Hello All,

We have been thinking about all of you and have been grateful for all the love and support you have given to us over the past few months. All your cards, letters, text messages, flowers, emails etc have been very much appreciated.

John and I are slowly grasping the extent of our loss and learning to live with our grief. Some days are easier than others and we feel grateful for the little joys we experience.

We expected to become second time parents and we are taking on that role, although not in the way we imagined. We are using this time to heal as well as bonding with our daughter Elena in an unexpected way.

John and I are very proud of our precious girl. She will always be our child and a member of our family. We also want you to know that we treasure talking about her. We know that you may sometimes feel awkward speaking about Elena or to us about our grief. Please do not hesitate and worry about bringing her up, as she is always in our thoughts. She will never be forgotten and will be in our hearts forever. This experience is part of our larger journey and sharing this with you is important to us and somewhat comforting.

Elena was a beautiful baby and we truly feel blessed to have held her in our arms.

During this journey, we have come across a wonderful organisation called Bears of Hope which provides support to parents who experience the loss of their baby or child. They have helped us tremendously by providing the comfort of knowing that we are not alone, as well as ongoing support in healing our broken hearts.

So many of you asked if there was anything that you could do. We ask one thing and only if it feels right in your hearts. That is donating a Bears of Hope package in honour of Elena (or any donation), which is sent to a hospital which will be given to another family who is struck by the same tragedy we have had to endure. By donating a Bears of Hope package, you will not only be honouring our little girl and helping another family but you will also be keeping Elena’s memory alive and for that there are no words to thank you enough.

Thank you again for all your love, support and kindness

John, Diana, William and Angel Elena

PS: Any donation will be greatly appreciated but a $45 donation will send a Sophie Bears Of Hope package to a hospital in honour of Elena