What does a dad say in time like this. Today Brooke and I held Andie while she passed away in our arms. The staff is preparing her right now for I don't know what's next, so I know this will be the only time I have to write. And this helps me get through this.
Even though she was only here for 3 weeks, we loved her like she's been with us for 300 years. We will always love her and miss her like no other. She is very special to us and everyone that has met her, and has a purpose that only God knows. We are not angry but sad we couldn't share our life with her here. She is so beautiful and has a special presence that surrounds her. We know that she will be in heaven waiting for us. She will always be with us in spirit watching over us.
We said our goodbyes with the strength of our family and friends at the hospital. I'm not sure what's next but somehow we'll manage to get through this. Parents are not supposed to be in this position.
Please take this time to reflect why we have children and show them how much you love and appreciate them. We will go home to our boys and tell them Andie passed away. They don't know at this point, but we'll figure out the right words. I am sorry Jessica and Eric never had the opportunity to meet her.
Brooke and I would personally like to thank everyone that has given us their support during this time. We could not have got through this without the network of support of that developed from this time in our life. We were amazed at the people who came out to help us, people from my work that prayed along side me and gave me the time to deal with this, and for everyone that I missed in thanking - please know you are not forgotten. And for the support from our family who has helped us through this time and the time that will be in front of us.
I love you my precious angel and miss you already. I'm sorry mommy couldn't put the headbands on you that she so carefully and joyfully picked out for you.
Daddy
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72 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I know your hearts are broken.
I lost a baby boy in August of 2007 after six weeks in the hospital. And I promise that someday this will hurt less.
She'll be a part of you forever.
I forgot I was logged in under "Oh Snap!"
I am so sorry for your loss. This just breaks my heart. I can't imagine what you are going through at this time so I am praying for you and all of your family as you grieve the loss of precious little Andie.
praying for you all during this most difficult time. please know that we are rejoicing in andie's body being made full and renewed, but so saddened and dismayed by her short life and your loss.
many, many prayers to you all...and please know those prayers won't stop...please keep us updated.
To all of you: May you be strenghtened as the days go by. Take care of each other. For all of us who followed the blog: Andie Grace will be a prt of our lives, too. All our warmest thoughts in this the hardest time. Synnove
Oh, I am so sorry. I have been following your blog and praying for you despite the fact that we are truly strangers. We share the same faith in our loving God, so that makes us family. You will still be in my prayers.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time
The Smallwood Family
West Virginia
I am truly sorry. You are forever in my prayers.
I cannot hold back the tears, so I can only imagine how devastating today is losing your sweet angel...and now she is in His arms. Lord Jesus, thank you for Andie, her beautiful life, hold tight her mommy and daddy, her brothers, grandparents and other family today and every day, in the very palm of your hand.
We are so very sorry to hear this very sad news. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your entire family right now. God Bless you and help you through this most sorrowful time.
Joan & Ken Pavelek
Brooke and Duane,
I am so sorry. I have been checking your blog all week and cannot believe it. Your family is in my prayers. Sweet little Andie was and is an angel. I am so very sorry for all that you have been through and am praying that you may find some peace.
With love and tears,
Nicole, RN
Kim,
There are no words to say except we are sorry for this huge loss for your whole family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Adrienne, Jim, Greg
Everkrisp Vegetables
Tolleson, AZ
Brooke, Duane, and boys,
We have been praying for Andie and your family since Missy told us the news and we will continue to pray for you. No parent should have to say goodbye to their child. Our hearts break for you. -Nicole (missy's sister)
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter.
Dear Duane&Brooke
Iam so sorry for your loss of Andie.Grandpa Alan
My heart breaks for all of you. Only a Mommy & Daddy could understand how difficult it would be to let go of something so precious they have been blessed with...the sweetness from Heaven sent to us to care for and love. We are so sorry for your loss and pray for you as you find peace in the midst of the pain.
I know Kelly will be here, if you need anything...a meal, or whatever...please let her know and I will get right on it.
