It is with eyes full of tears that we write this final post for our dear baby Lilly.
Lilly went to be with Jesus on Monday March 3, 2008. She was taking a nap that afternoon and never woke up. Even now we still struggle for answers, but with each day things get a little easier. The last week has seemed like an eternity, but also like a dream. We will miss her terribly and struggle to find the meaning in each day.
The prayers and words of support have been wonderful though. We could not believe the flowers, cards, food, and outpouring of love that we received. If we can have one prayer, it would that Lilly's life be a testimony of Love and that we can survive this tragedy with Grace that only God can give us, and find a way to turn this tragedy into something that can give him glory.
Thank you to everyone for their love and continued prayers. We can feel them all around us and they truly do help. We are leaning on each other and have found renewed love and life in that.
Good bye sweet Lilly. Your Mommy and Daddy will love you forever and look foward to the day we are all together again.
86 comments:
Richard and Jennifer,
You do not know me but I went to school with Mandy. I was so sorry to hear about your daughter. It was heartbreaking. I was glad to be directed to this site in order to express my thoughts with you. Please know your family is in my prayers. It is truly hard to understand. I know that your words in this post are an inspiration. Although your daughter wasn't here on earth long, she was able to touch a lot of people. People she never knew. Such a little girl, that I never even knew, has taught me so much. I will continue to pray for strength and peace to fill your lives.
Courtney (Burch) Lyons
Richard and Jennifer,
I have been and will continue to pray for your family. The loss of your precious baby girl has driven me to my knees, and I will continue to lift you up in prayer. Know that God is using your family in powerful ways, and that others in the body of Christ are grieving with you, with hope. Thank you for sharing your lives and for allowing God to use Lilly and your family. God bless you.
You do not know me but I have been following your blog. My heart truly aches for you and your family. I wish you peace and comfort, strength and hope during this terrible time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.
Dear Richard and Jennifer,
Another sister in Christ praying for you from Indiana. Praying that God gives you peace that passes all understanding and wraps you in His loving arms. Vowing to keep holding you up in prayer.
Tanya
Richard and Jennifer, I have been following yours and your families blog. I just wanted to say that your little girl was such an incredibly beautiful little girl. I have been praying for Lilly and your family. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
I hope you find comfort knowing that your little Lilly will always be looking down on you, and there will be one day that you are again with her.
I didn't not get the pleasure of ever meeting Lilly, but her short life touched mine more than I could ever put into words. I learned from your sweet little girl to never take one moment for granted.
I am in awe of your faith, and I hope that you find peace.
Jennifer and Richard,
You don't know me, either, but we have been praying for you every day. There are no words that can make you feel better, but please know that we will continue to pray for you as you navigate this unspeakable loss.
Peace to you,
Liz
You do not know who I am but I found your blog through someone else. My heart brakes for you. Being 15 it is sometimes hard to understand these things, and I know you probably feel the same way. I just pray that the Lord will help you get through this journey ahead. Just know that this was God's will and he had a purpose for this. Keep trusting in Him. You little girl is sooo beautiful.
Moriah from PA
I am another person you do not know and I came upon your blog through another blog. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for your family in the coming months.
I'm yet another person you do not know. My heart aches for you. I'm praying for you.
Jennifer and Richard,
The link,
http://www.holtonsdriveforsids.com/default.htm, was shared by one of my coworkers, who's friend experienced the same loss, as you and your family have. Please know that we are all praying for you.
Elizabeth
Richard & Jennifer and Family...I already signed the other blogspot but wanted to sign this one as well and let you know I have prayed for you all starting last night when I heard your news through a friend of a friend. And prayed all day b/c ya'll were on my mind all day...and God knew that we needed to be praying for ya'll. We have a 5 month old son and so this hits close to home from one mother to another. I can not fathom what you are going through right now but I do and did pray for ya'll to receive more than enough of Him for each breath you take and to somehow smile when you think of Lilly...because I know she is dancing with our Savior Jesus right now. Worship Music gets me through difficult times and I love this song and listen to it and weep for you but rejoice that God is on His throne in the good and in the bad. And I know that through Lilly's life, many will come to know the Lord as their Father and Savior and for people like me that have drawn closer to the Lord through her life and am on my knees now more than ever and believe He is very real and very near and coming for all of His children very soon.
