Carla

Carla Garrett is the mom of twins, Xavier and Mackenzie. Xavier was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 8 months old, and died shortly before his eighth birthday. Carla and her husband Mark wrote and illustrated a book for children who are dying, called “My Love Will Follow You There.”

Videos

 
Being open with the kids about Xavier’s diagnosis
 
Talking to Xavier about his brain tumour and about dying
 
Getting through the shock of Xavier’s diagnosis
 
Grieving the childhood that Xavier would never have
 
Xavier’s grief
 
Caring for Xavier’s twin sister
 
Sibling moments stung a bit more
 
Mackenzie wanted to be there when her brother died
 
Celebrating Mackenzie and Xavier’s birthday
 
7 years of ups and downs
 
Reaching out for family counselling
 
Hope stays with us
 
Memory making
 
A photograph that I treasure
 
Being a mom and a caregiver
 
Xavier told us when he didn’t want any more treatment
 
Palliative care was like having a warm blanket wrapped around us
 
Xavier wanted to die at home
 
Xavier’s death was peaceful
 
I was initially afraid of Xavier dying at home
 
Grieving other losses
 
Xavier’s room and belongings