Couple Turns Daughter’s Ashes into Stones After Rare Disease Tragedy
In a heart-wrenching story of loss and love, an Idaho couple, Kaylee and Jake Massey, found a unique way to honor the memory of their late daughter, Poppy. After losing their 15-month-old daughter to a rare genetic disorder called TBCD, the couple decided to turn her ashes into stones as a way to keep her presence alive in their home.
Poppy’s journey began with a seemingly perfect start. However, at four months old, her parents noticed that her vision wasn’t developing properly. After numerous doctor’s appointments and tests, it was discovered that the center part of her brain had not developed properly. The couple then embarked on a series of diagnoses, but none were conclusive until they received the devastating news that Poppy had a genetic disorder that was extremely rare.
“We were just really naive in that,” Mrs. Massey recalls. “We didn’t realize what a severe diagnosis it was.” Despite the challenges, the couple remained hopeful and did everything they could to provide the best care for their daughter.
Tragically, a few days before her death, Poppy developed a respiratory infection. She was admitted to the hospital, where her condition worsened. The doctors informed Kaylee and Jake that Poppy had pneumonia in her lungs and tested positive for a respiratory infection. The couple was blindsided by the severity of the situation, as they had heard from other families with the same genetic condition that their children had recovered from similar infections.
However, Poppy’s body couldn’t withstand the illness, and she had to be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It was during this transfer that Poppy’s heart stopped, despite the medical team’s efforts to save her. The couple had five precious hours with their daughter before they had to say their final goodbyes.
When it came time to decide on Poppy’s remains, Kaylee and Jake found themselves faced with the difficult task of choosing an urn. However, they didn’t want anything in their home that would be a source of fear or discomfort for their other two children. They wanted a solution that would allow Poppy’s memory to be present in a way that felt natural and comforting.
That’s when they discovered Parting Stones, a unique option that resonated with their love for nature and the outdoors. The couple chose to have Poppy’s ashes transformed into beautiful stones. The stones, white with specks of yellow, arrived in a carefully packaged box with a handwritten note expressing gratitude for the privilege of caring for their daughter.
Kaylee describes the stones as a special gift, a tangible reminder of their beloved Poppy. The couple feels that this option was the least intrusive and most comforting for their family, allowing them to keep Poppy’s memory alive without any fear or discomfort.
The Masseys’ decision to turn their daughter’s ashes into stones is a testament to their love and devotion as parents. It is a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, there can be moments of beauty and solace. Their story serves as an inspiration to others who may be searching for unique ways to honor their loved ones and keep their memories alive.
In the end, the stones represent more than just a physical object. They are a symbol of the enduring love between a family and their precious daughter, a reminder that even in the darkest times, love can find a way to shine through.
