Because I couldn't post it right on my iPad and don't have a computer handy. Hers deserve their own post anyway.
A few weeks before James got sick, our Sunday school class talked about the parable of the paralyzed man. Do you all remember the paralyzed man whose friends lifted the man through the roof in order to see jesus? Mark 2 says that when Jesus saw their faith, meaning that of the paralytics friends, he was healed.
Dear friends, you have truly been the ones to lift and sustain us during this time. Our Sunday school class, foundations, has been a stunning example of the body of Christ. I can't tell you how you have not only fulfilled every material need for us, but you have provided spiritual support in ways that we couldn't even have asked for.
Because if you, we have been able to raise our eyes to Christ, but-only because you are holding us up.
Words cannot express our thanks and love for you. We are so grateful for every one of our prayers, thoughts, phone calls, emails, Facebook messages, blog comments, and visits.
Thank you for showing us how to truly love- it is through you that we have become better parents and show christs love to James.
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Gracious, faithful, loving words from a Mama's heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI visit your blog everyday for new posts and updates. Thank you for sharing your story during the most difficult time you will ever have. I have been married for almost 2 years now and we don't have any children yet but your story has captured my heart and soul. Throughout the day you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and give you strength. You have a very special Angel in heaven watching over y'all.
ReplyDeleteKara, I was so moved by this and am THANKFUL for you and Matthew that you are blessed with such a loving church family. What a pillar of strength God has placed a midst you.
ReplyDeleteYou and Matthew and JAMES were in my heart all day yesterday and me and my family had our giraffes on to quietly mark the day in honor of James legacy.
with warmth,
D. Antonia
Beautiful words. I can only imagine how difficult these days are for you. You are in my heart and I hope you can feel all of the prayers. May God continue to be with you.
ReplyDeleteKara, I stumbled on your blog through a FB friend and want to thank you for sharing your life with all of us. I do not know you or your husband but your strength is inspiring. James was very lucky to have you and Matthew for parents and your love for him was evident in every word typed over the last month. I pray that your angel is happy in heaven, pain free and meeting family members that have gone before him. God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteDear Kara, I too stumbled upon your blog through a tweet from Angie Smith (Bring The Rain). My heart aches for you and Matthew. Words cannot do justice. Know that there is another mom (with children in heaven) praying for the two of you.
ReplyDelete- Lisa Knight
Such beautiful words for such a beautiful boy. Praying for you and your family tonight.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful words that were spoken straight from the heart yesterday. It was such a wonderful celebration of James. Praying and thinking of you daily.
ReplyDeletefound your blog from Angie Smith's blog...
ReplyDeletejust want you to know I am praying for you.
May God comfort you....
grace~
Teena
http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?referer=120727
I came across your blog from another that I follow. I have a nephew that shares the exact same birthday with James and when I read your blog it hit me like a ton a bricks. I shared your story with my family and they are all praying for you. I am also from Dallas and will be donating to James' fund. May God lift you and your family up in prayer.
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm a friend of Sandy Kenyon's who passed your blog to my husband and I so we could pray for you guys over the last few weeks. I signed your guestbook a week or so ago, but wanted to come back to your blog to tell you that we are still lifting you all up in prayer. I can only read about 1 of your blogs a day b/c I get so overly emotional. And, I also wanted to let you know that every time I hold our almost 4 month old baby, I give him an extra hug and extra "I love you" because your story has re-affirmed how short life really is, and can really be even for precious babies. We won't know this side of Heaven why God allowed this to happen to your sweet angel, but my faith tells me He will do something incredible through this and though the short 8 months your sweet James was with you. May God continue to heal your broken hearts and give you a peace and comfort that only He can provide.
ReplyDelete-Darla and Matt Eisemann
I've tried to comment on several posts. It's just so hard to come up with the "right" words to say. I've come to the conclusion there are no "right" words at a time like this. So any words are better than none at all. I never had the pleasure to meet James. I found your story via babycenter.com. I just want you to know how much James' story has touched my heart. I've cried everyday reading your blog. I think of James daily. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what you must be going through.
ReplyDeleteI have a 5 month old daughter. I cannot imagine the pain and grief you are experiencing. I do not pray normally but I am praying for you both and for your James. During the days when I struggle with first time motherhood , I will be thinking of you both and your beautiful boy. I will think of his gorgeous smile and unforgettable hair. James has helped me focus on the important aspects of parenthood - hold them, enjoy them and live every moment.
ReplyDeletethinking of you and always of James.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing James with us. We will continue to pray for you and Matthew
ReplyDeleteThank you for so honestly sharing your heart, your soul and your James with all of us in cyber world. My James is almost 10 and I've hugged him extra tight ever since finding your blog. I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray for you and hope that in everything you find God. Give Him every emotion, all the sorrow and all the anger. He has big, big shoulders, He can handle it and He can understand it. He lost a Son too. I don't know His plan for you and I don't pretend to know your pain but I know my God and He is faithful.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you both today. I hope you continue to share here. I am praying for your strength.
