Today I woke up and discovered that the last 24 hours were not just a horrible dream. I am comforted by the kind words we have been receiving through email, the comments on the blog and various talk lists. The knowledge that so many people, friends and strangers were affected by our little boy touches our hearts and makes the pain easier to bear. We have chosen to wait until Monday to hold a mass for Joseph to allow our families to assemble and to give Joseph a proper memorial. There will be a visitation from 9:30 am till 11:00 am with mass to follow at St. Catherine of Sienna in West Dundee (845 W. Main St, Dundee, IL 60118, just west of the intersection of Rts 31 and 72). For those considering attending, we ask that you wear BLUE for Joseph. We also ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Again, we would like to thank everyone for the love and support we have felt over the last three weeks.
10 comments:
I am more sorry than I can say. I am thankful that Joesph had such a loving family for his time with us. He even got to hang out in "the pod" with his sister for 9 months, kicking and squirming and swimming and hugging. So from the beginning he knew he was loved. Blessings to you and your family. I have had every person you can imagine praying for your family.
--Michelle
Freelance Mystic
Steve, Christa, and Emily,
You don't know me... I am a friend of a friend, but wanted to take a moment to extend to you my prayers for comfort and peace in this time of great saddness in Joseph's passing and of great delight in the bright light Emily is shining in your lives. May you be embraced by the love, support, and prayers of all who know, and even those who don't know, you personally!
God Bless your family! Lisa
A friend gave me this link for you -- maybe you can read it later
http://www.thebanner.org/magazine/article.cfm?article_id=733
There is also an orgasnization online called SHARE you might find helpful, but I don't have a link handy.
I got this email today -- maybe this info will help someday.
--michelle
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I read his story, and was sad to see he had CDH. A friend of mine lost her son this past April to the same thing. Anyway, she has a blog that she has kept, and it has alot of wonderful info on CDH, and support for those that are dealing with it. If you want you can pass it along... she's doing many things to help people understand CDH, and they may be able to find some support and comfort in knowing other's who have lost babies to this. Anyway, just thought I would let you know... I cried so hard reading about him. Joseph was a beautiful baby. I know how devastating it was for us all when my friend lost Drew. Thanks for reading. Her blog address is
http://www.allaboutbabydrew.blogspot.com/
Katrina
I am a friend of Sandy's and I just wanted to say my heart goes out to you all at this difficult time.
You have been in my thoughts and will continue to be so.
With sympathy for you and all your family,
Sandra (in England)
Hi Guys -
I'm in Disney right now, and I am going to be doing my first marathon tomorrow, and guess who I am now going to be doing it in honor of.... you guessed it Joseph. I will decorate the back of my shirt with his name and the ronald mcdonald address so please will realise what a great organization it is.
I come back on Monday morning and I will try my hardest to stop by before going to work.
I love you both and I will visit really soon!
Chewski/Michelle
I've only met you and Christa once, when my daughters and I were in Sleephollow visiting your parents and Kristi. I remember how much Sarah and Amy loved being with you. Kristi has been calling almost daily, asking me to call everyone I know, and to pray. Your family loves you so much. There is a whole network of people out there who sadly have walked in your shoes, when you are ready, I hope you will connect with them. I will be thinking of you and your family this Monday as you celebrate your son's life. He touched an amazing amount of people in such a short time. Love, The Edwards in CT
Love is our origin,
Love is our constant calling,
Love is our fulfilment in heaven
I am so terribly saddened by the news of Joseph's passing. No one will ever know why he was given such a short time here, but we do know that he was loved very, very much, and that he touched the hearts of many, many people. In the end, I think that is what we hope for all of us...
God grant you the strength to get though this; you are all in my prayers.
Greg Post
Christa,Steve,and Emily
We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Great work.
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