I just found out that a fellow homeschooler who I knew from the Ambleside Online list, passed away after an emergency C-section yesterday. The baby is fine, but Missey leaves behind five children 11 and under. On Mar 1, Missey "went in to get her stress test that she's been getting every 2 weeks. The test showed that she was losing amniotic fluid and that she had lost enough of it for it to be alarming. That's when they decided to go ahead and take the baby. After they lifted the baby from her body, some of the amniotic fluid got into her blood stream and caused a blood clot, which is what caused her death. She never came out of surgery. Her mil said that this only happens 1 in 200,000." Missey and her husband had chosen a name for the baby, but the baby has been named Melissa Kate after her mother. I met her at the AO conference this summer; she and heroldest daughter both wrote comments about the conference. Some people are leaving comments for her family on her blog.
Homeschoolblogger has started a memorial blog as a tribute to Missey, which they'll be updating throughout the day. There's a nice picture and some memories of her from friends who knew her. The PO Box address to send cards to the family is at the top of that blog.
Loa, the co-moderator of Missey's Beechick email list, posted this:
"Her family is fine with the information being distributed. They are so touched by the outpouring of love from everyone and are amazed by the sheer volume of people that have voiced their sorrow in the homeschooling community."
Missey's blog is still up and lots and lots of people are reading it and being encouraged at what a blessing she was to her family. Because Missey was careful about what she said in the public forum of blogging, her blog serves as a testament to the love she had for her family and a wonderful memorial for her family. The Headmistress at The Common Room reminds us to be careful what we blog about our families if we want our own blogs to be something that will bring our families joy.
"For those who want to make financial donations, it would be greatly appreciated by the family. We have set up a memorial fund at Paypal. http://www.mamakay.com/misseygrayfund.html
They did not have life insurance for Missey and I know this would be a blessing to help cover the funeral and other expenses. Krystal [who set up the fund] is a long time friend of Missey's and mine and I can assure you that each and every penny will reach Missey's family. Many have also asked for an address to send cards. We are setting up a P.O. Box for this tomorrow and will give you that information as soon as it comes available. A member of Missey's local homeschool group is taking care of this and mail will be sent in care of her. More details on this Friday."
Pattycake, who has been posting updates, posted a copy of her obituary.
Just a few of the many other bloggers who have been posting for and about Missey:
Dawn
MamaLion at Shadybrook Acres
Beth
Miss Roxie
The Common Room
Athena in a Minivan
HowGreataDebtor in Rivendell, Wis
Ann V. at ChoosingHome
Stay-at-Home Christian Mom
Loni
Sprittibee
Heather at Mom2Mom Connection
Melissa Markham
Kim at Living a Full Life
Susan at ByGrace
Maureen Wittmann
Susie-Q&A
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