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The story of our precious little girl's 17 months of life with Trisomy 18 (July 4, 2010 - December 15, 2011) and of us, re-learning to live "after Lilly."
"I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made ...." Psalm 139:14

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Lilly is in the arms of Jesus

My heart breaks to say that Lilly went home to be with her Lord and maker this evening. She passed away in her sleep, after having a good day.

"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” - Job 1:21

[King David when his baby died] "But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” - 2 Samuel 12:23
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64 comments:

  1. MickiDecember 15, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    I am sorry for the pain this is causing you. I will pray for you and your family.

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  2. MyAwesomeOliveShootsDecember 15, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Heavenly Father, our hearts grieve with this precious family! Lilly was an inspiration to every member of my family. We are sending you our love and prayers along with tears.

    Cindy, Mark and boys

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  3. stambaughfamilyDecember 15, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    Oh Lisa-Our heart was breaking and rejoicing at the same time when we got the e-mail tonight. So thankful for the good day you all had with her today and that precious video. Praying for all of you and sending our love! Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

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  4. Jeremy SweetsDecember 15, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    You and your family are in our prayers! Lilly is in the hands of the Father now in ultimate peace.

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  5. AnonymousDecember 15, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    I am so very sorry and shocked and saddened by this news. I have loved following the life of sweet Lilly. You have been so gracious to share the gift of her life with the world on this blog and as a result, countless people have benefited. We grieve with you.

    Barb

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  6. Eddie & Gloria SulcDecember 15, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Bubba, Lisa and Children~So sorry to hear about Lilly. She was a precious little girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. All our love, Eddie and Gloria

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  7. Bill and Julie Anne ThompsonDecember 15, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Our family is praying. Our hearts are breaking too. We are so blessed to have known this precious angel.

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  8. AnonymousDecember 15, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I am so sorry to hear this. I loved your updates. Lilly has really touched my heart. God bless you and I will be praying for your family.

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  9. bob jonesDecember 15, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    Praying for you and for her. Thank you for asking the rest of us to pray.

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  10. Carl in NCDecember 15, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    Our family is praying for you all too. You all provided so much love and care for her, and she was blessed to have a family like yours to care for her.

    Love in Christ,

    The Hellmans

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  11. Dana and family in TennesseeDecember 15, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    To all of you--this incredibly dear family,
    What a journey of faith you have taken to the glory of God, and bless you for sharing every moment that you have with us. Baby Lilly was one of the most precious babies that ever was placed on earth, and God surely knew what he was doing when he entrusted you with her soul. Lisa, you have been an incredible caregiver, and your kids have been awesome siblings and caregivers, too. And God bless your husband, Lisa, for being such a good daddy and rock for you all. It is so hard to accept a death like this from our earthly perspective, but Lilly has gained that home we are all striving to reach, and it will only be a little while before we are rejoined. My family will be praying for peace to fill your hearts now.Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, for the window into your lives. It has been a beautiful view! God be with you and bless you and give you peace.

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  12. hoffee and a nuffinDecember 15, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    I am very saddened to hear this news. I appreciate being able to follow along on your journey with Lilly. I'm happy that today was a good and playful day for her. My thoughts are with your family.

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  13. Pat BennettDecember 15, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    “How very softly you tiptoed into my world, almost silently and only a moment you stayed but what an imprint, your footprints have left upon my heart" - Dorothy Ferguson

    To your family and friends who have grown to love little Lilly - there is a new angel watching over all of us

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  14. Donna@Conghaile CottageDecember 15, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    I prayed every day for a MIRACLE for your precious family..."This must have been God's intention as Lilly's Miracle"...God bless your Family and I personally Thank You for all you gave your special little girl...My prayers will always continue for your family's comfort...
    Donna Connolly

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  15. Carol in New ZealandDecember 15, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    Dearest Lilly, I miss you already. xx

    All my love and sorrow for your dear family and the gift that has been your dear little life. xx

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  16. Susan BakerDecember 15, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    Grieving with you and praying for you. I am so very sorry. Many, many thanks for sharing your precious child with us.

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  17. Laura ConradDecember 15, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    I am so saddened by the sudden turn of events. I have followed Lilly's progress with joy for her accomplishments and admiration for the beautiful way in which your family cared for her. I will keep you all in my prayers.

