Never - did I ever think - that I would have to bury one of my daughters. It's a thought that never entered my mind - probably because its the worst fear a parent can have. When Aubree was born I was scared everyday of her life - until she reached the age of 8. Around that time I started to relax - thinking, maybe everything is ok, maybe she will be that Turner girl that makes it. And as everyday passed I believed this illusion more and more. And as her teenage age years passed that illusion became a reality. This reality became a belief - a belief that I held to so fiercely - the mere thought of anything going wrong was minuscule....it slowly evaporated from my mind like vapors.
Aubree was doing so well. So well. Maybe that should have been a clue. Maybe doing that well should have been a warning that something bad would happen. I just couldn't see it though. There were no signs, no screaming symptoms, no delayed warnings. Nothing. Everything was perfect. Too perfect. Maybe that was my downfall. Maybe that is why I didn't see it coming. Because she was perfect.


June 5th started like any other day. We were at home. She woke up and got into bed with me for a "little extra cuddle time". We got up for breakfast, she had a pain pill and wanted to lay down for a few minutes before our walk to the end of the driveway.
I decided to call a friend, as I was talking to her I would walk around and every time I passed Aubree's door she would smile that big beautiful smile of hers and give me a thumbs up.
A little bit later as I was clearing the table I heard a noise and went to check on her. She was laying there not breathing. I will never forget the look...having to see my daughter like that...and then have to start CPR. I don't know if I will ever fully recover from that or if that is a scar and burden that I will carry until I see her again.
The paramedics worked so hard - they did their best and I thank each and everyone of them. The ER team and her surgeon Dr. Grisseli worked so very hard - I saw their efforts - they tried everything they could possibly think of and they were as equally devastated.
I thank all who helped me that day because I know I did not thank them then - all I did was scream and cry.

My little angel Aubree passed from an aortic dissection, her delicate aorta was unable to handle the stress of the surgery.

My life has been forever changed. I don't know how to live. I don't know how to breathe. And through this I still need to be a mother to 2 other amazing daughters. I have no idea how to do that. I am still hoping to wake up and find that this is a dream, but everyday that goes by diminishes this
hope.
I just don't know anything anymore. I am finding myself blank...the thought of life without my sunshine...leaves nothing but darkness.
Many thanks to family for not letting me be alone for too long, I find that has been a great help. Distraction is now my new best friend. Distraction and Axl (the dog).  Karie


Here is the information for Aubree's funeral.

Saturday June 15th
0900 Visitation with family
1000 Funeral Service
South Suburban Evangelical Free Church
Apple Valley MN