Monday, August 31, 2009

Heavy Hearts, Thankful Hearts


Lucas slipped into a Coma sometime in the afternoon yesterday, Sunday, as he was being held by loved ones. Our hospice nurse came out last night to confirm his unresponsive state as a Coma. We are grateful to all who have come to visit and as always to all those who have been Angels to us throughout Lucas' struggle. Our faith is strong, but our hearts are broken. We feel a calm assurance that Lucas will be fine and soon will be with his Father in Heaven and his Savior. We lovingly and respectfully ask that visits be limited to immediate family and please understand that we would love to visit with everyone, but our time with Lucas seems limited. We appreciate your continued prayers for our family as it has given us much strength and support. I wish we could give more personal responses to all of your comments and acts of kindness, please take this as our way of saying thank you from the bottom of our hearts.


Lucas is a very special boy sent to unlock the love in people's hearts and teach us lessons we might not otherwise learn. It seems his mission is drawing to a close. We love you our friends. Thank you.


-Aaron

61 comments:

  1. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

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  2. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers! Please give that sweet baby a kiss for us. You're so strong!!!
    Love,
    The Pearce's

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  3. What a beautiful family picture! You're in my prayers daily.

    Jadie Kendrick

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  4. Shannon and Aaron, I want you to know what AMAZING people you are and how grateful I am that I have had the chance to get to know you. Your little Lucas has really touched me, in just meeting him on Friday, I have thought so much about you and your family at this time. Lucas is such a strong and special spirit and what an amzing tribute to you both that you have the opportunity to be his mommy and daddy! I am so proud of your strength and in just the little that I talked with you can tell that you both are very strong and have such a great amount of faith. Thankyou so much for the example. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time and just know I am on call the next 4 nights so PLEASE don't hesitate to call if you need ANYTHING at all. With Love, Amy (Hospice Nurse)

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  5. Shannon & Aaron... my heart is breaking for you. There are no words adequate enough right now... but our family IS praying for you!

    Love,
    Jenni (Wong) Clayville
    www.jenniclayville.com

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  6. Shannon and Aaron, what a strong and beautiful testimony you guys have about our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness and our Savior's atonement. I'm so sad for your situation. Lucas is a beautiful little angel. I don't know you, but you already touch my heart and change completely the way I see life, my kids, family, just about everything. It's hard, but worth it! Thanks for sharing. My heart and players go with you and your family. Delibette from Seattle, WA

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  7. Dear Nelson Family,
    Our family is praying for you.

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  8. Shannon and Aaron,

    There really aren't words right now. Just know the neighborhood is thinking, praying and crying with you.

    Love,
    Sanz

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  9. I am so sorry. We will be including your sweet little family in our prayers.

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  11. words cannot express how emotional i have been reading this--

    i'm a stranger who wanted to tell you that your little man and your beautiful family has touched my heart today.

    families can be together forever.

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  12. praying for the peace that surpasses all understanding and the love and comfort that only God can give to you.
    Our missionary family here in Hungary is praying for you! We almost lost our 4 year old son to a blood clot in a vein near his brain in March. We are praising God he is doing better and continues to receive belly shots. It was hard doing all this in a different country and not knowing if he was going to make it. I understand and my heart is pleading before the Lord for you and your family.

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  13. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family at this time. May the Lord comfort you during the next few hours and days.

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  14. Your Lucas is just beautiful, as is your family. You are all in my prayers and thoughts today. I can't even imagine how difficult this must be...I have no words.

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  15. I heard about your sweet little Lucas from the Huish family. I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I can't even imagine how painful it would be to go through this time with your little man. We too lost our baby boy. It was a very different situation, and I know I don't know how you feel. Remember that even though no one else around you completely understands your pain, the Savior does. He loves you and will help you through this. Enjoy every tiny moment. Get in all the hugs and kisses you can. What a handsome sweet little man he is. I read some of your older posts. I loved how he would throw his teddy bear over his face, what a cutie!!
    Love and prayers from the Pixton's in
    Eagle Mountain.

