Devastated again

I'm sorry to have bad news to bear.  My friend Tracy, mother of three, passed away yesterday from an aneurysm leaving her beloved Troy, her two precious "olders" and little "Jack", with Down syndrome.   The blogging world knows her as the author of My Little Stinkerie.

I first met Tracy when she emailed me two years ago, soon after she received Jack's prenatal diagnosis. She had read my blog and had a ton of questions and worries.   We had a flurry of emails, but finally decided it was easier to talk on the phone than it was to write.  We talked at odd times of the day, with the three-hour time difference between East and West coast, laughing most of the time.  My daughter Kate and I worked up a whole series of ridiculous name choices for this yet-to-be-born baby.  Of course, she and Troy didn't choose any of our suggestions, but chose to name him after a hero--one of the kings of Sparta.  They both had a myriad of nicknames for this feisty little guy--from Snake to Snorkis to Stinkerie.  

When Jack made his appearance, all the worries and doubts about Down syndrome she carried disappeared.  All there was left was love. Tracy was totally smitten by Jack.  She ooh-ed and aah-ed over every inch of that baby.  And though he might not admit it, Troy was captivated as well.  

Tracy was a mother who loved, loved, loved her children.   She advocated for each one, for each one had their own special way of learning.  She loved her doggies, and her beloved Troy.

Please pray for Tracy's family and close friends.