Thank you so much for praying for baby Ethan and his family. Ethan was born at 12:03 on August 6th. He lived for 7 minutes, and then Jesus welcomed him home.
My heart breaks as I write that, because I know for this sweet momma, it wasn't enough time. In her most recent email to me, this mommy shared the following:
Even though it feels like I will never be whole again, I wouldn't trade that day for anything in the world.
I know that statement resonates so much with me, and I am sure it does for any parent who has lost a child. God is so faithful in picking up the pieces when your heart and world seem shattered; and yet, the missing remains.
She also sent me pictures of Ethan, and let me tell you that he is nothing short of breathtaking. A perfect little nose, sweet, delicate features, and even some hair!
Today, they will be discharged from the hospital and will return home... a transition that in and of itself is another reminder of what was lost. After all, most people don't leave the maternity ward empty handed.
Please pray for them as they leave today and return home. Please pray that their friends and family would be the hands and feet of Jesus to them.... helping to meet practical needs, just sitting with them in their grief, and lending listening ears. Please pray for God's peace to fill in their places of brokenness. Please pray as they prepare arrangements for Ethan's funeral. And, please pray for them as everyone else's life seems to get back to "business as usual" while their world is still shattered.
Finally, I know this sweet mom read all of your comments in my last post about Ethan. I would encourage you to leave your comments and prayers for them below, as I know your words will be a source of comfort for them.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Baby Ethan Update
Posted at 7:59 AM
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27 comments:
Ethan's mommy and daddy, So very sorry you are going through this. Will hold you in prayer. I'm sure Ethan is a beautiful little boy.
My heart breaks as I read about your amazing angel who was taken too soon. Find strength in each other and together you will make it through these darkest of days.
My heart and love go out to you, your family and your beautiful son Ethan.
I am so very sorry to hear about Ethan. I know words are cold comfort at this time but please know that total strangers are thinking about, and praying for, your son and your family today.
At times when words are lost and all that seems to overtake us is the darkness, please cling to even the smallest remnant of light. I pray that you have more than small remnants of light upon you and that instead you would be filled with God's love and peace during the times of hurting.
I know that there's not much that can be said, but know that my heart breaks with you and as I write this, the tears are falling. I am with you in your loss and lift you up and cover you in prayer. God bless!
Hearing about Ethan just breaks my heart. I too wouldn't trade my babies day(s) for anything in the world. Happy you were able to see pictures of sweet Ethan and be there for his family.
My heart just aches for Ethan's parents. You are a tremendous friend and source of hope and encouragement to them.
I will pray for Ethan's mommy & daddy that they find comfort, peace and that they always be surrounded by the love, joy their hearts gave to their son while he was here with them and now with God. May Ethan forever shine gloriously and lovingly upon them!!
To Ethan's mommy and daddy:
I have no words to express how sorrowful my heart is for your loss. I hardly think they would be of much comfort when your hearts are so raw from this fresh wound.
For what it is worth, know that through Stacy's blog hundreds of us will be lifting you up in prayer to the One who can offer you comfort and peace.
Please accept, in leiu of words a heartfelt {{{hug}}} from a stranger in Alabama whose tears are flowing on your behalf.
Laura
www.imagined control.blogspot.com
I too know the pain of losing a baby. We had our Faith for three days and lost her almost one year ago to Trisomy 18. My thoughts are with you, and I am praying for you today. Time will mend your heart, but you will never forget Ethan.
Erica
I am so sorry for the loss you are experiencing. I rejoice that Ethan is in the arms of Jesus and will one day be reunited with his Mom and Dad.
As a fellow grieving dad I feel a sense of what you are going through. May God provide His healing and peace to you now and in the years to come.
Praying for Ethan's family as they learn to navigate the new path ahead. I so sorry for your loss and pray that God's peace will sustain you during these most difficult days and weeks ahead.
Kristin
My heart breaks for this precious mommy.
I know what she's feeling... as I still feel it nine months later.
I don't think the pain will ever go away, but it will begin to get better...eventually.
