Monday, January 08, 2007

The next night’s conversation…
Me: Em, do you think it’s possible to be happy and sad at the same time?
Em: Yes, because I’ll be sad that Noah’s not with me, but happy because he’s with Jesus.
Me: What do you think it will be like when Noah’s in heaven?
Em: Well, it’ll probably go back to the way it was…
Me: No, Emily, it’ll never be the same. Our lives will never be the same, do you know why?
Em: Yes, because Noah came into our lives…

Letter from Noah’s parents

We want to thank you all for the things that you have done. All the visits, meals, calls, letters, gifts and thoughts, but mostly, thank you for all the prayers. Without all the prayers, we don’t know that we would have been able to follow through on what we feel God wants us to do.

We feel that God has performed a true miracle in our lives. He has given us the peace and strength to make the decision to take Noah off life support on Friday afternoon, January 12th. We do not feel as though we are giving up, but rather we have been given the opportunity to give our son as a living sacrifice to God. To place Noah fully at God’s feet. No strings attached, no expectations, but a sweet gift in which we undoubtedly know God will delight.

And we suspect, many of you feel that God has performed a miracle in your life as well. Maybe you have followed our journey, pulled for Noah and maybe you have prayed for the first time in your life. Why have you prayed? To Whom have you prayed? Has our journey given you perspective that you never had before? Please hold onto this and never let it go. Noah has changed our lives in very deep ways. Please let his life change you as well, for today and eternity.

We don’t pretend to comprehend God’s massiveness. We only have faith in Him. We only have faith in what He asks us to do. To love Him and obey Him. And with that, we have come to a place of surrender. Lord, we surrender Noah’s life to you. His life is in Your hands. Noah has come into our lives and we will never be the same…

Unless God reaches down and heals our son, we are planning a funeral service for Monday afternoon at RRC (see link on left), with a possible wake on Saturday or Monday AM. As we have lived our lives, these events will be no different. Everything will be open to anyone who wants join us. More details to come.

Either way we are at peace.

59 comments:

  1. Brave, and precious Graves family, there are no words except that we love all 4 of you so much and we will be here each step of the way.
    Much, much love to you.....J,L,R,O&Z

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  2. Dear Ones - Words fail at such a time. We say as Jesus said at His Great Sacrifice, "Into thy hands, O Lord, (we) commit Noah Steven Graves."
    Together we look with anticipation to the Joy set before us where all our loved ones old and young; Robert, Grandpa Steve, and Pearl our Pearl, will await our Glad Arrival.

    Jason and Adrienne, please never second-guess your undying love for Noah. Sometimes the hardest calls are the most loving. I believe you are doing a righteous thing.

    Maranatha - O Lord come quickly.

    My admiration knows no bounds, caren

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  3. Anonymous10:27 PM

    Praying for you and your family I have followed your race and you have run it well.I pray I can run the Marathon this Sunday for NOAH and finish the race as strong as you have.

    You have touched my life and many many others.Thank you for sharing your life with so many God is good HE will continue to give you strength. AZ

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  4. As I read this message I immediately burst into tears...but then I stopped. Who says Noah will lose this battle?

    God can still work miracles!!!

    Your friend in Arvada,
    Audrey

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  5. Anonymous11:53 PM

    I lost my dear husband to cancer after almost 6 years of marriage. Nicholaus Nathanial Thielen went with the Lord August 15, 2004. I know that comparing the loss of a spouse to the loss of a child is unfair, but I wanted to let you know that reading your blogs was like reliving our own nine-month battle. The questions are many, the frustrations abound, and sometimes no light shows through to guide you to the end of the tunnel. My experience with critical points of life & death have left me with incredible faith in GOD. He must be in charge, because I can tell I certainly am not! My faith was tested sorely by our ordeal, but its' lasting effect is a peaceful feeling that everything is as it should be. I don't have to like it, I can choose to reject it. But all events in my life are the work of God, and the serve a purpose.