Prayers and Because He lives, Elizabeth
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ycJu_lKd20
(Waco, TX)
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious baby girl. I received a link to your site from a friend's blog. Your precious Lilly is beautiful and I weep as I read of the love that her Mommy and Daddy have for her. There are no words...My prayers will continue for you....
Sincerely,
Jen
Dublin, OH
i am lost for words, but know that we are and will continue praying for all of you. please let me know if there is anything else i can do.
love you tons.
Little Lilly, I love you so much and miss you so much already. You were so special to me in your little life, & I thank God for the special bonding moments we had from that first time I told you about your ring at the hospital. I know you are incircled in God's amazing love right now and I thank him for that but you will be so missed here. And know that I promise to take great care of your Mom & Dad who I love so much. Love, Aunt Jamie
Richard and Jennifer,
I have been lifting you all up since I read this heartbreaking news. Lilly was a precious baby girl and her smile in the pictures makes my heart smile too. I pray the Lord embraces you all and gives you comfort knowing he is holding her in Heaven. God Bless and thank you for allowing us to have a glimpse into Lilly's sweet life.
Ashley
Richard and Jennifer,
I too am praying for you all. I cannot understand, but thank the Lord that Lilly had you both, that you two got her for a short time to love and cherish, and that you know Jesus. She was an incredibly beautiful girl.
Through a friend of a friend I heard about what happened, and her life has touched mine and encouraged me to seek my savior and to share his love.
There are no words.
I will continue to pray for you guys, and that God would continue to be your strength, comfort and guide.
Hugs.
Jennifer & Richard,
We have not stopped thinking of you or praying for you since we heard about sweet baby Lilly. We love you both and will continue to lift you up in prayer. We pray that God will continue to fortify you for this difficult journey and that you will always know that we are all here to support you.
Betsy & Bryan
You are living my biggest fear. I said a prayer for you tonight.
April
Houston, Texas
My eyes leak and my heart aches for you, but I praise God for your testimony of faith in our Savior. I am praying with you that Lilly's life leaves a legacy that draws people to Jesus. May God bless you all!!
You don't know me, but I just wanted you to know my heart is breaking for you and your family. I too pray that you will remember all the joy that Lilly brought you in her short time with you.
Praying every day that you continue to get strength from Him! What an amazing God we have.
Lilly was SO blessed to have such amazing, Godly parents! Praying hard every day!
I found your blog through a friend and I just wanted to tell you my mom went through the same situation with my brother Jonathan. He was 3 months old and my mom put him down for a nap and he never woke up. This was before they really knew what SIDS was and needless to say my parents were devastated.
My family will be praying for you and a peace that only the Lord can provide.
Richard and Jennifer: You do not know me but I came across your blog from 'The Cowtown Times.' My heart has broken for you and your families. Lilly was a beautiful little baby. I enjoyed looking at her sweet pictures. I have been praying for you both and will continue to do so. May God bless you with comfort and peace as you grieve for your little one. Much love to you, Amanda
Richard and Jennifer,
You do not know me as well, but I have been praying for you both through this very difficult time and continue to lift you up to the Lord in every prayer. I can see that your precious baby girl was such a blessing to so many lives. You all have definitely touched my life. Being a mother of 3 little ones, it has definitely made me softer, slow down and savor every moment. I am praying that our dear Lord and Savior will continue to bring you strength, comfort and peace during the coming months. Thank you for sharing your lives. My heart goes out to both of you. Just know that through your faith and the sweet life of your baby girl, that you have made a difference in many lives. Blessings to you both! I will continue to pray for you.
