tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post1903762253414746029..comments2023-11-29T03:34:11.696-05:00Comments on Annabelle Lynn: A Change is Gonna ComeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-36044606773790939352009-06-11T21:20:12.581-04:002009-06-11T21:20:12.581-04:00My dear friend, the best thing that anyone told me...My dear friend, the best thing that anyone told me when I was exactly where you are right now was, "let go and let God -- stop trying to control everything." So much easier said than done, but I still have those words printed out and taped on my computer screen at work. <br /><br />I thought about you on your (and my Blake's) birthday Monday. I hope you had a great one.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />MichelleAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06774223221371021447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-5672594347833938912009-06-11T19:56:28.720-04:002009-06-11T19:56:28.720-04:00This is a beautiful post. I too am learning to em...This is a beautiful post. I too am learning to embrace the new me. We both are right past a year so I feel a kinship to you and ache that anyone has to go through this. I remember one day last year telling my husband, this is just too painful to bear and I grieved for all the women before me and all the women to come that would feel that same pain. I cried out, no one should have to go through this. You are right, you don't grasp it until you lived it. <br /><br />You have a lot to be proud of and new beginnings ahead of you. You are an inspiration to many people. Annabelle will not be forgotten. <br /><br />I just recently posted about how I was going to embrace the new me too.<br /><br />www.lindaandtheboys.blogspot.comLindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05948303864858567765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-79214715822268203532009-06-11T14:50:02.985-04:002009-06-11T14:50:02.985-04:00You are a wordsmith of the finest caliber and incr...You are a wordsmith of the finest caliber and incredibly brave. Peace be with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-71466486553221830202009-06-10T22:32:05.872-04:002009-06-10T22:32:05.872-04:00Rebecca - you don't know who I am, but my wife...Rebecca - you don't know who I am, but my wife and I learned about your precious angel while spending time at the PCICU @ MUSC. Our son, Hudson Alvin Skiff (Warrior) was also born with complex CHD in December 2008 and went to be with Jesus in April of 2009. In fact, on Christmas Eve, when we arrived at the PCICU we were promptly given the precious gift of an Annabelle basket for our Warrior. We still have and cherish each and every item from his basket, as he wore the outfit often and had his Tigger stuffed animal with him every day. Reading about Annabelle early on when we first learned of her story was very difficult as we never even wanted to think of being in your shoes - we never wanted to even allow the thought of him not making it enter our thoughts. However, since his passing we found ourselves visiting this blog again - this time with a much different perspective. As we read the most recent posts we are brought to tears and are taken aback at just how similar our thoughts, emotions, challenges, etc. are. It is comforting beyond words to read your encouraging posts - which is truly God's work being done through you. He is using you to comfort others as you have been comforted (2 Cor. 1:4) My wife and I are touched and blessed to have the privilege to read about your very precious angel. Tell Wyatt he is absolutely right that he is already a big brother and always will be - we tell our older son the same thing. When we read this entire post it was as if you were for a moment reading our thoughts, our emotions, our current daily battle. All we can say is thank you for being such an encouragement and Godly woman. Maybe someday our families will have the honor and privilege of meeting and perhaps sharing some of those thoughts and emotions over coffee. Many blessings your way & we pray protection over the little guy on the way, in Jesus' name!<br />Mike & Malynda Skiff<br />Parents of Conner & Hudson Alvin Skiff (Warrior - with Jesus)Mike Skiffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17155230742019673165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-81148663659042585672009-06-10T21:16:53.755-04:002009-06-10T21:16:53.755-04:00Beautiful Rebecca! Praying for you as you welcome ...Beautiful Rebecca! Praying for you as you welcome baby Luke to your family while embracing and honoring Annabelle at the same time! Love you!<br /><br />JohannaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-66172087282885007082009-06-10T18:16:22.415-04:002009-06-10T18:16:22.415-04:00That was said so perfectly Rebecca. It is so diff...That was said so perfectly Rebecca. It is so difficult and so scary I know and I am sorry. I too fight the fear every day of thinking that maybe they didn't catch something on the ultrasound and there might still be a problem. I don't know if that fear and anxiety will every pass until they are here. It is such a crazy thing and so many just do not understand because they have not been asked to endure this. At the same time though, I really feel that we are blessed Rebecca because of the absolute "perfect" children that we have and I have to remind myself that it's me that is so sad because Eden and Annabelle and so happy and healthy now with the Lord. I don't know what to tell you about answering that oh so difficult question. Will I ever say the right thing, but I know that I do not discount Eden's life so I will mention her because I love her.<br /><br />Love, KeisaThe Ridgway Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13643186231322346483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-42078075151028780412009-06-10T15:28:22.959-04:002009-06-10T15:28:22.959-04:00Rebecca,