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  17. We are praying for your family at this time. You are all an amazing example of faith and courage. You have such a handsome little family, and Lucas is such a sweet little guy. I know that he will be welcomed with arms wide open, and that he will be an angel watching over your family from here on out. Thanks for sharing your story, I truly appreciate the small things in life because of you. Lucas thanks for teaching us the important lessons in life, you are truly amazing!!!

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  18. Aaron. I'm so saddened by the lastest news about Lucas. I'm in awe of you and Shannon's faith and thoughts in your blogs. Thank you for your time in keeping us all updated. We miss you at work and please know that we are all thinking of you and your family.
    God Bless,
    Karie

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  19. What a beautiful picture of your family! Lucas looks so peaceful...and so darn cute too! Your family is amazing! You are continually in our thoughts and prayers!

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  20. I love this picture of your family! Lucas looks so peaceful. I know he has a more important mission that he's being called home for and that he must be such an incredible spirit. Thank you for the honor of knowing you guys and the amazing examples you are to all of us. I know my testimony has been strengthened because of your faith.

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  21. you don't know me but your story has touched my heart. I will be praying for your sweet family during these hard times.

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  22. You guys have such strong faith and are a great example to me! I am so sorry that you have to go through this. It breaks my heart. Not only do you have the neighborhood thinking, praying & crying with and for you, you have the ward and beyond! So many people love & care for your family! We all have you in our prayers!

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  23. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. I have family and friends all over the country thinking of you and keeping you in their prayers as well. Believe me when I say, so many lives are being touched right now because of your examples of faith and endurance, many of which you probably have not even met. Lucas will be in the minds and hearts of so many for years to come, I promise!
    Love, Audra

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  24. I heard about Lucas' story through my friend Danielle Perry. I just want you guys to know how much your story has touched my heart. Because of your little Lucas my family has decided to start being active in the church once again. Its amazing to think that such a sweet angel boy can have such an imapact on my family and our eternal lives. Thank you for sharing your story, because of Lucas I am certain that my family will be able to be an eternal family just like yours. Thank you for your faith and endurance. I don't think that you guys even have the slightest idea of how much your family's story has on those around you. We are praying for you and thinking of you! Lucas and your family will forever be in my thoughts and my heart and I am forever in debt to your baby boy.

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  25. We have not met but I saw a prayer request on LCC. I am so sorry for your son's illness. I am the mom of an child that earned her angel wings at the age of 8 nearly 4 years ago. Please know that though we have not met, I will be praying for you all. God Bless
    Kathy in Alaska
    mom to 4
    one in Heaven
    2 with me
    1 waiting in China.

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  26. I am so very touched by you and your family and especially sweet baby Lucas. I haven't wanted to call many times but I am NOT good at losses. I am so sorry for your family. And I am so inspired by your beautiful family, you have all touched my life very deeply. Thank you and Bless you all!

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  27. We love and miss you guys. You're in our prayers. Love, The Coxes

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  28. He is truly an angel! Gotta love those eyelashes! I will never forget him and feel privileged I had the chance to meet him! we love you guys!

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  29. He will surely be your guardian angel and that glint of sunshine that shines through the clouds on a rainy day. We don't know you, but we send prayers of peace and comfort your way.

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  30. I learned of your family through Sadie's blog. I've been following Lucas' story closely. Then I got an e-mail from my dear friend, Marnie telling me about her little nephew Lucas. I was surprised that Aaron, this strong, valiant, brave man, was the same person I knew as a little boy! I'm so sorry about the struggles of your sweet family. I know it must be heartbreaking to watch your little one suffer and know that your time on this earth with him is short. From reading your blog and after talking to Marnie, I know that Lucas has already fulfilled a great mission here on earth in his 8 short months. He's touched so many. He has been valiant. Thankfully the Gospel and the plan of Salvation gives us hope in difficult times such as these. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers! I hope you will find both peace and comfort.