    I wish you well. I will pray for you. Thank you for touching my life in a deep & profound way. May God keep you safe in his strong hands and bear your burdens upon his broad shoulders.

    God Bless you & your family!

    Kristina Thielen-Belveal
    Halstead, KS

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  6. My heart aches for you. I just want to tell you that we have prayed and are still praying for you. Noah's life has changed ours and made us better parents. Thank you for sharing his story with the world. We serve a great and mighty God and Noah's life has illustrated that. We both grieve and rejoice with you and wish that could come to his funeral.

    Even though I have never met you, I love you guys. I pray that this week is a peaceful, beautiful one. We look forward with you to that glorious day when all again will be perfect and right and no more tears will be shed. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

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  7. Although my heart is breaking, I am still praying for and expecting a miracle with you all. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

    Noah is never far from my mind or my prayers. So is the rest of your family.

    Although we may never meet, I love you all and will continue to hold you up in prayer.

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  8. Anonymous6:01 AM

    I haven't left a comment on here but I want you to know that I am part of a group of sisters in Christ that have been praying for Noah for many months. Your faithfulness during this storm speaks so loudly for our Lord and Savior Jesus. Bless you for being his skin and feet even in the mist of losing your son's life from this earth. We will continue to lift you before our Father. Much love to your family.

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  9. Anonymous6:01 AM

    rDear Graves Family....As I write this with a heavy heart, I am consoled by the fact that although I never met Noah on this earth, I will see him soon. You have been an inspiration to me every morning. Thank you. May our Lord give you the continued strength you will need in the days and months ahead. In Lamentations 3:22-23 God assures us that his mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
    Love, prayers and blessings
    Gail (a friend in Ohio)

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  10. Anonymous6:11 AM

    The journey that you have allowed us to take with you will forever be intertwined with our lives until we are all together with Him. May that day come quckly and may we forever be changed by the life of precious Noah. I personally think that being with our Lord is by far better and beyond any earthly posessions,joy or accomplishment that we could experience on this earth, and nothing can compare to it. We love you more than words can say.
    Bob and Judy

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  11. Anonymous6:29 AM

    We love you, dear family

    Thama

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  12. Anonymous6:42 AM

    We've never had the pleasure of meeting, but I feel I know you from the words you have shared so graciously with the world.

    Laying Noah at the Lord's feet is something we have watched you do from the beginning. This decision is only an extension of that faith you so masterfully communicate through your posts. Noah's life so far has had such an impact on so many people both young and old. He hasn't spoken a word but your words of praise for our heavenly Father no matter the circumstances have been an inspiration to us all.

    No matter the outcome, may you find comfort from God's Word:
    When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

    A Sister in Christ from SC

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  13. My heart and prayers are with you. I've been changed through your experience, as well. Thank you for allowing me a window into your precious, faithful, and honest journey. Your faith is genuine! At this point. anything can happen, but in everything I truly believed that the Graves family is "Crowned in Peace." And all your tears are being bottled up in heaven for the proper time...

    Love you!

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  14. Anonymous6:57 AM

    Words cannot express the sadness we feel reading your words today. Equally, words cannot express the amazing strength you have shown over the past months. May that strength remain with you all. We send our thoughts, prayers and love from Boston.
    Lucinda & Mark Sears

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  15. Please know that although we are not with you in person, we are in our hearts and spirits. We love you all and are so thankful you've chosen to share your journey with us.

    Many, many prayers from our house to yours. Love you...

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  16. we are praying for you and your family and love you so much. I never got to meet little Noah, but I just felt like I knew him from reading your blog. He is a very special little boy, we love you

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  17. There is no doubt in my mind that Noah's life has purpose and has accomplished what God set out for him to do.

    As a mom I ache for you and this decision you are faced with...as a Christian I am inspired by your courageous faith!

