Apr
28
    
Posted (jooosh) in All Posts on April-28-2009

Above are some pictures of our sweet Ella, however, today’s focus was on Ella’s baby brother.

This morning, when we first walked into labor and delivery, I wasn’t expecting the flood of emotions. We were admitted around 8am and induction started around 10:30am. Tina began to have contractions and cramping around 1pm. Our son was born this afternoon at 2:14pm.

Thank you for all your prayers. We are home tonight and Tina’s recovering well.

During the labor process the Lord inspired me to write the words below.

My Son
Though I won’t get to look into your eyes in this lifetime, I know you’ve been blessed by looking into His.

You are my son, my son for eternity.
I cherish the thought of us meeting some day.

I do wonder, if God’s plans were different, whose eyes you would have, whose smile.

Would you have your mother’s lips and your dad’s nose?

As you grew, would you have a passion for the arts, or would it be sports?

How uniquely our Lord has made you, a blend of your mother and me.

Would we play catch, or go fishing? Go for a bike ride, or fly a kite?

What if….

But God knows. Our Heavenly Father ordained it. He knew that you would only be with us a very short time…at least in this lifetime.

There’s comfort in knowing where you are now. Surrounded by those who love you, and care for you.

Thank you Jesus for this life. The life you created, and blessed us with.


Our son’s footprints (actual size)



Williamsburg on April 28th, 2009 at 9:35 pm #

Wish there were words for all the emotions, but sometimes there just…aren’t. His Word is enough.
Jesus loves us, this we know, for the Bible tells us so. Forever.
XOXOXO

Auntie Shannon on April 28th, 2009 at 9:40 pm #

Our hearts are breaking for you.
May God hold you tonight, tomorrow and the days ahead.

The Laz Fam on April 28th, 2009 at 9:48 pm #

*Thank you for sharing with us* We love you.

The Brittain Family on April 28th, 2009 at 9:48 pm #

Dear Ones,
Thank you for sharing. His life with us this side of eternity was too brief and yet we are grateful to celebrate it with you. How precious to see those little footprints of the one whom we were praying for and to know that his Heavenly Father watched over him and has now brought him home. We miss him, too, Josh, Tina, and Ella. May you find great comfort through this loss. Thank you for caring for him so specially and for sharing him with us. May you also rest in the arms of the same Heavenly Father who holds brother so tenderly. With prayers for your family…

Kellie Myers on April 28th, 2009 at 9:52 pm #

What beautiful footprints! I don’t have the right words for you. I am so saddened that you all have to endure such pain. I hope you are able to find peace. Your faith is truly inspirational.
-Kellie

Fran Jarrett on April 28th, 2009 at 9:54 pm #

Josh and Tina….thoughts, prayers and love to you both.

Pat Hadden on April 28th, 2009 at 10:20 pm #

Sending you much love. Always.
Pat & Bob

kristin thompson on April 28th, 2009 at 11:11 pm #

My prayers are with you all. Such tiny footprints have left a huge mark on the world, and his immediate family. Soar with the Eagles baby boy. Soar on high.

We love you West family.
kristin

Bethany Suess on April 29th, 2009 at 12:11 am #

josh & tina,
my heart is grieving with yours. i’m praying for you both and ella. Jesus hold him. and Jesus hold you.
bethany

Adrienne (Melissa's sister) on April 29th, 2009 at 1:32 am #

Wow…. beautifully written tribute Josh and the footprints left me speechless. Praying for you guys…

XOXOX

The Dirirm Family on April 29th, 2009 at 3:42 am #

My heart is broken for you both. Praying God’s comfort and peace to rest upon you. Thank you for sharing.
Barb Dirrim

julie kirk on April 29th, 2009 at 5:06 am #

no words, just love

Lisa Correia on April 29th, 2009 at 5:36 am #

That was beautiful Josh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Oh the joy heaven is going to be!!!

