Sunday, November 8, 2009

My Sweet Angel



As you may or may not have heard, my hubby and I lost our three year old son one week ago. His death came quickly, almost without warning, and we're still at a loss as to what caused it (though H1N1 has been ruled out). We are absolutely devastated. Nothing is the same without our sweet boy, and it never will be again.

Please continue to pray for our family. To lift the pain and guilt (not because we caused the death, but more because we feel like we should have been able to prevent it) from our hearts, and for the ability to find some form of comfort in the years to come as we wait to be reunited with our little Bug.

For those who are wondering, we are doing as well as we possibly can be, given the circumstances. Jack is a godsend to us. Without him, I really don't know what would get us out of bed every morning. We are pouring our love and attention into him, and trying to keep the memory of Henry alive by talking about him daily and remembering all of the happy times.... which were basically ALL of the times, because he really was the happiest, most joy filled child I've ever known. Jack is obviously too young to understand. He looks for his brother every day. He waits by the back door for him, searches Henry's bedroom, checks behind doors, and stares out the window. All things he never did before.

Our little Henry was 3 years, 4 months, and 9 days old when he left us for Heaven. God bless him and keep him until we see him again.

Thank you all for your support during this difficult time. ((hugs))


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51 comments:

Carri said...

Sarah, I know there are no words I can give to comfort you. Just know that I am praying for you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Carri

Valorie said...

Big (((HUGS))) back at you, dear friend. Your family is constantly in my thoughts and prayers.

Deb Portman said...

Sarah,

I'm glad sweet Jack is helping you through this. He really is a sweetheart. I'm sure with all the memories we will all be sharing, he will know what a wonderful person his big brother was. I think of you all, so many times, daily. You know my heart is with you and I am here if you need me. Love you, Deb

MacKenzie said...

Oh Sarah, my heart absolutely broke when I heard about your little Henry. A parent should never have to go through this. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Jinny Newlin said...

My heart hurts for you and your family. I just cannot begin to know what you're going through or pretend that I have any words that could bring you comfort. May you find peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father. My thoughts and prayers are yours.

i {heart} papers said...

My heart is so heavy for you and your family. I've been thinking about you every day and holding you close in thought. I only hope the memories of his short little life fill you with joy and knowing that he had the best life he could. {hugs} and lots of love.

Kelly said...

More big cyber hugs. Your family has been on my mind a lot. Love you lots! Wish we were closer!

Mindee said...

Sarah,
You have been in my thoughts all week. I will contuine to pray for you and your family. Lots of Love Mindee

Meredith said...

even more hugs from me Sarah!!! Henry was such a sweet little boy and loved by so many (including all of his cyber aunties). I know there are no words that can take the pain away but please know that you are in my prayers and in my thoughts. You, Darrin and Jack have a very special little angel watching over you. These are the times that I am so sad we live so far apart, I want to just hold you in my arms and take away all your pain!! Love you!!!!

Lorie said...

Oh, Sarah...I'm still speechless...just know that I love you guys and my entire church family is praying your you all! Add some additional hugs for all of you from me!

Winter said...

My heart hurts for you and your family! I am praying for you in your time of sorrow! May God Bless you and comfort you!

Deb said...

Thinking of you Sarah, and praying for you...you have been in my thoughts constantly. I hope that you find rest and peace in these difficult days. If you need to talk, you have my number! Blessings, Deb

Mariska said...

Oh sweetie I was so devastated when Melissa informed us of your terrible news and I still am. Reading your post has brought me back to tears. I'm sure I can not begin to understand what you and your husband and of course little Jack are going through right now. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

xxx
Mariska

Debs said...

My daughter and I are so sorry for you, your husband and jack. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Bee and Dee

Kirstin said...

What a beautiful post. You guys continue to be in our throughts and prayers. Hugs!

Gina said...

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family have been on my mind all week. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cammy said...

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Many thoughts and prayers coming your way.

Softangelkisses said...

*hugs & prayers*

Mariella said...

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. There just aren't words tot describe what has happened. Many thoughts and prayers for you and your familiy
love from Holland

Noelle Bolstad said...

Sarah, that picture of Henry is adorable! He has sweetness written all over his little face. Don't forget, if you need anything I'm just 2,223 little miles (or a phone call) away. Love you lots!

Tink said...

I am so sorry for your loss, I cant even imagine what you are going through,
I wish I had the words to say that could help ease your pain..
Sending Lots of Healing energys to you and your family..

Marianne said...

Ms. Sarah - I wish there was something that we could do to comfort you and your family. But please know that poeple are praying for you from all over.

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

Prayers and cyber hugs...strength, peace, and comfort.

reeree62 said...

Dear Sarah,
There are no words to convey my hearfelt sympathy for you, your husband, and Jack. {{{hug}}}
God be with you.

Caryn said...

I just came over from a link via Lauren Meader's blog - I didn't want to just read and run. I am so so sorry for your tragedy - this is just so unfair and I cannot begin to imagine the pain you are in right now. My thoughts are with you.
Hugs,
Caryn xxx

Ria said...

I came here from a link on PCP, and also didn't want to just read and run. Words aren't enough to convey my deepest heartfelt sorrow and sympathy to you, your husband and Henry's little brother Jack. Thank you for the wonderful three years you gave Henry while he was on this earth; he looked like such a happy boy and I'm sure that was in great part thanks to his loving family. I've also gone over to Pink Cat to purchase the gorgeous digi stamp that has been created in memory of Henry, and would urge others to do the same. (((Hugs)))

Kimmiek said...

Love compassion kindess sympathy prayers & remembrance being sent your way.
No words do I have to convey my sadness over your worst loss/pain ever. More love & many prayers for all of you.
Kimmiek

Monica said...