    You are living out loud in the face of the devil and laying your son before the alter of Christ. You are not allowing him to be "taken" from you, instead offering him up to the most high.

    Great is your reward.

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  18. Anonymous7:39 AM

    My heart is so heavy. I have prayed for you and I will continue to pray. Thank you for sharing your journey and your faith. I will always remember you and Noah.

    Much love to you.
    Wendy

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  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  20. My heart is breaking for your family and yet I know the ending has not been revealed yet. I do know that Noah has touched so many more lives in his months than I have in my years. And I do know that my life is profoundly changed since your family took me back down to my knees. You are a true example of grace and faith. Although I've never met your family, you have captured my heart and you are the center of all my prayers.

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  21. Anonymous8:10 AM

    Please know that many, many people are praying for you and your family. Noah will be in a wonderful place and he will no longer face the obsticles in life that he has done so far. God has an even bigger plan for your little man.

    Your decision was done out of love not selfishness. Noah was brought into your life for a reason. You may not know it now, but you will have the answer some day.

    When you see a penny on the street, that is Noah thinking of you. I too have lost a child. DO NOT let this hold you back from life. There is so much more to live for and I am sure Noah wants to look down on his loving family and see them living life.

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  22. Anonymous9:35 AM

    My heart and prayers are with you all, as they are most every day. You are a beautiful family and you have touched so many by sharing your experience. As many others have said, I love that little guy even though I do not personally know him. Praying for the miracle of all miracles but mostly for God to wrap his arms around all of you, especially on Friday.
    Much love,
    AM in OK

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  23. Anonymous9:49 AM

    i hardly know what to say... may Father continue to cover you in His peace... HIS joy.
    love,
    heidi jo W

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  24. Anonymous10:03 AM

    Much love and prayers to your family.
    Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey with sweet, sweet Noah!

    Love...Sara Kelly & family

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  25. Anonymous11:14 AM

    Our hearts and our prayers are with you as always. Noah is and has always been in His Hands as are all of you.

    Gail and Phil

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  26. Anonymous11:15 AM

    I'm continuing to pray for you guys. I've loved having the chance to visit your family in the hospital. Like so many others, you just can't know the impact that you and little Noah have had on me and so many other people from church.

    Shanda

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  27. Anonymous12:03 PM

    Praise God for the peace that you feel and praise Him that He will always be with you, in this moment and in every to come. Glory be to our Father for the miracle He is working in your lives. Praise Him for the unselfishness you have shown: in letting Noah serve the purposes on earth that God has had for him. How proud of Noah you must be! God chose him, God chose your son, to accomplish such amazing things. Noah opened my eyes to a freedom with Christ that I had never experienced before. He is teaching me lessons as a mother, as well. Noah's heavenly life may begin soon, he may leave earth, but I know without a doubt that God is not finished working in the hearts of those of us still left here. Through Noah, lives will still be changed. He will leave a legacy. As Noah rejoices with Jesus in heaven, he will be so, so much more than a memory here. His beautiful life will live on here, in lives unnumbered to us, in lives numbered only to God, Noah will live on in my heart, in my heart that is waiting now, more than ever, to get to heaven myself to be with my sweet Jesus. You are blessed, Noah. And you have blessed. Your family is so proud of you, and so am I.

    Jennifer McKinney

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  28. Anonymous12:42 PM

    Sara called and told us of your latest blog. Lloyd and I want you to know that we are totally with you in prayer during this time. Psalms 147:3 says "He heals the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds." We know God had a purpose in bringing Noah into your life, and in eternity you will have all the answers.

