Letter to Elder Fitt

Hi There Elder Fitt,

I'm writing this at Grandma Ann's table in EDH on Sunday morning. Its been a very different week and I've been thinking for several days how to write this letter to you.

I guess I'll just tell you from the top. Last Monday Bradd and Ann were supposed to drive out to UT for Thanksgiving. I got a call from Julia in the middle of the day telling me that they weren't coming. Jen Gilbert had called Troy at work that morning complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath. He told her to hang up and call the paramedics and that he would be right home. When he got there, the paramedics were loading her into the back of the ambulance. They told Troy she'd had a seizure. One of the paramedics stayed at Jen's house with their week old baby, Jake Taylor, while everyone else went to the hospital. Grandma Ann went down to Jen's house to watch the baby while Bradd went to the hospital to be with Troy. A short while after arriving at the hospital Jen was pronounced dead. It was certainly a shock to everyone and it has been a difficult week for all. The autopsy showed that Jen died of a very rare condition called SCAD- Sudden
Coronary Artieral Dissection. Basically what happens is a small tear develops in the lining of the coronary artery. Blood leaks into the lining and creates a blockage that prevents proper blood flow, so although the method is different, the result is the same as a heart attack. This is a very rare condition and happens mostly to women between the ages of 35-40 who are pregnant or post partum. It is rarely diagnosed before death and there is not much that can be done about it. We all feel that Jen was prepared and ready to go and that it was God's will for her. The funeral was on Saturday.

Although it has been a very sad week, it has been filled with spiritual experiences. The outpouring of love and support from ward members both in EDH and in Jen's ward has been amazing. Troy has been literally overwhelmed by the the goodness of church members. He even wanted a blessing when Bradd and Kurt received them and it has been a great source of strength and peace for him. He is really stepping up to the plate and thinking about what is necessary to take care of the girls and the baby. The funeral was a beautiful, moving, spiritual experience. Many thoughts of Jen, of love, of family were shared. I had the honor of helping to dress Jennifer's body at the mortuary. There were about 6 of us there to assist. Before we began, we gathered in a circle and offered a prayer. Will, the spirit was so strong in the room I thought I wouldn't be able to breathe. It was a powerful physical force and it was amazing to experience. I know that Heavenly Father is
aware of Jen and her children and of our family and that He is watching over all of us and that no matter how difficult our challenges may seem, it will all work together for our good.

We all love Jen and we will miss her bright presence in our lives very much. But we are confident that she is still aware of Troy and their children and that she is watching them. Inspite of this tragedy we are sure their lives will be blessed. We are so grateful for the comfort of the gospel which teaches us that God watches over all of His children and loves each one. We trust in His wisdom and look forward in faith towards that perfect day.

Love
Mom