Elle fought the good fight for longer than anyone thought she would. When she passed away this morning both her dad and her mom were with her. Elle went quietly, peacefully and in no pain. She went on her terms. Which was the way she did everything in her life.
Elle was the kind of girl that you felt lucky to know or to meet. And if you were fortunate enough to be her parent (as we are), you felt like you won the lottery every day of the week. She was sweet, generous, kind....as well as cantankerous and sassy. Smart, silly and sometimes stunningly insightful, she was an old soul from the day she was born.
Elle loved flowers, dancing and music (especially the Beatles and Big Time Rush). She loved to eat Fruit Rollups late at night and drink chocolate milk early in the morning. She loved the Red Sox, hated the Yankees and respected the Phillies (that's a direct quote). Her favorite all-time food was steak. Medium-rare steak. She ate half a pound of it not two weeks ago...and ribeye to boot. Her latest achievement, and one that set her chest to bursting with pride, was being able to write out her whole name. Eleanor.
Her favorite non-humans were her two cats, Winnie and Beezus (Winnie is pictured above). Winnie and Elle had a very special relationship. They were sisters. Winnie always followed Elle around and slept on her bed. And when she needed it, Winnie would stick to her side and never leave her.
Elle was not only a wonderful daughter and great girl...but she was a super sister. And lucky enough to have the best big brother in the world. David and Elle fought like brother and sister will, but they loved and defended each other with a constancy and devotion that was something to behold. And he loved to make her laugh.
Elle was so inspiring. She never once asked "Why me?" She never once said "I want to quit." Once she understood what had happened in March of 2009, she simply set her mind to beating the cancer. And for a long, long time, she did. And then she decided it was time. She decided...and in doing that, she did win.
She is our Half-Pint and our Shipoopi Tumnus. She is our Elle-Belle, Ellabean, Ellie Minelli and our Foofy-Doo. And I use "is" purposefully, because she will always be these things and everything I mentioned before. She will always be Ellie. And we will always love her.
You did great, sweetheart. We love you.
44 comments:
I love you Ellie!<3 forever and on
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Elle was such a fighter and a beautiful little girl.
Elle will always be the brightest star in the night sky.
Dave, I'm heartbroken. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures and letting us know more about her. I'm glad she was not in pain; I'm so sorry she's not here, though. You will be in my thoughts.
Way to go Elle- you will be missed!
Dave - My heart breaks for you guys. I've followed the blog for a while and feel like I know Elle just a little bit. Her smile clearly lights up a room. What an absolute beauty.
Be strong. Your family is in our thoughts.
thanks for posting so many beautiful things about Elle...she touched so may hearts
My heart is simply breaking for you all. Laina will miss her best buddy Ellie deeply and wants her back in the worst way - as I'm sure you all do. Such a strong amazing wonderful little girl. Love, Sandy & Laina
Dave, I can't even begin to imagine how your family feels. Tammy and I are so sorry for your loss. What you've posted is an amazing tribute to Elle and her courage. She was a fortunate girl to have a such a loving family.
Mark & Tammy
I am crying for the loss of such a beautiful little girl. I pray for strength for your family and friends.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful little girl. I'm so so sorry for your loss. Holding your whole family close in my heart and thoughts.
With love,
Erika Parker (a friend of Beth's from college)
I hope you'll accept wishes for peace and comfort from us - friends of Nancy (Mom Ma'am Me). The part about your kitty's love for your girl particularly touched me. Our daughter (I call her the Cat Whisperer) was born in January 2005 also.
Elle looks like she was an amazing girl. Love these gorgeous pics of her.
Her spirit is an inspiration, I am so sorry for your loss. I can only pray that she will greet mike with that beautiful smile. Love to all of you, the goulet family
I'm so honored to have met you and teach you dance.I will never forget dancing around the room with you in my arms.You were an insperation to me! Keep on dancing! Love, Ms. Cheryl
I am so sorry for your loss. Your daughter is a true inspiration. I only wish I could've met her. I love the pictures you shared with us. What a beuatiful angel...
Thinking of you,
Debbie Skidgel Souza
Words can not express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. This tribute to Elle just shows what a great soul she was. Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Elle I feel like she has touched my life in so many ways. What an extrodinary little angel to have that effect on so many people. May you feel comfort in knowing that she now plays with all the angels in heaven. I believe she now will have the task of watching over all the lives she touched here on earth.
Praying for all of you,
Marianna Cavuoto (close friends of the Ridges)
Everyone should live life with the gusto that Elle had! She continues to be an inspiration even to those of us unlucky to never have met her. May she now teach the angels how to fly because it seems Elle would have the chutzpah to show them the right way to do it.
I am a friend of your cousin Sarah's from college and met you at her wedding. I want you to know that Elle's story -- and your story -- has touched people far and wide. We've all fallen in love with her spirit through your blog, and your family is in our hearts today, tomorrow, and always.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Elle, she has been an inspiration and Courageous little angel. I have enjoyed getting to know her through your blog. My heart goes out to your family.
Ellie,
Your smile was infectious and you light up my ambulance. I'm honored that I got the chance to meet and care for you. Keep smiling in heaven because you will continue to be the center of attention.
YOUR Fireman,
Brad
City of Saco Paramedic
The world is crying as Heaven rejoices as a bright new angel is born. Elle was an inspiration to so many and will remain so. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Thank you for sharing Ellie with all of us.
Love
Anita Ales (Friend of the Ridges)
I took a break from writing and glanced at Facebook. Jess Cook posted this site and I can't tell you how moved I am by your courage and grace with the sad passing of your beautiful daughter You've taught me something today about bravery and love. All the best to you and your family.
