In Memory

Ryan Paul Martin

August 10, 2006 to Became an Angel October 31, 2007

My name is Courtney Martin and I had a beautiful baby boy for 14mths. My Halloweens’ will never be the same. My son, Ryan Paul Martin was born August 10, 2006. He was a healthy 8lbs 1oz baby. He was so funny, so cute, big blue eyes, blonde hair, he was perfect.

On October 27^th 2007, we were at my middle son’s last soccer game. Ryan was running around playing with soccer balls, eating snacks, drinking his juice, riding on his daddy’s neck, smiling and laughing it was a great day. The weather was perfect. We were doing the same thing we do every other night playing, walking, running, eating dinner, normal things. On October 28^th it was about 4:30 am Ryan was a little crabby. Ryan was so tired. Ryan pretty much slept throughout the day. I thought he was tired from the big day we had before. I took his temp throughout the day; he had a little bit of one, not to bad (he was also teething). On October 29th he was still really tired. I called the doctor, and they said to check for wet diapers and plenty of fluids is what he needs. OK, He didn’t have a wet diaper. He wouldn’t drink anything; I was giving him fluids through a straw. I couldn’t wait the 4 hrs, 6 hrs or whatever at about 6 p.m. I went to the ER. We waited for 3 ½ hours before we got to go in. We were probably back in the room for about 2 hrs. They gave him Fluids and got a blood culture, he still wasn’t perking up. On Tuesday October 30^th we got a phone call from the Dr. telling us we need to get him to the hospital. I left as fast as I could, drove as fast as I could. When we got there they gave him a spinal tap and told us we would be in the hospital for about 7-10 days. I was ok with that. We had to wear gloves, mask, and gowns. Poor little guy has got tubes and wires all over him. Around 11:30 p.m. they had put some IV in his leg, it was a blood platelet transfusion I think. That’s when it all happened, nurses started running, and machines were going off, all this beeping, ringing. IT WAS DRIVING ME CRAZY. I was yelling, telling them to help him and screaming. I was going crazy. It felt like a nightmare a very bad dream. On October 31^st 12:20 am he was gone. I didn’t hear machines or anything. It was silent; it was like they were trying to keep me from him. There was nothing I could do. There was nothing my husband could do we were helpless.

Pneumococcal/streptococcal meningitis just took our son! The ride home was lonely, quiet, and sad. Still in shock. How was I supposed to tell his brothers that he just died?

Ryan was such a sweet baby; He is loved and missed every day.

The message I want to give for any parent out there is GO WITH YOUR GUT!

If you get scared, have a bad feeling or something doesn’t seem right with your child, go to the hospital it is better safe than sorry. Don’t leave until you feel it is ok. I hope this helps parents and saves a Childs life. Time is not on your side when it comes to this disease. You have to act fast. We learned the hard way; we are still suffering and will be forever. I think to myself I should’ve done this first or what if I would have done this. We are lucky enough to have the honor of being Ryan’s parents. Two birthdays, two Labor Days, 1 Christmas, 1 Halloween. One of each holiday. We cherish every moment we had with him.

We miss you so much Ryan; we love you so much. You will always be with us.

Sincerely,

Ryan Paul’s Mom

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