Saturday, December 1, 2007

A Million Thank You's and One Goodbye



Our dear, precious Poppy was born at 10:26 AM and she weighed 5 pounds, 11 ounces. In the first few minutes after her birth, I waited anxiously by Angie's side as the neonatologist and her nurses stood over Poppy and discussed her. We later learned that the doctor was a little uneasy because Poppy's heart rate was low and she was having trouble breathing. However, while we were still in the operating room and the OB was stitching Angie back together, Poppy started doing very well—she was coloring up and her heart rate increased. Angie and I had a terrific time being with her during the operation, although Angie couldn't hold her herself until we were being transported back to the room, which was around 11:30.

In the room, our family came in and Poppy continued to improve until the neonatologist estimated that we might have a day or more with her. (It was at this point that she expressed that she had been concerned about Poppy in the OR.) My favorite moment while we were with our family was when Marianna offered her outstretched hands with palms up and said, "I want to hold Poppy!" She did a great job with her big-sistering duties and our terrific photographer took lots of wonderful pictures of Poppy with different aunts, uncles, grandfathers, grandmothers, great-grandmother and the like.

After the family time, we had a slew of dear friends who were here to see Poppy, so we let them into the room en masse to see Poppy and spend some great time with us in celebration of our sweet baby. Angie proudly held our beautiful daughter while everyone ooed and awed over her. Thank all of you who came in and thank you all who would've been here if you could've! It meant so much to me to see so many of you with us as my amazing wife got to share Poppy with you all!

As many of you know, we have prayed months for two specific request: one, that God would allow Poppy to be born live and two, that all of you would be able to share her with us. The Lord answered both of these requests in a vivid, unimaginably beautiful way, to our hearts' desires and beyond our wildest dreams. Within minutes of the last friend leaving the room, Poppy stopped breathing. We shared some sweet time with our immediate family as the NICU nurse came in and out every 15-20 minutes to check Poppy's heart rate: first 60 beats per minute, then 30, then 8, then...

Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift! II Corinthians 9:15

Poppy Joy spent three precious hours in this world, this cruel place that her body was never meant to know. As Angie and I spent Poppy's last few minutes alone with her, my sweet wife commented that she could picture Poppy in Heaven with Jesus, saying, "Don't cry for me, Mommy and Daddy." While our pain remains, Poppy is healed and she now knows what we long for.

To those of you who have read, commented, prayed, gifted, cooked, visited and ministered to us in a thousand ways, we will never be able to properly thank you. Still, thank you! To our precious families, thank you! To our sweet daughter, who changed our lives before we ever kissed her dear face, thank you! And most of all, to our dear Savior Jesus, who has wholly and solely given strength and peace in the past months and who will continue to energize us in the difficult days ahead, thank You!

Goodbye, Poppy. We love you so much!

99 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing Poppy's life with us. Our family has been praying for you and Poppy for a couple months now. So glad you got to meet her face to face!
Still praying for you....

Amy@Life Breaths Photography said...

Oh, Angie and Nathan, I so wish I could have been there with you and met precious Poppy but the most important people shared this time with your family. I had looked so forward to being with you this next week and taking some pictures, but hopefully we still can get together.
You all have been in my prayers and thoughts all day. Though I prayed for as much time as God would allow I know we all hoped for more. But oh how gracious God was. I love you all.
Amy

Elizabeth said...

I am so glad that your prayers were answered and you got to spend some time with your beautiful daughter. Your whole family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I have not met you, but I have followed your journey. My heart aches for you tonight. I am so glad that you were able to hold precious Poppy today and spend the time with her that you did. Please know that I will continue to pray for you all. I will pray that God will be so real to you in these next few days and months to come. Thank you so much for your honesty and willingness to let complete strangers like myself in our your journey.
A friend in North Carolina

Mary Jo said...

Three precious hours with your Poppy Joy! We are joyful for you! I wanted to send a poem my sister wrote after our niece spent only hours on this earth also. Megan Grace had Trisomy 13.

