Last Monday, nine months after our daycare provider admitted to shaking my happy, innocent baby and forever altering each of our families’ lives, we began the long and tedious process of the criminal trial. In total, testimony lasted for five full days, with closing statements finishing up this morning. Though I sat in a small witness room outside the courtroom for more than 90% of the trial, Mike and the rest of our family sat in anguish as they listened to both the prosecution and the defense experts’ and witness’ testimonies. From my little room with bare white walls, I watched my mom and Mike’s mom rush from the courtroom to the bathroom to cry; I heard the faint voice of Trudy testifying on the stand, unable to hear the words she was saying about my son; and each night over the last two weeks, collectively, we have barely slept. Quite simply, we have been shackled with anxiety, exhaustion and fear.
Though we knew a conviction wouldn’t change our daily struggles, and certainly, a conviction won’t heal our fighting angel, we have understood from the beginning the gravity of this court case: it is not only about justice for Noah, it is about setting a precedent for all cases in which a defendant is charged with shaking a baby. It is about protecting and fighting for the infants who have no voice.
I write tonight from my bedroom, Mike and our family downstairs, and Noah asleep – no doubt drained from the emotional turbulence that has rattled his world for the last couple weeks. I write with a heavy heart but with a great weight lifted off my shoulders: the jury has convicted Trudy Munoz Rueda on both charges lobbied against her.
The first phase of justice for Noah is complete. Sentencing will follow. Because we have fought so hard and so long for this, and because my son deserves justice – as does every victim of SBS and abusive head trauma – I am at peace, finally. And yet, I must temper my emotions. Shortly after the verdict, I witnessed Trudy’s daughter cry, her father consoling her. A beautiful 13-year-old girl watched as her mother was convicted of nearly killing my son. Her world, just like ours, has been shaken and shattered. My son deserves justice, and God willing, he will get the full extent of it when Trudy is sentenced, but in the interim and into the future, the fact remains that two worlds were destroyed on April 20th.
We lost the baby we once knew, though we thank God every single day that he is still here with us, that he can laugh, that he can wrap his arms around us and pull us tight. But Trudy’s children have lost the mother they knew. That’s the thing about Shaken Baby Syndrome and the people who commit this atrocious crime; they aren’t inherently evil people. Mothers and fathers confess and are convicted of this child abuse even more than daycare providers. Mike and I know this, as will our son when he can someday understand what was stolen from him. After today, Trudy’s daughters also know this.
By sharing Noah’s story and by educating yourself and your friends about Shaken Baby Syndrome, you are not only doing your part of saving the fragile, innocent lives of babies, but you are ensuring that no previously happy family will be ripped apart because of a moment of sheer desperation and cruelty.
This is a note to Noah’s parents. Our daughter was shaken at 10 months old. She was saved by the astute medical professionals who were able to diagnose her and operate quickly enough to save her life. The babysitter who shook her passed a lie detector test and was never prosecuted.
Our daughter is now 10 years old. She attends her local elementary school and enjoys a mainstream classroom. We will never know how much her life has been impacted by the trauma she suffered. Would she have been a better student? Would she have been more social? She has some obvious deficits which stem from the shaking, peripheral vision loss and other “minor” issues but all in all, we are quite happy that she is alive and doing so well. It has been a long road; we have tried to provide her with all the therapies available and continue to work with her school to maximize her potential. Please feel free to email me privately (espedit@aol.com) if you would like to share resources, or if you have any questions about developmental issues that arise with your son. It sounds like our stories are quite similar. Best wishes and good luck. Ellen
your little man is beautiful. praying for noah, mommy, daddy and family…
There is not much I could possibly contribute to this discussion that would set me apart, however I felt you could use the support of at least one other person. We have never met, though your blog and family experiences have touched me to the core. I must comment that I am so impressed with your ability to continue being a staunch advocate for your son and comment evenly as you witness the effect not only on your family but on the family of the woman who committed this act against your son. May you continue to seek a balance and be the absolute best advocate for your precious child. We, as parents, are charged with being our children’s protectors. You and your husband are excellent examples of that responsibility. May you find strength in each other and in the face of your children. God bless.
I am glad the trial is finally over and justice has been reached, but I am anxiously awaiting an update on how Noah is doing and improving. I know Erin in an earlier posting said they would not release updates on Noah until after the trial so as to prevent anything being misused in the trial..
