LINDSAY & TIM

It took us 3 years to conceive our daughter, so you can imagine our surprise when we found out that we were pregnant with our second child before we even knew we were trying. The pregnancy went very smooth and our son, Sawyer Dean Taylor, was born on August 29th, 2007 at 1:41 in the afternoon. He weighed in at 8lbs. 5oz. and was 21 inches long. By all accounts, Sawyer was a perfectly healthy newborn and was cleared to go home just 48 hours after delivery.

Sawyer thrived at home as many newborns do. But at a mere 8 days old he became very irritable, lethargic and had a seizure while in Tim’s arms. He was rushed to Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine where they began running numerous tests. The doctors and nurses at MMC were amazing and compassionate. By the following morning, Sawyer was not breathing on his own and had little to no brain activity. After an EKG and thorough brain scan, the neonatal neurologist informed us that our son had a suspected metabolic disorder and would not survive.

On September 7th, 2007, just 24 hours after arriving at the hospital, Sawyer passed away in our arms. We felt warmth and pride as we allowed our son to leave this earth for greater possibilities. That moment is frozen in time. We loved, held and cared for our precious son up until the very last beat of his heart.

Sawyer’s passing has been devastating, but his continued presence has been a comfort. Sawyer has a big sister, Mallory, who tells him stories and shares her lollipops. He is her constant companion and lifelong angel. Proudly, both Mallory and Sawyer will become big siblings when a new baby is welcomed into our family in October of 2008. Our loss has inspired our family to continue living in Sawyer’s memory. It has driven us to give back, to share Sawyer’s love, and to allow him a voice.

You are our hero Sawyer Dean. We love you with all that we are, and all that we have. We thank you for overflowing our hearts and for showing us that beauty is to be felt and not seen. Shine bright baby boy... shine bright...

Left to Right: Sawyer at home, Sawyer & Mallory at Concord Hospital, Sawyer w/ Mommy & Daddy