Henry Joseph Fitzpatrick is unrepeatable.
He was born on September 10th, 2021 at 5:18pm. He was 8 lbs. 14.2 ounces of perfection and love. He had a head of dark hair, starting to curl up at the bottom, the cutest little chin I’ve ever seen in my life, an adorable button nose, and ten perfect fingers and toes, all ready for their first trim! He arrived on his due date - timely like his mama.
Henry passed away on September 12th, about 30 hours after he was born. We didn't receive any answers as to why a textbook pregnancy ended in his heart rate plummeting during labor and his devastating passing. We’ve had to hear words [autopsy, decedent services, headstone, casket] that I wish upon no one to have to encounter or hear when it comes to their child’s life. It’s heart wrenching. He wasn’t given much time with us here on earth, but he’s made a big impact on so many lives. He’s brought us light, love and lessons on the hardest days. We are relying on our faith to give us strength and comfort on the days where we grieve, question, and cry a little harder than others.
Throughout the most painful and heartbreaking days, we were completely surrounded by God’s love through family, friends, medical professionals, angel mamas, neighbors, church groups and true strangers. We felt God’s true peace and comfort during the most beautiful graveside service that we held for Henry in my hometown in Wisconsin. We continue to be grateful for each of these blessings.
I can’t say enough about how incredible the No Foot Too Small Moms have been in my grief journey. When it’s hard for friends and family to relate, the NFTS Moms get it. They’ve lived it. They say, “Welcome to the club that no one wants to be a part of. I’m sad we are meeting in this way, but I’m so glad that you’ve found us.” Navigating this grief journey as Henry’s mom is raw and painful. The NFTS organization reminds families that your angel matters, their time here on earth made a lasting imprint, and they deserve to be celebrated. I’m so grateful for those reminders.
We are such proud parents to Henry. We wish he was here with us, instead, we are navigating how to parent him in heaven. One step at a time.
Henry, we miss you so so much, buddy. Every picnic and baseball game we attend, we know you will be right there with us.
Courtney Fitzpatrick
IN HONOR AND CELEBRATION OF HENRY, DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE. ON BEHALF OF THE FITZPATRICK FAMILY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT.