    We love you....Jan and Lloyd Poppen

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  29. Anonymous1:11 PM

    As the wisdom of the "Third Day" song, "Cry out to Jesus" states.... "There is HOPE for the helpless, REST for the weary and LOVE for the brokenheart. There is GRACE and FORGIVNESS, MERCY & HEALING, He will meet you wherever you are....Just cry out to Jesus". Praise the God that we can cry out to and turn to in good times and in bad. Praise the God that sent His son to die for our sins so that we can be assured of not being seperated from Him, Halleluia!!!! I speak peace into your lives and thank you for sharing this very intimate journey with all of us. I benfited GREATLY from what you have shared. I have grown in my relationship with Abba Father by the example of pure love that you have for our Father. I have never met you, or your precious family, but I love you and will continue to pray for you all continually. I anxiously await the time where we can all rejoice in heaven and revel in the plan that God had for your lives as we see it in it's entirety! I Love You!!!!

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  30. Anonymous2:12 PM

    I have never been more proud to know you than these last 5+ months. We love you - Shannon and Ryan

    With Hope (SC Chapman)

    . . . And never have I known
    Anything so hard to understand
    And never have I questioned more
    The wisdom of God's plan
    But through the cloud of tears
    I see the Father's smile and say well done
    And I imagine you
    Where you wanted most to be
    Seeing all your dreams come true
    'Cause now you're home
    And now you're free, and ...

    We can cry with hope
    We can say goodbye with hope
    'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
    And we can grieve with hope
    'Cause we believe with hope
    (There's a place by God's grace)
    There's a place where we'll see your face again
    We'll see your face again

    We have this hope as an anchor
    'Cause we believe that everything
    God promised us is true, so ...

    So we can cry with hope
    And say goodbye with hope

    We wait with hope
    And we ache with hope
    We hold on with hope
    We let go with hope

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  31. Anonymous2:26 PM

    We are honored to have been able to follow Noah's life. When we think of him and of your family we think of Jesus. Your courage and faith have inspired us with our own fears and struggles. Thank you. May God fill you with a peace that surpasses all understanding. we love you.
    Gyle and Kelly Smith

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  32. Anonymous2:30 PM

    What a brave and loving thing you are doing for Noah. I wish you a heart full of peace in these times of grieving.

    "I cannot imagine how sweet heaven's lullaby's must be. Just let sweet Jesus hold you, until Mom and Dad can hold you." -Glory Baby, by Watermark

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  33. Continuing to pray for all of you—May His peace carry you through.

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  34. I read your post last night and have spent a lot of time in tears and a lot of time in prayer. I praise the Lord that He has blessed you with peace. I will continue to pray for a miracle. This journey has strengthened my faith and definitely made me more appreciative of each day that I have with my precious children. They are truly a gift. Your strength, honesty, obedience and tremendous faith are an inspiration and I thank you so much for sharing all of this with us. May your week be full of wonderful moments with your precious little boy.

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  35. Anonymous3:36 PM

    Your faith astounds and moves me. Thank you for sharing your life and Noah's. You have been and will continue to be prayed for.
    May God bless your faithfulness and trust in him and may he wrap his arms of comfort around each one of you.
    Lisa (a stranger in Los Angeles)

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  36. Anonymous4:27 PM

    Dear Graves Family,

    I heard about your story from Heather G., who is now in Omaha, and we actually briefly met at her baby shower in December 2005 (when you were pregnant with Noah).
    I wanted to write as someone who knows first hand the pain of losing a child. We were blessed with a full term, beautiful baby girl this past September, but had to make the difficult decision of removing her from life support after just 2 short days (due to complications from an umbilical cord accident).
    It sounds as if you have already found your path to peace, but these words continue to give me comfort: "Remember that whether you had two minutes or two years (to make your decision), without a doubt, if there had been a known and guaranteed way to prevent this, you would have pursued it with all your might." You've already proven that through your dedication and devotion to God and little Noah during these extremely difficult past months.
    Thank you for sharing your story. What a beautiful tribute to Noah's memory.
    Sincerely,
    Julie Bigge
    Mom to Jackson and ^Emma Kate^

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  37. Jason and Adrienne,

    We are praying for you all. We pray God's peace continues to flood your soul. We pray for strength for you.

