A LETTER TO TUCKER

Almost three years ago, when our twin boys were born, an INCREDIBLE person came into our lives. As most of you know the day after they were born, Max had to be transfered to Richmond to the MCV NICU. Marc went to Richmond to be with him and I stayed in Fredericksburg to be with Luke and heal after my C-Section. Two days after the boys were born, Marc came back to Fredericksburg to visit me and Luke, and I remember him telling me about one of the nurses that was taking such Great care of our sweet Max. He could just not say enough about how Amazingly Wonderful she was. They would be transferring Luke to MCV the following day, and I was anxious to meet this Incredible nurse, named Leslie.

Marc was right, Leslie was Amazing. She, along with another nurse named Kyle (and many others), took such Incredible care of our two precious babies. They were always there to explain to us what was going on and basically just be there for us. Leslie was the one who taught and helped me give Luke his first bath. I was terrified that he would break, but she kept reassuring me he would not.

Then three weeks after they were born, Leslie was there for us when we most needed her. Two years and seven months ago on October 2, 2007, Max had to leave us and go to Heaven. I'll never forget her coming to me and asking me if I wanted to give him a bath or dress him. I just couldn't do it, but I kept saying over and over to her how Wonderful the day before had been when he wasn't wearing the C-Pap and I was able to read to him and take lots of pictures.

She was there to just cry with me. Thank You Leslie. I don't know if you'll ever know how much that meant to me.

Nine days ago, I wish I could have been there for her like she was for me. She, along with her husband Scott, had to say goodbye to their three year old Son, Tucker. Tucker had been battling Cancer for the past 361 days, and Friday evening, April 23rd, he lost the fight and had to leave them and go to Heaven.

Leslie, I wish I could have been there to cry with you.

Even though Leslie and I have stayed in touch over the past couple of years through e-mail and Facebook, sadly, we never got to meet Tucker. But, we feel like we knew him through all the pictures of him that she always shared with us, and then through his Caring Bridge Blog that she diligently kept updated through out this past year, so that all who cared would know how he and the family were doing. Just by looking at all of his photos, we knew how Sweet, Strong and Courageous this dear little boy was, and how much he looked just like his Mommy... you just can't miss both of their Big Beautiful Smiles.

Leslie, we are so blessed and thankful to have met such an INCREDIBLE person almost three years ago and to have been able to somewhat get to know you and your family better since then. It just Breaks our Hearts that you and Scott had to say goodbye to Tucker so soon. Just know, that all the Wonderful Memories you have of him, will help make it easier as time passes. You and Scott and McKenzie are Always and Forever in our thoughts and prayers. Tucker will be missed, but never forgotten.

Dear Tucker,

Hi, my name is Luke. We never met, but I know your Mommy. She took REALLY good care of me and my brother when we were in the NICU. I don't think she ever knew, but I had a secret crush on her. I remember seeing a picture of you that she always wore on her uniform... so I felt like I knew you. I have a small favor to ask... now that you are up in Heaven, could you please find my brother Max? I just know you will become fast friends. He desperately needs someone to play trucks with. I know Nan Faucheux is up there with him now, but honestly, I really can't see her getting down on the floor to play... no offense Nan. Speaking of Nan, she's a GREAT Grandma, and I just know she will look after you and give you lots of hugs and kisses like she does with Max. Also, if you could just be there for Max and be the big brother that I never got to be for him, I would really appreciate it. I'm sad we never got to go to the Zoo together (we totally would have Rocked at feeding the Giraffes), but it makes me SO Happy knowing that Max now has a buddy up there.

Your BFF,

Luke

P.S. Also, I promise to keep an eye on your baby sister, McKenzie. My baby brother, Grey, likes older women, so if they ever hook up, I'll make sure he's always sweet to her.

Leslie and Scott, We Love You.