SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 30, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Matches have been found for the organs of Elsie Mahe after her family said she was granted the “peaceful passing” its members wished for her.
Three-year-old Elsie was declared brain dead Tuesday night, a week after the toddler was accidentally strangled by a mini-blind cord, which deprived her brain of oxygen. Her parents, Brigham Young University assistant coach Reno Mahe and wife Sunny Mahe, have shared their tragic, faith-filled story on a Facebook page called Mahe Update.
Updates have detailed their initial hope for a miracle recovery, then asked for prayers and fasting in hopes they might be granted clarity to deal with God’s will for their daughter. The Mahes, parents to eight children, are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As Elsie’s prognosis worsened with the news that almost all of her brain function was lost, and then her condition continued to declined, Sunny Mahe shared her clarity she had received: that Elsie’s final miracle would be saving other children through the donation of her organs.
Elsie was declared neurologically dead on Tuesday.
Sunny Mahe shared this post early Tuesday evening;
6:03
Our Elsie girl has officially been released to heaven — at least from a worldly, paperwork stand point. Her second neurological death exam was also positive for brain death.
We feel peace and we are again so grateful for the privilege of being Elsie’s parents. She continues to sprinkle love and hope across the world and I am in awe of the Lord and His marvelous plan for my sweet girl.
We will be working closely with the donation team for the next couple of days, so we have a few days to postpone making funeral plans. But as those dates and decisions are made, we will keep you informed.
This picture was drawn by my oldest daughter, Evie. Not many people know that a little over a year ago I had a miscarriage. That is the angel waiting behind Christ.
Wednesday evening, Sunny Mahe wrote: We were just told that matches have been found for Elsie’s organs and she will head down to surgery early tomorrow morning. We are opening another fast for the doctors that will perform the surgeries as well as the recipients. We will plead for the surgeries to be flawless and Elsie’s gifts to be well received. You are all welcome to join us in this fast.
I have felt especially close to my Heavenly Father today as I have prepared my child to give her sweet body that another may live. I have considered the great gift of the atonement. I wonder if Heavenly Father felt anything like me – filled with immeasurable sorrow, yet excited as I anticipate this wonderful life saving gift that my child will give; my own beloved child in whom I am well pleased. I hope that is not sacrilegious to compare.
As we enter this Christmas season, I believe many of you will be tempted to feel sorry for me for having to endure this experience right around the holidays. However, I will treasure the opportunity to remember my sweet Elsie every year at this time and reflect upon the true meaning of this Christmas.
Funeral plans are still in the works and will be posted as they are confirmed. I love you, my friends. Your prayers, acts of service and kind words have carried me through these difficult days and given me much sought after peace. I pray that you will all feel the peace that our Savior brings as well.
My prayers and love for you and your family. May you be comforted in the knowledge that you will be with your little princess in the next life. You have such an amazing faith.
Ofa atu
Much luv n prayers going out to u n ur family.may god bring u peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’d just like you to know that the gift of her precious organs is truly a miracle for the recipients and will never be forgotten..I know this because my sweet little brother is alive today because of the same gift from another family. He now gets to see his children grow up. Thank you and may God be with you.