Thank you,
Julie Kingsley
I am so sorry for your loss. Though I did not know Elle personally, her story and her battle are inspiring. Thank you for publishing the beautiful pictures of her and telling us a little bit about her and her story. My thoughts and prayers go to you all. You will all be in my thoughts.
I too have a little girl named Ellie, so when I stumbled upon your blog from a friend on Facebook and began reading, I felt strangely connected to this little angel. Her spirit is similar to that of my own Ellie, and my heart breaks for you and your family today. I am deeply touched by your tribute to her... especially touching were your final remarks. How lucky she IS to have such a loving and faithful family. I commend you and your family on your poise during this difficult time. As you already know, she is smiling down, cancer free, watching over you all and awaiting the day when you will all be together again. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and I pray that God will bless and comfort you.
I have two boys ( ages 9 and 6 )... my heart aches for the pain you must be going through! Children are so precious and so innocent, and as a parent its gut wrenching to see any family have to watch their child suffer ...
My thoughts and prayers are with you all ~
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I have been following Elle's battle since the beginning and have been praying for all of you. What a remarkable little girl she certainly taught some adults some lessons in courage. I beleive that Elle is at peace and is dancing with the angels. I pray that God will grant you comfort in the days ahead. Aunt KitKat's Aunt Beth
Truly the saddest news. I was so very honored (along with John York) to walk with Elle on stage at the Best of Broadway Benefit this past May. Elle absolutely stole the show with her smile and brought the audience to their feet. There is a shining new star in the sky tonight and she will shine on us all forever. Never far from our thoughts and hearts. Bethann Renaud
I stumbled across this blog today,and very glad I did, I would like to say thank you. Elle's battle has truly inspired me.Elle sounds truly remarkable, your family and friends are blessed to have known such a strong young lady. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Elle....I will miss seeing your smiling face each day. I feel blessed to have known you if only for a short time. I know that you are smiling down on all of us from heaven. Please know you have touched many of us at Fairfield school.Your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest peacefully now Elle...I will see you again someday! Love, Mrs. Malia
I wish I had the pleasure and honor of knowing this sweet little angel. She surely would have taught me a thing or two about life and living it. Elle has shown me that I may be missing the message. Hope to meet you in heaven some day, Elle. God bless you all. <3
Dave -
You have done tremendous justice to Elle through your beautiful, inspiring, open, honest and heartfelt words. As you are so blessed to have had such a joy in your life, she is likewise blessed to have had you as her father and her friend. I wish I had had the privilege of knowing Elle in person.
So many thoughts for you and your family..
Lori and Bob
Through my tears, I write this. I have just learned about Elle. My thoughts and prayers go out to her mom and and big brother. My God Bless you all and take comfort in knowing that Elle is in a better place.
Yes, she did great, but so did the rest of you, too. Your energy and spirit have been amazing and truly inspiring. We've been following all the way and keeping your family in our thoughts, and will continue to do so.
Elle you are an inspiration to all. I was so lucky that you and your family allowed me into your life and home. You taught me more than anyone could. I love you elle and miss you tremendously already. My fridays will never be the same. Dave, Beth and Davie, i pray for you daily that you find peace and strength in the days and months to come. You have an amazing angel up above watching over you and she is proud for all that you have done for her. Thank you for allowing me into your lifes, you all have changed mine for the better. And YES she did it her way and that was the only way, you go girl.
Love nurse Jenn
Dave, I am so sorry for your loss. I've been reading your blog since before my own cancer diagnosis. Elle has been an inspiration. I am glad she stayed strong to the end and made her own decision. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
To The Paye Family,
Thank you for the gift of Elle. She is an inspiration and you will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for showing us the true Elle, and what joy she brought to everyone.
I am so sorry with all my heart, even though I have no idea of what it must feel like to lose such a beautiful child, espically to a horrible illness. But with time healing will come. I will pray for you. God Bless
Oh, Dear God, I just got back from vacation and came over for news. I am so, so terribly sorry to hear this. Words fail. God bless you.
Just stumbled across this as I am local. So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Elle! I, too, lost a daughter 10 years ago. I know your Eleanor will forever remain apart of your family and will guide you in all you do in the future. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life - your daughter was beautiful and an inspiration!
And YOU, her family, did great for her, too. Thank you for sharing so honestly and lovingly here. It's an absolutely beautiful sharing. A friend let me know before I saw this and as I thought about all of you the primary thought beyond grief was what a full life Elle had. What a gift to live fully engaged, fully herself. It's really opened my heart and lots of others, I'm sure. Love to you all!
I'm so, so sorry, Dave. Thank you so much for sharing the story of your remarkable little girl & family, amd I hope in your grief you can also find peace in her memory.
i dont know how relevant this is...but i had a dream lastnight about a girl called ELLE..SO I HAVE SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET FOR THIS. the reason being? the girl was stood outside of a window and wrote the words 'elle was touched by an angel''' my name is cat robinson, she was showing me pictures of her pets?..ONE IN WHICH SHE SAID WAS WITH HER ' i didnt understand why she was writing on the charred window payne, until i looked at her and saw a bright light surround her head, she then showed me what shed written again and said' I AM ELLE,I AM THE ONE, I AM ANGEL'' Confused by this i have searched the internet for her under the words 'elle touched by an angel'' and so i think i am at the right place...please can you email me at cezanne101@hotmail.com to find out if i have the right people and that i have carried elles message to the ones she needed it to be carried to?..THANKYOU.cat robinson uk
Can you email me at DontEatMeKalli@aol.com?
I want to be able to talk to you guys and I have a very important question that I would love to have answered. :)
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