When we lose a loved one, it often feels as though a small part of ourselves passes away along with them. And it can be very challenging to keep going sometimes… Nevertheless, we do it in some mysterious way, and in order to make it through the difficult times, you need to have some faith.
When Blake Ward, then 16 years old, was out swimming in the ocean, he ran into some significant difficulties. After being rescued from the water by emergency personnel, he had to be transported by helicopter to a nearby medical facility for treatment. However, he had sustained significant brain damage and needed to be connected to a life support system.
In a relatively short period of time, his parents arrived at the agonizing choice to disconnect the life support system for their son. Blake’s girlfriend, Stephanie, climbed into his bed to give him a final embrace as his family said their goodbyes to him while he was surrounded by them saying their own.
After that, she shared a photo of that moment along with the following message: Today has been the most difficult day for me, and it will be a day that I will never be able to forget. On Tuesday, Blake was involved in a very serious car accident, as some of you may already be aware. I have never abandoned him and I have been there for him through everything…. Blake was a kind and compassionate man who would go to any lengths for the people he cared about.
Yesterday, we were given the devastating news that Blake would never fully recover because the damage to his brain was too extensive. As a result, we were forced to make the difficult choice of turning off his machine and allowing him to pass away. Blake was a very special person to me, and I believe that the special thing that we shared will remain a part of both of our lives forever.
Please know that Blake did not experience any pain before passing away, and that he did so with his family by his side. Blake will be greatly missed for the rest of time, and he will always hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget you, Blake. Fly high, my sweet little boy, and I will do my best to make you proud of me. I’ve always loved you, and I never plan to stop.