But I anxiously wait to have an update on how the little fighter is making out— I hope he is getting stronger and recovering each day
Friends from Australia
Hey guys…I have been following in the news over the past few weeks, and I couldn’t wait to hug little Noah today…I know how far he still has to go, but I love how much he achieves in his little baby steps every time that I see him. I am with you guys, 100%, all of the way….from the first day we met in the PICU, for as long as Noah needs me…I am so thankful for being a part of such a wonderful, warm family. I am so happy that justice has been served here…and that one day, Noah can have faith in the legal system too, just as my daughter can! (hopefully you got wind of our news too?!). See you guys next week!
~ Lora
I’ve followed your blog for some time, although I have never posted a reply before. It seems the negative comments being posted (by some of your blog followers) in the wake of your ordeal are overshadowing the positive and that is truly unfortunate. Your story is heart-wrenching and thankfully justice prevailed. Hopefully Noah will continue to improve with each passing day. (It’s great that he’s now walking — what amazing progress considering everything that he has been through… many kids, under normal circumstances, aren’t walking by their first birthday!) Good luck to your growing family.
I know many of us have posted responses to the people who believe it is OK to write such harsh untruths, and I let the first time go, because the comments were deleted shortly after-but now that John again thinks it is OK to write, I will have to say something.
BEFORE YOU POST ON HERE, REALLY THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING, AND IF YOU DO NOT REALIZE WHAT YOU ARE REALLY SAYING, THINK ABOUT SAYING IT TO THE LITTLE PERFECT FACE OF NOAH. Could you really say such harsh, unneeded comments to his little face-because if you have not realized it already, this site is for him. And if you still think it is ok say those things to him, about his parents, no less, than you are a disgusting horrible human being to hurt a child with words, because words can hurt. No one is going to read your harsh comments and all of a sudden believe Trudy is innocent-We believe she is guilty, the court believes she is guilty, and if you dont-then express those feelings on her site. Because one day, I pray Noah can see this site and see how many strangers prayed for him and see what his family and him have done for so many of us.
AND I KNOW, John and such others want to get a response from the Erin and Mike, possibly so that they could use something against them-because lets be honest here-the majority of us out here could never be as good of people as this family has been, and stay as strong as they have, and shared their highs and lows with all of us. They have done NOTHING wrong, and Trudy did the most horrendous crime, by hurting an innocent child. So I am sure you people are frustrated and want to vent your frustrations, but come on now-this is for NOAH, and you all mention how you hope he is getting better, in your comments and then taint it with harsh words. So please stop-for the sake of Noah!
Erin and Mike-I know I do not even know the family, and I probably could walk right by you and not know who you were, but I cant keep my mouth shut when it comes to people that are just intentionally mean. I know there is a way to block comments until they are approved, and if you want anyone anyone to monitor that, I would be more than willing (as I am sure many of us would). There is no need for you to even have to read things like that. God Bless!
I have been following this site and praying for you for a long time but have never commented until now because I didn’t feel I could add anything that hadn’t already been said. But the posts I am reading today I just can’t let go. I agree wholeheartedly with Tracey – if you are here to break hearts and bring spirits down, just GO AWAY! No matter what you personally believe this case was tried by an impartial jury, that’s one of the beautiful things about the AMERICAN judicial system. And as I’m understanding it, the full story wasn’t allowed to be told because they weren’t able to say that Trudy was in this country illegally. As someone who has worked in child care for 18 years, I cannot see how that made her in-home “licensed” center legal and above board.
Beyond all that, she may well have been a very nice woman who had no intentions of ever harming anyone. Babies are not shaken by only hardened criminals. It’s an act done in a stressful moment by people who are at the end of their rope. Before I had children I could never fathom how it could ever happen. Then I learned too quickly how they can push you to the edge of your nerves. Thank God I always was able to walk away or get help with the crying baby or get a few minutes sleep or whatever. I’m just saying it’s all too easy to happen for even a good person ESPECIALLY as long as we operate under the assumption that it’s only the monsters that do it. That keeps regular moms and caregivers afraid to ask for help when we get stressed.
My heart aches for what your family has had and will still have to go through. I also hurt for Trudy’s family. It’s my prayer that somehow through this tragedy more awareness will be spread and some future damage will be prevented. I pray you will be able to find at least some peace now.
Hi Champs! You have no idea how happy I was on Thursday for you 3 and your families. And then to hear the recommendations on Friday just added to the relief I feel for you all. I know Noah’s road is a long one, and he has a lot of work ahead of him, but he is such a little trooper. Just think how far he has come since that awful day last April! Go Noah! You know little guy, I am still hugging my boys extra strongly and more often thanks to you.
