Mom captures a precious moment with her baby daughter — only to lose her just days later

Tamara Spearing, who goes by @tamaraspearing_on Instagram, had no idea that a sweet moment she captured on camera, wherein she was holding and kissing her daughter, like any normal mother would, would go on to become one of her last memories with her. The 31-year-old grieving mom from Ontario, Canada, had shared the clip on Instagram, never imagining that just days later, her daughter Gwendolyn would be gone.

Tamara was 26 when she found out she was pregnant. It wasn’t part of the plan; she had just bought her first home and was juggling between two jobs. But once the shock wore off, excitement set in. She couldn’t wait to meet her little one. "I used to imagine what she’d look like, who she’d become,” Tamara said, as reported by Newsweek. “She was my happy surprise.” But life had other plans. At just under 29 weeks, Tamara suddenly went into early labor, while visiting Gwendolyn’s dad in the ICU, who’d been in a serious accident. Scared and alone, she walked herself to the labor ward. "I remember telling the nurse, ‘This wasn’t my birth plan. I don’t even have a nursery ready.’ And she told me, ‘Hunny, there’s no such thing as a birth plan'," she recounted. 

Just a few hours later, Gwendolyn was born, tiny and determined at 2 pounds, 10 ounces. The next few months were a rollercoaster as Gwendolyn was diagnosed with a rare condition (EA/TEF) that affected her oesophagus and had to face multiple surgeries and emergencies. She spent 170 days in the hospital fighting for her life. Eventually, Gwendolyn went home and did what all kids do.  She played, laughed, learned, and started living. For a while, it finally felt like everything was going to be okay. But little did she know that everything would change soon. 

“It was just a normal day,” Tamara said. “And then, out of nowhere, her heart stopped.” Doctors couldn’t explain what happened. Some guessed it might have been a seizure or a hidden heart issue. But nothing was confirmed, and there were no solid answers. Three years have passed since she lost her bundle of joy, but the pain still lingers for Tamara.  “I barely remember those first days after losing her. I was so angry. She fought so hard to be here, and then she was just gone.” But in the pain, she found a purpose. The Gwen Effect, a foundation Tamara started in her daughter’s name. It helps premature babies, supports families with medically complex children, and offers resources for those dealing with loss.

In the comments section, heartfelt messages poured in as people remembered little Gwendolyn with deep love and grief. “So very loved, so very missed. Always and forever you will be remembered,” wrote @w_hannah_xx.  Another commenter, @nattytash_88, shared, “What an honour it is to have known Gwen, and what an honour it is for all of us that you made the choice to carry through! We love you. Xo.” The loss resonated deeply with others who had experienced similar pain. @laurenpricola added, “I lost my 6-year-old in February. I don’t know how we are supposed to survive this.”