The Rocking Chair

God saw I was so little
And shouldn’t be alone,
So He sent a host of angels
To carry me to His home.

Warm sunshine, blue skies,
Waterfalls and butterflies.

Rainbows shimmering ever so bright,
Stars sparkling like diamonds
In the night.

I look around and there I see
A rocking chair beneath a tree.

Jesus is there ~
He whispers to me,
“Come sit on my lap, I’ll take
care of thee.”

I’m not afraid
I’m not alone
I’m in God’s arms
In my new home.

Love,
Aunt Cindy

greenkiddo said...

I do not know you, but found your blog just as you posted pictures of your precious baby girl. I am so sorry for your loss but so greatful that you have the Lord Jesus Christ as the center of your lives and marriage. He will carry you through this time. What an amazing baby girl you have been blessed with even for just a few hours. Your family is in our prayers tonight.
The Swanson Family
Marietta GA

Jen said...

She is so beautiful!

I am at a loss for words but you will be in my prayers.

Emily and Daniel said...

I'm so thankful that you were able to meet your precious little girl! She is beautiful. I am praying that you feel the sweet presence of the Lord holding you close and I pray that you know the peace that passes all understanding in the midst of your sorrow. I am praying...

Tamara said...

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of Poppy's life. Your family is amazing. She is gorgeous and I just know she is loving on Jesus right now! He's got her tucked in His arm and kissing her...I can just picture it...

Laurie in Ca. said...

Dear Angie and Nathan,

My heart is pulled in so many directions for you as the sun sets out here in Ca. tonight and I just saw your beautiful family picture with Miss Poppy Joy. My heart rejoices that God gave you your hearts desire to spend time with her.
What a beautiful little miracle of pure perfection. What an amazing testimony of your faithfulness to God and His to you. The two of you have set an example in this broken world of the goodness of God and His love for you. I love you guys and will continue to lift you up in prayer for your sweet hearts. Poppy Joy is healed and dancing with Jesus. God bless you and keep you firmly on higher ground.

Love you so much, Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

Nathan and Angie and family, my prayers are with you on this very difficult day and journey. I am in awe of your strength and have no doubt that your faith will carry you through these next few days and months. I am thankful for you all being together today and will continue to pray for you. Love, Ashley

David Rogers said...

While our pain remains, Poppy is healed and she now knows what we long for.

Thank you for your testimony of faith in the midst of the pain. God has used you and Poppy to bless many people. It will truly be a great day of rejoicing when we are all united in heaven, and see it all from our Father's perspective.

Laurin said...

Oh, Angie and Nathan, how sweet it was to see our Lord answer prayers breathed for months now. Love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Angie and Nathan,

Thank you for sharing your sweet Poppy with everyone.

Much love and prayers now and the the days, weeks and months to come.

Felipe and Chantelle said...

I stumbled on your blog about a month ago and have followed your story since then. I have prayed for you and your family for "peace that passes all understanding" and God's strength to walk through this valley. Our God is sovereign! Today, I read through a daily devotional on Christian History and today, Dec. 1st's reading highlighted Horatio Spafford's story, which I'll bet you are familiar with. He wrote the beloved hymn, It is Well with My Soul. It is one of my favorite hymns. But, I thought it was appropriate to share with you today as you welcomed your sweet little girl and said "good-bye for now" all in the same day.

When peace, like a river, attendedth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Tho' Satan should buffet, tho' trials should come,Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,And has shed His own blood for my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Even so, it is well with my soul!!

"The Lord reigns forever. The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace." Psalm 29:10-11

You have touched my life as you've shared your personal faith in Our Lord and Savior and challenged me in my own walk to fully rest in God's strength and not my own. Even though we haven't met and I didn't meet Poppy, she has truly already left a lasting testimony to God's love and gift of salvation. Thank you for sharing! We will continue to hold you close in prayer.

Chantelle in Watertown, NY

Dee Dee said...