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  31. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over you and your boys and especially Lucas tonight. I hope you can feel His love for you. Stay strong. My prayers and thoughts are always with you. Pat Bahr

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  32. Aaron, You were right he does look peaceful, and without pain. You can see the wonderful faith through your strong eyes. Our hearts break for you and our prayers are for his peaceful return home, and for God's comforting arms to wrap around you and your family and hold you to take away your pain. Thank you for sharing so much with us and for letting Lucas' love and life touch so many. We love you and are praying for you. Love Your Cous, Gen

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  33. I first want to say that I pray for comfort and peace for your family during this time you have been given a trial that cannot be explained but you are truly blessed to have such a amazing little boy in your family! I also wanted to let you know of a service that I have had friends with the loss of a child use. It is called "Now I lay Me Down to Sleep" it is a non-profit organization to assist familys suffering an infant loss. They will come to you and provide you with beautiful, heirloom portraits of your child. The lady that you need to contact is Julie Willams her number is 801-446-6856 You can also view some of their work on www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org Julie is respectfull at what she does I know that if you contact her you will have a Beautiful experience and precious photos that will be cherished and honored for a lifetime! I send you lots of love! -Lisa

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  34. Praying for your family and that you find sweetness and comfort in this shadowy place.

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  35. What a sweet family picture. I think you have the most beautiful boys on earth! Look at those eyes and each of them has the most peaceful expression, including Lucas. As I read this post, and all the comments that followed I had the most peaceful feeling. Heavenly Father is watching over you. He know how precious this little guy is to you, and I pray that he will provide you with the strength you need in the coming weeks months and years.
    Lizzy
    (another stranger/friend praying for you!)

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  36. Know there is a family in Germany praying for your peace. God will provide!

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  37. I am a stranger, who learned about you from the Smith Family blog. I just wanted to let you know that you are in my prayers today.

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  38. Shannon and Aaron,

    My heart is breaking for you right now. I am a mother to four, and I cannot imagine your pain and grief as you say goodbye to your sweet little one. May God hold each of you close to his heart now and in the years to come until you are reunited again in heaven.

    Jody in TX
    (member of LCC yahoo group where a prayer request was posted)

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  39. You are an amazing family and I feel blessed to have gotten to know you. You have been such an incredible example to me. My heart is breaking for you and your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

    Michelle

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  40. I found your blog through a friend...and even as strangers we are so brokenhearted for the difficulties you've had to endure as a mother, a father and as a family. Our prayers are with you. Thank you all for helping strengthen our testimonies of faith in the Lord's work and eternal families.
    -sending strength, prayers and support your way,
    Morgan in Dallas, TX.

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  41. You don't know me, but I wanted to say I've followed your blog and am heartbroken for your family. I wish I could say something to bring you comfort, but please know my family will be praying for yours.

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  42. Just had to let you know that you all are in my prayers. God "blesses" us with these special babies because he knows we will love them dearly and through our love receive many benefits. We lost our granddaughter after only 32 days. Our tears still come easily but our memories of those blessed days are awesome. God be with you. Sherry Mc

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  43. We are an amazing family! What a sweet family picture. We are so blessed to know you.
    With love
    The Ochsenhirts

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  44. We are praying for you guys, Thank you for the great faith that you have showed to us all. We love you so much. Having been there I can truly say cancer sucks! Just remember to LIVESTRONG!!!
    Chad

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  45. I am Tiffany Huish's neighbor. My heart is full today. I am sorry for your suffering. Thanks for sharing your strength with me. I will have you in my prayers

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  46. Darci Anderson is a special friend to our daughter Wendy, (and to us) they have known each other since grade school. In Dec of 2006 she died of a blood clot. Even though we had her for 40 years it is always hard to loose a child. I am grateful for Darci for sending me your blog and reading about your precious little Lucus. There are so many close family members who have lost love one in the pass three years and if it weren't for our beliefs we could never have handle it. Lucus had to have been such a valiant spirit to be on earth for such a short while to get his body and not having to go through any of the trials of life. He has made! He will be in the Celestial Kingdom and his challenge now is to make sure his family is there with him, so always listen to the spirit, as Lucus will be close by. Families can be Together Forever. Your wonderful testimony will bring people back to the fold. Thank You so much for sharing your little Lucus with all of us
    The Stowell's Don & Patti

