...bailey's story...


Our story is a story about a MIRACLE. It is not the kind of miracle that is so often shared in Christian circles. We have heard stories about untreatable cancer that disappeared and of a child that was never supposed to walk or talk and is now a healthy adult. These are often the kinds of stories people share with you when you are experiencing difficult circumstances. Stories about the TRAGEDY that was avoided or the near miss that is now in the rear view mirror of life. We value these types of stories and we CELEBRATE them!

Ours was not that kind of story. Our daughter Bailey Hope was born on February 20, 2009. She died on August 13, 2010. The eighteen months in between were horrible and heart wrenching as we experienced our worst fears coming true. We were not rescued FROM heartache and tragedy.

Our miracle was that we were joined IN this journey by friends and family that gave of themselves and by our GOD who held us in unexplainable ways. This is our story. We do not share it to garner pity. There are others who have similar stories. There are so many others who have more tragic stories.

We share our story because it is impossible to talk about our beautiful daughter, without talking about our beautiful God. We must talk about our daughter. We must talk about our God. It is the MIRACLE behind the MIRACLE.





Tuesday, 28 December 2010

Season of Pause

Our experience with the life and death of our daughter Bailey has not ended.  It does not sit tied up in a nice, neat, and easily understood package.  We are not who we were, nor are we who we will be.  Heather and I continue to "sit" in a place of allowing and longing to be changed by this experience.  We are acutely aware of our desperate need for God.  There is an intermingled sense of profound sadness and of genuine worship for Jehovah Shammah (ever present one) in our hearts and in our home.  We are taking an intentional season of pause with the hope that we will emerge healthy and whole, both as individuals and as a family.  It is our prayer that this wound will heal into a scar that is a visible and visceral reminder of His faithfulness.
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10 comments:

  1. amanda31 December 2010 at 19:57

    Came to your blog to 'see' Bailey tonight. Missing her with you. It's so good to hear your words and know your hearts. You and your sweet daughter are not forgotten. She lives on in so many lives because of the things she taught us in her short life here. We love you from near and far....we're here....always. -the curries

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  2. Unknown2 January 2011 at 16:19

    I was thinking of Bailey today and looked at your blog and found your post. Heather, I loved seeing you a couple weeks ago and hope to see you again soon. To both of you, may you continue to feel the presence of Jehovah Shammah as you pause to remember your sweet Bailey. Love you!

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  3. Unknown3 January 2011 at 17:45

    sitting with you in this season and the seasons to come.
    much love for you and your family.
    ben and jaren

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  4. Sarah Cosby17 January 2011 at 18:54

    thinking of you all as you continue this journey of grief

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  5. Anonymous27 January 2011 at 06:12

    My daughter turned one - yesterday. I recalled your call to me in the hospital, which would have been one year ago today. That you could even pause to reach out to me that day - I wondered how you could possibly take the time to call me - that you could find it in your heart to think of someone other than your immediate family.

    Every day I wallow in my own struggles throwing everything off my plate that is periphery - struggling to keep my family together, to get through the day, to keep kids healthy and happy, to keep working, to provide for them - and yet I know that my struggles don't even begin to approach what you faced.

    And yet..... you called.

    I will always remember that day.

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  6. Lisa9 February 2011 at 01:28

    Still thinking of, praying for and remembering you and your family.

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  7. The Traynors11 February 2011 at 09:03

    Came to see you and Bailey today. We use her bookmark for our children's bible and talk about the struggles kiddos can face with support from God. You and your family still inspire - taking time to pause, to reflect, to mourn, to just be quiet with God for a moment - so healthy and such good reminders for the rest of us. Thank you for continuing to share your journey. We love love love you.

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  8. Anonymous12 February 2011 at 05:14

    A little punch, a kick, a roll
    A heart beats steady
    Then not at all
    Life is gone, before too long
    The rain begins to fall.
    Time goes by, days go past
    Years are spinning very fast
    Wondering, waiting, asking why
    Alone a silent lullaby
    Never a day without a thought
    Remembering what was real, and lost
    Loved and missed, forever to be
    An angel watching over me

    -by Amanda Phillip

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  9. suzq32820 February 2011 at 08:51

    Today is both a day of celebration and sorrow. We celebrate a birth of 2 beautiful girls and yet are hearts are heavy that one is not here with us. Happy Birthday Alexis, we love you, and sweet Bailey, we miss you, you are in out hearts and our thoughts daily.

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  10. Eric and Jennifer20 February 2011 at 09:28

    Matt and Heather,

    We are praying for your family. God brought you to our minds today, especially as we worshipped the Lord through the hearing of His Word. Our pastor preached on Psalm 46, and you came to mind as ones who have lived out your faith and have testified to God being your refuge, strength and very present help. May you realize the very nearness of His comfort today.

    Blessings,

    Jennifer and Eric Archambault

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