8/4/2011 237 Days Old
August 4th, 2011
On the 237th day in the life of the most beautiful girl in the history of the world the morning began peacefully. As I was readying Maya’s morning feeding I noticed that her breathing was very labored and slow. At 9:20 this morning Maya Winnifred Allen passed away. She did not suffer or feel any pain. The only comfort to us is that she no longer has to struggle. She has fought long and hard for the past 8 months, and we are so proud of all that she was able to do. We were able to tell her goodbye and attempt to convey our feelings of pride to her before she passed.
We will miss her beautiful eyes, and the light that she has brought into each and every one of the days that we were able to cradle her in our arms. Our world is a little dimmer today. We are relying on the support of our family and friends as we grieve our loss, and celebrate the life of the most beautiful girl in the history of the world.
We will post our plans for Maya’s memorial service next week.
Maya Winnifred Allen on 8/3/2011 her last photo
63 Responses to “8/4/2011 237 Days Old”
Maya was a beautiful angel here on earth. She touched many many lives, mine included in a big way.
Praying for you all,
Leah
We are praying for all of you. I have enjoyed reading about your precious daughter’s life. She has touched so many and her legacy will not easily be forgotten.
Kirtes and I are so very sorry for your loss. We have followed your blog and were so amazed and happy that you had so many wonderful days with Maya. May God’s peace be with you now.
Thank you for sharing your journey with Maya. My thoughts will continue to be with you and Erin and your families.
Thinking of Maya and you right now wishing you all peace. She was a bright light that will be greatly missed. The world is indeed a dimmer place.
Sending you strength and hugs,
Karen (Slaterbaby – FF)
My thoughts are with you all, both of you and your families. She has truly touched my life, thank you for sharing her with us. So so sorry for your loss.
I’ve read in the Bible, and believe it to be true, that God has a purpose in each and every life he creates. Maya was just so special that she fulfilled hers in 8 months – she taught us all so much. I know for a fact that my life is different because of her. Thank you for sharing your absolutely precious and gorgeous girl with us. I will pray that God will give you peace that passes all understanding and comprehension.
I am so sorry for your loss. Maya was a beautiful little girl. She was so strong and brave and special. The Bible says that when we enter Heaven, we feel no pain or sadness, only happiness and our bodies are made perfect. I know that she’s up there looking down on you, and waiting to reunite with her earthly parents. Many prayers and love to you and your family. Thank you so much for sharing her with us.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you, you are such a Beautiful Family and I thank you for sharing your Beautiful Daugther’s story! Maya has touched my heart in a special way and has changed my life forever. Maya’s life has touched so many people and has giving me so much hope for when our little one comes in November. I know now that everyday with this little Boy will be a blessing and we, Me, Nana, His Mom and Dad and two Brothers will shower him with Love , Hugs and Kisses every day! Thank you! May God give you peace.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you so much for sharing your precious Maya with all of us. She has touched so many people including myself. Rest in Peace little Maya. You fought long and hard and everyone is so very proud of you for the strength and courage you showed. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Your precious angel got her wings. I am so sorry for your loss. Maya will never be forgotten. Thank you for letting me get to know a little about her through your blog. I pray for peace and comfort for you all during this difficult time.
I am so very very sorry. Thank you so much for sharing Maya with us. Many thoughts and prayers for you. I cannot begin to guess at how you are feeling, I just wish I could reach through this screen and hug you and tell you how much I care. I will never forget this sweet sweet angel, who can now spread her wings and fly…
I only knew of your sweet miracle girl thru your blog via Maya’s Uncle Travis. What an amazing little angel. Thank you for sharing of her precious life with others. As you celebrate her life and mourn her loss, may the prayers and support of those around the two of you and your families be the comforting arms of The Lord in some way.
I am so very sorry for your loss. She is an amazing little girl. Thank you for sharing her beautiful life with us. Sending light & prayers your way…
I am so truly sorry for your loss. Maya was an amazing little girl!! She was so strong for so long & defied so many odds to give you those special days of looking into her beautiful eyes & watching her play with her cute little tongue. I will keep you all in my prayers – you have a beautiful angel in your midst – she will always be with you!!!
Erin and J.J.- I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches deeply for you as a parent. I can’t even imagine. I’m glad that you were able to celebrate each day of her life, and hold it dear, and to have those memories and time with her. Thank you for sharing her life with us, it has been an honor to read about her life these last 8 months. I pray that God will surround you with comfort, and the peace that only comes from him during this time.
Thank you for sharing the most beautiful girl in the history of the world with me. I have been so blessed to know her and the wonderful family God chose to share her with. Her peaceful days all started because of the love you showed her. And she fought her best to stay with you as long as she could. May she comfort us all from above, now wearing her true angel suit.
Though Maya’s time with us has ended, her legacy as a strong, determined little girl will live forever. Thank you, Maya, for reminding me that every day is precious and that I should never take for granted a single moment with my children.