So I have to say this, after reading other people’s comments: Your words in this last post show such strength, and although yes, you have to feel for Trudy’s kids, I don’t feel that Trudy’s website belongs here. Words from Trudy’s supporters don’t belong here either. They have their site with their supporters, leave Noah, his family and his friends in peace now please.
You guys hang in there, and know we are all still here for you.
Noah,
You are so loved by so many people who have never even met you. Keep up the hard work and make your mommy and daddy proud.
A big hug to you,
Debbie
Sorry I know what I wrote isn’t nice. I don’t mean any harm to anyone. I was merely trying to explain what revenge is.
By the way, you know what revenge is? Revenge would be grabbing hold of their daughter and shake the living **** out of her so her family can go through what Noah’s family had.
That’s revenge.
Getting Trudy convicted and sending her behind to jail is not. That’s called justice. That’s a punishment deserved by Trudy.
I know I should just let this go, but I can’t. You say that it’s revenge that they seek?
Let me ask you this. Have you ever held your child and wondered if they would ever see the light of day again? Have you ever sat next to them because you can’t hold them? You can maybe touch them but it’s discouraged to. Have you ever wondered if you did enough for them, if they knew how much they were loved? Have you ever watched helplessly as your child has a seizure? Have you ever watched their little bodies be wracked with movement that they have no control over? You sit there and watch, because that’s all you can do. Have you started a day one way and in such a short time your life is changed forever and nothing you can do will ever make it right again? If you haven’t you have no right to say anything.
One only has to read a little bit to see that shaken baby syndrome has tell tale signs. Her story doesn’t add up that it could have happened any other way. I’m sorry for her family, but they only lose a short time. They will be changed for it, but come out on the other side. Noah’s family isn’t that lucky. Theirs is a life sentence. They will never forget that day, it will haunt them until they die, they will second guess every decision they made up to that day. Noah also faces a life sentence he will never be the person he was before that day.
So before you come and whine about revenge and it being unjust, think about that, and be grateful you’ve never walked that road.
I am glad that justice has been made. While I feel sorry for her daughter, it baffles me more now that I know she has a daughter herself how she could have done such a horrible thing to Noah. She should have thought about what it would be like if someone else shoke her own daughter.
As I said, I feel very sorry for her daughter, but it was her mom who did that to her.
By the way, the complete story has already been told here as well! We don’t need to go to Trudy’s site to get the story! Thank you
Hugs to Noah and his sweet family! May the Lord continue to give you good days ahead and much love sent your way!
Marie
Yes, sweet Noah is alive, he is breathing.. but he has a life sentence to a life filled with many twists and turns, difficulties that Trudy acknowledged doing to him. As stated, she admitted to shaking him… whether she feels she shook him hard enough or not.. it was done!
I agree w/ what has been said already. The Whitmer have NEVER intended for this site to be that of negative but positive. This is a place for them to come and get encouragement. So.. if you do not have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Go to Trudy’s site and rant and rave all you want about how you feel she has been convicted wrongly. But do NOT do it here! We don’t want to hear or see it. This family has been through enough because of the actions that Trudy chose to do. She could have walked away.. instead she allowed herself to be caught up in her moment of frustration and thus she must pay the consequences. Put the shoe on the other foot. Wouldn’t you want justice had this been one of her daughters? I believe your answer would be yes! So as stated, go away and do not post negative or hateful things!
maria when Trudy was interviewed she *admitted* to shaking Noah, “I shook him three or four times, not hard”. “Not hard” is very subjective, no? I understand she later denied shaking Noah, however her initial admission should not be ignored.
Justice was served. Crackpot theories did not influence the jury and despite the fact that Noah survived, he is not the same baby he was before the incident. It’s fantastic that Noah is alive but his quality of life has been altered. Trudy shook the life he was suppose to have out of him. It is regrettable that Trudy’s daughters are deprived of a mother but the only person to blame for that is Trudy herself.
To mariauserinfo,
You should not come on this website and post anything, esp. negative comments. This site is for Noah and for his family, who I do not even know, but the way they have handled themselves prove they are good people. And they do not need negative people on here, so if you are with Trudy, as you already know, she has a site to go to-SO GO THERE and post whatever you would like about what you believe. It is taking everything out of me, not to be really harsh with you, because Erin has asked for only positive thoughts on here, so I took it upon myself to just say, please go away!
Noah- I hope you are having a WONDERFUL WEEKEND! with a million and more smiles
READ THE complete story here: http://trudysdefense.org/
That is not Justice. Trudy is innocent. She is a mother of two daughters. And now are you happy with this end?. Your son is alive. Revenge is not the answer, madam. THIS IS NOT JUSTICE!!!!!!