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  47. What a special time this is with baby Lucas, he is just a prefect little boy. It is hard to imagine being the mother of a perfect child, but it is such a blessing. Hold on to every moment you have with him, take lots and lots of pictures! Just know the pain will soften but never go away, but that is ok because that pain reminds us that there will be a very special spirit waiting on the other side. Hang in there, if you ever need anything, I have quite a few resources, when the time comes, for support after losing a child, poems, songs, websites etc. The Garners, Diana and Craig

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  48. What a beautiful family you have, & with a very heavy heart, I will pray for comfort for you and yours...

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  49. What a beautiful picture of your family. I wish I had something to say... but my heart aches. Our hearts at the Eagar home are broken with yours and our faith and prayers are for your family. I know God is watching over you.
    The Eagars Michael & Cheryl

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  50. Hey Aaron and family, I just wanted to let you know that your family has been and will continue to be in my family's prayers. My wife and I have been following your blog and can't imagine how hard this is for you guys. We've been impressed with your strength and faith and like you know that this is a small piece of God's eternal plan for us and that families can be together forever. Thank you for taking the time to share this with everyone. Your faith is a great example to us.

    Anderson and family

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  51. I am a cousin of Sanz. I read your blog just now. We lost our daughter on 5 Mar 2008 of the chemo treatment for cancer. We thought she would make it, so it was a great shock. She was 26. It never is easy to lose a child. You will be surprised how many have lost a child--especially babies when people come to comfort you later. You will know they understand what you are going through. It is a great comfort. You are in my prayers. I have shed tears for all of you. Cleone Barrus

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  52. Dear Aaron, Shannon and family,
    I have been following your blog since Marnie let me know you had one and I have gone back to the beginning to read it from the start. You have such a beautiful family and take comfort in knowing that Lucas is no longer in pain. You have such a strong testimony and I know Heavenly Father will bless you and comfort you as you go through this difficult time. It is wonderful to see the smiles on your faces in the picture and to know how much you treasure all three of your boys. We are continuing to remember you in our prayers. It must be a comfort to know that Lucas is graduating and going on to a place without pain. I know there are lots of loved ones waiting on the other side of the veil to welcome him home. Stay strong, love each other, and remember that we love you.

    Aunt Linda, Uncle Al and family.

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  53. Shannon & family,

    Lots of love and prayers being sent your way from Washington. What a sweet family picture.

    Love, Carrie (Folkman) Reckling

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  54. Nelson family, your struggle is amazing but your stregnth is even more amazing would you mind if I posted this one post on my blog and my Facebook...I'd appreciate a response either way...

    Always, Ranee Fratangelo
    Huntsville AL

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  55. I am praying for you right now. That the Lord will give you peace at this time.

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  56. My heart just breaks for your cute family. I have been truly touched and deeply inspired by your story. It makes me think not to take any of our loved ones for granted. I hope your story makes people love a little stronger, hold on a little tighter, smile a little more, have hope in the hopeless and strive to gain the beautiful testimony you all have. Thank you so much for sharing, I know it must be so hard but I truly am a better person from learning of your strength. God bless your family and may your testimony keep touching others as it has touched our family. Our prayers will continue to be with you. The Lord will give you strength and peace. Thank you.

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  57. Archie and I add to the prayers and faith of others. As tears come down my face and am I reminded of how short life is and how precious are those whom we love and love in return. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.

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  58. I just found your blog. My heart is heavy and I am deeply saddend to hear of your son. All my prayers are with you and your family. Your testimony and faith astound me.Your family is amazing. Heavenly Father has bestowed upon you a precious angel.

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  59. He looks like a beautiful porcelain angel laying there.

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