Your friend in Christ,
Tiffany
Your words are perfect. I know that must have been hard to write that post, but your words are so touching and uplifting. Just look at the response; Lilly's short life has affected so many people - what a testament to the Lord! We love you both so much and are always praying for you.
Aunt Mandy
I think of you each day...praying for you. What a beautiful princess Lilly is...I am so sorry your heart is breaking.
Richard & Jennifer,
I can not imagine your grief. How inspiring that you continue to give glory to the Lord in this storm of life. I am praying continually for you and your family. Thank you for your inspiring faith and love for God that surrounds my heart with a comfort that my mind does not understand.
Regards,
Whitney (Colgan) Bartlett
Richard and Jennifer,
We are praying for you here in Maryland.
You have been given such Grace at this very difficult time.
It is amazing how many people that beautiful little girl has touched. Such Blessing from such a short life. She is all grown up now and will be right there waiting for you.
God Bless You Always,
Jennifer
We will continue to pray for your precious family during this time. You have a wonderful testament of faith that only God can give.
I found you from a link through a friend...I am so sorry for what you are going through. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. Thank you for reminding me to hold my loved ones even closer than ever before...
Ghia from Oceanside, CA
Love you guys.
Jennifer and Richard,
Words cannot even express... I pray that you find some peace and comfort soon. I can not begin to imagine how deep your pain is right now. Know that you have the prayers and support of so many people who love you and care about you. Looking through all of the pictures on your site, it is so clear what wonderful parents you both are and how lucky Little Miss Lilly was to have you in her life, even if it was for a very short time.
What a beautiful girl your Lilly was – her memory will be a constant reminder of love and peace and all that is good in the world. Continue to be strong and turn to Him for healing. I know you will both make it through this. I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling.
Love to you both,
Ashley Bartlett Hamm
Richard and Jennifer
Know we are still praying and thinking about every minute of the day. God continue to comfort and heal you. Lilly has touch so many people lives. We love you both very much. David & Robin
You don't know me but I found your blog last week and I have thought about you non-stop. I went back and looked through your blog and ya'll are such a precious family and Lily was just beautiful. I know this a mother's worst nightmare and I don't understand at all. I don't know the kind of pain you must be feeling. But I know God is there with you and He loves you and He is holding Lily in His hand right now. I am praying for your comfort right now. I'm so, so very sorry.
Richard and Jennifer,
I pray God will give you both strength in this terribly difficult time. Please know I am and will continue to pray for you both everyday.
Love,
Lindsay Prescott
Continuing to pray for your family. That you would be filled with God's grace and love and know peace that only He can give. You are so precious to Him ~ Kristin
I've never left a comment on a blog before. I came across this page through a friend of a friend of a friend. Please know I have been praying for little Lilly here in San Antonio, Texas. Take care of yourselves and know that you are in the palm of God's hands, as is Lilly.
You do not know me, but I know of your situation through a friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
When you are ready, I hope you can find comfort in reading through my friend's blog....www.babyleino.blogspot.com. I'm praying for you and your family.
Praying for you every day, since I heard your news. What a precious little girl....praying for God to see you through these devastating days.
We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Keenan & Tiffany Hooker
You do not know me either. I'm just another new mom of a baby girl across the country, but reading your blog and your friends and relatives' blogs has brought me to tears. You beautifully express your great pain, which is the greatest pain that any of us could fathom.
I was in church last Sunday, and as we prepare for Easter, I was thinking about how Mary watched Jesus die, and how hard that must have been. For the first time in my life my eyes filled with tears for Mary. And I thought of you, another mom I do not know, and I cried for you.
My prayer is that Jesus lifts you up during this time, and Mary holds your sweet, beautiful Lilly for you until you meet her again.
God bless your family. You and your baby girl have touched so many people, and countless prayers are being said for you.
God bless Lilly.
Praying for you in Lubbock, Texas. You do not know us, but we have been praying for you through this heartbreaking journey the last couple of weeks. God bless your hearts and may He grant you peace again.