    You have been an amazing example of faith, hope and love to people all over the world. You have challenged and encouraged all of us who read your blog. I think about the masses of people Noah has affected in just a few months and realize he has affected more people in those few months than most people affect in a span of 50-60 years. He is an amazing child of God. Thank you for sharing his life with all of us.

    We love you all!

    Rod and Michelle Arnold

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  38. Anonymous4:44 PM

    Oh man. I can't even believe how much this sucks. But, you're right; this has NOT been wasted time. I can't even wrap my brain around how wide the ripples of Noah's experience stretch.

    Will you still maintain the blog? I'm sure I'm not alone in stating that I don't want to lose the ability to support you through the honest and vivid accounts of your process and experience. But, I'll understand if you don't have the desire to keep it up and will continue to support you regardless, obviously.

    Sweet Jesus, it's not over yet. We know that Noah is already in the palm of your hand and that the imprint on our hearts with Noah's shape will be there forever. While we long to be at home with you and many of our loved ones that are already there, we know that our time has not come. BUT IT HURTS TO STAY DOWN HERE!!!!! Please don't ever let us out of your sight or your protective care. Thank you for being the kind of father and guide who lets us freely express our anger, our fears, or wants our excitement - whatever. There are no filters with you and for that, I personally am so grateful. You always meet us wherever we are physically or emotionally.

    I know that the Graves family will be expressing themselves in the ways that you have gifted them with and I know that you will be there to comfort them in return. Give those of us who can't be with them the wisdom to know how to continue to support them from afar and keep us sensitive to the message that Noah's experience has emblazoned in our minds: JESUS IS COMING. GET READY!!!

    We love you Noah, Emma, Adrienne & Jason. Thank you for opening your hearts and minds to thousands. The message will not be forgotten.

    Lynette – Tulsa, OK

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  39. Anonymous5:08 PM

    I read this last night and burst into tears... I cannot stop grieving for you. Although I have never met Noah outside of your tummy, I am deeply in love with your little man. He has brought me to my knees(and directly to Our Father) many times. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.

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  40. Anonymous5:10 PM

    Thanks for inspiring my faith to move mountains. My heart cries out for you and yet I know that our God is in control. Someday we will all see the bigger picture and sit at His feet in worship along with Noah. We will continue to lift up your family as you walk through this difficult time trusting God for His peace that passes all understanding.

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  41. Anonymous5:17 PM

    Dear Graves Family,

    Reading your story has been haert breaking and inspiring all at the same time. I will pray for your family in this difficult time.

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  42. Anonymous6:26 PM

    we are praying for your son. i hope you can find a pleasure if he doesnt make it knowing that we love you and that he will be in a good place. we love you and are praying...


    -the Bliss family
    p.s. remember the lord is in charge. he is our guiding light. even though i walk through the valley of death i fear no evil.

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  43. May the grace and faith you have shown everyday of this beautiful little boy's life be with you at all times...and may the peace
    Noah will experience as he is received into our Savior's arms fill your hearts forever.

    Adrienne and Jason, you have been an example of the beauty in unconditional love for so many who have read this blog every day - it seems strange to me that we've been exhorted by your spiritual maturity and transparency instead of the other way around.

    We weep with you and rejoice in the gift that is life. And we'll never forget you, Noah. Never.

    ~ Barbara Ann McNutt
    PS Happy Birthday, Adrienne - I wish I could click my heels together and make all your wishes come true...

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  44. Anonymous7:44 PM

    I have read your blog since the beginning of your journey. Your family has touched my family. I was in tears when I read your latest blog, I had to let you know that your family has touched many lives....

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  45. As with many who post on your site, you don't know me. I have been reading your blogs since the very beginning. I am a friend of a friend of a friend. It's hard to find the words to type, but I felt like I had to post a comment. I pray that God will continue to work in and through you this powerfully as you live your life, with or without Noah. He has been used so mightily for so many. We praise God loudly with you for Noah's life.

