The exciting moments of pregnancy have turned to unimaginable grief and heartbreak with the death of our baby girl, Maitland Colette Mester, on Friday June 28, 2024.
On Monday June 24, we went into the hospital because I had noticed a significant decrease in her movements – she was always a very wiggly girl. After several tests, we were informed that they detected no cardiac activity. I have no words for what we felt in that moment, but profound shock and disbelief come close. After a few very real conversations with my doctor, we decided to induce labor on Thursday June 27.
Maitland was born sleeping at 3:18am on Friday June 28 and our world was forever changed by our sweet girl. We finally got to see the beautiful baby who had grown inside of me for 37 weeks; who loved early mornings tossing and turning in Mom’s belly; who would freeze immediately when Dad tried to feel her; who craved cereal and pb&j’s, and a donut on Friday mornings; who brought so much joy to everyone who knew of her anticipated arrival; and who was loved by such an incredible number of people that her mom and dad were continuously left in awe.
Maitland will forever be held in the hearts of her parents, Mike and Molly Mester who loved her more than anything; Grandma Christine Heeringa; Grandparents John and Mari Jo Mester; Uncle Gary and Aunt Chelly Heeringa; Cousin Megan (Joe) Zielinski; Uncle Scott and Aunt Jill Meendering; Cousins Skylar and Phoebe Meendering; Uncle Joe Mester; Uncle Adam and Aunt Ashley Weiner; Cousins Lior, Lyla, and Ori Weiner; and many other loving family and dear friends including the St. Thomas the Apostle School community where Mike and Molly are teachers. Maitland was preceded in death by her Grandpa Robert Heeringa.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday July 11, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Robert of Newminster Parish located at 6477 Ada Dr. SE, Ada, MI 49301. The visitation will take place beforehand at 10:00am at the church.
4 Responses
We pray that the peace of God that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus! With love Gary and Kelly oops
Dear Mike and Molly,
Our hearts are so very sorry for your loss of your beautiful little Maitland. We understand your shock and grief and pain. We hope you are comforted in knowing she is in the arms of our dear Sweet Jesus. And that one day she will be holding her arms out to hold you in His heavenly kingdom. Hold onto to the faith of God the Creator always and trust in His wisdom. Our hearts are filled with your sorrow and fervently hold you in our prayers. May peace come once again for you both.
In sympathy,
Paul and Jenn Hurst
I love you, Mike and Molly!
I have no helpful words … only continuous prayers… I’m so very sorry for your loss! Your little girl was loved beyond measure!
Dear Mike and Molly,
The pain you are going through is unimaginable. God will protect Maitland until you see her again in heaven. She will always be in your heart forever and ever. We love you always.