Tragedy struck dear friends of ours on Tuesday. Cheeky's best friend Alex, who lives downstairs from us and has been a constant playmate for the last two years, died in a boating accident. She was 3 years old.
Oodgie and Alex's mom were close, having lived through the early travails of motherhood together. We'd periodically babysit for each other, and you could usually depend on Alex's mom to be there whenever you needed something. They are among the few people we truly called friends in our neighborhood, and we are utterly heartbroken for them.
I know that the darkest depths of my imagination can't even begin to conceive of the suffering they are going through. As a parent and friend, I'm struck with a sadness I didn't know I was still capable of. Our hearts go out to them and their family.
There's so much more I want to say, but I just can't. No words I can muster would suffice.
We'll all miss you, Alex.
ADDENDUM: THANK YOU everyone who has sent messages and posted comments of support. We all greatly appreciate your thoughts. The funeral was yesterday, and was an emotional but cathartic experience for everyone. (For the record, I never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever want to see another father bury his daughter.) Alex's family has shown tremendous strength and resolve in the face of this heartbreak, and if you're so inclined they have asked that donations be made to support the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian in Alexandra Vitale's name. Donations can be made by calling (212) 342-0933.
That is terrible. I have no words. My thoughts will be with them.
Posted by: Writer Dad | August 27, 2008 at 10:42 AM
I saw that on the news. Our sympathies to you and Alex's family.
Posted by: Darren | August 27, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Stunned, I can not imagine the hurt and pain. My thoughts are with you
Posted by: Peter | August 27, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I can't even imagine the torturous pain. I am so sorry.
Posted by: misfithausfrau | August 27, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Oh, I am so sad. My heart just aches for all of you. This is a terrible, terrible thing in your lives. I'm so sorry. Hug Chloe really hard.
Gramma
Posted by: WCG | August 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM
My thoughts are with you guys and the parents of Alex.
Posted by: Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah | August 27, 2008 at 01:26 PM
I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with the aggrieved.
Posted by: roger | August 27, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Heartbreaking.
Posted by: Whit | August 27, 2008 at 02:44 PM
We were in tears last night hearing this story. It's the most awful thing we've ever heard. I'm so sorry. Big hugs to Chloe. It's going to be hard for all of you.
Posted by: MetroDad | August 27, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Good grief. We should not have to hear such tragedy to make us hug our kids a little bit harder each day. My heart aches. While words cannot suffice, your actions and friendship will mean the world to your friends.
Posted by: ilinap | August 27, 2008 at 04:35 PM
What do you say? Words turn back.
Rest in Peace, Alex.
Posted by: Jay Andrew Allen | August 27, 2008 at 05:37 PM
Life is so fragile. I'm so sorry for your loss and for her family. You are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Hygiene Dad | August 27, 2008 at 07:50 PM
That is tragic man. I grew up boating, and we definitely try to take extra precautions with small kids around but it's hard. Prayers go out to the family and to you guys.
Posted by: Jeremy (Discovering Dad) | August 28, 2008 at 11:47 AM
As a parent, you see your kid's face in the faces of all of the kids that are taken from their families and loved ones. Hugs to you guys and deepest condolences to Alex's family.
Posted by: Jason | August 29, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Sending positive energy your way...
Posted by: | August 29, 2008 at 07:17 PM
How tragic. I'm sorry.
Posted by: Neil | August 29, 2008 at 07:17 PM
My deepest sympathies to your family and Alex's. So terribly sorry for their loss.
Posted by: Stefania/CityMama | August 29, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Truly heartbreaking. My heart goes out to you and Alex's family.
Posted by: sweatpantsmom | August 29, 2008 at 08:58 PM
My prayers and warmest thoughts to you, your family, and friends.
Posted by: Holmes | August 29, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Here via BlogHer ads. My very best to you and your friends.
Posted by: Bennie | August 30, 2008 at 03:00 PM
OMG. I am so very sorry for your friend's loss as well as yours. How utterly heartbreaking!
You're all in my thoughts.
Posted by: sam {temptingmama} | August 30, 2008 at 06:29 PM
I am so sorry... Sending warm thoughts your way and to Alex's family.
Posted by: Jenn | August 30, 2008 at 06:54 PM
There are no words that can ever make this right. I will pray for Alex, her family, and for you, as we tuck our brood in tonight.
You're right: no father should ever have to bury a daughter. It's just not the way it's supposed to be.
Posted by: Carmi | August 30, 2008 at 07:12 PM
When I first saw this, I x'd it out right away.
I have a three year old daughter. I just couldn't read your words, nor look at that picture.
I forced myself to come back here and reopen this post.
I wish I could think of something to say.
I'm horrified.
And I'm so very, very, very, very, very sorry.
Sweet Jesus.
Posted by: maggie, dammit | August 30, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Sad, crying...there really aren't any words that matter for this kind of thing.
I am so utterly sorry.
Posted by: thordora | August 31, 2008 at 09:09 AM