ANNIE GRACE SABIN - March 30, 2010 - August 1, 2010

ANNIE GRACE SABIN - March 30, 2010 - August 1, 2010

Background

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Annie's Tree

Through the incredible generosity of others, we were able to honor Annie with a tree at the Festival of Trees this year. Cameron's co-workers at Stoel Rives offered to sponsor the tree, and our families helped to supply the gifts beneath it. Thank you to all who made this happen! Cameron and I were both surprised at how therapeutic this was for us. We miss her so much and can't help but imagine what our holiday season might be like if she were here. Her stocking hangs on the mantle with those of our other children, reminding us every day of our sixth child that will never race up the stairs on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought for her. It lifted our hearts to decorate this beautiful tree, and pile all these beautiful gifts around it- gifts that she might have received if she were here. Again, we feel such deep gratitude to the people that have rallied around our family this year. Your love has made such a difference in our lives. We can't say thank you enough.

Below are pictures of Annie's tree and a copy of the bio that was included with her picture.



Annie's Bio for the Festival of Trees

On December 30, 2009, three months before she was born, we learned that our Annie had heart defects. Her official diagnosis was tetralogy of fallot with absent pulmonary valve. For the next several months, we waited anxiously for her birth, hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. On March 30, 2010, Annie Grace Sabin was born, and we immediately fell in love with her. She surprised us all when she did not have to be placed on a ventilator at birth, and for three beautiful weeks, we were able to hold her in our arms and close to our hearts. While she fought for every breath during this time, we cherished every minute we had with her. However, as she struggled more and more to breathe, it was decided that she needed to have open-heart surgery, and, on April 23, we watched our tiny infant daughter go into the operating room for the first time. This photograph was taken the day before she was placed on a ventilator and two days before her first surgery. Never again, until the day she died, would we see her without the ventilator tube taped to her mouth. What we hoped would be fixed with a single surgery, turned into something much more complicated. Over the course of her four-month life, Annie endured four major surgeries (two requiring bypass) and multiple minor surgeries. She was taken to the brink of death several times and continually amazed us with her will to live. She fought valiantly to be here with us. Her fight allowed us precious time to memorize tender details: her beautiful blue eyes, her long slender fingers, and the dimple in the middle of her top lip. More importantly, these months gave us a chance to really know her gentle, patient spirit. Every day with Annie was a gift. She taught us so much in her short life. Annie died on August 1, 2010. Again in our arms and close to our hearts, she took her last breath and passed away peacefully. We miss her. We love her. We will never be the same.

Cameron and Amy Sabin

17 comments:

  1. How beautiful! I have never stopped thinking about Annie. That perfect, sweet baby girl. I was so thrilled to see that you had posted when I logged in! How wonderful to have a tree that was dedicated in her honor. From the moment I opened your page, tears flowed freely and I felt such a deep love for Annie and your family.
    You have been such a personal inspiration to me and I could never thank you enough for your faith and amazing testimonies.
    Please know that I think about Annie all the time and keep your family in our prayers.
    Love, Annie

    ReplyDelete
  2. The tree is so beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!! We hold annie dear in our hearts and you and your family also. You are in my thoughts so often and the tears came back once I saw you posted and when I saw the tree. I wish you peace and love through the holidays

    Forever your heart Friend Ivy Murphy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful! I love to read your posts. They always give me such inspiration. What a fitting tribute. I have been thinking of you and your family lately and have been praying for you this time of year. From a fellow heart mom, Becca-Ellie's mom-blesselliesheart.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amy and Cameron...
    Annie's tree was absolutely beautiful! It took my breath away. I completely stopped the steady line of people as I stumbled upon Annie's tree. I didn't know her tree was going to be there and that made the moment even more special. My eyes quickly filled with tears and I just wanted soak up the moment.
    You two will always hold a special place in our hearts. From one heart family to another, we love you. Mark and Michelle Hiles (Madison's mom)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks beautiful!!! What a great way to remember a special girl. You are missed & loved, Annie!

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful little girl. I think of Annie and your family often and have wondered how you are. It's amazing how little girl can touch so many hearts of those that did not know her. Your written bio is wonderful and it brought tears to my eyes.

    Annie is missed by many....

    ReplyDelete
  7. The tree is lovely. What a blessing to be able to put that together and see the continued love and support for Annie and your family.

    Hugs & Prayers,
    Christina

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a wonderful way to honor your little beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Beautiful Amy thanks for posting. I think of Annie often, what a beautiful way to honor her life!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Amy and Cameron,
    Annie's tree was absolutely gorgeous. I really miss you and hope your family is doing well. Have a safe and happy holiday.
    Love, Nurse Mandy

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think about Annie often and I visit the page regularly hoping for an update. I'm so happy you got to do a tree for her. It's absolutely beautiful. I wish I could have seen it in person.

    Thinking of your sweet family and praying for you this holiday season,
    Nikki Sjoblom

    ReplyDelete
  12. Amy,
    My kids and I saw the tree! It was exquisite! A little girl's dream come true. I have loved going to the Festival of Trees for years, and yet the stories behind each tree are almost too hard to imagine. I tried to call you when I saw it...it took my breath away. I am so glad you got this opportunity & know that this might add to your Christmas season this year!

    Merry Christmas to the whole Sabin Family.
    ~Emily

    ReplyDelete
  13. I too watch for your posts! What a beautiful Tree to Honor a Beautiful Little Girl, I think of you often and hope that your have found comfort in your loss. I know myself and many others have gained insight and found our own faith increased through your journey. Hope you Holiday Season is Merry And Bright!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Amy,
    We saw the tree! It was amazing. We knew it was there and were determined to find it! The tree was even more beautiful because we know your family and feel as if we knew Annie through her perfectly written blog. I love the thought of seeing her stocking everyday on the mantel! Merry Christmas to all of you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Amy, it's just beautiful! Our love and best wishes will be with you throughout the Holiday season. An angel born to an angel.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Amy, I think it is so great that you were able to decorate this tree in honor of Annie. What a beautiful way to have her in your heart during this Christmas season. I am so grateful for your example and strength, you are truly an amazing person. I am so thankful for our friendship.

    Love, Jen

    ReplyDelete