May you find God’s peace and comfort during this time. I have loved reading about Maya’s triumphs everyday and been so touched by your family’s love and joy. Her life here was too short, but she will live on in you both of you and you will see her in heaven one day! Lifting you up in prayer. Thank you for sharing her beautiful pictures with her many admirers.
Goodnight sweet and beautiful Maya. Thank you guys for sharing her beautiful life with us. She was shown such love and comfort in her short little life. She’ll be waiting to give you hugs and kisses when you get to heaven! Many prayers for you guys as the road will be long and hard. She won’t be forgotten :-(
I am heartbroken to read this, but so grateful you have shared your beautiful girl’s story with us. Your little Maya was already an angel. She has literally touched hearts across the world and made a difference in many lives. My own 8 month old, also named Maya, now has even more meaning in why her name is so special to our family. Thank you for allowing us into your lives through the wiindow of this blog. Please know that our prayers for your strength do not end here — we are still lifting you up. Rest in peace, most beautiful girl in the history of the world.
So many people have come to love Maya. Everyone who read your blog got attached. I hope you continue to blog so that we know how you both are doing. Maya was so lucky to have such loving parents.
Sweet dreams, Maya.
Beautiful little Maya is at peace now, you gave her so much in her 8 months, a small world full of love.
To the Best parents in the history of the world <3
I have been blessed to have read your blog about your beautiful and amazing daughter.
I’m so sorry that she couldn’t stay – but she truly was an angel in a baby suit.
From her diaper assassin days to the beautiful playlists and music that you shared – what amazing memories she has given you.
And on nights when the stars are hidden by the clouds, remember that the brightest one, Maya, will be shining so brightly.
Wishing you peace and praying that the comings days and months pass gently.
Nikki
Thank you for sharing your Angel with us. My heart hurts for you all today. X
There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am that this day has finally arrived. Maya was an inspiration to so many people and she was able to touch so many lives. Thank you for sharing this journey with us, and I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing Maya’s story.
I type through tears. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey with your little girl. She will not be forgotten. Much peace and love to you and Erin and your family.
Tonya from FF
so very sorry for your loss, my heart breaks for your family :( she was such a fighter and what an amazing little one to defy the drs and live…
Praying for comfort and peace as you all go through this difficult time of grieving…
Jackie B (from FF)
Thank you so much for sharing Maya with everyone. I feel like I know your family just from reading your blog these past months, and I share your loss. What a beautiful angel you were blessed with. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
I haven’t had a chance to follow all of Maya’s story but I’m so saddened to hear of her passing. I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family and little beautiful Maya will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time. May God watch over you and bring you peace.
Carla from FF
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! It has been a joy to be able to share in Maya’s days. Thank you for sharing your time together with all of us.
Thank you for sharing your precious Maya. Reading your blog was a highlight of my day. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry.
I’m heartbroken over the loss of the most beautiful girl in the history of the world. I never had the privilege of meeting her – in fact, I only became aware of her and her courageous life this morning – but as I read your loving daily tributes to her, I know what a smart girl she must’ve been to have picked you as parents. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Erin & JJ …My heart is very heavy and saddened by your loss. No words can express or begin to convey my sympathy. I want to thank you for sharing Maya’s tender life with us through your blog. You both provided so much love for her in the time that she had with you. Maya is a blessing that touched so many of our lives each and every day …and a reminder that life’s moments should be cherished at every opportunity. Although we won’t be hearing daily posts about the most beautiful girl in the history of the world, I hope that you will keep us posted about the most wonderful and loving parents in the history of the world. I hope that you also take comfort in each other’s love in the days and nights to come. Draw strength from one another as you take your next journey. May the Lord give you peace at this time.
Amy Coleman
Josh and Family,
I am sorry to have forgotten to forward your blog for the summer but not once have I forgotten your plight. I want you to know how much I admire the strength you and Maya have demonstrated through this difficult time. What a preciuos 8 months you have shared. May you find peace of mind knowing what a blessing you have been given.
Oh my. Amy Bartak posted a link to your blog saying goodbye to sweet Maya on FB. I clicked over because I was curious. I started reading and was immediately captivated by this story. It didn’t take long before I realized that not only were you friends of Amy’s, you were friends of MINE. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with your loss. Much love from an old friend.
Liz (Rische) Kinnear
My heart is breaking….peace to all of you and know that you and she are in our prayers…
Wishing you comfort and peace. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
A Poem for your Loss:
Just yesterday, God looked around His Garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon His earth and saw your loving face.
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.
His Garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering. He knew you were in pain.
And knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw your path was difficult, and He closed your tired eyes,
He whispered to you “Peace be Thine” and gave you wings to fly.
You’ve left us precious memories. Your love will be our guide.
You live on through our pictures; you’re always by our side.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you on the day God called you home.
I opened the RSS feed this morning.