I know exactly how you feel, and it gets ...Rebecca,<br />I know exactly how you feel, and it gets exhausting dealing with the fears day after day. I know God calls us not to worry, but like you said, after we've lost our precious daughters, it's horrific to think of losing another child. As I've told you before, I couldn't feel at peace when I was pregnant with Jack until he was home with me. Even in the hospital, I was on pins and needles whenever they would do a screening...simply because I "feared the worst"! It's not good, I know. You're normal for feeling that way! I promise you, you will breathe again - a nice sigh of relief - once Luke is in your arms and in your home! It won't be long!<br /><br />Also, the question about how many children you have is one that stumps me often. Also, lately with Jack, I've noticed myself getting stumped when I talk about his personality. Since he's the "wild" one and high maintenance, people will joke about how the "second" child is always more "trouble" than the first. You know...the joke that "if we had him first, we wouldn't have had a second child..." Well, I don't always mention it, but I think to myself how he's not my second child (even people who know about London will mention him as my second child). It's all so confusing and hard sometimes! Anyway, sorry to ramble, but just remember that you're not alone! I hope that you just take it one day at a time, and just look forward to that precious little one coming into your life. You're in for so many more blessings :)<br /><br />Love you,<br />AshleeAshleehttp://www.fourplusanangel.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-39493369987136716332009-06-10T14:52:58.314-04:002009-06-10T14:52:58.314-04:00Dear Rebecca,
I don't know if you remember me...Dear Rebecca, <br />I don't know if you remember me or not but we were at Irmo together. I linked to your blog through Lea Hardy's. We lost our nephew, Daniel, 2 1/2 years ago. He is the son of my husband's twin brother and his wife and was basically stillborn. We all got married within months of each other and all of our children (3 for each couple) have been born within 3-5 months of each other. I tell you all of this to let you know that your story touches me deeply. I remember when Daphne was pregnant with LeeAnne (their 3rd child and 1st pregnancy after Daniel) how there were days that she fought so hard to give all her fears to the Lord. However, LeeAnne is here and a vibrant 11 month old. I remember being so relieved for her after LeeAnne was born and telling Drew, "I'm so glad that this pregnancy is over. I know Daphne is relieved and I feel as though it will be somewhat easier from now on." Daphne has echoed that this is the way it is. I tell you that to encourage you to continue walking in faith one step at a time. God is so gracious, as you well know, to give us the perfect measure of grace. We will be praying for you and your family.<br />With love,<br />Fran Goodman PetreyFranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14270222821949146027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-29869258461233586812009-06-10T13:47:44.202-04:002009-06-10T13:47:44.202-04:00Your words are truly inspiring and your heart so b...Your words are truly inspiring and your heart so big and beautiful :)<br />In my humble opinion, this makes you one very sweet, amazing 'Earth Angel.' I have been a Grief Counselor for many years and can <i>feel</i> your passion for life...you're on the right path, in more ways than you probably even realize. Just think about all the precious lives you've touched with Annabelle's Baskets...such sweet blessings! <br />I have to tell you what initially drew me to your blog...we share the same last name! :) Mine is my maiden name and it's not often to run across people with the name 'Butcher.' Have you ever heard of Samuel Butcher? He is who created the 'Precious Moments' series, which tells me...we come from a long line of caring, loving ancestors. No wonder we care so much about others. :) <br />You're in my thought's and prayers....sending big (((HUGS)))<br />G'Ma~rellaGrandma~rellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05228977146743168149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-76988885406400885792009-06-10T12:14:19.382-04:002009-06-10T12:14:19.382-04:00I'm with Suzie...you always make me cry!
I k...I'm with Suzie...you always make me cry! <br /><br />I know we've never met, and I've never lost a child. But I always come to your blog to read your powerful words and to just kind of check up on you. <br /><br />You really are doing well, even in your grief. I can't imagine all the things you have to deal with. <br /><br />Sometimes I feel guilty comparing my situation with others' situations like yours b/c I have my child. Even though I, too, had to join a club I never wanted to join, the difference is that my son is here with me while you have had to endure the heartbreaking suffering of losing yours. <br /><br />But I still struggle sometimes with Benjamin's diagnosis and all we've had to go through and what a hard life he will have in comparison with others (Andrew, for instance). The other day I was kind of talking to God about it, and I felt like He was kind of telling me, "But he (Benjamin) is the way I designed him for a reason." I fought that and just wanted to whine about it some more, how it wasn't what *I* wanted. And even though I love Benjamin to pieces, I still mourn for him sometimes b/c of his Down syndrome. I guess it's the fallen world we live in. That things can't be perfect. It really sucks, but I just have to take comfort that one day I can sit at God's feet and it will all make sense. And I hope to sit there with you and Annabelle.<br /><br />Great. Now I'm really crying. <br /><br />Lots of prayers coming your way.Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11387011004798871747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-88437184232496310452009-06-10T11:11:55.810-04:002009-06-10T11:11:55.810-04:00Rebecca your words are what I needed to hear today...Rebecca your words are what I needed to hear today. We get the same questions with Tanner about this baby. I think the same thing when I hear it asked that he is already a big brother and he will always be. I also totally agree with being scared about the new baby and that something could be wrong. But I have to keep reminding myself daily that God is in control. He has allowed us to carry these special blessing inside of us for a reason. Annabelle and Lindsay will forever be apart of our new little ones lives as well as apart of the family. I pray that as we travel this journey together as mother's who have lost our little girls that God will keep our nes little ones healthy and that we can enjoy the things we will miss without Annabelle and Lindsay.<br /><br />Love,<br />LauraJonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02156107800746897715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015698960813304832.post-53880272520467240312009-06-10T09:54:54.293-04:002009-06-10T09:54:54.293-04:00Oh Rebecca~ You do it to me every time! I am cryin...Oh Rebecca~ You do it to me every time! I am crying!! Ok, maybe I am a cry baby, but your words......AH!!! Oh friend, I just love you so much and so desparetly want to wrap my arms around you. Someday soon......I hope!<br />Love to you!<br />SuzieLindsay Deanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06421144775356076598noreply@blogger.com