I have been following the story of a little baby named Tripp Roth. He is such a cutie. He loves the drums, singing, rocking with his mommy, and Elmo. He is dying. He has a rare skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa "EB". He is in constant pain, he has big huge blisters all over his skin. I have been keeping up with this little guy for about 8 months now, and I must say, everytime I read his mom's blog..I cry....NO, I bawl!! It is hard to imagine a 2 1/2 year old having to endure such pain. I think about him daily. I even bought a butterfly ornament for our christmas tree. The butterfly is a symbol for "EB"...but I know next year Tripp won't have a christmas. He wont make it that long. Per his mom's most recent blog...he only has days or weeks to live. I can't imagine what his mom is going through. I know it is hard to see someone slowly die, my mom had cancer and was bed ridden for quite some time before she passed. I was only 13 then and couldn't imagine the thought of wanting her to die. I do remember my dad listening to the song "Bobby" by Reba. I understood the lyrics and how my dad didn't want her to be in pain, but I didn't want her to die, I wanted her to get better. I didn't realize she never would. I could not imagine having to watch your child die. On top of that wanting to take away his pain so badly that you would pray to GOD to just give your child peace, no matter what form it came in. I think Tripp's mom, Courtney has to be the strongest mom I have ever known (well sort of known) I think I would be a mess if one of my children were suffering so much. I can't say that I would be such a fan of GOD either. I would hope it would be something I could come to terms with. I believe in Heaven and that our souls go there and are at peace. I know everyone that has passed in my life is up there having a good time and everyone is pain free. I just don't think loosing a child would sit well with me. Luckily for me, my children are all healthy and happy. This is not Tripps case, he can hardly talk these days, he can't walk or stand, and now his hands are so swollen he can't hold his little toy Elmo. I am so sad for him and his family. I would like for anyone reading this to please go over to Tripp and Courtney's blog and take a minute to get to know Tripp. http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/
Also, at this point, just pray for Tripp and his mom to find Peace.
Below is a poem that Courtney wrote for Tripp, everytime I read it, I cry.
I'll Need A Pinky Swear
As he lies in my lap
And together we sway
I rock him to sleep
And meanwhile I pray:
"Dear God, I know you can see us
And you're watching from above
Filled with sadness for him, as we are,
And equally in love.
I've never once asked You "why?"
Nor questioned if You were near.
But I do have one request tonight,
I pray that you will hear.
When it's time for You to call him home,
And my hope turns into despair,
I will need more than a promise from You,
I'll need a pinky-swear...
That you will hold him close to Your chest,
And say "I love you" all day long.
That you will rock him 'til your knees get sore,
And sing his favorite songs.
Tell me that You'll keep him safe,
So I will not be distressed.
Tell me that he'll will get his wings
And tell me he'll be blessed.
Let me know he made it safely,
Without a single blister or bleed,
Let me know that you will do MY job,
To fulfill his every need.
I have to know that you will love him,
Just as much, or more, than I do.
And when he finally speaks a word,
That You'll record it so I can hear, too.
My buddy is going to need Your help,
With so much yet to learn.
Like using a spoon, writing his name,
And having to wait his turn.
God, please be patient when he tries,
For he's such a sweet and loving boy.
Please give him every thing he wants,
But make sure he shares his toys.
These are things I'll miss out on,
Like no Mommy should have to do.
So don't let one milestone go unnoticed,
Please, I'm begging You.
He likes Elmo's ducks, The Three little Pigs,
Shoo Fly and Counting to Four.
Big Green Tractor, Rise and Shine.
And when they stop, he'll tell you "more."
He holds certain toys in certain hands,
And says yes with a big smile.
Please spend some extra special time,
And talk with him awhile.
It breaks my heart to have to think
That he won't graduate from school.
Or go to prom, or have kids of his own,
Or even break a single rule.
Tell him for me- please don't forget,
That I wanted him to stay.
That I tried and tried to ease his pain,
But it was only YOU who knew the way.
I know you have a choir of angels,
Who play music while they fly.
And if they need a drummer boy-
Well, my Tripp, he's their guy!
You've probably seen it for yourself,
That he's one brave kid, indeed.
But he'll be scared if You have to leave,
So stay with him, I plead.
If he has to go to Heaven first,
I'll make one promise back to You-
I'll miss him every second he's gone,
And spend the rest of my life trying to get there, too.
I hope that's not too much to ask,
And I trust You'll do your best.
To fill my spot, just temporary,
And answer my requests.
Thank in advance, Dear God.
Because I know You're a busy man.
I trust in You and in Your Will
And know You have a plan."
Words just simply can't express
To my only son who just turned two-
How very much my heart will ache
If that rocking chair is without you.
So dear sweet angel baby of mine,
If we ever have to say goodbye...
I'll rock you in my heart forever,
Until we meet again in the sky.
Written by Mommy
7/14/11
