Memories of Tate – Heidi Maxfield
Tate has touched my life in many ways – before he was even born and even still. ?Brandi and I have had our babies all very close together. ?Lexi and Owen, Hunter and Sadie, and then we were due the same week with Ivy and Tate. ?Not only was she one of my best friends in high school, but we’ve stayed in touch and suffered through our long sickly pregnancies together, throwing up every day and reminiscing about how awful it felt to be so sick.
I remember finding out that Tate may face some challenges and being so overcome that such a special little guy was being sent to the Jacobson family. ?I met Tate when he was just a couple months old and I flew in to visit Utah – Brandi and I got to take our new babies out for pizza and catch up on life. ?I got to hold Tate through much of our lunch and remember feeling so grateful to know him. ?He emanated love and purpose. ? It was another several months before I saw him again and I loved watching him via email/blog/facebook as he grew and faced challenges with such happiness. ?I was also so impressed with Brandi and Travis. ?Their attitudes and encouragement were unbelievable!
As my husband, Matt, learned more about the medical side of Tate’s moebius syndrome, he was actually able to diagnose a child in Honduras on a special mission trip, all because he knew of Tate. ?This will change this child’s life forever.
Our whole family was saddened by the loss of Tate in this life and sent blue balloons to heaven on the day of his funeral since we couldn’t be there. ?We continue to be impressed by his spirit and know he is definitely SMILING down on us all and waiting to meet up with his dear family again.