Thursday, February 26, 2009
The post we never wanted to write.
We found out today at our ultrasound appointment that Mary Grace had passed away, likely yesterday (Ash Wednesday) or this morning. I will be induced (starting late) this evening (Thursday) to deliver her, and we are in the process of figuring out funeral arrangements. Please keep us in your prayers and we'll post as we know more about the funeral time, etc.
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40 comments:
Oh, Angela. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. My heart just breaks for you.
Mommytothree (TWW)
Angela,
I'm so so sorry. I don't really know what to say in circumstances like these. I just can't imagine what you must feel. You are in my prayers.
Elizabeth (Mere's friend)
God bless you all. My thoughts and prayers are still with all of you and you have my deepest sympathy.
Sandra
(SLA)
Oh my goodness!! I am so so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. My heart is broken for you, May she be waiting at the pearly white gates for you, Your such a very strong women. May God watch over you and your little Mary Grace.
Amanda (Mrs_Oz from tww)
Angela: I'm from the TWW. I just wanted you to know how very sorry I am to hear about Mary Grace, but I also am celebrating her time with you and the catalyst she has been for you to share the love of God with others. She has and will always be an angel in heaven and here on earth. Her story/your story is one of true faithfulness even in the bleakest of times. I pray that you will find comfort in HIS grace as you and your family deal with the loss of your daughter. May God continually bless you. You are in my prayers.
Fondly,
Tracey (Legislady)
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Megan
My heart breaks for you. Your prayers have been answered, Mary Grace has been completely healed. I do wish she could have stayed longer. We will be praying for you.
Angela,
My heart is breaking for you, I have been praying everyday that there was a miracle and there diagnoses was wrong. You are all in my prayers, please let me know if there is anything I can do. I am so sorry!
:(
I'm so sad and so sorry.
Angela, I'm so terribly sorry for the loss of your precious little girl. She is loved very much by you - that is evident. And always know how many people she touched in her [short] life.
(((hugs)))
Angela,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Mary Grace has touched many lives already.
Angela,
Sweetie, I am so so sorry about your baby girl. I'm sorry. She was such a lucky girl to have you as her mommy and she will be an angel in heavens above.
The Lord has blessed you all upon this day,
with a new little star above you to stay.
Forever and a day will this star be shining,
Twinkling like a silver lining...
My warmest wishes and prayers for you and you family.
Angela, Rob and Isabell,
Our hearts go out to you during this time of sadness. We're friends of your mother and have been inspired by your blog. This is a poem that has seen me through many dark days and I hope it brings you some comfort as well.
God hath not promised
Skies always blue
Flower -strewn pathways
All our lives through
God hath not promised
Sun without rain
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain
But God hath promised
Strength for the day
Rest for the labor
Light for the way
Grace for the trials
Help from above
Unfailing sympathy
Undying Love
Dear, Dear Angela-I am so sad for the loss of Mary Grace. I want to thank you for sharing Mary Grace with all of us. She has touched many lives. I wanted you to know I was praying for you and your family. Meike from TWW posted that she tried to post on this blog but was unable-she wanted someone to let you know how sorry she is about Mary Grace. Big (((Hugs))) to you. Love, Roxanne
Angela,
I know there is nothing I can write to take your pain away, so I will just say that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray God will cover you with His Grace and Love and comfort you through this time.
Love, Clarissa (from TWW, RissaRoo)
Angela, I am so saddened to read this news about precious Mary Grace. Even though she is safely in the arms of our Lord it has to be a terribly painful time for you and your family. She will always know the love you have for her. My thoughts and prayers for you will continue.
Angela, Mary Grace has been so close to my heart through all of this. I fasted and prayed yesterday morning in spirit with you and your friends that God would heal her -- and it appears that He did: He has given her a new body, and she now lives forever in glory in His Kingdom. I am so sorry that she was with you for such a short time, but I rejoice that she is forever with our Savior. How wonderful, though, that you had the courage to share her story -- and your witness -- with so many people via your blog. You will probably never know how many people were touched by this. May the Lord keep you, Rob, and Isabel in the palm of His Hand as you go through the final steps of this arduous journey. In Christ, Pam S.
Oh my dear Angela, Rob, Isabelle and sweet angel Mary Grace. My heart aches for you. I wish there was more to say than "I'm sorry". Those words are not nearly enough.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, your faith, and God's grace and wonder with everyone. You are incredible people.
I pray that you will have peace and healing that only God can provide as you work through the emotions that are to come.
This song from Casting Crowns comes to mind, so I hope you don't mind me sharing the lyrics with you. It's called Praise You in This Storm.