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  18. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    My heart is breaking for you. You don't know me... I found your blog by accident many months ago, and have been joyfully following Lilly's story... waiting each day to see a new post. How unexpected and sad to lose Lilly when she was doing so well. I know she is at peace, but that doesn't take away the hurt for those still on earth. I am praying for your family, that your hearts will heal.

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  19. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    Now those whom we have loved and loss in our family, Granny Lillian, Poofie, Norlee, Nanny who never knew Lilly are having the joyous pleasure of holding her and loving her in Heaven, as we did on earth. And of course there is Lilly's Pop who so recently left this world welcoming his precious granddaughter to Heaven and rejoicing that she is there.
    May those thoughts give us comfort.

    We will always miss and love you, Lilly.
    You have stolen so many hearts.

    Your Shisshy

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  20. Malone MamaDecember 16, 2011 at 1:00 AM

    Our hearts hurt for you in Tennessee. May God grant you peace and comfort.

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  21. AmyDecember 16, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    We are so sad to hear of Lilly's passing. Please know we are sending many thoughts and prayers your way for your entire family. Take care of yourselves knowing so many are sending hugs your way.

    With love,

    Amy, Kevin, Katie & Christian (Jo's friends)

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  22. holdollDecember 16, 2011 at 1:15 AM

    Every day we looked forward with eagerness to reading about how Lilly was doing. Laughing with joy over her accomplishments and praying hard during the stressful times on her little body and all of your hearts. The same way you cradled Lilly in your arms, hearts and Spirit, I pray the L-ord will cradle you all and give you His Shalom. Thank you for bringing us all into your home and sharing Lilly. G-d bless you and keep you. In Messiahs love, Adam and Holly Hewitt

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  23. trozzortDecember 16, 2011 at 2:58 AM

    My heart breaks for your family with the loss of sweet Lilly. I know she's pain free and eternally happy, but everyone will miss her. We are praying for you all. Please let us know if there's anything at all we can do to help your family during this time.
    love,
    Shelley, Mike, Janelle & Eli

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  24. BethDecember 16, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    Oh, what joy Lilly has brought to all! Thank you for sharing her with us all! We grieve with you in your loss, and rejoice that Lilly is in the arms of her Savior.

    Matthew 18:5
    And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

    The Hayes Family

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  25. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    Words cannot begin to express the heartfelt sorrow I feel for you and your family now. Lilly touched the hearts of so many, through your blog, including mine.

    We followed, prayed for Lilly and your family, laughed and shared in the joy sweet Lilly brought to your lives. Now we will once again be there for you Lisa & Bubba, for your entire family. We will send prayers, many many prayers and love in the hope it will help to carry you. May God hold you all in his arms and give you comfort.

    Little Miss Spitfire will forever be in our hearts.

    Louise & Josh in England xxxx

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  26. Steve H.December 16, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    It was a blessing to know sweet lil' Lilly ... thank you for showing her so much love. She experienced more love in just a few months than most people ever do.

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  27. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a sweet little girl and I have enjoyed reading your posts. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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  28. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Thank you for letting us share in the joy and blessings of His little Lilly. She has touched our lives in so many profound ways and even more so today as we think of you all clearly held by His everlasting arms. May he comfort you and be gracious to you, giving you His peace. God has truly blessed us all with this time with Lilly. Thank you again for being willing to share such preciousness with us all! We love you and are praying for you all.

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  29. Big sister T.December 16, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    I don't think I'm the same person anymore. I'm still in shock.

    I'm just glad she's with Jesus, Pop, and her trisomy "Cousins". :(

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  30. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    We are sad to hear the news. Lilly was a blessing to you and our community. Her impact will endure.

    John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

    David and Laura

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  31. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 8:05 AM

    Many prayers for your whole family. Much peace knowing Lilly is in Jesus' arms.

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  32. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear this news. I'm a cousin of Bubba and have been following Lilly's Blog. You will be in our thoughts and prayers!

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  33. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    Lilly has been such a blessing to us all who have been allowed to be a part of her life. And a part of yours. God has used her to show us all WHO he is. Thank you for sharing her and your journey as a family with us. May Gods peace and love surround you and your family.

