The Life of Miles: In Bonnie and Michael's Words

I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words of sympathy over the past week. Unfortunately I was not able to make the trip to California to attend Miles' memorial service but I was there in spirit. My mom read my "Letter to Miles" during the service. I wanted to share the Eulogy that Bonnie and Michael wrote, along with a poem about Miles because I think they are both so beautiful and touching and by publishing it on my blog, I know I will always have a copy that I can read often.

Miles' Eulogy

Miles was born into a life that seemed to have insurmountable challenges. Over the last 2 months, Michael and I wrestled with how to provide Miles with a highest quality of life. At first glance, you would think that Miles life was short and painful. But all any of us strive for in life is love and to make a difference. So if the quality of life is measured by the amount of people you touch and the love you receive from others then ... Miles lived a rich life in a short time. Miles touched everyone who came in contact with him, heard his story, or saw his beautiful face. From the amazing staff of doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel who cared for him ... to our family and friends who visited or sent their love from afar. Miles taught us to live in the moment and to treasure every moment we have. From the day Miles was born life slowed down. We couldn't think about the future ... because it seemed so dark and unpredictable. But we could find peace in the present. For those moments ... Miles was like any other baby. We could sit and hold him in our arms ... we would get lost in his big eyes, watch his adorable facial expressions, take in his scent, play with his hands and feet ... For those moments we got to know Miles and Miles got to know and feel us. For those moments Miles was not a baby with a genetic syndrome ... he was just a baby who needed to be loved. As emotional and painful as the last few months have been for us ... We have grown from knowing Miles and our lives are richer because he was in our life.

Bonnie and Michael's Poem to Miles Bryce

In the beginning I carried your body in my body I felt your kicks, turns, and punches
At the time we called you Dumpling
Then we got to meet you
At first it was through the glass of the isolet
We rubbed your head to provide you comfort
We lent you our fingers to hold on to
and we named you Miles
Then we got to care for you
Change your diapers, Take your temperature,
Cradle you when you were fussy
Play with you when you were alert
Watch you while you slept
And over the last few weeks we got to know you
You liked to be swaddled ... as long as your hands were free
You had a gentle demeanor ... except when your diaper was wet
You learned to suck ... the pacifier was your favorite toy
You liked anything soft ... especially your green hippo blankie
You loved head massages ... we saw your first smile and dimples when we shampooed your head
And we know in our hearts that your favorite place was in our arms
So it pains us deeply that we will never again ...
Smell the scent of your hair
Feel the softness of your skin
See your Popeye yawn
Hear your soft cry
Or have your hand in our hand
But we feel your soul in our soul
Your heart is in our heart
And we will always be connected
We love you Miles
And we miss you with all of our heart