My heart is broken for you tonight. I have been so blessed, and continue to be, by your sweet trust in Jesus. We are praying for you and are so glad you had a little time to know her. I suppose the short time you had with her is somehow like the flicker of time each of our lives is, to Him who holds eternity. The value of her life is no less great in His eyes than the value of one who lived 90 years or had great fame or acclaim. Her value was great because she was carefully formed in the Image of our great Lord. I feel honored to have shared a small part in your little girl's life. Which continues
beyond the veil with Christ!
And thank you for sharing the pictures - what a beautiful child!

Dee Dee said...

And the smiles on your faces say so much. Tear-streaked smiles....
counted worthy to suffer, as He suffered.
Praying for you.

Unknown said...

Your daughter stole my heart months ago. My husbad is a pastor and our church has been praying for you, your family, and sweet Poppy. As I ran this morning, I prayed for you guys and I listened to the song In Christ Alone..from Angie's earlier reference. I will never again be able to hear that song and not think of your family and precious Poppy.
We are here to glorify God and I pray you know that you have done just that through this whole process. Your story has touched my life and I will never be the same.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your daughter now has met our Saviour face to face.
We love you in Texas.
The Christophers

Emily said...

What a beautiful girl God shared with you. :) Thank you for letting us catch a glimpse of such a tiny, gorgeous piece of Heaven. Be blessed and know you will be lifted up without ceasing. Through it all, God will carry you. And those of us who have walked the path of releasing our little ones to go home to their Father when our hearts weren't quite ready ahead of you are just an email away.

Praise be to God for His beautiful, miraculous Poppy Joy.

Kendra White said...

Angie and Nathan, We do not know each other, but I have stumbled upon your BLOG. Your faith is the LORD will be your rock. Generations from now your story will be written into the hearts of many.
As my family and I sat in church tonight and we picked up our son from the nursery I prayed for you. The words to the song we just sung played over in my mind as I prayed for you. "Strength will rise as we wait upon the LORD" May your strengh rise as you wait to watch the plan of God unfold through all of this.
I pray that as Poppy is at "home" you will find rest. Rest that the "Perfect Parent" is watching her, and caring for her. May you find rest sweet family.

Mandy said...

What a beauty Poppy is. I am so glad you got to meet and hold her and spend some precious time with her. I will pray for you as you go through the next few days and weeks. Please know there are many like me who know your heart and experience this pain all over again with you. God bless you.

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you got to hold and love on your precious baby girl. My the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your precious Poppy with us. We will continue to pray for you. God has used you in a powerful way.

Thinking of you in California.

Anonymous said...

Poppy is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing her story with us and keeping all of us up-to-date as well as you have. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
God bless you all!
Samantha Smith
Columbus, MS

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Angie and Nathan,

Poppy is beautiful. I love the photo of the three of you just after she was born.

I am sorry for your loss, but glad for the time you had with her.

May God give you comfort.

With love,
Rebecca

Yvette said...

Angie & Nathan,

We have been praying for you all day. We just got home and rushed in to read your blog. My heart aches for both of you tonight! The pictures are precious, she is so beautiful. I am so thankful that your two greatest desires were answered and I am so excited that Marianna was able to understand that she had a little sister, what a blessing. You will continue to be in our prayers as you face the upcoming days. I love you Angie.

Praying for you all,
Yvette Hostetter

sarahdodson said...

I'm so in awe of your precious testimony. Praise the Lord for answering your specific prayer requests! Your daughter's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Angie,
What you have shared here has changed my life. I am so grateful. We will be praying for you and Nathan and Marianna continuously, that God will comfort you the way only He knows how.
connie

. said...

Thank you. No other words will suffice. Thank you for showing what LIFE and LOVE are all about.

With prayers for each of you,

Becky in Okla

Tiffany said...

Precious family,

I am so terribly sorry for your loss and yet so happy that your baby girl is free and in a place we can only imagine.

Please know you are being prayed for from people you don't even know.

solomon said...

We are so thankful that you have shared your story with the world. God's grace has truly been shown to the world through your reliance on Him.

UKNat said...

She is beautiful. I'm sorry you didn't have more time with her...even though you are thankful for the time you did have. I have prayed and will pray for you. Natalie

Melody said...