ReplyDeleteI saw this beautiful giraffe photo on pinterest today and it made me think of you and Jamesie. He's with you now. Cheek to cheek. Holding you. I really do believe that our loved ones can reach out and touch us from Heaven.
http://pinterest.com/pin/19872419/
Tamara
Oh, Tamara, what a beautiful picture!
ReplyDeletePraying for peace and comfort for all who know and love sweet baby James, every single day.
What beautiful and thoughtful words you both spoke about James and those who have carried you along this journey. My thoughts veer toward you all regularly throughout the day. I suppose I feel a strong connection (though we've only spoken on the phone one time) because my Gavin had AT/RT as well. My heart breaks that James didn't survive this beast of a cancer. Thank you for sharing about how his incisions were better so quickly after he passed. Such amazing evidence of his instantaneous healing. A gift to you from God. May you feel God's presence each day.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Stacie Smith
www.smithscooptexas.blogspot.com
staciesmith19@hotmail.com
Thank you for sharing with us. I have been checking your blog constantly and my heart hurts for you. I am amazed by your poise and ability to write so eloquently during the darkest times. Many thoughts and prayers being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteDear Kara,
ReplyDeleteWe met just once and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting James back around Easter. I am Ron and Pat's daughter (next door). I couldn't stop talking about your sweet baby and his angel's eyes.
I learned of James' troubles through your neighbors and then contacted as many prayer warriors as I could find. We all lifted James and your family up in prayer, praying for the comfort and strength that only God can provide.
There are no possible words to describe how devastated you must be and how sorry we all are at your loss. Ron and Pat are absolutely heartbroken; they loved Baby James. We know God will carry you through and we pray that you and your family will heal and find peace. We take comfort in knowing that your baby James is resting in the arms of Jesus, free from harm and worry.
May God Bless You and Protect You in this time of mourning and grieving.
Lori Mills
I think about James every day and am sad for his passing and I never even met any of you. I can't imagine how much you must think of him and miss him. Just a perfect stranger wanting you to know I am hurting for you and praying for peace.
ReplyDeleteI am reading your story for the first time today. I just want to let you know that I will be praying for peace for your family, and for you to feel God's strong arms around you. His photos are GORGEOUS! Your reliance on God is a massive testimony, and it strengthens me. <3
ReplyDeleteAmanda
I am praying for you in PIttsburgh, PA :-). May God bless you, comfort you, sustain you, and make everything beautiful for you in its time.
ReplyDeleteIn Him Who keeps you,
Laura Smith
Just wanted to let you know I have not stopped thinking of you guys and praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI haven't stopped thinking about all three of you all week. The grief I feel for James, and for you and Matthew, well...I know I can't even fathom even a fraction of what you feel, and so I pray for peace for you both, what a tremendous thing to bear. James has had such a profound impact on me, as my faith has been tenuous at best as of late. James has opened a piece of my heart, as he is proof there are angels, both with us and watching over us. I know James is in heaven, how beautiful it must be there now. How the heavens will rejoice when you are all united once again.
ReplyDeleteSending more love,prayers and comfort your way.
ReplyDeleteStill praying. Still praying.
ReplyDeleteI come back to your site a few times a day, hoping that in these few days you are feeling lifted up in prayers. My heart goes out to both of you, and our families.
ReplyDeletestill praying
ReplyDeleteKara & Matthew,
ReplyDeleteStill think of you all the time. I hope & pray that you are both doing ok. Your story moved me so much. James is a sweet angel in Heaven, but I know you must miss him sooo much. Take care of yourselves.
I have only met you through your blog, but I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you daily. I hope you are somehow finding some peace and taking some comfort in the love and support that is coming to you from around the country.
ReplyDeleteWhen my aunt passed away I remember the pastor saying the hardest days were the days and weeks after the funeral when the visitors leave and the bussle of planning subsides. That's when you need a shoulder the most. Please know that I as well as many others are continuing to pray for you even more now! While I know God can never fill the loss, I pray that he carries and uplifts you during this time of hurt. Sending our love and prayers every day
ReplyDeleteYes. We are still praying for you. You are not forgotten. And James's life continues to inspire me today. I pray that you are finding the strength that will enable you to persevere. We all know James has beaten the tumor. I'm praying that you will be able to as well.
ReplyDeleteOver the weekend we listened to Raffi's song Joshua Giraffe with my 18 month old daughter. I thought of baby James and how fitting the song was for him. I had a smile on my face as I thought about him and the amazing love you both had for him. He truly was blessed to have you both as his parents. Continue to write wherever you may chose. It is a true outlet. From Sicily your way. My thoughts and prayers continue for you both.
ReplyDeletestill thinking about you guys this week. prayers always said... <3
ReplyDelete