I have been following the story of Noah ever since I got word of what had happened. You and Mike are so strong, courageous and such an inspiration to the whole world. You had something precious ripped away from you in a sense, but he is still around so enjoy every waking moment with him. My heart goes out to your family as well as for the family of Trudy. All though I am in such joy that she was found guilty, her children have lost a mother. I know there was a lot of rage and anger towards her, but now let your mind rest and enjoy Noah. He is such a precious little boy with so much life left ahead of him. I pray for your families continued strength and faith and I pray for little Noah.
Marci Woodbirdge, VA
……. no in God’s name………….
Mike, Erin, and Noah,
Know it’s been a long road since that first day we met on April 20th. In following your tragic story, I know how difficult it has been for you. We all are so happy that you can finally have a little piece of mind. All the very best for you and your family (including your future little one:)).
All the very best.
Les and Vera
I have followed your journey since a couple of weeks after Noah’s Road began although my RSS feed fell off the wagon at some point and so I missed the past couple of months events. I think about you all often and was pleased to read this post today. The anguish one must feel when a perpatrator walks free would be unbearable, I can only imagine. I have only experienced this on a much smaller scale in my own life so I cannot fathom the feelings of injustice it would bring under these circumstances. I’m thankful though, that in this case, justice has been served for Noah, for you all.
I also admire your compassion and agree that life will be forever changed for Trudy’s family, unfortunately this is just the way things have to be as something very wrong took place back in April.
I hope as you all begin to move forward and away from all this pain that has been your life for so long, the future will gradually look a lot brighter for young Noah and your family especially as a special little one enters this world and adds a huge ray of sunshine to both yours and Noah’s life.
Like you, I have a 1 year old Noah and like you, we are expecting yet another little boy to enter our world in a couple of months. Life will only be enriched further for us both although I do not have the burden of Noah’s ongoing medical needs and the emotional toll that can bring. He is a lucky boy to have such wonderful parents and he could not have found better parents to pull him through all of this. Heal little Noah, we are pulling for you and praying. Live, love, laugh!
Erin & Mike,
That is great news!!!!!!! I am so happy that justice is going to be served for Noah. You have been on my mind and in my prayers. I have been checking back to see if there were new updates.
Hope that Noah is doing well with therapy. Give him a big hug for me!
Love & ((HUGS!!)) to you all!
Stephanie
Culpeper
Mike and Erin,
I’ve thought about you guys so many times in the past 2 weeks, especially at night when I’m lying next to my survivor. I’m so thankful for justice for Noah and for the outcome of your trial. Tears are rolling!
I know that it won’t change Noah’s future or the battles that you’ll face in the years to come, but at least you can feel as though justice has been served. How I wish I had some of the peace that I’m sure it brings to your lives.
I’ll continue to pray for your little soldier and his recovery.
God Bless,
Vickie Smith
Atlanta, GA
This was one of the first things I came to today to see if justice had been done and praise God that it has. You are so amazing to be able to see how it’s also affecting the lady’s children as well, you truly are so strong. I’ll continue to pray for Noah’s recovery and your family. I pray for strength as you continue through to sentencing. God Bless!
Praise God for justice and Praise God that he has continued to fill your family with faith and hope. May Noah continue to heal and may God grant you all continued peace and faith as you go through life. I am rejoicing this morning that justice was served but my heart does go out to the innocent daughter that this is affecting as well. May she also find peace and comfort in our Savior!
God Bless!
I am so happy for you that this portion of your journey has some form of closure. You still have quite a journey ahead of you, but for this weekend – my hopes for your family is that you have a totally “normal” – boring – non-eventful weekend! You deserve it!
My hopes for Trudy’s family is that they learn from this, continue to love their Mother/Daughter/Spouse, and do their part to ensure this does not happen again! Of course their world is upside-down right now, and I think it is admirable that you not only notice that, but you show compassion for them, also! You are truly good people! Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all, and please keep posting, we all love Noah and love to hear about his milestones.
God Bless You!
So thankful the jury gave Noah a voice in the court room! Praying that now you can get some rest and that God will miraculously and completely heal Noah. Thank you for allowing us to accompany you and Noah on this journey – it’s a privilege to pray for you. Please continue to post Noah’s progress.