Richard and Jennifer,
You don't know me but I heard about your story from a friend. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for all of you daily. I am praying that His Peace rains all over you. God Bless You.
Ashley Bagwell (Baton Rouge, LA)
Richard and Jennifer,
I've sat here watching my cursor blink at me for about five minutes now cause I'm trying to find the right words to say...unfortunately it's hard. I haven't had the pleasure of knowing you guys except through the Missouri trips and through get togethers Tommy and Linda would have and yet for me, your precious Lilly hits me so close to home. Jennifer, you are such an inspiration to me as a mom. You are so strong, you may not feel like it, but God has taken care of you. Richard, Chris hurts for you-as a father hurting for another. You guys have been in Chris and I prayers and little Bradley's prayers. Lilly, just like her mom, was such an inspiration. Look to Him in your sorrow, doubts, hurts and look in eachother for love and comfort.
Chris, Lauren, and Bradley Taylor
Richard & Jennifer,
You don't know me but I read about your loss through other blogs.
I cannot tell you how much I have felt your pain. My heart has been broken reading about Lilly's passing.
She is an adorable baby and I know you miss her so!
You're right...she's in heaven and your hope is that one day you will meet again. Praise God that we have that Hope.
God's grace will see you through.
Keeping you in my prayers.
Your sister-in-Christ,
Valerie
I've been following your story. I cannot convey my heartache for you. As evidenced in your pictures...you made the most of your three months with your precious daughter. I don't understand it either. But, I know the One who does. And I'm glad you do, too. I know no words are sufficient. But, please know that your loved and prayed for. :-)
This seems like a common response to your blog, but I am one that has been truly touched by your story and you do not know me either. I found you through a friend who found you through a friend, etc....my heart hurts for you. I don't know how I would do it. I pray for you daily. Your Lilly was born on the same day as my Rachel. November 14th. I was reading your sister's blog where she said that Lilly turned 3 months old on Valentine's Day and that's when I realized that they were born the same day, only a year apart. Again, my heart breaks for you. God be with you.
Rikki Hester,
Grand Prairie,TX
We will continue to pray for your comfort and healing.
Melissa Schmidt
(friend of Sheri)
My heart aches for you... I cannot begin to imagine how you feel. Many prayers for the two of you and your family. His yolk isn't always easy but I pray that God will heal your heart and you will find peace while he carries you.
A heart of love and prayerfully yours-Kerry
*a stranger from CA who came across your blog.
I can't explain how much your loss has touched my heart. I find myself having difficulty sleeping, praying for you both in the wee hours of the night, and various times throughout the day. I am so sorry for your loss, and know that the power of the Holy Spirit is at work if He can wake me at all hours to pray for two people that I don't even know. I know the days will be long and difficult, but if the Psalmist says, "But joy comes in the morning" He must be able to supply us with that joy. I will continue to lift you up in prayer.
I am a friend of Sherry Clemen's and my heart has ached for you all ever since I heard from Sherry. I pray the Lord will fill your cup with peace only from Him. I will continue to lift you up to our Father, who has experienced the loss of a child and knows the feeling and heartache of it.
Ashley Honea
we have been praying for you guys.
you are in my thoughts and prayers daily and i know the the Lord will bless you guys and continue to wrap his mighty hands around you daily.
love - katie (rogers) wells
Yet another person you do not know. I have followed your story and prayed for you both. You have been, and will continue to be, in our daily thoughts and prayers.
Ashley (Lubbock, TX)
liHello, Sarah Hamlin, shared your story with me and asked me to join her in praying for you during this very difficult time. As a mother, I cannot fathom what you are going through. I want you to know that though you do not know me, my heart goes out to you. I know that you will see your beautiful daughter again and I pray for you and your husband to grow together and that God will bless you with a peace that surpasses all understanding as His word promises. May God Bless you today and tomorrow and each day after that.