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  46. Anonymous8:42 PM

    My prayers are with you and your family. I have been reading your blog since you started and I am compivated by it. I have cried and I have prayed for your family. You are such a strong family and I know God is looking over your family.

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  47. Anonymous8:44 PM

    God bless all of you! What a special family. You are all an inspiration and it makes me want to be a better mother, wife, and Christian. Today was the first time I had heard about this blog. I plan to send it on as everyone needs to see how God has worked thru Noah and your family. You are in my prayers.

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  48. I am almost speechless....My family will be praying for ALL of you during this time. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. We will continue to pray for you this week and beyond.

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  49. Anonymous9:04 PM

    Friday you will demonstrate having 100% faith in our Lord, and as tears pour down my face, I can't tell you how much I grieve for you. I can't imagine...you have been transparent before us. Thank you for your testimony and willingness to put into flesh the kind of faith we all want to have. We love you so much and will pray unceasingly...

    Kristi, Bryon, Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker Noem

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  50. Anonymous9:05 PM

    When you should have been the ones being encouraged- you've encouraged us. Your strength and faith have been amazing. Noah's life story has been touching and I thank you for sharing it with the world. You are in our hearts and prayers as you love on your precious son this week. May you continue to feel the love of Christ and a peace that passes all understanding.
    Love, Chip and Amy Davis

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  51. Anonymous9:17 PM

    Adrienne & Family,

    I knew you at NWC. I just received the link to your blog. I don't pretend to have any idea what this journey has been like for you. I am so thankful to the Lord that He has and He will continue to hold you.

    "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 to know
    That the promise was that when everything fell
    We’d be held"
    HELD By Natalie Grant

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  52. Anonymous9:23 PM

    We continue to pray and send our love.
    Sam and Amanda Cook

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  53. Anonymous11:29 PM

    Dear Graves Family, I am so touched by your story. Angie Schrade sent me the link to your blog. I am a friend of hers from NWC and also from Calvary Baptist Church. I remember you guys from when I was a student at NWC. Anyhow, I am saddened about Noah. He is a beautiful little boy, and you are an incredible family. I have a 7 month old daughter, and now being a mommy my heart just goes out to you so much. Please know that my husband Erik & I are praying for you. Sincerely, Melody (Wolleat) Johnson

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  54. Anonymous12:03 AM

    Thank you for so openly sharing your life with me and so many others. Your faith has encouraged me and been a huge example in my life. I pray and hope that I can be a woman after the heart of God, just as you have shown yourself to be. I'll be praying for you and your family and that, above all, God will receive all glory, honor, and praise.

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  55. Anonymous8:12 AM

    Jason, Adrienne, Emily and Noah:
    I continue to pray for you. I am thankful to be part of this journey with you. God has been glorified and will continue to be glorified through your lives.
    In HIS love, Karen

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  56. Anonymous8:35 AM

    I am praying for continued peace over your family and Noah. I too have been inspired and challenged through your experiences. Thank you for sharing this difficult time with me(us). I know that the Lord is blessed by your offering of faith.
    May the God of Wonders bring you much comfort.

    A friend in SE Aurora

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  57. Adrienne,

    I've followed Noah's story every step of the way. I got the link from one of Beth Hasz's posts.

    You are a fabulous mom.

    Sincerely,
    Betsy

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  58. Anonymous9:26 PM

    Adrienne and Jason - I know it's been years since I've seen or spoken with you, but want to offer you my complete support in the midst of your decision and for all of your tomorrows. I am now and will continue to pray for you, your family and all who have been touched by your precious sons life.

    You're in my heart. All my love, Dawn Hoskey

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  59. Anonymous10:45 AM

    Remembering what God told you when precious Noah first had diarrhea at home, I pray that whatever is causing toxins in Noah's body, be revealed *today*, January 11, 2007. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and by the power of the Holy Spirit I pray for wisdom, mercy, grace and healing. God bless you all.

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