    Angie and Robby

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  34. Kim HDecember 16, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    My heart breaks with yours. I know Lilly was loved so much and that you would have gone around the world several times and back for her. I'm thankful the Lord had sovereignly kept her alive for as long as He had. I'm also glad cousin J. got to spend some time with her. Hugs and prayers, Aunt Kim

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  35. Lisa GurkinDecember 16, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    I am soooo sorry for this precious loss. I have followed your little angel since day one and have enjoyed seeing her grow. I know she has touched many lives and is laughing and playing in the arms of Jesus. Our prayers are with you and your family. God knew who to give thi little angel to because you all have made Lily's life on earth a treasure for everyone.

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  36. Southern Queen of the CraziesDecember 16, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    I am praying. I was so sad when Mo texted me. I will miss Sneaky Lilly.

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  37. Robin FrenchDecember 16, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Robin French - Annandale church of Christ

    I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I know that's weak, but there's no words. I know you are hurting, but I want to thank you for taking the time to educate and update Lilly's site. It allowed the rest of us to understand what you all went through on a daily basis with all the grace and love God gave you. We all fell in love with Lilly as well because you allowed us to come in to her life.

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  38. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Words can not express it. May the Lord be with you and your family. May he give you strength to deal with the great loss that no word can describe.

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  39. pooljaDecember 16, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Oh Lisa my heart breaks for you. What a great loss your dear family has suffered!

    Words honestly fail me. I weep for your immense loss and yet I rejoice at Lilly's great gain.

    God bless you and hold you all close throughout the midst of this great trial.

    Please let me know if there is absolutely anything I can do for your family!

    Love and prayers,
    The Pool Family

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  40. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We, too, have a beloved child who has gone home before us. May the Lord continue to bless and comfort your family as you walk through this valley. Praise that Lilly is free from the pains of this world and in the company of her Father in Heaven. How wonderful is the hope for our glorious reunion in eternity! In Christ's love.

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  41. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    my heart breaks reading about your sweet girl lilly. my daughter livia is 9 months old with full t18 and i love reading your blog to her and showing her lilly. please know that your words and wisdom have helped me in my journey and lilly brought a smile to my face and heart each day...may Jesus give you strength and peace...bethany

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  42. The Dunbar FamilyDecember 16, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    We are so honored that you shared Lilly's life with us. We are praying for you and your family. Take comfort in knowing Lilly is with the Lord and with Pop.

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  43. Music MaidenDecember 16, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    I am so sorry to hear this ... I will be praying for your family.

    I do want to say thank you for sharing this journey. I don't know you, but my brother and I found your blog a few months ago and it has been a blessing to watch you fight for Lilly's life, and it has been such a beautiful picture of love. What a testimony to the love that our Father has for us!

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  44. NikkiDecember 16, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Lilly

    God lent us a little angel, named Lilly, for a while
    We watched her grow, and watched
    her learn to coo, and laugh, and smile.

    He chose the perfect family
    And placed her in their care
    Sister, Brother, Mother, and Dad
    The best, beyond compare.

    Some of us were privileged,
    to hold this child so sweet
    We felt her gaze, held her hand,
    And kissed her rosy cheek

    So many held her in their hearts
    In places near and far
    Because Lilly’s face is the type of face that
    Facebook was made for.

    When God looked down He was pleased
    With the love this angel had sown
    In His wisdom He said it was time
    For Lilly to come home.

    We will miss her, and we will cry
    But maybe our tears will stop
    When we remember, Lilly is in heaven
    Celebrating Christmas there, with Pop.


    Dennis J. Gwin

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  45. Josh McInnisDecember 16, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    I am sorry for the pain of Lilly's departing that you are now enduring. She beat a lot of odds making it beyond one year, and was a testament to God's miracles and the preciousness of life. Together with her family she was an amazing witness for Christ. I mourn with you that she could not stay longer but rejoice with you that she now has her reward and is pain free in the arms of Jesus.

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  46. edasueDecember 16, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    I have followed Lilly since before her birth through your aunt at the church we are a part of. My heart breaks with you all. She has been a part of mine and many many others' lives thanks to your blog keeping us with you all in your life with her. Even though you had anticipated this day, it's still very hard to say good by. I will be praying that the pain of saying good by will fade into joy of the wonderful memories you had together.