Lindsey
Richard & Jenn,
You continue to amaze me with your strength. I know that you don't feel that way all the time... and that is okay. Thoughts & prayers go up for you daily. Remember that I am here for whatever you need... quiet without feeling alone, fund, food, hugs, etc.
I love you~
kmc
Richard and Jennifer,
What a special little girl to have a Mommy and Daddy that loved her so much! Your love is so evident in the words you wrote to your precious baby girl. Your sweet Lilly has touched my life and I know others by making us not take even one day for granted! I pray the Lord will continue to give you both the strength you need. Know that the body of Christ is praying for you and your family!
Peace and Prayers,
Brandy (Robinson) Hall
Richard and Jennifer,
I found your link from another blog...My heart absolutely breaks for you. Along with so many others, I lift you up in prayer and ask for supernatural peace and strength... I don't even know what to say. I am so, so sorry. She was a beautiful little girl.
~Lyndsay.
Dear Richard & Jennifer,
I wasn't going to leave a comment because I felt that everyone has said everything that I have felt and thought, but I just can't stop thinking about you and your precious Lilly. I felt like if nothing else it was important that I let you know how much she has affected my life, I have a 5 month old & I find myself holding my baby tighter and constantly checking on him while he sleeps. As well as, taking more time to enjoy my other 2, cleaning can wait...my babies can't!
I don't even know how I got to your blog and I don't normally read random blogs, but I know I was brought to it for a reason. So, if you are like me just reading this blog and the comments, but feel you have nothing to say just let these precious people know how much their sweet little girl has meant!
I can only imagine the heartache you are feeling and just imagining it hurts so much, but I know that if He brings you to it He can bring you through it. You have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.
In Him,
Elizabeth
You don't know me either, but like many others I was following your story and praying for you every day. I will never forget your story or your little girl, and I know that good people like you will find the strength to carry on Lilly's memory. She is lucky to have such wonderful parents.
You do not know me, but I am in a playgroup with Amanda and Hudson. I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your beautiful little Lilly. My heart is breaking for you both and your families. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you strength and peace during this difficult time and always. God bless you.
Nikki Dunham
I don't even know you but I have been praying for you and thinking of you constantly. My first daughter lived for only 30 minutes and she died. What you are going through is so much more than what I went through and I can't even begin to imagine your loss. I literally had to crawl by faith. It was so hard for me to be around other people with their babies or even be near a baby aisle at the store. I to felt like I was in some strange dream and I remember the Lord carrying me through her burial. It all seemed like a nightmare. I know my words don't help but I want you to know that I am praying for you and I know your heart is so torn. I can remember trying to verbalize my pain and I would say that I felt like someone had taken a torpedo and launched it through my insides.
My heart breaks for you and I wish I could take away your pain. I am so sorry. With much love and prayer!
We remain in prayer for all 3 of you. We grieve for you despite the fact we do not know you.
A few words of encouragement for today...
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my HOPE comes from Him."
Psalms 62:5
"You know the plans You have for me, O Lord. You have declared thay they are plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me a HOPE and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus is holding your precious baby until you can see her again.
Ask God to reveal to you what will give you peace and HOPE...HE will answer this prayer.
Blessings,
The Godings
Colorado
Thinking & praying for you guys today.
Lots of love,
Rob, Melis & Reed
(cousins of Sam & Mandy in McKinney, TX)
I know there is nothing I can say that hasn't been said or that can offer you the comfort you need. My daughter was born the day before Lily, her name is Grace. I have prayed for and will be praying for God to give you the grace you have asked for and that His name be made greater. I am inspired by your faith and dependence on Christ.
Richard & Jennifer,
We are praying for you. We are praying for your comfort and peace constantly. We will not stop remembering Lilly and her life, we will pray for you in the days, months, and years to come, until you see your sweet baby again in heaven. This world is so full of trouble. But we know the Overcomer of this world. In a little while we will all be free from these troubles. There is a better place, where our Father waits. And every tear, he'll wipe away.
