Funeral for Doctor that was Special to our Family

17 months ago our little precious twins were born.  They were identical twins that shared a placenta.  They did have twin to twin fusion syndrome that thankfully never progressed to a dangerous level.  I became so very ill that the babies were taken t 31.6 weeks gestation.  I was told all about the level III NICU that was in the area.   I was told by my OB that it had been the dream and goal of one mad. He spoke so highly of Dr. Rivas that I looked forward to meeting him.  I was told that he was also a member of our Catholic church but I didn't know him from St. Anthony's parish.  During our time in the NICU our family was allowed to break rules as long as the babies were ok.  I was told that Dr. Rivas wanted the babies and all their siblings to have as much time together.  He felt that as long as the babies were not reacting negatively then we could ALL see the babies together.   We had the honor of meeting him one quiet evening.  He came into our private room (that we were told he had arranged for us) and he took the time to speak with each of the kids.  He was not presuming at all.  He assured the little ones of the health of the babies and even talked football with Pickle and Bagel.  He even sent the kids some preseason football tickets months later.  We were so moved by this man's generosity.  Rarely does a stranger make your life infinitely better by doing the work God has called them to do.  We were so blessed that we got to see it first hand.  Dr. Rivas life work was that level III NICU in our area.  We got to visit out babies all the time because of the proximity.  We got excellent care under his leadership.  So many blessing that this stranger gave to us.  He was in our hearts for sure.  Richard Rivas, M.D., neonatologist and NICU medical director at Memorial Hermann, The Woodlands was a remarkable man.

 

It is shocking that I am saying was.  This man died young after a biking accident.  He was very active in the community.  Pooker, who is now working at the hospital, texted me from work with the shocking news that he had passed away.  I was so shocked and devastated.  She expressed that those that he knew from the hospital were even more shocked.  I then spoke with people at church
and the pain and shock permeated there as well.  His daughters had been in LifeTeen in the past few years.  I was determined that we would attend the funeral.  I was certain that the church would be filled with many twins and triplets that had needed his help over the years.  We would show our respect and pray for his soul and for his family.  The funeral Mass was so crowded.  It wasn't full with families but individuals.  Doctors, administrators, nurses, hospital staff from all levels sat with families that were friends from the parish and community.   It was a beautiful tribute to this man's life work.  The twins were well behaved until friends and family got up to speak.  I took them outside and let them climb around as I thanked God for each of them and for all the babies that Dr. Rivas had helped. 


 

Adorable

Beautiful - Adorable

Adorable

Beautiful - Adorable

Mom - Beautiful

 

Adorable - Beautiful

Adorable in front and Beautiful in back.

Dr. Rivas was a wonderful man in our community.  click here for his obituary.