To Ethan's parents - I'll be praying with my whole heart as you all begin your road to normal, and as you plan little Ethan's funeral. I know how tough those decisions are - but know that you're not alone. God is there with you every step of the way.
God bless you all.
Love & Prayer
Desiree
(aka Lilly's mommy)
www.lilliansmommy.blogspot.com
clif_n_des_06.02.07@hotmail.com
Philippians 4:7; "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"
Praying for you today that God's peace will transcend all of your understanding and that your hearts and minds will be guarded from all of the devil's fiery darts!
Our family will continue to pray for you in the busy and in the quiet moments.
Patti Cummings and Family
That day in August made the whole world a bit brighter. I wish peace to Ethan's family, friends, and community.
I will be praying for Ethan's family...I know all too well the heartbreak of leaving the hospital empty-handed and broken-hearted. Thanks for keeping us updated with their story!
My heart breaks for Ethan's family. I am praying for God's comfort and love to surround them and help them through.
I am praying for Ethan's family, that God will surround them with love and comfort.
as a mommy to an ethan (and a blake) who didn't make it home either, my heart is broken for you. be gentle with yourself....take it one day at a time, one hour if need be. my thoughts and prayers are with you....
and i'm so glad you and stacy have become friends...she is an amazing woman and mom and i'm thankful to call her friend too!
It still feels like yesterday...leaving the hospital, being home ~ empty. I am in tears thinking of the days ahead for this family. I am so glad that you are there for support...when she needs it and I hope that she will plug into this amazing community so as well.
It takes my breath away each and every time a new mommy and daddy join our group. It is heartbreaking.
I just spent a weekend at a MOPS convention, with a lot of pent up sadness I dragged myself there and asked God "Please speak to me this weekend". I have carried around the sadness of my best friend Nadene since May 12, 2010 when her only son, JOshi, died of cancer. He was 3 years old.
Not knowing how to pray, how to grieve, how to be a friend to a friend who is not the same person anymore.
A wonderful speaker talked about her journey of writing a book about the relationship between God/Jesus and the life of a Shepherd. In one scene she was mentally painting for us, she was describing the relationship between the sheep and the shepherd. and at one point she(the shepherd was a woman) was preparing things for her sheep, and they were all behind her. Each sheep that she knew by name. As each would bleet, without even turning around, she would say their name and say "Yes, I know you are hungry, I am coming". "yes, I know you need your medicine, I am getting it"..she knew their voices, she knew their names, she knew their needs...and all with her back to them.
Suddenly I saw my friend, standing behind THE Shepherd, crying. And I heard him say..."I hear you, I know what you need, I am coming"...
Oh for my friend and this sweet mommy to know...their father hears them. He knows what they need. He's coming.
Those 7 minutes were probably the most amazing minutes of your life. You got to meet your sweet Baby Ethan, and then the Lord took him home to be an angel to watch over you. My prayers are with you during this time and believe that the Lord will bring you through this hard time, and Ethan will be there right along with Him, letting you know that he is watching over you. Love to you all.
Praying for Ethan's family. There truly is nothing more empty than leaving the maternity ward empty handed--To walk out with a box of memories instead of a baby was one of the hardest moments of my life. But at that moment, I felt God's grace and love enfold me like I have at no other time. Praise God for His promise of Heaven. Eternity won't hold a candle to those precious 7 minutes.
I will pray for them. I pray that God gives them the peace and comfort they need.
Oh, how my heart aches for this family. I'm lifting up prayers and asking that God's perfect peace will wash over Ethan's mom and dad as they mourn the loss of their precious little one.
Sending love and prayers.
Ethan is such a beautiful, beautiful name. My heart breaks for you, Ethan's mommy. I will be sure to add sweet baby Ethan to my prayers.
To Ethan's mummy and daddy, I am sitting here in prayer that you will find comfort knowing that people around the world are thinking of you at this most heartbreaking time. You sound like fabulous parents and Ethan is very blessed to be born into your family.
www.kissesfromanangel.blogspot.com
Sending prayers for Ethan's mommy & daddy.....
I'm praying and thinking of sweet Ethan and his family.
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