She is precious!
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
I found out about Andie from Kelly's Korner & have been praying fervently ever since. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss - my heart is so heavy for you. I know Andie's life was a part of our Father's plan - and she will continue to influence people for His glory even now. I will continue to pray for your family in this trying time.
Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I saw this blog under a facebook prayer request and have just spent the last hour reading every post written.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for the loss of dear, sweet Andie Grace.... What a precious gift. Throw yourselves in the arms of the Father! Praying for strength for you in the days ahead and as you tell your children that she is gone.
Close friends of ours just lost their baby daughter about the day Andie was born. It is so hard to watch them go through this (for the second time, too).
Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. He will carry you.
I'm so sorry for your loss. We will continue praying for the both of you and your family. Lynette Gomez
i send you my love and deepest sympathies at this tough time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family today and in the days to come. Doug,Michelle, Dougie and Dean Cunningham
Please know that I am covering your family in prayer. What a beautiful, sweet, precious daughter; what an amazing gift she was!
I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing. I pray that you will find comfort in God during this difficult time.
Duane and Brooke,
Thank you for letting us be a part of this very difficult day which will never be forgotten in all our lives. We have seen just a small glimpse of heaven today and into the eternities as Andie's spirit left her body...what joy you will feel as you reunite with your sweet angel, what comfort this brings knowing this is real. May you feel the Savior's arms embrace your family and hold you close while you process this tender time. As Jenna picked up Kahlee from day care today she asked her teacher how her day had gone. Her teacher had said that Kahlee woke up from her nap crying. When she asked Kahlee why she was crying she said, "The baby is an Angel, the baby is an Angel." Her naptime was from 12:30-1:30. You can't tell me that children are not closest to our Heavenly Father as I truly know they are. Jenna played some children's primary songs from church in the car on the way home and Kahlee requested the 'baby song' and as the song was playing her little lips pouted down and she told her mommy that she was going to miss her cousin. Kahlee never physically met sweet Andie, she only saw her photos from this blog over the last few days and already she has such love for this precious little spirit. I know all our lives will be better for having known this valiant precious child of God during these past 22 days, she has taught us much.
I will continue to pray for your family. I cannot imagine the pain of your loss. May God comfort you at such a difficult time!
Duane & Brooke,
I am so sorry for your loss.
JoeM
I am so sorry.....there are no words. I know your hearts are broken...I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers...Andie Grace was a perfect angel....now she is in heaven. (((HUGS)))
Heather and family in NC~
We don't know each other but unfortunately we have much in common. You see, we also have an angel, precious Jersey, who passed away 2 short months ago from a heart defect. We also used St. Joe's and all of their angel staff.
I really am so sorry about darling Andie. She fought a brave and valiant fight and I'm sure you couldn't be more proud. How lucky we are to know who's arms she's in. We believe families are forever and what a difference that has made for us!
I'd love to talk with you if and when you need some one who simply knows. Please call or e-mail me and we can remember out precious angels together.
With much love,
Heidi
I am so sorry for your loss. I have spent all day praying that you would receive a miracle and was so sad tonight to learn that your sweet Andie was gone. I will continue to pray for your family that you may be strengthened and comforted. Thank you for sharing your precious baby girl with the world. She made a difference in my life in the short time she was here. The following are the words to a song that the children sing in Sunday School at my church. I hope they give you a small bit of comfort in this time of loss...
I am a child of God and He has called me home.
My earthly journey's through but still, I do not walk alone.
He leads me, guides me, walks beside me, helps me find the way.
He welcomed me with open arms. I live with Him today.
I am a child of God and I have gone ahead.
My earthly life was brief but oh, such peace and love you gave.
You loved me, held me, stood beside me and though I cannot stay.
You gave me much to help me and I live with Him today.
I am a child of God and I will wait for you.
Celestial glory shall be ours, if you can but endure.
I'll lead you, guide you, walk beside you.
Help you find the way.
I'll welcome you with open arms
One bright Celestial day.