I was sure by now,God You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Dawn (kdsrdms - TWW)
Angela -
I'm so sorry for your loss.. I know Mary Grace is up in heaven with our Isabella..
"Mommy, there are no tears in heaven please don't cry" is what she is saying..
If you need anything at all, I will be here for you.. tho a distance, I know your pain all too well..
Praying for some peace & comfort for you and your family..
love,
Nicole
MrsSamona TWW
Angela,
I've been keeping up with your blog and I can't tell you how sorry I am for this. I know I don't know how you feel but, I know this is very hard. If you need anything let me know even though I'm in Charlotte I'm just a phone call away :) Your family has always been so kind to me and it hurts me to see people hurting like this. I love your whole family & my thoughts and my prayers go out to all of you.
<3 Cassie
My heart hurts for this. I love you so very much my friend. She is watched over and playing right now. I'm so glad I got to be her "auntie" for just a little while. I'm so blessed to have that little girl's momma as such a wonderful friend. And how amazingly blessed is that little angel in heaven to look down on such a wonderful mother she'll know for eternity. Prayers always
-Hil
Oh, Angela! My heart breaks to hear this news and I am crying for you as I type this!! I can't even begin to imagine the pain and loss you are feeling, and I just pray that God will fill you with peace and strength to get through this terribly difficult time! You and Mary Grace have been such a blessing to so many people, and such a true expression of faith! You are in my prayers now and always!
love
Amber
Ang, as speechless as i was today when i saw you, my mind was racing w/ a million things to say. several of course i already said the few times we talked and a few more in a card i'll drop by tomorrow, but of all the things that keep coming to my mind is this: Mary Grace has been healed....she's been made perfect and is being held in the arms of our precious Savior!!! I know our arms as a mom feel like they should be the best in the world, but if God himself created our arms to hold our babies in, how much sweeter, tender, loving, and perfect are His arms! And to know she'll always be protected and joyous and healthy is what we all as parents want for our children-and she will for eternity be that way! You and Rob are such special parents and your strength and faith through such difficult times have been such witnesses to others-I know our Father is so proud of you. I'm praying for you, esp. during the time of your labor and delivery that you will have a peace that passes all understanding. You're an amazing mother and I'm so thankful you've allowed Mary Grace's life to be a witness to all and a testimony to your faith. Stay strong and be encouraged that even through the darkest valleys, we serve a Soverign God who promises to never leave or forsake us. I love you friend and am here for anything you guys need.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Grace is in loving caring hands. God will give you the strength to get through this very sad and trying time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Keri-(new2this)
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God grant you comfort and peace. My family and I are sending all our thoughts and prayers your way.
Angela,
You have been through so much and are such an inspiration. God have given you an angel. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
NicVilmos
Angela,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. I hope you find strength to get through this hard time and find comfort in each other.
Claudia (Claudhopper - TWW)
My heart breaks for you and your family...
I have been checking your blog and this thread for a long time, always praying to see you post a miracle.
Nothing could have prepared any of us to read about the loss that you are experiencing...
The question of why? will never be answered...
Baby Mary Grace was such a huge part of your life, one that will never be gone from you. Your one prayer has been answered...
She has been cured of all her illness, she will always be young and she will always be beautiful!
She is now your special angel, who will walk by God's side until you can be together again.
Mary Grace will never be forgotten, thanks to you and the love you have for her - her memory will always remain. Your message and story has touched so many lives...
You managed to give people the definition of what love truly is!!!!!!!
May God bless you and your family, and help you find peace through this tragic loss.
God Bless You Baby Mary Grace, May you rest in Peace <3
We will never forget you....
Mary Ellen (Mags427plus1 - TWW)
I am so sorry for your loss and my heart is breaking for you. Mary Grace was so blessed to have a Mommy willing to fight so hard for her. I just wanted you to know that I will always remember your amazing faith and will continue to apply it to my life. I will never forget Mary Grace and her story. Thank you for sharing her with all of us.
Mandy (TWW)
Angela - I am so very sorry for your loss, but at the same time so very happy that Mary Grace has been healed and is in Heaven with our Savior. I have read your blog everyday and have been truly inspired by your incredibly strong faith in God. You guys have been and will continue to be in my prayers as you continue through this tough journey. Many hugs to all of you.
-Jaime
Angela, Rob & Isabel,
I am thinking about the three of you and Mary Grace, your little angel. Your faith is inspirational and I pray for your broken hearts to mend.
So so SORRY for you loss! I don't visit tww very much, but I have been keeping up with your blog. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear that. Praying for you and your family. May God wrap you in the grace of his protection, comfort and strength.