The pictures are just amazing and I am so glad that you were able to "hold" your precious Poppy Joy and that your prayers were answered. We will continue to think of you in the months to come. Thank you so much for opening your heart to us and sharing Poppy's life with us. She was able to touch so many people's lives in such a short amount of time. I just wanted to leave you with a song that really meant a lot to me after loosing Cooper.

Love ,
Clay and Melody

Natalie Grant - Held

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To Think That Providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling

Who told us we’d be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
We're asking why this happens to us
We're asking...
Who have died to live, it’s unfair

Chorus:

This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and know
That the promise was when everything fell
We’d be held

This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow

Chorus:

If hope is born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our Savior

Anonymous said...

Angie and Nathan:

I wanted to share this poem that was written about my 4 year old daughter 3 days before she went to be with the Lord...

"I wounder what she would have been give half a chance, an artist, a teacher, an instructor in dance? I look at her hands sensitive and delicate and her mind so alive and intricate.

Each small portion of her body so beautifully formed, soft and white. She deserves to live in the sunlight. She's sleeping now, so peacefully breathing, and I think of her life so wonderfully giving.

She brought happiness to all she could touch. No wonder everyone loved her so much.

Her mind so small, her mind so vast, I wonder what she would have been given half a chance."

Still Praying for you:
Jeanette

Anonymous said...

Poppy is dancing with her great grandfather Rogers,and Jesus. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Sherry
Johnson City, TN

laura said...

thank you for sharing your story- my husband and i were married in your grandfather's church (in-laws still attend) we live in tx and i have been praying for your family since i found out about poppy. she is a beautiful child- i look forward to meeting her in heaven one day. you and your family will be in our prayers..

Anonymous said...

I have no words, except that your love for Jesus has shown through brilliantly in the midst of all the pain. I can just hear Him one beautiful day saying, "Well done, my faithful faithful children."

Tina

Elizabeth S said...

I am so glad that God answered your prayers! I am astounded by your faith. I will be praying for you!

Bethany said...

I have been following your story for a few months now. I am praying for you all, and so glad that God allowed your prayers to be fulfilled.

K said...

God Bless you and your family...our prayers are with you and we are amazed at your strength and continuation to lean on Christ...

Tracy said...

Sweet Poppy. I love seeing the pictures of her sweet face.

How lucky is she?!!! She has a great family that is totally in love with her and she is dancing with Jesus now. What a lucky little girl!

As you know, you will be with her again one day. Until then, she'll dance.

Jessica said...

Since it is impossible for me to know what you are going through, I want you to know that from the outside her story is such a beautiful, "perfect" one. I know that might not make sense in the traditional sense of "perfect", but somehow it is. I hope that doesn't sound insensitive, because I don't mean it to be. But since the pain of saying goodbye is something I can't imagine, all I can see are the beautiful parts.

Jessica B.

Kenzie said...

Angie, Nathan and Marianna-

My heart breaks for you and yet, as I sit here through my tears, I am so thankful for the Lord being so good and granting you precious time with her! She got to see face to face the people who have loved her and given her life, regardless of her medical diagnosis. We are praying for God's overwhelming strength, love, comfort and reminder of his promises... know that His people are covering you in prayer!

Praying,
Kenzie, Dusty and Deacon

Anonymous said...

Angie and Nathan,
I missed everything today b/c my phone was accidentally on silent. I love yall and I wish I would have been there with you. I have been praying and thinking of you all day. God's plans are truly higher than ours b/c to me I think alot of times they are weird and harsh. But He is good. And His plans are good. You both have been a testimony to me of faith, and Poppy's life, however short, has had an effect on my own. Oh how I love ya'll,
Anna

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Dear Angie, Nathan and Marianna,
Poppy Joy is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing her with us so quickly - I have checked the computer for joyous news about 50 times today! To see Angie's smile through my tears somehow brings such peace. I am thankful that God answered your specific requests and as the journey continues, I pray he gives you the peace that will only come from him. I will continue to lift you up in prayers and again thank you for sharing your miracle with us!
Love,
Kim

Melanie said...

