Tribute / Joss Zakostelsky
Even though I heard your story from a friend, I couldn't help but cry when reading Ava's story.  She was such a beautiful little girl.  Having set up this site I am sure has not only helped your family but others who have also experienced such a tragic loss.  It is a magical way to keep your beautiful little girls spirit alive. Close

my prayers  / Mel
your story was beautiful and heartbreaking to read. such a short life, but filled with an extraordinary amount of life and happiness many children never see their whole lives. i have passed her story on to everyone i know. it took courage to write this story, but i know it will bring awareness to many and save lives. god bless you and your family. Close

Passing on my condolences  / Leighanne Smith
Sheye,

I would like to offer my condolences to you and your family on losing such a gorgeous little angel. As hard as your story must have been to tell, I thank you very much for sharing it. I will always carry Ava's memory around with me very close to my heart. You write so beautifully (like I was there too) and your photos are magnificent.

Thinking of you xoxo Close

My heart is w/ you...as I have loss my child too..  / Monica Peterson (New Friend )
My heart goes out to you. I lost my only child...my son...age 13...on January 6, 2008. My loss was similar in the sense that one day our kids are running around playing, smiling, and living life to the fullest. And the next day they are gone. As I read all the things you have written about Ava, it just makes me think of my own son....how they are just amazing people. As with my own son, and as with Ava, anyone that has ever met our children surely were blessed to have known such amazing children. A week before my son passed, I found out I was expecting my second child. It took me a long time to accept this new baby growing inside me was a gift rather than feel quilty having another child when I am grieving the loss of my dear son. Two weeks ago, I found out I was having a girl. The only happy news in months to say the least. But a friend just sent me your link and knew I would be touched by your website you have created for Ava and the stories you have shared. To my surprise, your little little's name is AVA....and name that I have been contiplating on naming my new little girl. I have been between two names.....Ava Raelynn Peterson.....or Makenna Rae Peterson. I just thought that was ironic.

Well, you will be in prayers...and I will let my son know that the cute little girl Ava is someone he needs to give an extra hug to!! :-) (I talk to him all the time, as Im sure you talk to Ava as well).

Regards,

Monica Peterson

mpeterson1994@hotmail.com
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Thank you for sharing Ava's story...  / Brooke Reeves
I have wept, and wept, and wept.  I can't imagine your pain, and I am so grateful for you to have shared your story with the world.  I want to grab my camera and follow my 3 beautiful little girls around with it as I unrealistically shield them from every bit of harm.  As my exhaustion as a mother has recently seemed too much to handle, it is but a trivial and minute feeling compared to what you have endured.  Suddenly the messes, the complaints, and the fighting between the three sound like memories they are making simply to joke about when they are old enough to understand.  My heart has forever been changed because of your story.  Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and your beautiful family.  May the Lord bless you that you will have comfort and know that your angel is happy and safe.  Close

She is beautiful  / Corinne
Your daughter is beautiful, and always will be.   Thank you for sharing your story.  I will try to never take another day with my girls for granted.  Our prayers are with your family. Close

Angels come and go, but never leave us!  / Rogerio Fiche
Dear Mom (specially) and Daddy,
Been a father of two (a boy and a girl) I can feel a small parcel of your pain, but I also feel her legacy in your words. She's really an Angel who came to teach us poor humans a bit of God's path. I'm not religious but I really have to believe in some Superior Force sending us Angels like yours! Be in peace and patiently wait for the day we'll all meet in some rewardful place.

Rogerio Fiche (Brazil/Dubai) Close

God must have needed his angel back:(  / Julie Fish

I have 2 daughters, Ava and Hollin.  I can not imagne what you went through.  My love to you and your family.  Ava may have been extraordinary, but I think she must have got that from her Mother. You sound like an extraordinary lady.

Julie Fish.

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Your precious Ava  / Tania Wilson (Passerby)

Dearest Sheye and family,

My heart goes out to you and I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Ava. You have such a beautiful family. Three wonderful earth angels and a very special angel in heaven. And not to forget an incredible Aunty Ange.

My first born child Anabelle died at birth two months ago from a cord accident. I hope Ava and Anabelle are dancing together in heaven- dancing and twirling like beautiful ballerinas. My Anabelle too has an amazing Aunty Ange (my sister who was also there at the birth).

Thankyou for sharing this incredible tribute. I am sure Ava is looking down so proud of her mummy.

xo

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What a Beautiful Angel  / Yvette L.

I sit here in tears and can't imagine what you have gone through.  I also cry because I am one who, at times, take my beautiful life and children for granted.

Thank you for sharing your precious daughter with me.  I pray I will be a better, more patient , grateful mother tomorrow.

I wish there was something I could say to help, but I am at a loss.  May your wonderful memories and amazing photos of her beautiful, smiling face help get you through the tough times. 

I will not forget Ava.  My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

God Bless you.

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Happy Easter to you and all your loved ones  / Angie Trevizo Christopher's Mom
Have a blessed Holiday  from the Trevizo Family Close

My deepest condolences  / Marisol Risakotta

Words aren't enough to express the deep feeling of sadness after learning about the tragic loss of your beautiful Super Princess. I'm so very sorry!

