To Our Dearest Chase:

Written by Melissa Weiland

Chase Brady Weiland 3-10-99
Died 6-7-99

Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999

To Our Dearest Chase:

Chase was born a very healthy 7 lb. 2 oz. baby boy. I knew about SIDS because we also had a 2 year old boy. So I remember with both boys being born that I did worry about SIDS. I just remember not to ever put them on their stomach. From the moment Chase was born he was put on his back. I never put him on his stomach. But to my surprise that didn't save him from SIDS. You always think it will happen to someone else.

I was on maternity leave for 3 months with Chase and enjoyed every minute with him and very glad I did take that time off. It was his fourth day at daycare when I got the shocking call that he stopped breathing. His daycare provider immediately did CPR until the ambulance arrived. Chase was never revived. We were later told he just stopped breathing. To me my son never just stopped breathing. I believe in my heart he gave us signs we just didn't recognize them. I believe there were signs leading up to him to stop breathing. We did everything right. I never smoked, had a wonderful pre-natal care with him, never drank, never did drugs, I ate all the right foods and that still did not save my son. Apparently that has nothing to do with SIDS.

When he died he was 2 months and 27 days old. You were our beautiful baby that we loved more than anything. Your older brother Cody loved you so much. It has been 2 months since you have died and we still think about you everyday. Cody still asks about you and wonders why.

It is hard watching him grieve for you just as much as we have been grieving for you. Even though it has only been 2 months since you left us it is still hard but the days seem to get better. If we had the chance to do it all over again and have the same outcome I would do it all over again. I could not imagine my life not every knowing you that is how much of a difference you have made in our lives. I want you to know that we will treasure you forever no matter what becomes of our lives and if we have anymore children they can never replace you. I will fight for you and for someone to listen to me the signs you had before you died. Because in my heart I truly believe you gave us signs. I know there is not a cure but to find a cure you have to find a cause. We love you Chase and you will live on forever in us.

Love you