star light, star bright, first star I see tonight

A little girl passed away last night. She was only 23 months old, which is 6 months younger than my Monkey Man. I simply cannot imagine what her family are going through right now. They've been to hell and back over the last year, their baby suffered a rare degenerative mitochondrial disorder which finally took her life last night, peacefully while in her mother and fathers arms. I found out about Stella star's passing while I was doing christmas shopping in Target today, and I promptly burst into tears. I sobbed actually. The thought of anything like that happening to my monkeys set me off over and over again, no matter how much I tried to compose myself. Little Miss was having one of her many cat naps in the pram and despite knowing I should leave her to sleep, I picked her up and cuddled her tight. Right there in the check out queue in Target, with tears flowing down my face. The sadness was just overwhelming. I rushed to daycare to collect my bigger monkeys and we came straight home. I watched them playing, squealing, laughing and said a little prayer to myself, thanking the heavens for my healthy happy children. Tonight I will count my blessings, kiss my sleeping babies and dream of their futures. My heart breaks for Stella's family, her baby brother who will never remember his big sister and her devoted loving parents who will never forget her. Stella touched so many people during her short life. Her Mum blogged about her illness and their wishes and hopes for their baby. My facebook feed is filled with sad messages and prayers. Many never met Stella but so many knew of her and her battle, and so many are saddened by her loss. RIP gorgeous girl, the world is truly a better place for having you in it, even though it was only for a short time. xxx