Sophia Weaver’s Parents Made Her Last 10 Days On Earth Really Worth It
Natalie Weaver never expected that her time with her daughter, Sophia, would be cut short, but the mysteries of the afterlife remain inscrutable. Little Sophia, a beacon of diversity, respect for life, and equality, sadly passed away on May 23 at the age of 10, due to her rare disease, Rett syndrome.
After enduring a month of heartache following Sophia’s departure, Natalie has taken to social media to uphold her daughter’s legacy. Sophia, a remarkable fighter who confronted not only the challenges posed by her rare disease but also countless criticisms, became a symbol of resilience. Some individuals even exploited her image to advocate for the termination of pregnancies due to the risk of malformations. However, her unwavering mother fought tirelessly, receiving overwhelming support from organizations and companies. In light of the damage caused, they offered their assistance to ensure that Sophia could have the best possible final days.
In a touching gesture, the Winnebago company offered Natalie and her husband Mark one of their spacious vans for the ultimate family road trip. Although Sophia tragically passed away before embarking on the journey of her dreams, the company agreed to allow Natalie and Mark to take their other children, Alex (8) and Lyla (5), as a tribute to their beloved sister’s memory.
In January, Natalie made the difficult decision to cease extreme measures aimed at prolonging Sophia’s life, a heart-wrenching choice that left the family devastated. “She is in a hospice here at home, and we promised her that we would never take her back to the hospital. I crawled into her bed, hugged her tightly, and that’s when she took her final breath,” recounts her devastated mother.
Sophia, unable to walk or talk and facing difficulties with eating and breathing due to her degenerative disorder, underwent 30 surgeries. When she experienced respiratory failure after her last surgery, her parents decided it was time to say enough is enough. “It was probably the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make in our lives,” confesses Natalie.
In addition to keeping Sophia away from the hospital, they also chose to reintroduce her to the public, a step they had avoided for years due to the cruelty and lack of understanding exhibited by some individuals. “People have always been so cruel, calling her a monster, and her compromised immune system made it even more challenging,” shares Natalie.
However, her parents were determined to ensure that Sophia’s remaining days on earth were filled with joy and meaningful experiences. They meticulously planned activities such as taking her to a beauty salon for the first time, visiting an aquarium, exploring an art museum, skating at a roller rink, and even watching a movie in a real theater.
Natalie’s dedication to keeping Sophia’s spirit alive is evident in the non-profit organization she and her family started, Sophia’s Voice. The organization provides assistance to other children with special needs and their families. Over the past year, they have worked with 50 families, offering support to cover medical equipment and supplies.
Natalie has received messages from individuals worldwide, expressing how Sophia’s strength has inspired them. While she wishes she had more time to change the world for Sophia and others like her, she acknowledges that there is still much prejudice towards individuals with physical differences. For a brief moment, she felt that she made an impact, and she hopes her daughter is proud of her. However, she longs to have done even more. “I would have wanted her to be here to witness a world that fully embraces her,” concludes Natalie.
Natalie’s heartwarming story exemplifies
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