You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so glad God answered your prayers and you and your family had time with Poppy!!! Love, Melanie Smith

Anonymous said...

I was linked to your blog through a friends, and have been following it for a bit..

First of all, what a precious, beautiful little girl Poppy is. Those eyes, she's just gorgeous!

I am amazed, just so so amazed by the courage, strength, vulnerability, faith, love, trust, hope and grace you both have shown through your journey with Poppy.

My grandfather was "Papi" pronounced the same, and I just love that you named her such a precious, meaningful name.

It's beautiful, and one that stands out like she has to countless people. (and while we here will have to wait to see the exact amount and hear the exact stories, she gets to watch them unfold as it happens. )

I can't imagine the loss you both feel and commit to praying for you as you heal and walk through the next few days, weeks, months, etc. God's purpose was fulfilled in sweet Poppy in 3 hours.

Poppy's life has impacted countless people, and will continue to.
She will never know the harshness of this world, all she will ever know is what it felt like to be held in your arms, celebrated by people who have waited for her arrival anxiously ,loved deeply, oowed and awed over, and cherished for every second..
May you feel God's steady hands guide you through this time, may you feel His love, and embrace and may you know that so so many people will be praying for you, and are in awe of your faithful walk through all of this. Thank you for the opportunity to hear Poppy's story and for allowing us a glimpse into this journey.
You truly have glorified Him,
He will bless you.


-A grateful witness

Rachel said...

my husband & I are praying for your sweet family in the days to come

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful and precious daughter Poppy Joy. My heart is filled with sorrow at this time and I will pray for your family's peace.

Thoughts from Australia.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet, precous time you had with Poppy Joy. Our prayers will comtinue as you continue walking the path stretched out before you. I know your arms will feel empty but I pray your heart will be full.

May God's peace and comfort surround you.

Prayers from Germantown

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss & so thankful for your faith & time with your angel girl. God bless & keep you all!!!

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for you at this time, but I know that God will carry you through this. May you always find strength in Him. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us. Your sweet Poppy will be with you always. I am so glad that you had the precious time with her that you did. You will continue to be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for your family. I know you were so blessed to have the precious time with Poppy.

SimplyAmusingDesigns.com said...

Angie and Nathan...I am so sorry for your loss, but thankful for the beautiful testimony you have shared of God's abundant grace. I once heard a very wise preacher (Dr. Adrian Rogers) say that in times like these, sometimes the only true comfort you can receive is the knowledge that this is not God's FINAL plan. Beautiful photos...thank you so much for sharing your family with us.

Chrissy said...

I just got in from an eventful evening and ran to look for an update. Indeed it was not what I was hoping for but thru the tears and sadness I am able to rejoice w/ you for the two of your biggest requests were answered. Poppy's little face is just precious and your smiles are amazing, both of which lit up the room.

Please know that I will be continuing to send prayers your way as I know these upcoming days will not be easy...but w/ God by your side and in your heart you will certainly pull thru as you have thus far. Your faith is contagious and super encouraging to others who are following this same journey.

Poppy was greeted at the gates with open arms of not only your grandfather but Eliot, Claire, Isaac, Madeline, Miller, Copeland, Jonathan and many many others! And many more to come...

Sleep easy tonight and know that you are being lifted up from Pittsburgh, PA.

Love, Chrissy

Jen in Al said...

Oh, thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures of precious and lovely Poppy Joy! What an incredible testimony of God's love and grace they are! i am thankful beyond words that your specific prayer requests were answered. i will be continuing to pray as you walk this path. i pray that even as you grieve, you will also have the joy of the Lord, Poppy's joy! i will look forward to meeting her in our heavenly home. May you feel completely in the Lord's loving embrace giving you the peace that passes all understanding.
Praying....Jen in Al

Joy said...

Bless you and your family.. what a sweet baby.. Poppy Joy

Anonymous said...

((((hugs))love))Poppy Joy((((love))hugs)) Count this as an internet hug with lots of love being sent to Poppy Joy. Thank you for sharing with all of us internets.