I thank you so much for opening your lives and inviting us on this journey with your family. She was a sweet, inspiring little girl. My family mourns with you and we will continue to be praying for comfort and peace.
Tears stream down my face for you, JJ and Maya. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Maya has forever captured my heart, and has clearly captured the heart of so many others. Thank you for sharing her story with us. I will never forget the most amazing girl in the history of the world! RIP MWA
I am sorry for your loss. I pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief. Know that I/we am/are remembering you and your family and honoring the memory of your little angel, Maya.
Sending you thoughts of comfort.
we’re praying for your family. thank you for sharing all these wonderful maya stories. your little maya has touched so many.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Your sweet little girl touched my life every time I read the blog. She was truly a miracle and will forever touch many lives.
Amanda from FF
Sweet little Maya has touched my life and my heart. Thank you so much for sharing her little life with us. We have learned so much.
Tina (tina_banina on FF)
I am so sorry for your loss. Maya’s story touched so many and I checked in frequently for updates. I like many had hoped against hope that things might turn out different. You are in my thoughts.
I was truly blessed to have held and cuddled Maya….. the most beautiful girl in the world. My hugs, thoughts, and prayers are with you both.
Erin and JJ I am so sorry for the loss of your precious angel Maya. Thank you for sharing her with us during this very personal and private time. Your strength and courage has amazed me. I pray that God fills your hearts with understanding and love! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Jessie Barrett SC
Hi I am friends (online) with your cousin Candace Wallace. I am so sorry to hear about Maya. You and your family are in the thoughts of so many. We are praying for your family and your beautiful little girl. I hope u guys will find some comfort…. <3
Rest In Peace Little Baby Angel
JJ & Erin,
I’m thinking about your family constantly. It baffles my mind how God can lay your family on my heart so often yet I’ve never met you or Maya. My heart aches for you guys and hate that words are so profoundly worthless in times like these. So while I have nothing useful or even comforting to offer you, you have my word: I won’t stop praying for you guys.
I am so sorry for your loss. Maya is such a beautiful baby girl and will be so missed. I am glad for the joy and happiness she brought you and hope that her memory brings you comfort. May you find support in one another and from family in friends when you need it most. Many hugs, thoughts, and prayers!
I am so sorry about precious Maya. It has been so wonderful to be able to read about her short life and the love that has been shown in the writings. She will always be remembered by you and family and friends and now a whole network of people that do not even know you yet are blessed to have been part of your “extended” family. You gave yourselves to her night and day and she in turn, blessed your lives with her beauty and courage. Now she rests with the Lord and all is good. She sleeps with the angels.
God bless you.
There are no words. My husband and I are crying as I write this. Thank you for sharing Maya’s journey. The amount of love that holy baby girl felt in this world is an inspiration to all of us. You’ll be in our thoughts and prayers.
Erin and JJ,
I am so sorry to hear about Maya. What a precious gift she has been and will continue to be for you and all who knew her. She taught you so many wonderful things. The two of you are a very strong and beautiful couple. You both are amazing. Maya will be missed, but never forgotten. You will see her again with our Creator. Love you both.
Erin and JJ,
I followed you guys almost everyday along your journey with sweet little Maya. I heard of her via Travis and Krissie (Travis is my cousin). I have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you. You two are such wonderful parents and you loved and nurtured her everyday and did such a great job. She is healed now and with no pains or struggles. My prayers are with you as you hurt and mourn the loss of such a strong and amazing little girl.
Such an angel. I would set down to my computer every morning and see if there was a Maya update. I always enjoyed reading about her and her progress.
You two are amazing parents with a great staff of support. Just wanted you to know that there are a lot of us out here that were praying for her every day.
We are so sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our prayers. Jon and Angela Vawter
Erin-
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious baby girl. I’ll be praying for you. At least she’s in a place where she can suffer no more!
Many blessings to you – Beth (Jantz) Buerge
I am so very saddened by the loss of your precious baby girl. My heart aches for you and your husband. Maya was only here for a short time, but in that time has accomplished more than many do in 80 years. Your daughter will forever live on in the hearts of those who remember her.
Hi Erin & JJ,
On Sept 4th, I stopped to think that precious Maya has been in Heaven for a month. I would love to know what she has done so far. I’d love to know the people she has met, and the things she has seen. I know this month has been nothing short of heart breaking for you two and I hate that nothing we say or do will ever comfort you guys. I hope that one day you’ll blog again and let us know how you’re doing. Still praying for you guys!
Erin and JJ thank you for sharing your journey with precious Maya. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Since I don’t know you personally I haven’t had the courage to post until now but I want you to know how much I enjoyed your stories about Maya, hearing how much you cherished every moment with her. Oh I know your arms and hearts ache longing for her. I pray that love enfolds you and comforts you in these days.
I use to work with jj down at the railroad. I’m very sorry you guys lost your daughter. Heaven got another angel. I will keep you guys in my prayers.