For Shana and Paul David
As Shana's close friends we were heartbroken to receive the call from Shana's mother that she had given birth to her little boy so prematurely. It was a phone call that we never expected nor wanted to receive. The three of us immediately dropped everything to be at the hospital with Shana and Paul David, nothing else mattered at that moment. It was heartbreaking for us to see her there cradling her precious son to her heart. One doesn't know what to do or say under these circumstances to comfort a friend, but we knew that being there for her and him was the most important thing.
There were many different thoughts and emotions: how unfair that this was happening to our wonderful friend that deserves more than anything to be a mother; compassion for her; sadness that Paul David's life was so short; disappointment and a sense of void for all the milestones we wouldn't be sharing with Shana and Paul.
Shana asked us to attend the memorial service at UNC hospital. Of course we wanted to attend to pay our respects to Paul and to support Shana, who was seeking more peace each day. The memorial service was beautiful - filled with songs, stories, and poems. Many families shared their sad, sad stories and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. In a time when one feels very lonely in dealing with such a difficult loss, this service was a way to feel not quite as alone. We were glad that we were able to accompany Shana and her mom to this service - in an attempt for each of us to begin to find some closure with the idea that Paul's life was taken so unfairly.
We were and still often are at a loss for how best to comfort Shana and show our support. We may be weak in our words, but we are strong in our love for her and baby Paul. He is missed, and Shana, you are loved.
Love Jenn, Maggi, & Wendy