Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@doclizziedpt
Topics: Parenting
Gregory Robinson
Warning: This article contains discussion of baby loss which some readers may find distressing.
Lizzie Kieffer has announced the tragic news that her 12-month-old daughter Lilian died.
In an Instagram post shared on Saturday (26 April) the content creator wrote that Lilian 'Lily' Louise passed away on 23 April.
“We are shattered,” Kieffer said at the beginning of her statement. “Wednesday we woke up to a nightmare that we never imagined becoming our reality. Our Lily passed away.”
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"Our hearts, our bodies, our souls ache for her as she was the purist of beings and brought light to every single space she filled.
“Our days are written before we were even formed, and in Lily's 374 days of life, she taught us more than I think many could in their lifetime."
Lizzie and her husband Matt are still searching for answers regarding their daughter’s death. Doctors reportedly told them Lilian had a large mass on her brain.
The Instagram statement continues: "We also have come to learn that Lily had a large mass on her brain that we could have never known about as she never showed signs.
"We won't know more answers with many of these things for months until further testing is done."
While there are still unanswered questions, Lizzie has turned to her faith for support during this heartbreaking time.
“We don't have answers and we don't know why this is God's plan for our lives. And we will never fully understand this mystery until we see her again one day. What we do know is God is faithful and brings light to the darkest of places," she wrote in part. "And we know Lily is being held so tight by Jesus and loved ones in heaven. And probably playing in her ball pit or riding in her little red car up there. We feel her."
Lilian’s death comes after Lizzie announced that she is pregnant with her third child, due in September. Lizzie and Matt are also parents to an older daughter named Mia.
In her Instagram statement, Lizzie asked for prayers amid the family’s devastating loss.
"Our family and friends are holding us when we don't feel it's possible to move. But we want you to know that we feel your prayers and your support. We feel God's presence around our family and friends," she shared. "And we ask that you please continue to pray hard for our family as we navigate this extremely tough time."
She also shared a touching message directed to her late daughter, writing: “You will always, always be a part of us and although the hole will never be filled, speaking your name will sing through our days bringing joy into the moments."
"You’re our light in this darkness and we know God is holding you in an extra special place.”
A funeral for Lilian will take place on Wednesday, 30 April.
Family, friends and followers left supportive messages under Lizzie’s post.
“Like someone already said, when one mama cries, we all cry,” one follower shared. “I can only imagine, we will be praying for peace for you and your family.”
“My heart and the hearts of everyone here are breaking for you and your family Lizzie,” another person wrote. “There are no adequate words. We see you. Praying for you. Lily will always be with you.”
“There are no words, Lizzie,” a third Instagram user shared. “I am thinking of your family and praying for you constantly. I’m so sorry you are walking through this unimaginable loss.”
For further help and support, please contact The Lullaby Trust’s bereavement support helpline on 0808 802 6868 you can also visit their website here.