Pat N Fl said...

Angie & Nathan,

I am thankful that God answered your specific request in allowing time with Poppy Joy. You said you could see her in Jesus arms looking down and saying 'Don't cry
Mommy and Daddy'. Well I can see your precious Pappa standing right next to Jesus saying that my precious greatgrand Daugther and beaming from ear to ear. May you continure to rest in God's Peace and Grace in the upcoming day.

(By the way I can to your Blog from Yvette Hosttete)

Jaclyn said...

Angie and Nathan,
Thank you for sharing your amazing story. I found you through Boothe and baby Copeland and I know Poppy and Copeland are together right now. Your strength is inspiring.
You don't know me but I promise to be praying for you and your sweet, sweet family.

mini and brother said...

I love you guys and I don't even know you. I'm so sorry for your loss. You are an incredible witness to me. I will coninue to pray for you.

Darby said...

May the Lord givr you His comfort! What a beautiful and precious gift He gave you!! We're praying for you!

Anonymous said...

The face of an angel. I am so glad that your desire to hold her while she was an earlthy angel was granted. As the others, thank you for sharing your special angel with us.

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole Wilkes Eaton

Anonymous said...

Dear Angie and Nathan,
What a precious treasure God gave you and how Great He is! How wonderful that He gave you the desires of your heart. Poppy is beautiful and is completely whole now. You have been continually in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts ache and rejoice with you knowing she is with our wonderful Lord and Savior. Our pastor spoke on such a fitting topic for us this morning. His message was titled "Jesus first Christmas in Heaven". We were reminded that the King of Kings missed 33 years of celebrating Christmas in Heaven, His home, while He was here on earth taking care of our need for His perfect birth, life, death and resurrection. We all thought of Poppy and how she will spend her first Christmas in the perfect Home with the One who prepared it and made it all possible! Picture her there with all those who have gone before us rejoicing there with Jesus and all the heavenly hosts! I think of a song we have sung with our children and maybe even with you, Angie, when you were young that says: "Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace. I want to see my Savior's face. Heaven is a wonderful place." As time passes Heaven gets sweeter and the investment increases with each one that is promoted and called Home. Thank you for sharing your hearts with the world. You have been a blessing to scores of us! We will continue to lift you to our Heavenly Father in prayer. We love you all.
Love,
Aunt Deb, Alan,
and kids

Adam & Amy Wilson said...

Nathan and Angie~
Thank you so very much for all you have allowed us to be a part of: God has used this journey in your lives to counsel me. I'm filled with such joy that you were able to have some grace-filled moments with Poppy...I'll continue to pray that our sweet Saviour holds you and surrounds you with comfort and peace. What a faithful testimony you are to His omnipotence and love.
"Come and see what God has done:
He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man."
-- Psalm 66:5
With deep love and respect~Amy

Anonymous said...

I was led to your blog from Copeland Farley's. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. Praise to Jesus as sweet Poppy Joy is with him. May God's peace heal your hearts.

Karla Porter Archer said...

what a beautiful girl!

And what a beautiful image (and Truth) to hold in your hearts - her, completely healed, walking in Heaven with our Lord.

Blessing to you all,
Karla

Rocks In My Dryer said...

God bless your precious family. I am praying for you.

Unknown said...

Beautiful. Just Beautiful. Thank you for giving your little girl life. So many babies never get that. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I never knew that my heart could be more touched by God through two precious babies- Poppy Joy and Copeland Fair.

Continued prayers...

Barb said...

Prayers and a deeping gratitude for you having shared your walk in faith and trust in the Lord! Poppy Joy is truly an angel, beautiful and watching over all with a tender and loving smile! Thank you for your strength and faith, and sharing it with us! My prayers will continue for your family! Barb

Anonymous said...

Angie and Nathan,

I found your blog through Boothe's blog, and just wanted to tell you that I am praying for you and your family. Poppy Joy was beautiful in your photos! I know that those 3 hours you had with her here on earth were the most sacred and precious you will ever have... what a wonderful gift from the Father! She is in Heaven with Jesus now, but I know you miss her with every fiber of your being. Someday you will all meet again! I will continue to lift you up in prayer to Him.