After reading this memorial website you made for Ava not only I feel deeply touched by the way you have managed to share her very special bright personality and your deep love for her but with you I also hope it may indeed help prevent this tragedy from ever happening again.

May our heavenly Father give you and your family all the strength needed to endure missing Ava.

Love,

Marisol Risakotta

The Netherlands 

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my heart felt sympathy  / CASTEL Mary (passerby)

DEAR SHEYE, I CAME ACROSS THIS SIGHT AND COULDNOT BELIEVE MY EYES.I JUST HAD TO WRITE,FIRST OFF..... YOUR BEAUTIFUL AVA WAS  STRIKNG,BLONDE HAIR AND BROWN EYES. IM FROM NEW YORK.WAS SHE BLONDE FROM  THE  SUN  I N AUSTRALIA,ISAW HER BABY PICTURES AND HER HAIR  WAS DARK, TOTALLY INTRIGUED  BY THIS LITLE GIRL. I CANNOT  BELIEVE THE PAIN AND HURT YOU MUST WAKE UP TO EVRY DAY,SUCH ASHAME THAT THIS ANGEL IS GONE FROM EARTH. LIFE IS VERY HARD ,PLEASE HAVE FAITH  AND IM SURE YOU DO THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL ANGEL HAS GOT TO BE  WITH GOD.  THANKGOD FOR IVY , SHE LOOKS LIKE  AVA.IM GLAD YOU HAVE THIS SPECIAL LITLE GIRL TO GET YOU THREW THE  SAD DAYS OF MISSING AVA. I DIDN,T KNOW HER OR YOU AND IM SICK OVER IT,ILL PRAY FOR U ,AND COME SAY HELLO TO  THIS  SITE TO KEEP  AVA,S MEMORY ALIVE,EMAIL ME IF YOUDE LIKE TO TALK

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My heart goes to your family  / Whitney (not Telling, Who Tells On The Internet Sorry) (a friend )

As I read this story, tears fell down my face... I can't imagine the pain you must have felt and still feel.

With this, I hope I can bring you something of comfort. I know this is true with all my heart and mind. This has brought me comfort in my greatest need and a purpose in my life. I know if you listen to this with an open heart you will find it does the same for you.... your dear Ava is on the other side waiting for you. She loves you, and she wants to be with you.... she wants your family to be together again, and it can be! I know this with all my heart, and I know if you look at it with an open mind yearning to know the truth, it will be shown to you. I promise it will.

Much love,

a friend

w w w . l d s . o r g

(sorry it won't let me do a link :) )

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I am so hurting for you  / Liette Dionne (None)

I am from Canada and I was browsing through the Net for cupcake ideas. I read your story and I cried so much; it hurt. No one should go through such a painful and unjustified experience.

We can that Ava was stunning in so many ways. My heart goes to you and your family.

Sincerly,

Liette.

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For the love of girls, and the colour pink.  / Marjorie Preval (N/A)
I sat for a moment thinking of the right thing to say..

I am not sure if I was ever meant to be successful in my life, but I always knew, I was meant to be a mother.

A part of my heart is truly broken for a family and a little girl that are complete strangers to me. So I dedicate another part of my heart for you and Ava and in that part she is very much alive.
A little over a year has passed and I can't imagine the dread you feel and have felt.

My Kailin-Jade is one year old and her bestfriend is her Grandpa, or as she calls him, "Papa".

From my family to yours,
My most heart-felt condolences.

Marjorie Prvl. Close

I am truly sorry for your loss.  / Angela Watts
I honestly am in tears here. I found your page from a blog from the babycenter photography board, and could not imagine losing my little lady. I had lost a baby girl prior to getting pregnant with my now 3 year old daughter, and I thought I had it tough with that loss being 28 weeks pregnant....I truly am sorry for your loss, but am glad you got to spend the time with her as you did. What a beautiful little lady!   Close

Offering My Deepest Condolences  / Mae Dixson (Page Visitor )
I have spent quite awhile reading every area of your BEAUTIFUL tribute to your gorgeous daughter.  I spent the entire time crying as I held my own baby girl tight as we read your words, and watched your beautiful photos. 

My little girl is only 5 months old...But she already reminds me so much of your little girl! I think they would have been friends if my daughter had been the same age as yours!

I too share a love of photography and a day doesn't go by that I'm not taking photos. 

I wanted to just say how truly and deeply sorry I am for your loss, and how it is such an eye opener for the rest of us, that you really can never be too careful. 

I know your beautiful Ava will be watching over your family for always.  She was such a gorgeous and sweet looking little girl! I'm sure she was an absolute JOY to be around!

Thank you for sharing your story and as my own daughter grows up I shall be as diligent and careful as I can with her, and I will enjoy every moment like it could be the last. 

God bless you and your family!

Mae Dixson Close

my Condolences  / Goli Ferguson
I am so sorry for your loss, Close

I'm so sorry  / Rachael Taylor (none)
I've just clicked through here from your wonderful photos on Flickr. I am so so sorry for your loss, she sounds like a wonderful little girl. Much love to you and your family xxx Close