--Donna Kulliard
Sorry for a second post, it might help if I leave an e-mail address. heidi.anderson@cox.net
480-380-3342
Any time, I'm here and willing!!
I'm so very sorry..As a mom who knows the pain of losing two daughters all too well, my heart is truly breaking for you. I pray that God will bring you the peacea and comfort that He did to me..Praying for you.
http://cestep.blogspot.com/
Duane, Brooke and boys,
We're so sorry to hear about sweet Andie's passing. Please know that we are continuing to keep you all in our prayers, that you'll feel God's strength and comfort until the time comes to reunite with Andie in heaven.
Joe and Cindy Bruni
My heart is truly broke for you and Brooke and your family. As my baby is now 11 days old, I can't imagine what it would be like to lose her. I am so deeply sorry for what you must be feeling and going through at this moment.
Jesus will be taking great care of her and she is on to much bigger and better things. I'm sure she will be waiting patiently to see you all again.
You continue to be in my prayers.
-Stacie
I am so sorry for you loss. I have been praying for Andie since I started reading your blog. I will say an extra prayer for her tonight.
Brooke, Duane and boys,
I just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you. My heart is so sad. May the Lord lift you up as only He can.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot even begin to imagine how you both feel, so I won't even pretend to do so.
Just remember, that now she is free from any pain, and is now with the guiding angels in a peaceful place watching over her beautiful family on earth.
God bless your little Angel and her family....
Keith & Jamie
Phoenix, AZ
I am at a loss of words. I instantaneously sobbed as I read the first two sentences of this post. I have been following Andie's story relentlessly, with nothing but I hopes. I don't know your family but I grieve for you all. I honestly don't know what to say except that I pray for Andie's journey to His heavenly arms are far less painful that her days here. May your tears fall with enjoyment that you were able to spend this blissful and beautiful 3 weeks with Andie. Please know that she will forever be remembered and will always hold a special place in my heart. Again, I'm so so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do, a place where we can send our sympathy just let us know. May your pain subside but your memories of her prevail. With love ALWAYS, The Bernat Family.
We are praying that the grace and peace of God will fill your home right now. Thank you for sharing some of Andie with us through this blog. Such a precious blessing.
Thea
Duane & Brooke,
I am Jessica and Alvin Pease aunt and I have been following your blog since I found it on Jessica's blog. My heart breaks for your family and our prayers are with you as you go through these hard times. May God wrap his arms around you!!
Martineau Family
I am so sorry. I am just heartbroken for you. We are praying that God's peace & almighty strength will rest upon you during this very difficult time. Many prayers & hugs...~Erika
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys. It is for you that we pray as we know that God in His tender mercy holds Andie forever in his care. May he grant you the strength and love to remember and continue on with the joy of each other as Andie watches over you from Heaven.
I weep with a sad heart as I read the words of her daddy. Those are the hardest words a parent has to say. My heart and prayers go out to your whole family as you go through this sad time. We know that God will reunite us as whole families with our little ones one day. That is a great promise to look forward to even when our hearts are breaking at this time. Hugs and prayers from IN. Asking God to hold you all in his arms and give you comfort.
My heart broke when I saw this! I dont know what to say or do but what I can say is I will be here for whatever you need.
Love you guys,
Chelsie and Jordan
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Another angel has flown home to soon.
You do not know me, I came across your blog from Baby Ethans page, who also knows, Heidi(Angel Jerseys mom).
We all have used the Angels up on the 7th floor of St.Joes. I too have a heart baby that fights daily for her life.
Sorry never seems like the right word to say during this time. The only thing I can say, if please do know your family will be in our prayers. I only wish I came across Andie's journey before now. She fought a good fight, a fight I don't think I would be strong enough to win. She was an Angel here on earth, and regained her rightful wings back in heaven.
My our Lord and Savior bring you peace of mind, strength and comfort in the days ahead of you.
Sending our Heart hugs.
Jenna and Lilyana-our CHD Warrior Princess!