With love,
Kim in NC

Karlin said...

What a witness you are for our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray you will feel His loving arms around you as you go through this time in your lives. Remember to lean hard on Jesus and He will walk every step with you. Poppy Joy is so beautiful and I am thankful that your prayers were answered and you had that time together.That time with Poppy Joy will be forever in your heart.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful words about your precious little Poppy. Thank you for sharing her with us.

My life will never be the same.

Anonymous said...

My heart and soul and prayers go out to you and your family. You will be in thoughts and prayers

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with your family!

Anonymous said...

I know this is just one more thought in the midst of your time or sorrow and loss, but when my friend knew she was going to lose a baby she had someone talk to her about donating some of her breastmilk to a NICU to help save other premature sick babies. Just wanted to put that thought out there...

Linda said...

Thank you for giving us this glimpse into your lives during such a bittersweet time. The photos are beautiful. Your testimony of faith has been incredible. Praying that Jehovah Rophe will heal your hurting hearts.
Blessings

Jared, Kristin, Deanna, Avery, and Adam Edwards said...

Thanks for the update. For some reason I could not view your post until now. I hope you are doing well. The time following is going to be difficult with joy mixed in.
We are thankful to see our baby boy and you especially spending some time with her when she was alive. Jonathan was not alive but we got some pictures and keepsakes so the girls can remember their brother and us our son.

It has been a hard month for us. We are thankful to the Lord for everything. Even this wonderful gift of our only son who is no longer with us. We have confidence we see him once again.

However this grief has been different than we have expected. Although Jonathan is with the Lord and is cured from T18. It is a huge loss. But I know the Lord will see you through this as he has us. We are here for you if you need someone to talk to.

Yours in Christ,
Jared and Kristin Edwards

Grammy said...

Dearest Angie and Nathan:

What a privilege to be able to walk this journey with you. Yesterday was a "bittersweet" day. Though I grieved with you--how thankful I am to have been able to hold Precious Poppy Joy in my arms before she went into the arms of Jesus. How grateful I am to to be part of your lives--eternity canonly tell what your faith has meant to my life and to the lives of many others around the world. Be assured of my love and prayers for you both and precious little Marianna in the days ahead. I love you dearly, Grammy

Grammy said...

Dearest Angie and Nathan: What a bittersweet day it was yesterday. I'm so grateful for the privilege of walking this journey with you. How blessed I was to be able to hold my second great grandbaby. You both have been such a blessing to my life. We grieve , but we also celebrate the entry of Poppy Joy into heaven.

PaPa welcomed Poppy Joy home with open arms along with Jesus. I love you all dearly. God isgoodall the time--even when we don't understand. Keep leaning hard on Jesus. He' alway there. Grammy

Anonymous said...

nathan and angie
i have been keeping up with you through the farleys blog and have been reading you alls the last few weeks. you are a precious family, my heart is truly broken with compassion for you and thankful for the way that you will encounter jesus in the next months, moments, years ahead. a way that no one can unless they have their dreams shattered that they would find their true joy in Him. i will be praying and continuing to read your blog.

Anonymous said...

nathan and angie,

i am so honored that you have shared your lives and your sweet girls with us. i wept tonight as i read your blog yet my heart rejoiced as i imagined the celebration in heaven as poppy joy was welcomed home.
i cannot imagine your heartache. i grieved as i sat in copeland farley's memorial service watching you both sit there supporting booth and conor knowing you would experience the same. what a sweet picture as you both sat there i could see your pain, but could also see the peace in both your eyes.

Job 11:7-9 says, "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave [a] —what can you know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.

you both have been good stewards of one of God's greatest mysteries.

i am proud to have known you and look forward to the day when we can understand these mysteries.

I ache for you,
Clare Holcomb Richardson

So Blessed said...