Yesterday I posted a comment of sadness because it was all of your close ("posse" )friend's initial reaction (you know who we are). All our hearts fell as we read it, and we cried. Today, sadly, starts a new chapter in your life, and all our lives-- because I promise you that Mary Grace has touched so many! Today, because you shared Mary Grace, many will have to shake themselves awake again spiritually!!!
One little life in particular will grow under her gaze always! How blessed that child will be to have "aunties" and parents that have learned from sweet Mary Grace! How much better will we be able to teach all our children (those coming and yet to come) because we are all more mature in our faith because you shared this journey with us-even if we didn't like the ending. (But we know it's not really an ending!) And Isabel! She will always have an extra protector above!
Your determination to be Mary Grace's mother is absolutley amazing. Your steadfastness has probably shored up many who felt they were blowing in the wind! What an incredible Faith you have, and how honored are we to get to share it with you because of little Mary Grace. Who knows, on the web, in "real ife", and now, beyond, how far her influence has reached!
You will grieve, it will be so hard. I wish I could take some of that hurt away, my friend. You have us here-while Mary Grace skips and plays beside Christ and all the children in heaven- we, your ALWAYS friends, will walk by your side with the Holy Spirit here on Earth. Just as Jesus will never forsake His children, We will never forsake you-our wonderful friend that we are so proud of!
I know you'd rather have Mary Grace here than in heaven, that's normal. Don't feel guilt that you think about it. Just remember to be like Mary Grace, be like a little child, with your heart wide open, when you pray for healing.
One day we will see a greater plan-one we can't imagine--and you will then glimpse your daughter playing a part in that Plan God has created and your heart will fill with immeasurable joy and all your grief and pain will be gone forever!
Now it is time to be joyous, as crazy as that may seem! Please be joyous knowing that Mary Grace will never experience physical pain, sadness, depression, anxiety or any other trials of this world. That she will be shielded by God from evil always. Be joyous that she has a strong, healthy, heavenly form that would dazzle us with just one glimpse. She is getting to experience glorious things that we can't even begin to imagine! Right now she has perfect peace and happiness in God's arms!
Onne day, in the fullness of God's time, when He passes her to you and you see her again, you, Rob and the rest of your family (Isabel and the future!) will feel that extraordinary peace and happiness as well...
Jesus said: "Come to me, all you labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Rest in Christ right now wonderful, sweet friend. And know your friends are close at hand dwelling with you in the Holy Spirit in prayer and thought. Just tell me, us- when you need us and we'll come running!
"And let the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Love,
Hilary
I love you. I'm not sure what else to say. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. If you need anything at all, I'm here for you. I'll see you soon...
Love,Em
I am so sorry for your loss. I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless!
Angela,
I was so sorry to see this post. I know you have been praying for a miracle. I know part of Mary Grace's miracle was touching the hearts of so many people. My HE wrap His harms around you and your family during this time. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your baby.
Angela, Rob, and Isabel- I am praying for you all- I do not know how you will be comforted but I trust that God will provide.
Love,
Megan
Rob, Angela & Isabel, How grateful I am that we got to see you both and spend time with the three of you this weekend in Cornelius before life changed so drastically for you all this week. Praise you Jesus that I heard His call to check your blog tonight on my way to bed, I had been putting together a package for you that will now include something I found today and marveled over: as we were plowing thru a box of paperwork preparing to move Kevin's Mom into her assisted living apt. tomorrow, I found a St. Maximilian Kolbe card, namesake to our new son and patron saint of the ProLife movement. And what a testament to LIFE you are!!!
I hope you'll keep all us in the EE community posted on your arrangements, we are certainly with you now (always) in prayer and in spirit, and there are many of us who would try to make it to her mass to honor her life and your faith in person.
The vision that comforts me personally as a Mom right now, Angela, is of our Sweet Lady holding your perfect daughter in her arms, taking her to be with her Son always. My heart and arms ache for the emptiness you must feel, but I pray that our love and prayers will help, in whatever time He may need to heal your hearts and bring peace to your grieving spirits.
Please know that you are thought of and held close in prayer tonight, all of you. May God bring you comfort and peace.
Love and blessings to you all, Amanda McGoff
Dear Angela, Rob, and Isabel,
I am so sorry for your loss. As a teacher, I keep thinking: Look how much this precious liitle girl has taught all of us.... about love and faith and hope, the three theological virtues. Mary Grace has had her early Easter and has gone back to the Father. Her namesake, Mary, knew what it was like to lose a child. May she guide you through your grief and help you find healing and peace through this Lenten season. I prayed for a miracle, and I believe there's been one, maybe one we don't realize yet, even though it's not the one we asked for.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Marilyn
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