We finally understand how our parents feel and what they mean as they keep telling us just how proud they are of us. Of course we've heard this our whole life, but since we've been entrusted with Gracen our parents have told us this more than ever. Being proud of your child...such a special feeling. We will always, always, always be proud of our Gracen. She gave us so much to be proud of and a lifetime of joy as we fell in love with her. We pray many have been blessed by her and continue to be blessed. We keep asking our family and friends who have walked with us in Gracen's story if they really got to know her well and the answers are all without hesitation, "yes." Gracen is such a loved little girl, so many love her and more will fall in love with her as they hear of her story. Gracen's legacy is beautiful, her little light shines so bright. As we picture our baby girl's birthday September 29th, are hearts break as we want so bad to have those 75 minutes from last Thursday back; tears flow as we smile and remember every little detail. We've gone through every picture each day and will never stop adoring everything about Gracen. Sweet baby girl,
let your little light shine.
We are so very proud of you.
dearest Dayna, Gracen's light is going to shine for years to come...not only because of her sweet and joyful spirit but also because of her parents' amazing story of love and faith. I can only imagine how badly you must want to hold Gracen again..for those 75 precious minutes. Please know that all three of you are dearly loved and we are blessed to share in yours and Gracen's journey and life. Jack and I continue to hold you in our prayers..
ReplyDeletePerfect. We love you so much.
ReplyDelete~The Stebbins
I have thought about you so much these last days since Gracen's service. I had never met you face to face before, but I felt like I knew you and knew Gracen in some deep and profound way. I remember literally crying out to God in our car the day we found out of her physical struggles. I was so upset for you. When we lost Josiah we knew he was gone and I had him 2 days later. Your heart had to endure for months and months after you knew she would have so many challenges to face. I prayed for strength for you. I prayed that you would be able to look back and have some joy. I prayed you would look back and know that you accomplished every possible thing to help her and have Hope. You never let go of that and I am so blown away. It is amazing what we can live through when we have to...when we have a reason to. Gracen was your reason to endure and I know she is going to continue offering an amazing ability for you to know the realities of Heaven and of how much someone can Love. I hate that she is gone. I hate that she is not here. I hate that you hurt. I want to take it away from you. Her 75 balloons were so sweet. I know she saw them. Let her life open a door for you to love the hurting. We need more people in this world that walk through real pain and still Love Jesus and Believe in His Love. I rather see someone Love God through so much sorrow, than someone Love Him whose life has been easy. I hope your body is recovering ok. My heart says to find some way to give back with the beauty of Gracen's life. We planted a tree in our yard for Josiah. I work with NILMDTS now as a result of my losses. We are in a sad knowledge now of how *atan kills, steals, and destroys. I often thought it said he would TRY, but it doesn't, it says he WILL. You did nothing wrong. I know you know that, but just so your heart can hear it again...you have done everything right. You rejoiced, soaked in her birthday and her 75 minutes, you have Believed until you could not keep her alive with your sheer will any more. It is something not everyone could say they did. You have honored her with your Hope. Please know I am continuing to lift you up. I believe my pain truly started when everything was finished and "back to normal"...but something was missing. I would wander around the grocery store trying to pick out food and just couldn't find what I was looking for...and then it hit me...I was looking for him...my child...and I would never have him back. It was as if a limb is missing...you know that feeling. This is not the end to Gracen's legacy here on earth. We love you both. You are truly a beautiful person Dayna. Please write me if you ever need to vent...it dosn't even have to make sense.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Olivia Brigham
Though we could not be there in person we have been thinking about you all. Thank you for sharing Gracen with us. The slide show was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Gen & Jerry
My daughter Brittany made me aware of your story when you first found out Gracen had severe medical issues threatening her survival. My heart ached for you. I read your blog and was touched by your beauty as a couple, your love for the Lord, and your never ending hope. I can tell you that seeing this tribute and listening to these beautiful songs, the story of Gracen and her loving parents have changed my life. God does work in miraculous ways and we do not always understand. If you ask the "Why me?" question, know that it is because other parents would not be able to handle this. He knows that you know that life is never certain, every minute is a gift, we all have a purpose, and it is really all about eternal life with him--not this life on earth. He does send angels if even for a fleeting moment to bless us. In all things, we praise Him and give Him the glory. God bless you in who you are and all you do to further His kingdom.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ, Anita Bradberry
Dayna, she is so precious! I admire your strength and peace in knowing the plans God had for Gracen. Love you.
ReplyDeleteWe are so proud of you guys, and so honored to have been even a little part of Gracen's life. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. We miss her with you.
ReplyDeleteI love you and don't even know you, but having traveled this very same road during the same time, I feel like I've known you forever. I hear your love for Gracen through your words, and I am so sorry for your loss. The loss of our baby girl has been the hardest loss of my life, but I am trying my best to find comfort in knowing she is resting with our God forever and ever. What a sweet, sweet place to be. Gracen and Julia Grace are both being rocked in the arms of the LORD now. Love you friend.
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