Layla Grace

Yesterday I posted a story on the Ledger-Enquirer's Web site about a two-year-old named Layla Grace who recently died of Neuroblastoma.

This morning, I couldn't help but go back to the story and share it with all my Twitter followers and Facebook friends. It's a powerful story with a tragic end. From a news person's perspective, it carries very interesting implications about how an incredibly personal and private ordeal can be played out in a series of public forums to a mostly positive outcome.

Just a moment ago I began reading the blog little Layla's parents began two years ago and kept up with throughout their daughter's illness. It's so tragic yet, in a way, it's a beautiful thing. It's tragic for obvious reasons and beautiful in that you know by reading it that this child was loved to her core and that so many people -- family, friends and total strangers -- were clearly pulling for her.

By the time Layla died, she had almost 46,000 followers on Twitter. Here is what her mother Tweeted in the hours before Layla's death:

"Mommy is rocking Layla. She has only opened her eyes once today. Her feet are getting cold too. 11:17 AM Mar 8th via Tweetie"

"Please continue 2 pray for peace for Layla. Her dad is in her room right now talking to her & comforting her. She is not doing well at all."

"Layla went to play with the angels early this morning. Rest in peace precious Layla. 11/26/2007 - 3/9/2010"

And finally, her parents' Tweet from this morning:

"Very restless night & woke up w/ swollen eyes. Meeting w/ funeral director today. Feel like I'm walking in a fog. Thank you for prayers!!"

I don't mean to bum you guys out. This story just makes me think about my and Morgan's little girl and hope beyond hope that she's a healthy baby. It also made me thing about how connected we all are nowadays for better or for worse.

xoxoL