...: Beautiful poem Marisa. Keep writing for Isabella!!

Gina xoxo; June 25, 2011 at 7:30 AM
Susan said...: Beautiful Marissa - another way to love her xx; June 25, 2011 at 1:24 PM
Christine Cosentino said...: Love it!; June 26, 2011 at 8:09 AM
Lucy said...: Love you Bella!; June 26, 2011 at 9:26 PM
Lucy said...: I"m so glad to seem ore photos of Bella when you scroll down to the bottom of the blog. She has a smile from ear to ear in every picture! What a ham!; June 27, 2011 at 8:49 PM
Angie said...: She's just a beauty !!
Love her so very much. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photos with all of us. Keep 'em coming.

Love you,

Angie; June 28, 2011 at 8:44 AM
Anonymous said...: Marisa, I just love your poem & the new pictures of Isabella. It was so nice to see you last week.
Karen; June 28, 2011 at 1:48 PM

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