Andrea...my heart aches terribly for you. I really have no words to describe the immense heartbreak and grief within this beautiful piece. I wish there was something I could say or do to help you...and to help ease the pain. Sometimes there just aren't any words...but I can send you as much love and peace as I possibly can, and offer my friendship and shoulders/ears anytime you ever feel you need or want to talk or vent...even if you don't want a response or anything said, I will listen. My heart and prayers and thoughts are with you and your sweet girl through this terrifying battle. <3 <3 so much love to you both!!

Andrea, I have followed your grief filled journey with great sadness. I am not the mother sitting by her child watching her demise but as I write this comment my eyes are streaming with tears and my heart is breaking for you both. I know that your sadness and hurt is bigger than an ocean to one of my tears and despite feeling this way I cannot begin to feel the devastation that you are both experiencing. Your journey with little Bird has touched the hearts of so many people and I have no doubt that everyone is praying and hoping for a miracle for you both.

I wish with all my heart for such a miracle for you. I'm sending you all my prayers and love to you both Milly x

We guide our children the best we can, but they have minds of their own ... although we love unconditionally, no matter what, where, why or how ... a parent should never be ashamed of their child for they have a journey they must follow as did we as children and we all end up somewhere differently ... She knows you love her and that her journey was her own choosing and we are all in the hands of the Great Spirit who one day brings us back "home" Keep sharing her story in hopes that it may help another. I love you Andrea and Bird as well, my heart aches for you both... When the time comes, just know that when that full moon shines above, Bird will be shining down upon you as well, she'll always be with you and watching over you until the day you meet again.

Andrea, I'm gutted. This is such a heartbreaking time in your life and your families. I know as a parent all we want for our kids is for them to be healthy and happy and most of all safe. Just as you wrote so beautifully -she was perfection wrapped in pink. She still is perfection even if she doesn't believe that anymore. Even if her past actions prevents her from loving herself. I pray she finds that peace she seeks and really forgives herself. These things she's done were done in another life, it's not her life now. Hugs to both of you, strength to get through another day, prayers for peace in your lives. Love you guys-

Maple, a rare rhyming piece from you and one that works really well here. There is a melancholy melody provided by the rhythm and rhyme.
Aside from the almost inconsequential technicalities of the piece (considering the subject matter) this is about as raw, honest and heartbreaking a piece of writing can be.

Love to you as ever,

Ben

Although it breaks my heart to read this, thank you for sharing so much of you, Andrea.

Ms. Andrea, this is by far the most heart wrenching piece I have read from you about Robyn. This is so raw and it gives us her story and I feel so so sad that she is suffering this illness at a very young age. Your strength as a mother and your art as a poet both shine in this write.

This is the purest, most sincere piece, and I am so happy that you have shared her past and continue to keep her beautiful memory, story and voice alive through it all. I've never been a mother so I cannot possibly understand the amount of love and sacrifice you give. I can't comprehend it nor measure it nor define it. All I know is that it flows through Robyn now...

I've often heard my own mother question herself and ask others if she could have done more. That broke my heart. It showed she cared and loved despite things that happened to me, whether my fault or not. She always wants my protection.

What is most meaningful is that you have shared this, that you are not ashamed, that both you and Bird speak with power and inspiration. Because you are not afraid to speak about the pain, the hardship, the darkness. It can't always be light. But the people who support and get you through the darkness are those that matter the most.

Love to you all, always <3

I'm crying reading this. Heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing her story with us, past and present.

-Jane