On January 8,2001 my best friend lost her son Tristan to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Misty and I have been friends for 13 years. We have always been there for each other. No matter what life gave us we always helped each other through it TOGETHER. On January 8,2001 I picked up the phone at 4:45 like every other day to call her when she got home from work. I had no reason to suspect anything unusal. This day was different though. When the other end picked up it was not Misty, it was her Aunt. I knew right then something was not right. I had no way to prepare myself for what I was about to hear. I asked her Aunt if Misty was home, she said "No they are not home yet". I then asked her "What are you doing there?" She asked me if I had talked to Misty yet? I told her no . By now I was really worried. I could tell that she was crying. I asked her what was wroung . She said "Oh Mindy, the baby is gone!!!!!!!" I said "WHAT" . She repeated those dreadful words again. I asked her what happened. She told me that Tristan had stopped breathing at the day care and they could not get him back he had died. I almost fell to the floor when I heard her. I could not believe what I had heard. The only thing I could think of was I had to get to Misty. I had to wait until the next day, see at the time I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and did not have a car at home. The next day first thing in the morning I went to go be with her. The look of devestation on her and her husbands face is one I will NEVER forget. The following days were I'm sure a blur to her because they were for me. I had no idea what to do for her and her husband and thier daughter Kayla. Which brings me to the purpose of this site. I wanted to give some form of direction for another friend or family member who's child was lost to this silent killer. The following are some suggestions on what you can do to help your loved ones through such a tragedy. I am no expert. I just dont want to see family and friends run from their loved ones in a time where they are needed the most. So please if you god for bid are at this site because you know someone who has lost a child to SIDS please read carefully and stick by your loved ones side. They need you know more than ever.
Mindy Tolbert
Misty's Best Friend |
