A five-year-old boy cared for his little sister like the apple of his eye and felt responsible for her. He never missed an opportunity to kiss her, and everyone agreed that their friendship was sincere. Unfortunately, things were about to take a dramatic turn.
The loss of a loved one is not a trivial event. It often changes people in unexpected ways. Tragedy and grief often leave an indelible mark, and a huge void is created deep inside. To live is to be able to face moments of joy, but also moments of sadness. Trials and tribulations make us stronger. But to keep going, it’s good to know when to hold on and when to let go. Read on to find out more. This couple, originally from Western Australia, welcomed parenthood with open arms. Their children were treasures to them. As their children grew older, the desire to have another child became obvious. A wish they quickly fulfilled.
There was joy and happiness, and everyone was happy about the birth. The little girl was a lively child who slept and ate well, and her development was a pleasure to watch. Her big brother had fallen madly in love with her. One thing’s for sure, Winifred completed the family perfectly. Perfection wasn’t in the cards, and it didn’t take long for the little family’s life to be turned upside down. In May 2018, Winifred fell ill and started vomiting. The parents initially thought it was gastroenteritis, but the little girl’s temperature began to rise alarmingly, forcing the parents to contact a doctor. She had in fact noticed a hard lump on her daughter’s stomach, on the right side. She decided to visit a general practitioner who, with the help of his colleagues, found that the child’s liver was swollen.
After Laurence went to see his wife in hospital, Winifred underwent further tests, including scans. They were given a room in the oncology ward. A few hours later, the Collards learned that their little girl had a neuroblastoma. The situation was further complicated when the baby underwent a stem cell transplant. She had been kept in isolation for four weeks. During this time, she had no contact with her older brothers.
Fortunately, Winifred was reunited with her brothers on Christmas Day 2018, and they were all happy to spend the holidays with their families. But the euphoria was short-lived. Despite treatment, the little girl didn’t improve. The Collards were constantly worried.
Winifred’s condition became critical in March 2019. She felt unhappy, was losing weight and was always in a bad mood. The doctors told the Collards it was due to the immunotherapy. But Meagan wasn’t convinced.
The doctor had given Meagan no hope, saying he could only ease the girl’s pain. Laurence had come home just in time to kiss his little girl for the last time. At 9:14 p.m., little Winifred breathed her last. This painful moment is forever etched in the couple’s minds. The loss of Winifred changed the Collard family in many ways. The couple said they no longer took things for granted and lived each day to the fullest. Most importantly, Meagan realized how little awareness, funding and support there is for childhood cancer.
Five-year-old boy carries his little sister’s coffin to say goodbye forever