Joel Snyder on April 29th, 2009 at 5:39 am #

Ella, I was going to write you this note last night but after reading your Dad’s tribute to his son and my grandson I was at a loss for words. I am so happy that you are doing so well and continuing your steady progress. Tina and Josh all I can say is I LOVE YOU and I am praying for all of us. I will catch you later. Love,Grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Wootton on April 29th, 2009 at 5:41 am #

Our prayers continue to be with you knowing God is in control. How precious your witness has been to all of us during the short life of your precious son. He now is in God’s presence. I know you hurt now but how great that God will sustain each of you every secon of each day. Ella continues to bless our hearts and enrich many lives. Love to each one of you.
Dan and Nancy

Alicia Martin on April 29th, 2009 at 6:19 am #

What a miracle your son is, to be able to complete what God must have intended in such a short time. God was right to bless your lives with him. What other two parents could share his story with such courage and love. My blessings and prayers to you and your family. I know your hearts are breaking….

megan on April 29th, 2009 at 7:28 am #

What adorable feet.. My prayers are with you all I am so sorry you had to go through this. Hugs~

Teresa Reed on April 29th, 2009 at 9:00 am #

Beautiful words Josh! Give Tina my love…hope to hug you all soon!

LoriAnn Kuhn on April 29th, 2009 at 9:12 am #

Wow! You are always an inspiration with Ella and now you have touched so many hearts with your son. I loved and cried to see his tiny feet. I was 6 1/2 months pregnant with “Victoria Rose” when she went to be with the Lord. I can’t say that you ever “get over it”, but I can say with faith, and y’all FOR SHO’ have that, you be rest assured that your son is now in Jesus’ arms and will wait with grace for your arrival.
Tina, I hope your body recovers soon and that your heart feels the joy of having carried a son; even if for a short time. I pray that when you are ready, that you both get to be blessed with more fruit from our Father. You are such a walking testimony to us mothers (and fathers).
Blessings and love,
LoriAnn and the Crew

Debbie on April 29th, 2009 at 9:19 am #

How amazing that those tiny feet can make such a huge impact on so many hearts. I couldn’t believe it when I saw this post….all last night I kept thinking about footprints ~ it just wouldn’t leave my thoughts.

Kara on April 29th, 2009 at 9:40 am #

Now it is over and you can begin to start the healing process. I hate that you are having to go through this. I’ll keep praying for the peace that passes understanding. I love you a lot. Hug each other for me.

Amber Riley on April 29th, 2009 at 10:03 am #

Josh those were beautiful words. Continuing to pray for you and Tina…

Holly on April 29th, 2009 at 10:40 am #

I’m so sorry for the loss of your little boy. May Jesus hold him in His arms until the day you see him again. My prayers are with you.

Tiffany Pifer on April 29th, 2009 at 10:58 am #

I’m praying for your family

April on April 29th, 2009 at 11:02 am #

Tina – I am visiting your blog from Little April Rose’s “His Will Wed.” I am so very sorry for the recent loss of your son, you must be overwhelmed with emotions. I will pray for peace for your family.

I was compelled to leave you message because I noticed the condition your daughter has (CDH) is the same disorder that my brother died from as an infant in 1988. I am so thrilled with the advancements in the medical field that has significantly increased the survival rate of CDH babies. I look forward to reading more of Ella’s story as I travel back through your blog. I pray for her increasing health status as well. God Bless.

April

Brooke on April 29th, 2009 at 11:40 am #

praying for your family. Found your blog through April’s mom.

Kandi on April 29th, 2009 at 12:14 pm #

I am Praying for your family in this hard time. Our boys are together waiting for us. What a wonderful comfort in such a rough time.

Laura Leichty on April 29th, 2009 at 12:26 pm #

Praying for physical and emotional healing for all of you. My heart aches with yours for your loss and at the same time rejoices for him as he is having a perfect day with our Savior. Will keep praying!
Laura

Shannon H on April 29th, 2009 at 12:48 pm #

I am so so sorry. Praying for your family.

Lisa (Ms Texas) on April 29th, 2009 at 1:05 pm #

Josh and Tina,

I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I love you and am praying for your healing and recovery.

Marge (A Friend in Indiana) on April 29th, 2009 at 1:23 pm #

THinking of you and keeping you in my prayers; may you find comfort in God’s hands and may your son know His fullest blesings. God Bless and Keep you always.

Corie O'Brien on April 29th, 2009 at 1:57 pm #

Thinking of you and praying for you as you enter this journey of grieving for your son. Wish I had the words to make it better….I know that the Lord will bring comfort to you all!

Lori LaBruna (RIck and Shannon's friend) on April 29th, 2009 at 3:32 pm #

That was so beautiful. My heart breaks for you. Your faith is beautiful. May He carry you each day.

