Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Touched by an Angel...and the meaning behind our daughter's name


Most of you may or may not know that we have chosen to name our baby girl Lauren and call her "Lo."  We have gotten a lot of questions about the name of our baby from a few of our family and friends, so, folks, for all of the rest of you wondering why we picked the name we did for our baby...here is the meaning behind our daughter's name...

Five to six years ago, I was so blessed to have crossed paths with one of the most incredible families I have ever met.  At the time, I did not know the impact this family would have on my life, but looking back now, it's nothing short of God's plan.  Circumstances that I would never wish upon anyone, led to other circumstances, which placed amazing people in my life, specifically one of my dearest friends, that led me to cross the path of the Detrich Family. 

The Detrich Family is a family unlike any I have ever met.  Their youngest daughter, who went to Heaven a few days ago, was just a couple years younger than myself.  She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant.  And if you have been reading my blog for a while, you know that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is very near and dear to my heart and it's for this reason.  You can read about my previous blogs about this family here and here.  I never knew 6 years ago that when I met this special family that I would be forever changed.  I have only had the opportunity to be around this family a handful of times, but, oh my gosh, I had no clue the impact they would forever have on me.  I believe it to be the light that this family continues to shine, day after day, despite the circumstances they have been dealt, and also the fact that this family is just so incredible, that every person that has the opportunity to cross their path is forever changed.  They touch people and make impacts in ways that some can only dream about.  The strength and perseverance that they exhibit is incredible, and after all they have been through, they still continue to be so very humble and set this Godly example for others that is just amazing.  I am truly amazed with how God has worked in this family, and I promise you that if they just read their book, "The Spirit of Lo," you will be touched as well.

Simply put,this family has touched my heart.  They have truly truly truly blessed my life. They not only opened up my eyes about the kind of person I aspire to be, but also the kind of pediatrician I continue to strive to be to this day.   In my professional life, they have helped me to see the whole picture with families dealing with certain life circumstances and I know my patients will benefit because of it.  And in my personal life,  at certain times, I can remember having a "rough day," who doesn't?  But these so-called "rough days" were put to a hault as soon as the Detrich Family would come to mind.  "If they can go through what they do and still exhibit this amazing attitude of strength and positivity, I can get through this so-called rough day of mine."  They were dealt cards that most people will never be able to fathom, yet you would never know it.  This family is the epitome of taking God's plan for one's life and making a difference.  And what a difference they continue to make in every life they cross paths with and in everyone that hears their story! 

We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand - Randy Pausch.

Lo, their daughter, was one of the most amazing people I have ever met.  Her strength, attitude, and outlook on life was contagious.  She was gorgeous inside and out and full of life and energy.  She had so much spark, and just lit up an entire room by simply being in it.  People were drawn to her and her zest for life.  I truly believe that she was put on this earth to make a difference, to change lives, and to be one of God's angels to the rest of us, and she did a darn good job at it and will continue to do so looking down from Heaven, no doubt about it!   

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives. ~Tracy Chapman

When it came to naming our baby, Andrew and I both felt that our daughters name was something we didn't really want to take lightly.  We wanted a name with a meaning behind it, a thoughtful name.  For a few years now, we have talked about naming our little girl Lauren and calling her Lo.  Since Andrew and I have been so touched by this family and all that they stand for and the love that they show to everyone that crosses their path, once we found out our baby was a girl the name Lauren was decided upon pretty quickly.  And we both decided that we would call our sweet baby "Lo."  It was difficult  for us to start a family, as some of you may know, and we know that this baby is nothing short of a miracle from up above, and already such a huge blessing to our lives.  Therefore, we not only wanted a name that we love, we also really wanted a name that had a meaning behind it.  We love the name Lo so much and we love the meaning and significance behind the name even more.  We can't wait to tell our little baby girl all about what her name means and the girl who inspired us. 

And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

A few months after finding out our baby was a girl and deciding upon a name, I found out that Lo decided to be placed on hospice.  To say that she had a tough few years, is a huge understatement.  You can read more about their journey on Lo's caring bridge site here.  After finding this out, I felt this strong need to let this family know how much they have blessed my life and the name we have choosen for our daughter.  Life is short, and very precious; therefore I find it to be very important to let others know how much they mean to you on a regular basis.  And I am so glad I did just that. 

Lo gained her Heavenly angel wings on Saturday, August 11.  What a life she lived!  While it was such a sad day for the millions of people whose life she touched, I have no doubt that Heaven is still having the party of the century up there welcoming her home. 

Life isn’t a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘Woohoo WHAT A RIDE!’

Fox News did a special on Lo last night.  You can view it here:


Please keep this amazing family in your prayers.  And please remind your loved ones how much they mean to you.  Life is precious and very short. 

1 comment:

  1. I can't wait to meet your Lo! She is going to be so lucky to have yall for your parents. :)

    ReplyDelete