Brooke and Duane-
Our hearts are heavy as we think about your loss. We are so sad about Andie's passing. You are in our prayers and we are here for you anytime. Please let us know if there is a service for Andie.
Love,
Molly, JR and Marky Wright
(Your neighbors at St. Joe's)
Praying that God will provide you with the strength you need to get through this difficult time! My deepest sympathy in the loss of your sweet baby girl!! My prayers will be with you!
I am so sorry for you loss and cannot imagine what you are going through right now. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Best Wish.
Duane and Family,
Just want to pass along our condolences to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eric and the rest of the Shades Family
I am so so very sorry for the passing of your little girl. She was a precious little thing. Our prayers are with your family at this time.
My daughter passed away in 2002, 13 February for the same problem of Andie. I know how you feel, I'm feeling like you. It's so hard for a mommy and daddy to say good-bya to a baby, but Andie is only waiting for you. One day you'll meet her again and you'll see again her beautiful face. I'l pray for your family.
Sara and sons from Italy.
We don't know each other but I ran across you blog while reading Kelly's Corner. I've been praying for a miracle for sweet Andie for days. I've had my kids praying as well. My 6 year old asks me every day how the baby in the hospital is doing. I don't know what to tell him. He'll be heart broken and this is from a stranger. I can imagine how difficult it must be for the family. You will continue to be in our prayers. You little angle Andie has touched our hearts and our lives. I've been a believer and a church go-er for as long as I can remember but had drifted away over the last couple years. Reading about Andie has made me turn to our Lord in prayer and thanksgiving. Thank you precious Andie!
Love and prayers to you,
The Gray family.
So sorry for your loss.
The Wilson Family
I just read your entire blog and my heart breaks for you. A year ago (age of 37) I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. Unfortunately, as I read the blog I was familiar with all you spoke of. I've been praying so hard for you all and I am so very sorry.
PH is a devastating disease at any age and I'm sorry you even know what it is.
Andie was beautiful and she will live in your heart...for now, put one foot in front of the other, hang on tight to each other, and snuggle with her older brothers. I will pray for peace and comfort for you all in the coming weeks and months.
Maddy
I am so sorry for your loss ...
Pavla, Czech Republic
I pray God's peace will abound during this very difficult time in your lives.
Linda
You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for the loss of your sweet angel.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for the loss of your sweet angel.
i, waited a few days before i wrote this im so at loss for word's but i want you all to know we are so sorry ,, angel andie grace is in good hands with our lord, and may he bless you in your time of need , and alway's .
love barb & jim bowley ,, from tennessee
We are sending lots of prayers your way from Texas.
Many Blessings,
Amanda
My prayers are with you all during this time. Andie Grace is such a beautiful baby girl.
Amanda in SC
I just found your blog and am so sorry.
I will be thinking of you and praying for you.
My love,
Rachel
I'm so sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cxx
Dear Duane and Family,
I was looking through some family blogs that I follow and your blog was on the prayer list. I came over, to read that your sweet little girl Andie had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Your daughter is beautiful.
tameetx@yahoo.com
I read through the entire blog, and first want to let you know your entire family is beautiful. Second, Duane I'm not sure if you remember me, because it goes back 20 years ago, but I worked with you at VLSI (Tamee). Your daughter Chelsea has grown up into a beautiful young women. Last time I saw her, she was about 4 years old. Your three boys are handsome as every, I have 3 boys myself.
My prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
We lost our little boy on 2-3-09. We will be praying for healing of your hearts along with our own. Jesus is holding them now.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have linked over from Kelly's Korner......
May God give you peace during this most difficult time.
Stacy
I am so sorry. I bet her halo looks alot like one of those cute headbands...Praying from Dallas-
Brooke Duane and Family,
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Andie Grace. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Kline Family
You don't know me, I am a friend of Jessica Pease. I"m so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you must be going through and am amazed at the strength that is shown from you parents of these special little angels. Please know you have been and will continue to be in our prayers.
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