Jessica Morgan on April 29th, 2009 at 3:44 pm #

I am so sorry, I don’t know what to say but please know that you are all in my prayers

aunt Marla on April 29th, 2009 at 5:04 pm #

Tina and Josh, I am so sorry for the pain nd loss you are feeling. Your son is indeed blessed to not have to endure the pain that would surely have come his way. I know your pain is great, but he is free of pain forever. Love you guys. Thanks for sharing your life.

M.E. on April 29th, 2009 at 5:49 pm #

You have really touched my heart and soul—Thanks Be To God—for your unbelievable strength, dedication and faith in Our Father Almighty and His Kingdom. Ella is so adorable and a beautiful gift from Our God. She seems so happy—she has the most beautiful eyelashes I have ever seen.

Tara Hayes on April 29th, 2009 at 6:01 pm #

My heart is aching for all three of you as you celebrate the eternal life, and yet mourn the time before you reunite with your precious son and baby brother! You are an amazing family and touch so many of us who pray for you daily with your words of inspiration and encouragement! We love you much and hurt with you much. Praying for much brighter days in very near future! May God bless you and Ella with happiness and health in the midst of your broken hearts! I look forward to meeting your precious son someday as the Lord wills! Thanks for sharing his footprints:) sweet dreams for a little brighter tomorrow!

Debbie Bennett on April 29th, 2009 at 7:08 pm #

My husband was in tears as he handed me the laptop with this post pulled-up. I have absolutely no idea what to say, but we are praying for y’all and I am proud to be “friends” with a family such as your’s. Y’all are an inspiration to us all and I applaud your strength and faith. May God Bless you during this trying time in your lives. I hope this is not wrong to ask, but did you name him? The 28th (yesterday) was my birthday, but all day, all I did was talk about your family and ask that my friends and family lift you in prayer.

Keri Olson (Euseys friend) on April 29th, 2009 at 8:32 pm #

Tears rolling down my face as I read of your loss…May our great Comforter bring you His peace that passes all understanding during this difficult time…

Vera on April 29th, 2009 at 8:44 pm #

Praying for you. I found your blog through April Rose’s blog, and wanted to let you know you will remain in my prayers, that God may bring comfort to you all.

Lori on April 29th, 2009 at 9:02 pm #

Hi West Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I think you are an amazing family and I am saddened that you have to bear this pain right now. I always pray for your dear Ella- she has touched my heart. Thank you for sharing your journey with me- and I hope you have brighter days ahead.

Jim and Char Jordan on April 30th, 2009 at 9:19 am #

We are here. We admire your strength and faith. We want to lessen your grief and know we can’t. Father knows, he sent your child to further his purposes. Relax in His love. It is evident that you know and understand him and his care for your little family. Love, Aunt Char and Jim

Tina on April 30th, 2009 at 12:33 pm #

Sending prayers up for you.

Joan and Steve Odell on April 30th, 2009 at 1:51 pm #

The journeys the Lord leads us on are quite unique and He is always beside us as you both know. Ella continues to grow and be blessed with the two of you are her parents. Prayers continue – Steve and Joan

Tracy Schultz on April 30th, 2009 at 9:40 pm #

Thank you for sharing this difficult day with us. I cannot imagine your sorrow. I am praying that the God of all comfort is comforting you right now.

Claudia and Garth Flint on May 1st, 2009 at 7:57 pm #

Josh and Tina, your are truly an inspiration to the both of us in your demonstration of your witnessing faith. We can see God in your family and for that we are so thankful for His blessings. You are in our daily prayers and we love you all.

macarena herman on May 2nd, 2009 at 10:08 am #

josh and tina~ I’m so sorry…such a nice post, josh. All our love, the Herman Family

Brenda Weiman (Angela Osborn DDS office manag. on May 3rd, 2009 at 8:39 am #

As I was reading this post I was going through so many emotions. Your words are a great inspiration to all of us. I will post a prayer today at church and continue to pray for your family. Always remember your son is with loved ones from all of these family’s who are praying for you. My mom is in heaven and is the best granny ever. God, her and others will take great care of your son.

Brenda

Your friends at Dr Richard Wallace's office on May 8th, 2009 at 10:30 am #

Dear Josh and Tina,
Words cannot express our great sorrow for the loss of your son. We continue to be inspired by your undying faith and fortitude.
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your precious Ella.
With deepest sympathy and respect

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