Love
Allen and Amy
I am so sorry for you loss. Your baby was a beautiful angel. I do not know you, but your story has touched my heart. I pray that you feel our Lord's love and presence now more than ever. May you know the peace of Christ that surpasses all.
I will continue to pray for you that you may experience the healing power of Jesus.
"May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you"...You do not know me and I stumbled upon your blog this evening...My heart aches for you and your family...But remember, "We are more than conquerers through Christ Jesus"...Mandy
I just happened across your blog and I'm so absolutely devastated for you guys. Your sweet baby girl was so beautiful. Your family is in our prayers
still praying for you and I am so burdened for you both and grieved by your loss.
I too heard your story from a friend who stumbled upon your blog. And I too am praying for you--for peace and comfort and hope.
With love from Colorado,
Joanne
We are praying for you this morning. Our hearts ache for you.
Your family is in my prayers. I don't even have words more than that, but I will be praying for you beautiful baby girl.
We have been praying for you every night. I know there are no words that can ease the anguish you must feel. Only the Father who tenderly holds your precious baby can bring you peace and comfort. So, we continue to beseech Him in prayer to do just that.
Just wanted to let you know y'all are in my thoughts and prayers continuously.
Richard and Jennifer,
Although you do not know me, my hearts just breaks in pieces for you and your family. You have a beautiful daughter, and although she is with God now, she is looking down on you and shining brightly!
You and your family will be in my prayers. May God Bless you and your family.
You are always on my mind.
Another person you don't know. I was sent a link to your blog and the tears just won't stop. Sometimes it is just so hard to see God's greater plan. My heart aches for your family. I have a daughter names Lily who is now five, but your Lilly reminds me a lot of my Lily's baby pictures and I am just so sick to my stomach for your family. I lost a nephew a few years back when he was 5 days old. I wanted to share a quote with you that someone passed on to me that gave me *some* comfort.
"We are not human beings having a spritual experience, we are spritual beings having a human experience."
So Lilly's "human experience" has concluded but her spirit most certainly live on...
Prayers,
Julie from MA
Lifting you up daily to Him!
Hi Richard and Jennifer. My name is Kathy Spradley. My husband and I lost our son Holton to SIDS 1 year ago this week. We were made aware of your loss through Mandy. She contacted us via our fundraising website www.Holtonsdriveforsids.com. I have been thinking about you ever since I heard. I know firsthand the sleepless nights and my heart breaks for you. Life without our babies just is not right. Please know that I believe with all my heart that God is crying with you. He is also a grieving parent. It is not right, there are no answers and that is the hardest part. Someone said to me once that "The who, what, when, and where are easy to answer but it is the "why" that gets you. I want you to know that this can be survived. Our children want us to survive this. They are with us every moment and unbelievably want to comfort us now when it was the other way around in life. I would love for you to contact me. If another mom that survived this had contacted me it would have helped me so much in the beginning. Our prayers continue.
Warmest Regards,
Shawn and Kathy Spradley
Your family will be in our prayers. It is so hard to understand things like this, but do know that your beautiful little girl has touched the lives of so many. May you find strength in the Lord to get through this difficult time and remind you that Lilly is looking down on your family.
Hi,
I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I came across your blog while contacting parent bloggers for research that I am involved with, and I just wanted to say how sorry I am. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
You don't know me but I came across your story and think about you often. I am terribly sorry for your incredible loss. Your little girl is so beautiful and too perfect for our world. Know that your family is in my heart.
Another person who does not know you...but I needed to tell you how much your little girl has touched so many lives in her short time on earth...I will never take another moment for granted. The strength that you must possess to wake up and face each new day is amazing to me and I will hold you and your family in my heart and my prayers. God Bless you and your sweet little girl!
What a beautiful life you have created.I pray Heavenly Father continues to give you the strength and peace you need at this time. She is safe and happy and I know you will see her soon.
With Love,
The Ross Family
I feel so sad for you :( I cant even imagine what it has been like for you to lose your little angel and all i can do is sit here and cry becasue it breaks my heart :(
♥ Sarah
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