Maxwell Alan Ford

Maxwell Alan Ford was born on April 19th, 2015, at just 24 weeks gestation. Coming into this world as a full-term baby can be challenging, but especially for a micro preemie weighing only 1 pound and 2.7 ounces. Against significant odds, Maxwell survived a traumatic delivery and journey including: undeveloped lungs, a large heart defect, pneumonia, a feeding/breathing tube, an obstruction and infection of his intestines, and most notably his tiny stature. He fought extremely hard, against all of these obstacles, much to the amazement of the medical staff. He continued to gain weight, grow, and accomplish small victories daily— such as finally getting strong enough to be removed from his bed and held by his mother skin to skin. What beautiful moments those were-we thank you Lord! Maxwell even became known and loved by all the nurses, as “Mad Max” because of his fearless and feisty nature, battling relentlessly to whatever came his way. His neonatologist often relayed that it was unbelievable that Maxwell was just a “24 weeker,”especially given everything he overcame. Unfortunately, the unanticipated intestinal obstruction and the ensuing surgery, proved to be too much for his little earthly body. After several hours of trying to recover from traumatic surgery and trying to breathe with his now damaged lungs, he took his last breath with all of his family surrounding him. Placed in the arms of his mother and under the hand of his father, Jesus accepted Maxwell into His arms with much love on May 20, 2015. There is no more laboring to breath, no more pain, pricks, or IVs. Although he is gone from his tiny earthly body, Maxwell accomplished great things and inspired others. He exceeded every expectation anyone could have asked of him. He fought like a little fearless lion, and he will always be loved and greatly missed. Also necessary to mention, is the deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to all of Maxwell’s RNs, RTs, and OTs; they fought endlessly to keep him strong and heathy from the moment of his birth to his death. Their dedication, love, and caring touch to Maxwell was amazing, and each of them made his parents feel safe and secure every day and night. Additionally, a very special thank you from the deepest part of our hearts, has to be given to Ashlie Black and Dr. Chad Alan Barber, who sat with us through our darkest and most painful of hours. They were there to answer and honor all of our grief-stricken questions and requests. They are truly golden souls, with whom we will ALWAYS be blessed to know—which is why Maxwell will carry Dr. Barber’s name with him always. Maxwell Alan Ford left behind his Father, Jackie R. Ford III, his Mother, Alyssa Ford, big Brother Jeremiah Reid Ford, Grandparents, Gilbert and Patricia Rodriguez, Grandfather Jackie R. Ford, Jr, Grandmother Karen Deering, Uncle Mark Rodriguez, Aunt Melanie Hale, Aunt Leaha Duran, and his very closest and special cousin Airiel Hale. Additionally, he will always be cherished by several extraordinary Aunts and Uncles, along with many of his treasured cousins.

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”—A.A. Milne