I know there isn't anything any of us can say to take away the pain of your loss. Just know that our prayers are with you and your family.

gotnails said...

Sarah, I am so very sorry to hear about your little boy, life sure deals us some garbage sometimes,I know this to well because I loss my 23 year old son almost 3 years ago to cancer that we did not know he had until the autopsy was done. The pain will ease up but will never go away and the guilt comes in streaks. Then I lost my husband in Feb.09 and my only other child (son ) is in Iraq. The ONLY way I can make it through all of this is because of Jesus Christ my savior. just like the poem Footsteps,he carries me still . You and your family will be in my prayers and thoughs daily .

Jan said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet and adorable little one. My heart aches for you and your family and I will remember you all in my prayers.
Jan from PCP

bubbles said...

still praying for your family daily. when i can work it out to head up to wisconsin, i'll call and come by to give you a huge hug.

love ya! bubbles

angelesb said...

So sorry for the loss of your beloved child. He was so adorable and sweet. I come from PCP, read, and leave this comment to offer support in these difficult days. All my love and simpathy to you and your husband.

Life Made Creations said...

Sarah, I am so, so sorry for your tremendous loss. Praying for you and your family.
Michelle from PCP

Crafty Gaile said...

Dear Sarah,
My heartfelt thoughts go out to you and your family on the sudden passing of little Henry.
May it comfort you to know that one day you will wrap your arms around him again.
I have often wondered why God allows little ones to be taken from us, but I suppose He needs babies in heaven too.
Take care of yourselves and one another.
Peace be with you.
Gaile x

Tracy said...

I just crossed to your blog today through Papercraft Planet and was simply stunned to hear about your beautiful little Henry. I have a little boy the same age so can only imagine the grief you and your family must be going through. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Love Tracy

Iris said...

I just came here through a link from PCP and I am so sorry to hear about your little Henry. No words can be enough to comfort you right now but I didn't want to leave with out saying that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts!

Hugs,
Iris

Aunt T said...

I know there are no words that can take away your pain. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Teresa

Grazi said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

Diane said...

Please know how much we all feel your pain and wish it was something you never had to experience....what a darling boy.....he was very lucky to have you as you were him.....your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers...give Jack extra hugs and kisses and know we all care deeply.

Diane S said...

I don't have the words to let you know how deeply I feel for your family. I pray you are given strength and comfort in the days ahead.

yvette said...

I know no words can comfort you and your husband but just know that you and your babies are in my prayers

Claire said...

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. God has a plan, even though we may find it hard to understand. God bless and keep Henry alive in your hearts. His smile lights up every picture. He must be such a beautiful angel!

The Petillo Family in AZ

Sarah Anderson said...

Sarah, I came over from Cupcake Creations as I had such a jolt when I read Mona's post. We share our name.
I can't imagine the total shock that your family have experienced, and the tremendous hole that losing Henry has left in your lives. I pray that God will pour comfort and peace into that hole and keep you close together.
Sarah

Kristin said...

More thoughts, prayers and cyber hugs coming your way. I'm so sorry you're going through this!

Robin Kirkpatrick said...

My heart aches for you. I hope that the outpouring of love from this wonderful card making community will comfort you in the days to come. It sounds from your post that you are dealing with this terrible loss as well as can be expected, but be sure to allow yourself to grieve properly. Nothing can prepare you for what you are experiencing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Allison said...

Sarah, I was not a regular follower of your blog...I would flit from site to site looking at the pretty creations and loved what you did for Pink Cat Studio. However, I must admit, once I heard about your family from Lorie and Melissa, I have been stalking your blogs waiting to hear an update since I was just crestfallen to hear your story. I don't know your family but it was obvious from the pictures you posted that your sons radiated a love that could only come from a truly special family. Reading about Jack's actions in the past week brought a tear to my eye. I cannot fathom the loss...the only thing that comes close in my experience is the harrowing time I had when I had my daughter Avery (who was born with a congenital heart defect). She came through two surgeries and a bout of sepsis. It is just not fair...I feel like screaming that when I become aware of stories like Henry's. But this is not about me. I guess I write this just to let you know that I, as many others do, are pushing forth all this positive energy your way in the hopes that you can trudge through this, step by step. You are forever in my thoughts.

Teresa Kline aka va.sunshine said...

Sarah,

I am so very sorry. There are no words that can heal your heart, I know this, but please know I care and my heart breaks for you, really. When you know Gods love you feel the hurt of others. You are in my prayers and I know that God has a plan for you and your family. I am going to send you a card. I want to share this quote with you. I have a dear Christian friend who's daughter was brutally murdered, it has been less than a year. She has found much comfort in God's word and her friends and family. I want to share this with you......

"There is nothing, no circumstance, no trouble, no testing that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has come past God and past Christ, right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose."
Alan Redpath


Be blessed Sarah!
{{{hugs}}}
Teresa *~*

Revlongal said...

I'm so very sorry for your tragic loss, I can't begin to imagine. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Natasha xx

Kim said...

Sarah - I just heard the news of your loss from Korin's blog and although I don't know you, I do have a three year old son, and so my heart naturally breaks with yours. We will pray today that God grants you a measure of comfort as you face this most difficult trial.

Maureen Ebben said...

Your blog is so beautiful! Gorgeous photos of your boys, and honest, heartfelt writing. I've really been touched reading this. All of you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers every day.

seedlings mum said...

I am so sorry about your wee boy, it made me feel so sad for you, I wish I could take your pain away. God bless and keep you all and may the sun shine without rain in the future

 
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