I'm chair of a toddler group, and one of our children has died..

[deegward]

As some may know I am chairman of my local toddler group, it's usually lots of mine numbing boring duties which totally take over you life. But today I have been contacted to be told that one of our regulars died on Monday, after being sick, having a high temp, fitting, being taken to hosp and being placed on a life support machine on Sunday. He died on Monday.

He was only one, and an only child. I feel crap as its our Christmas party tomorrow and Friday, so will not put up annoucement until we open again on Tuesday, but have got condolence card to send.

I have to say I don't even know why I am typing this on MN, but I feel so awful as I have sat for the past hour drafting the notice.

OMG howling-hate to hear of this happening and such an awful time of year, just not fair.

thoughts to all of you

How sad, too sad for words.
How awful

i'm so sorry for the parents, and you. puts everything into perspective in an awful way

What a heartbreaking thing to have to go through - particularly at this time of year. I am so sorry for all concerned. Be brave, thinking of you.

so sad. Am sat here counting my blessings.

OMG how awful for everyone concerned

I gave bean an extra big hug at lunch time and realised how lucky we are.

I can't even begin to imagine how awful it must be for the parents and family.

Message withdrawn

Oh Deegward, hosting those parties must be incredibly difficult in the circumstances, my heart goes out to you and that poor little boy's parents. I sent dd to nursery with a heavy cold today, I will give her an extra big squeeze this evening.
I think the condolences book (maybe encouraging the other parents to share their happy recollections of the little guy) is a lovely idea...maybe also including any photographs you have of him at the group and perhaps some artwork from his little peers?
What dreadful, horrible news.

Condolence book is a great idea. How awfully sad

This is so sad . Can I ask, do you know what the poor boy died of? It sounds a bit like meningitis to me. Obviously you don't want to spoil the Christmas party, but shouldn't parents know about this? Could there be any chance this is a communicable disease? Sorry to be so practical, but I was just wondering.

Lonelymum, no not contagious died of encaphalytus (?sp) swelling of the brain, it was one of the things I checked before deciding not to annouce at the parties. Does anyone know where I could get a condolences book?

I would suggest getting one of those nice, sturdy photograph albums that have plain pages for sticking photos in (rather than slits in the paper IYSWIM). John Lewis sell them, Paperchase and Heal's have lovely stationery too.

im so sorry for the family cant imagine anything worse in the world then losing a child

How truly awful Deegward Cant even begin to imagine how everyone must be feeling!
Had he been at your nursery for a liong time? Did u know him well?

Oh how awful.I can't imagine how his poor family are feeling.I think a condolence book & getting his friends to do some artwork/drawings are lovely ideas.Deegward you sound a lovely thoughful person.

Have gone well and truly cold. God knows how the family is feeling. my condolences to all of them.

glad the party went well in the end x

made me cry