Photo by Elmwood Photography
"Even with bouts of nausea for 18 weeks, I can honestly say I have enjoyed being pregnant these past 9 months, but I am also glad this journey is about to end, and start a new chapter in my life. I am 40 weeks pregnant... 0 day to go. ;-)"
These are the words of beautiful women who will never hold her little girl, watch her sleeping, take her first steps or be there for when her little girl gets married.
Yesterday morning, I received news that my friend Jewelyn had passed away during childbirth. Jewelyn went into labor on Saturday and ended up needing an emergency c-section. She then suffered from an Amniotic Fluid Embolism and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation. She passed away on Sunday at 11:30 am PST.
Jewelyn was a fellow nestie from my local area's message board that I am part off. She was there as I planned my wedding and then as we transitioned from the Knot.com on over to the Nest.com. I have mentioned these girls on my blog before and about how amazing they are. Over the years, we have all become close and frequently get together for dinner or just to chat.
Jewelyn was always the one with the huge smile and radiated happiness. You couldn't possibly not love her. She had a love for bunnies and for the short time I was addicted to Farmtown on Facebook, I would always send her some. She also loved Sushi and it soon became a nickname, in which we all called her. Jewelyn was also so very excited to meet her little girl Gabrielle and even posted on Friday in regards to advice. I know she would have been a wonderful mom. This is what makes this story so tragic and makes me so sad.
Of course my nesties have amazed me once again and have already set up a fund for Jewelyn's husband Philip and baby Gabrielle. A paypal account under the email address 4jewelyn@gmail.com has been set up. You can make a donation there. All proceeds will be donated to Philip Okamoto. I am sure any amount donated will be extremely helpful even if it's only a dollar. I have been informed that this money can be taxed so the girls are looking into setting up an official fund. I will update the blog with this information when I receive it.
Also, for those that are unsure about donating to unknown paypal account, I suggest looking into making a donation to the Liz Logelin foundation. Matt Logelin lost his wife Liz last year during child birth and is now raising his little girl Madeline by himself. He started the Liz Logelin foundation after he received an amazing out pouring of support from people following his blog and wanted to help other families going through the same situation.
But please pray for Phillip, baby Gabrielle and all of Jewelyn's family. I pray the Lord will bring them comfort during this trying time. Also, tell your family that you love them, as life is precious and so very short.
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8 comments on "Tears of Sadness"
Hi you don't know me but, I knew Jewelyn. I was room mom for her 1st year at my kids school and she was the first teacher my son had in the mainstream as an autistic student. I'm heartbroken by this news. I first heard about it from the school principal this morning. Since then, I have been scouring the web to find out what I can do. I hope you don't mind that I pass this blog link along? She was a sweetheart of a person and she should be remembered. Thank you for this post and know that I will personally be there for her daughter. With gratitude, Julie
Robyn, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. It so tragic that this beautiful, young wife and mother is not here with her family anymore. I will be praying for the family.
My name is Diana Duenas and my daughter Ru was in Jewelyn Okamoto class this past year. I loved her she was the best teacher that my daughter will ever have. I thank God that I got to tell her that last week. I was shocked to hear about about what happened. My thoughts and prayers go to her husband, baby and family. We love you Mrs.O
Oh Robyn, I didn't know her but my heart breaks for her little girl and husband. This is so so sad.
How very sad. I'm sorry.
Love u.
Beautiful post, I just love that picture of her.
Robyn - I'm so very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. She seems like the kind of gal I'd have bonded with, too. My thoughts go out to her family.
I heard about this tragedy on the bump, and it is just heartbreaking. This is a beautiful tribute to what sounds like a beautiful woman.
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