Alex’s Story

Alex’s Story

By Megan Saldivar, Alex’s Mom

Alexandra Marie Saldivar, born September 10, 2021, was probably the smartest little I’ve ever encountered. She could already sing her ABCs, count to 20 and identify an incredible number of objects. She had 3 sets of grandparents that she got to see weekly – they would all help keep her during my work hours. She loved her kitties (we have 2 cats), playing outside and her rocks.

Alex passed when she was just 2 years old on October 18, 2023. We were playing with some dried beans (a Montessori play where she could pour the beans into containers) and she ended up sticking one in her mouth. She was normally very good about spitting them out when asked, but this time she shook her head hard and started to say “No Mama”. That bean went too far back and down her windpipe. After trying to remove the bean with thrusts and back blows, we had to call 911. After trying every means possible to get the bean out, she ended up passing after us, a neighbor and the EMT/hospital staff doing 2 hours of CPR to keep her with us. Her body was just too small. Our world completely stopped.

Since then, we’ve tried out best to live with the grief that now walks with us. Grief is love with no where to go, so it stays. Education on first aid and CPR is essential for everyone, as you never know what kind of situation life will place you. I try to advocate the importance of speaking her name, as well as others who have passed. She was physically with us for a time and will forever be spiritually with us. We believe she came for a purpose. We may not 100% know what that purpose was, but she fulfilled it.

We are currently expecting our next child, due Feb. 2025 and plan to teach them about Alexandra and the great impact that she had on our and so many other’s lives.