Happy 6th Birthday Reese!

Reese was born to Shawn and Doug Coble on January 29, 2002.. a seemingly healthy child. He was a very cute and happy little boy, but repetitious visits to the doctor, and mom's intuition, indicated something just wasn't right. On August 1, 2002 after many tests had been run, Reese was diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome (MPS 1-H). Hurler Syndrome is a genetic, metabolic disorder that attacks every major organ, the central nervous system, their vision, hearing, and even their bones due to the lack of the alph-L-iduronidase enzyme. Reese's early diagnosis was a sign that Hurler Syndrome was already taking its toll on his little body and immediate intervention was needed. The words "there is no cure" were the hardest to digest. The only 'treatment' that was approved was a Stem Cell Transplant. This involved many tests, several surgeries, and intense chemotherapy before the transplant could occur. Finally, on December 5, 2002, at Duke Children's Hospital in Durham, Reese received his second lease on life. His transplant was a success in that he was 91.5% donor cells by mid-January, 2003. He was released from the hospital but was required to make clinic visits every day. He was administered various drugs orally and intravenously at home and in clinic. He was readmitted to the BMT unit several more times for various reasons but his visit to clinic on February 17 ended in another admission. More tests were run and it was determined that Reese had parainfluenza in his lungs. In other words, a viral pneumonia had worked it's way into his immune suppressed body and was taking its toll. Reese was put on oxygen, then c-pap, then bi-pap, then to PICU on a ventilator. The ventilator was not enough to supply oxygen to his body so he was moved to the oscillator (life support). It was in hopes that the virus would run it's course and let him rest while he healed. After eight long, grueling days on life support, Reese only descended down hill. There were no more tricks up anyone sleeves... the only thing that could save Reese at this point was a miracle. His parents had to make the decision to remove him life support. He died in his mother's arms surrounded by so many people who loved him and tried to make him all better. Reese was 13 months old when he flew from the loving arms of his mother into the welcoming arms of Jesus.
This journal is still kept in memory of Reese in hopes that it will help someone who is fighting the same battle he fought and the same battles his family fights every day. Please sign the guestbook to let us know you were here. Thank you and God Bless!!

I miss you Reesie Cup
You were in our arms for but a moment, but you'll be in our hearts FOREVER!!!

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Words from an Angel

I have not turned my back on you,
So there is no need to cry.
I'm watching you from Heaven,
Just beyond the morning sky.
I've seen you almost fall apart,
When you could barely stand.
I asked the Lord to comfort you,
And watched him take your hand.
He told me you are in more pain,
Than I could ever be.
He wiped his eyes and swallowed hard,
Then gave your hand to me.
Although you may not feel my touch,
Or see me by your side.
I've whispered that I love you,
While I wiped each tear you cried.
So please try not to ache for me,
We'll meet again one day.
Beyond the dark and stormy sky,
A rainbow lights the way.

Author Unknown

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TO DONATE TO THE GRACE COVENANT 'REESE'S CENTER' SEND TO:

Grace Covenant Church
257 Hylton Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030

Thank you and may the peace of the Lord be with you.
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Journal

Tuesday, March 10, 2008

I can’t believe 5 years have passed
since I held you in my arms
I only wanted to protect you
and keep you safe from harm

we tried our best to save you
we never left your side
but God had different plans for you
in Heaven, you should reside

the doctors said there’s nothing
more that we can do
so hold your child and tell him bye
for his life on earth is through

we all held our breath quietly
while trying not to grieve
silently praying to ourselves..
come on, baby, breathe

but it was not meant to be
a breath you could not take
your eyes were closed forever now
as our hearts began to break

you slipped away so quietly
as I kissed upon your face
go ahead, baby, it’s OK
and feel our Father’s grace

as your soul soared up to heaven
the emotions were very strong
this can’t be real, please tell me
that the doctors are all wrong

my tears they fell upon you
as I kissed your little nose
I sang you are my sunshine
then I had to let you go

I thank you, Reese, for all the days
you brought sunshine to my life
I look back and have to smile
at the joys and not the strife

for I am at peace now,
because I know that you’re ok
you watch over us from above
you protect and keep us safe

not too many people on this earth
can say what I can say
I have truly been touched by an angel
and he’s with me every day!!!

as the years go by I don’t expect
to be completely healed
my love for you is way too strong
the pain is way too real

but I know I’ll be with you again
up in that promised land
and we’ll talk and run and jump and play
FOREVER HAND-IN-HAND

Shawn Samuelson
proud mother of angel ^^REESE^^
January 29, 2002 to March 10, 2003

Happy “Heavenly” Birthday Reese… Mommy loves you!!!

Hospital Information:

HEAVEN

Links:

E-mail Author: shawnysamuelson@yahoo.com

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