• IN LOVING MEMORY OF ERICA NICHOLE JENT HERALD

    August 31, 2008 – April 28, 2009

    “ERICA’S FUND” ESTABLISHEDErica's Fund Down syndrome donations

    This already existing part of DSACK’s budget was renamed after the death of 8 month old Erica Nichole Jent Herald.  Everyone who met Erica and her family was deeply touched and blessed, including many of us at DSACK.  This family is a true inspiration in many, many ways. By donating specifically to this fund, you will help us keep Erica’s memory alive AND assist other families who may have a hospitalized child, or be undergoing a different crisis.  Gifts made to this fund will assist DSACK families in crisis.  To make a contribution, please write “Erica’s Fund” in the memo section of your check and mail it to DSACK here.   You can read excerpts of tributes written by Erica’s family below.

    I HAVE SEEN A LIVING ANGEL

    by Paul Anthony Herald (Daddy by heart)

    Her name is Erica Nichole, born 8-31-2008…..We were told by our Aunt Betsy that a little baby was born at 5 pounds, 6 ounces, and she was sick.  The baby had Down syndrome and was addicted to drugs.  Her parents did not want her and she was in need of true love and attention.  So we talked about the baby and went to see her.  This little angel was so small.  Spiked up hair, light colored skin and big blue eyes.  I WAS HOOKED.  This baby girl had my heart when my eyes saw her eyes. It was heart breaking to leave her that day with no one to hold her.  A few days later we got news that she was rushed to UK Hospital for heart surgery.  With the thoughts and prayers of many, my loving wife Lisa nursed this baby to good health in 46 days. Meanwhile, the court gave us temporary custody. She was able to come home for the first time on 10-29-08.  My life was restarted again.  Erica’s new brothers renamed her Sissy.  I had to fight myself to go to work every day.  I would rush back home to be with Sissy cause I was afraid she wouldn’t be there when I got home.  The courts gave us legal custody.  I was finally relieved, thanking God.  I would stay up late at night to watch Sissy sleep, watch Sissy breathe, to touch her skin, to brush her long, thin, brown hair, to touch Sissy’s chest to feel her heart beating, while THANKING GOD FOR MY ANGEL…..I was told Sissy opened my EYES, my HEART, my MIND and SOUL to the little wonders of God.  I have two loving sons.  Anthony gave up his job to watch  Sissy while we worked. He did a lovely job taking care of Sissy…..I thank him and love him for being so caring. Cody was Sissy’s guardian and protector. He did not want anyone to get too close….I thank him and love him for being so caring. It hurts my heart so bad missing Sissy’s smile and the way she lit up the room…..Until we are together again in HEAVEN, beside our loved ones….Sissy, where there is no more pain, doctors, surgeries, no needle sticks or somebody pressing on your chest trying to….bring you back to us.  Sleep well, my angel, rest in peace until I can hold you again…..THANK  YOU GOD FOR SHOWING ME THE LIGHT AND LETTING ME SAY, “I HAVE SEEN A LIVING ANGEL”.

    …………………………………………………………………….

    MY TRIBUTE
    To Erica Nichole Jent Herald by Anthony Herald

    The smallest fingers,
    The gentlest touch,
    An innocent glance
    Makes your heart clutch.

    A smile, a giggle,
    Bright eyes
    Light heart
    Keeps us from ever being apart.

    A little hand
    Wrapped around your finger
    A baby’s coo
    Sets your heart to tingle.

    The rattle of a toy
    Holding a wiggling bundle,
    Eyes full of love,
    Lost in your joy.

    Slobbery kisses,
    A pull of my hair,
    Gentle tickles
    On skin so fair.

    Wrapped in my love,
    Locked in my heart,
    Kept in my memories,
    Though we’re apart.

    We’ll hold you again,
    Tight in our arms,
    Kissing your face,
    Lost in your charms.

    FROM MOMMY’S JOURNAL (Lisa Herald)

    …I sit and think “Why did I get such a precious gift in our lives only to be taken away”  ….I guess I never will get an answer. I guess I never, ever will understand.  An angel did visit our family if only for a brief moment.  This tiny, precious angel made such an impact on so may lives…. I didn’t expect to fall head over heels in love but I did and I would not change what my family and I had with her.  She changed our whole life.  Our whole household revolved around her and we loved that she was our Princess, our angel, our miracle…Surgery day came….I prayed, prayed the whole time Sissy was in surgery.  Finally, after waiting all day I got to see her for the first time.  I felt so helpless. I walked into a room where a tiny little 5 pound angel lay with tubes and wires everywhere and skin as white as snow…..Each day I came to see her one less tube, one less IV. Finally, all was gone and she was on her way to recovery…..The therapist always gave us ideals to work with Sissy to help her develop…We all always did what they suggested.  It wasn’t a chore, it was fun time with her…. I kept her doctor appointments and each  time she had to go to her heart doctor he would say she looks so good, she’s doing so well, keep doing what you’re doing.  I would say we’re loving her….I remember so many times I would be up withher while everyone else was asleep, rocking her while I would look in those big blue eyes.  She made me feel like I was the only person in the entire world.  I would say, Sissy, aren’t you going to go to sleep?  Then she would take her tiny, chubby hand and place on mine that was holding her bottle. I thought my heart would bust open, then I would look at her and say, “Sissy, you stay up all night if you want”.  She actually changed people’s lives, even though her life was short….The Bible says God has a purpose for everyone. I believe that now more than ever.  God took this special needs, medically fragile child and touched lives everywhere and she still continues to touch lives.  It’s amazing that someone the world couldn’t understand made the biggest difference…and made people stop and think.  This child had a purpose.  All children have a purpose.  Love them as if this is your last day with them.  It was easy to love her and I couldn’t understand why anyone would not love her or any other child.  That’s what we were made to do. Love one another……that’s how God intended us to do. Love unconditionally like Jesus did.