Warrior Raph

I can’t believe 1 year without our amazing boy is fast approaching.. I’m not ready. How did we get here so quickly. As Eug recently said to me.. life when Raph was earthside seems like a lifetime ago now. Coming from a grieving mother, the truth is the heartbreak is still as raw and intense as the day Raph left us. There is no such thing as getting over your dead child or moving on. Some say it may get a little easier to deal with each day but it is honestly fkn hard. There’s no comparison and as a phrase I’ve once read stated “The death of a child is considered the single worst stressor a person can go through” I guarantee this is 100% spot on. While Eug and I try and get through the next tough days, memories often pop up of our beautiful boy and his final time with us. This msg between me and Raphs OT is proof of how quickly a Medically Complex & immunocompromised child can go from looking stable to suddenly rushing them to emergency within a matter of 24 hours. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate life and what we do have so much more. The endless diagnosis’s, tests, emergencies, surgeries, therapy appointments, illnesses, ICU admissions, resuscitations, life support intubations, code blues - just to name a few - in Raphy’s short lifetime takes my breath away at times but proves to show what an incredible little warrior he was. As his 1 year comes up, It is not a time of celebrating for us but to remember and be grateful for the time we did have with Raph. Loving & missing you forever & always our precious boy ❤️

Once upon a time this was 100% relatable. All the beauty of mothering a medically complex child. Raph my angel, my heart continue to ache for you. I hope to see you in my dreams again bubba ❤️

I honestly have amazing & thoughtful friends on this earth. Thankfully within limits and all legal, a friend reached out and was able to capture Raph’s plaque and seeing it for the first time, even in photos, has taken my breath away. It’s a bittersweet day as it makes it all final. Thank you so much again Nat for the pics. Love you so much Raph ❤️❤️