I am so thankful for the verdict. I never doubted what the turnout would be. You have been blessed with a beautiful son who gives you joy every day of your life. Unlike you Erin, I have to believe the perpetrators are evil. Unfortunately we have to remember, but not dwell on the facts. SBS is 100% preventable and those perpetrators are very angry when they shake our infants and toddlers. It is child abuse and ALL family members suffer. Fortunately Noah has you and Mike and a wonderful support system to love all of you forever. God Bless all of you and especially lil’ Noah for his strength to heal and continue to progress and enjoy his wonderful mommy & daddy. All of you will always be in our prayers.
Thank God for justice for Noah!! Hugs, Cathy & Ryan (our survivor)
Mike and Erin,
Throughout this journey, we have prayed for all of you and hoped for justice. Today, we, too, feel a weight has been lifted. We will continue to pray for strength for all of you as you continue this journey, realizing that your life goes on, and little Noah’s fight continues.
Rejoicing with you!…now, go get some REST!!!
The Nantz family
Dear Mike. Erin and Beautiful Noah,
Lynn D ( above) hit the nail on the head with her comment – “I’m happy with the verdict but sad that it ever happened”. I think ALL follwers of Noah’s Road feel the same way.
I will admit I did let out a very big YESSS! when I read your update. I am so happy justice has prevailed. Yes I agree that it is’s sad to watch a young girl upset by the verdit BUT people MUST be held resposible for their actions.
I hope you and Mike catch up on some sleep in the next few weeks – I can’t imagine the weight off your shoulders – now that the court case is over. May the sentence fit the crime as your family will live with this forever.
Good on you for being the amazing people/parents that you are and what you have achieved for your little boy. Please give Noah a big hug from all of us – I hope his tummy is starting to settle down and that he is going well with his OT.
Will still send prayers Noahs way.
Love and hugs to our little mate
Sally, Stephen, Lachlan and Hamish Ware.
Bris. Australia
Thank you for your links and cause to educate people about SBS. Before I read your site, I have never sympathize for those who hurt infants. You are right, to prevent SBS, we can’t have hatred in our hearts. God bless and our family prays for Noah’s full recovery.
We have been thinking about you, Mike and Noah all week. Thankfully justice has been served. As our friends fight a similar battle for their Emma, it’s comforting to know that these actions are punishable. Our thought and prayers to sweet Noah.
Victor and Sarah Cantu, san diego, ca
Erin and Mike I am so happy to hear that some justice is being served for little Noah. This is great news! I have no doubt that Noah’s life has and will continue to create so much awareness about SBS. I am wishing you some peace in the days ahead. I’m sure at this point you are both emotionally spent. Much love to you and your family.
Amie, New York
I have been following your story since you first started posting, although I have only commented a small number of times. There isn’t much that I, a distance stranger, can say that you haven’t already been told, or have told yourselves… but I am glad to see that justice was served in the upcoming sentencing. You are compassionate to see the heartache and grief that this has brought the woman’s daughter and family – that is truly seeing through God’s eyes. It is a healing process that affects everyone involved… and that party often goes unnoticed. I pray that Noah’s healing will progress steadily and greatly. Please know Erin, that Noah will receive all the joy that this world will can possiblity bring him – through God alone. You are an inspiring mother.
Praise God! I’m so thankful that Justice won out. I pray that she goes away for as Long as the law allows. May God continue to keep your family and bless you and Noah.
I was checking your post all day at work and thinking of you and your family. Your post was so moving. I’m happy with the verdict but sad that it ever happened. I’m sure the trial took a lot out of you and your family but you did it for Noah and all those other babies that are shaken. Thank you.
i am so thrilled to hear that justice has been served. i have been thinking about you and your family all day. my son is one month older than Noah and all i can think about it what you must be going through. you stay strong for that precious boy, because one day he will look at you and thank you for what you did for him! i am thinking about y’all and pray for Noah every night.
So thrilled that justice has been done for little Noah. May the Lord continue to give you all the strength you need everyday as he fights for life. As said, there are no winners in this case, but God can use this for His own good! You all are very strong and I cannot imagine having to go through what you have. As Ashley stated, you are a true inspiration and have kept things positive and stayed together. May the Lord give you some good days to help those bad ones! God bless!!!
first off, I must say your family is truly an inspiration. so strong and faithful. some families would let this tragedy tear their lives apart. but not yall, you push through your everyday life for your son, and that is amazing. noah and your family has gotten the justice he deserves. maybe now you can rest easier at night. I really never thought about how her family would be affected and its a shame that her daughter has to go through that. anyways, im so happy for yall and noah!!
justice for noah!
ashley cofer memphis, tn