I offer my deepest sympathy to your dear family at your time of loss of your beautiful Poppy. How precious she is, and how thankful I am that you had that special time with her, though it was so short. Your witness of your love and faith shine so brightly in this dark hour of your grief. I pray for God's strength for all of you and that you will rest in His strong, loving arms and that you will experience the peace that only He can give.

Anonymous said...

Oh my, what a beautiful little girl! I just love the picture of her in the white hat and the pic of her and her big sister. She is just precious! I'm so very thankful that God answered your prayers and allowed Poppy to be enjoyed by all those who love her. I continue to lift you up in prayer. God bless.

kristin and matt said...

nathan and angie,
poppy was such a precious little gift. she made a huge impact on my life in her few hours on earth! thank you for sharing your story. we'll continue to pray.
kristin etter horlings

Wade's World said...

What a beautiful gift from God! I am so glad that he answered your prayers for you to be able to spend precious time with your sweet Poppy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Nancy and Steve King said...

Dear Angie,Nathan and Family,
My sister, Gloria Parker, shared your story and blog with us. There are no words to decribe how humbled we have been by your faith, love and understanding of God's plan. We share in the love and know the power of a wonderful and supportive family. We want you to know all our prayers and thoughts have been with you for so many weeks, and will be for many more to come..
Remember, you have a very special angel watching over you now and she will always be with you..
With Love,
Nancy and Steve King
Columbia, SC

Anonymous said...

The body of Christ is so beautiful. Just seeing how many people have written to you and love you. Some that love you and don't even know you. What a blessing. I have hung on each word you have written. Thank you for sharing your lives with us.

Jeanne

Anonymous said...

God Picked a Flower

Anonymous said...

i came across your blog when i was looking for pictures of poppys to remember the soldiers. I planted an extra poppy row for your precious daughter this year. I hope they grow strong and the energy finds you. Blessed be the angel that God calls back to Heaven.

Carly Marie said...

What a beautiful and incredible story. Thank you for sharing your lives with your readers, you give HOPE to those who really need it.

I will love Poppies even more now x

Jess René said...

Today marks one year since I had a miscarriage. I was working on a painting as a method of mourning... as I was looking up pictures of poppies as a reference in my painting I stumbled across your blog post.

your daughter is so beautiful and your story has touched my heart today in ways that only God can do. I know a piece of your pain and am in awe of your faithfulness to God through the toughest of times. May the Creator of life bring you peace as He cradles your little girl in the best place she can be. In His arms is the perfect place.

Thank you for solidifying God's faithfulness to me today.

Jess René said...

Today marks one year since I had a miscarriage. I was working on a painting as a method of mourning... as I was looking up pictures of poppies as a reference in my painting I stumbled across your blog post.

your daughter is so beautiful and your story has touched my heart today in ways that only God can do. I know a piece of your pain and am in awe of your faithfulness to God through the toughest of times. May the Creator of life bring you peace as He cradles your little girl in the best place she can be. In His arms is the perfect place.

Thank you for solidifying God's faithfulness to me today.

Anonymous said...

I can understand, in a way, how this was -- my aunt had a baby with Trisomy 18 who lived for 9 hours. My cousin, though her life was short, has touched and still touches so many. I'm sure Poppy has done the same!

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Thinking of you today and tomorrow... :) Thank you again for sharing Poppy with us.

Unknown said...

I've discovered your wonderful story only now after many years, but I would like to thank you for the love you are able to feel..
Poppy is a preciuos gift, and I hope to be able to be as generous as you when God gives me the possibility to be mother..
I pray for you from Italy
With love
Alice

Caz said...

I am currently pregnant with my 3rd daughter. For many months the name "Poppy Joy" has been on my heart for her (unfortunately I am still trying to convince my husband!!). Today I googled the name and came across your blog and as I read of your precious Poppy's journey, the tears streamed down. I am so very glad you got to meet her and to hold her and I am so glad you have the peace of Jesus knowing that she is of course with Him in Heaven.
My first child - Sophia Grace - was stillborn in 2009. Perhaps they are friends up there.
Sending you much love all these years later and know that your little Poppy Joy is still touching lives.