Our Lil’ Angel
Born September 24th, 2007, Daniel John David was a beautiful, happy, healthy baby boy with big brown eyes and infectious smile. He was the youngest of three and loved playing patty cake and laughing with his big brothers, Gaige and Jacob.
“He was always smiling. He brought so much joy to so many, people’s faces light up when they talk about him,” remembers his mother, Sarah.
Sarah says that Daniel was like her little guardian angel, and came into her life at a time when she needed him most. “I was heading down a road that wasn’t great,” said Sarah, “I felt very, very blessed to have Daniel, I don’t know where I would be if he had never come into my life.”
Sweet and smiling, Daniel “lived a full life in the six and a half months he was on earth,” said Sarah. Then, on April 9, 2008, Sarah received a panicked call from her baby-sitter, telling her that Daniel had been rushed to the hospital – he wasn’t breathing. Sarah says she knew when she hung up the phone that Daniel was gone.
Daniel and his big brothers
Doctors originally concluded that Daniel died of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) but further tests revealed that he was born with a rare heart defect that went undetected.
Although she was devastated and heartbroken beyond belief by the loss of her son, Sarah and her family made an incredibly generous decision: to give the gift of life. “The moment we were asked if we would like to donate Daniel’s tissue, I said, ‘most definitely,’” recounts Sarah. “I’ve always been an organ donor; it seemed like the right thing to do.”
Sarah feels that Daniel is still her guardian angel, and is aware of his presence in her life. “One year after we lost Daniel, I took a trip to get away and I could feel him right beside me.” She knows she is blessed to have had her son in her life, even if just for a short time, “He brought me closer to God,” she said.
Daniel continues to impact lives after his death through the gift he gave and the cherished memories his family shares. He is remembered as the treasured little friend he became and is missed beyond words or measure.
“He definitely changed my life,” said Sarah, “I see life for what it is, so precious and short. Daniel will always be ‘Our Lil’ Angel.’”