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  47. Ellen BaizeDecember 16, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Lisa, my heart is saddened because of your sorrow. I thank God for the love and joy Lilly brought to you and to your whole family; for the inspiration you and Lilly were to us.
    "Blessed be the name of the Lord."
    With tears, love and prayers,
    Ellen

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  48. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    What a precious and beautiful child that Our Lord has taken home. I am so sorry for the loss of Lilly. She is with so many in the Hollowell/Respess that have gone before her just this year. May God Bless and comfort you in the coming days. Love, Mary Waters

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  49. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing your sweet,precious Lilly w/us. Our family will continue to keep yours in prayer. May God bless & comfort you all.

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  50. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. It was such a blessing to me to meet Lilly and read about her fight on this blog. I love you guys and all of you will continue to be in my prayers.

    Amanda

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  51. Cheryl in NCDecember 16, 2011 at 6:20 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. I am so thankful that I have been able to share in your lives through this blog. Your family had been such an inspiration to my family. I will be praying for your family.

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  52. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    I am sorry for your loss and also know that you are thankful that you had her with you for such a time as you did. Truly one of God's little angels. My heart and prayers are with your family.

    Zephra

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  53. Cindy234December 16, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    I'm so very sorry to hear about little Lilly. I've watched her grow since she was a tiny baby, eagerly looking forward to your nightly blog, and cheering her on through thick and thin. She was a tough little thing with a beautiful spirit, I loved her smile. You'll see her again one day!

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  54. MeganDecember 16, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    We are so sad that Lilly is no longer in your arms, and are praying often that God will give you comfort and peace in the midst of great sorrow. We're thankful for her amazing life and that she is now experiencing the fullness of joy.

    Love,
    Woelke, Megan, John, Matthias, and Vivian

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  55. Anne McClellandDecember 16, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    We are so thankful to have witnessed your love and care for little Lilly during her short life. Your lives continually reflected peace in the midst of trials and the unknown, an example to us all. Now we are thankful that Lilly has a new and perfect body and grateful that we will be able to see her once again in heaven.

    God bless you and comfort you during this time.

    Love,
    Tim, Anne, Kirsten & Zack

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  56. AnonymousDecember 16, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    My heart breaks...how wonderful that she was able to spend her last days happy and at home rather than miserable in a hospital room. Love you all.
    Ellen, Marquette, and Hunter

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  57. RandsDecember 16, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    My heart is just breaking for you all. I know that she is perfect and whole now with her Creator, but oh, how tough it is to be separated from her! I'm so sorry and will be praying especially for your family to feel God's comfort, and for everyone around you to just lift you up as you grieve.

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  58. Pastor Margaret MarquisDecember 17, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    I am so sorry to read of Lilly's death and the pain that you are now experiencing. At the same time, I am rejoicing in the sure and certain knowledge that Lilly is indeed forever in the arms of Jesus - where she has rested securely throughout her short time here.

    May God bless all of you who have loved Lilly and cared for her.

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  59. AnonymousDecember 17, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    It has been a privilege to walk along side your family on this journey with Sweet Lilly. Our hearts are saddened to learn of her passing, but comforted to know she is at peace in a renewed body without pain or sickness. May you and your family find comfort in the Lord Jesus who sustains and uplifts us.
    With much love,
    The Fitzgerald Family

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  60. AnonymousDecember 17, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Thank you for sharing the life of Miss Lilly with so many. We will never know in this lifetime how many lives she has touched. May God wrap you in his warmth and comfort today and the days to come.

    Tammy Morgan Tate

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  61. UnknownDecember 17, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Praying for you and weeping with you. May Christ be with you in a real and amazing way in the coming days and months.

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  62. KrystalDecember 17, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    My heart breaks for you while rejoicing for Lilly. I'm praying for you, that God would hold all of you tightly in His loving arms and that He would bring you comfort, peace, grace, and strength.

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  63. AnonymousDecember 18, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Words cannot express my sorrow for you and your family. Although we have never met, we share the bond of the loss of a precious child. From experience, I know that nothing that I can say will ease your pain, but know that I weep and mourn along with you and will be praying for you continuously. May the peace of God be with you and give you respite and comfort. Much love and prayer - Christen

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  64. PaulaDecember 20, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Oh Lisa....there are no words, only tears. I last looked at your blog after Lilly's surgery. I am stunned.

    Blessed be the name of the Lord, who gives and takes away. His gifts are good and perfect. Lilly was such a gift!

    I imagine her with Olivia....such things Lilly would have to tell her!

    A big hug from me.

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