Truly "Crowned in Peace" is Noah Steven Graves.There is "Nothing Missing, Nothing Broken", not in Noah, anyway...
He is missing from my arms and my heart is broken but not destroyed. I have not met a more perfect little person.
Today Emily said after our photography session, "Mom, don't let him go." I said, "I won't but if Jesus wants him, I'm not going to disobey because do you remember how mad he got when the disciples tried to discourage the little children from coming to him?"
She understood...
You see, when Jesus directed us to have faith like a child, it was quite simple, really.
Think about it...when we tell a child that there's this God that we can't see with our eyes or feel with our hands who created the whole universe, that loves us unconditionally,
He lives in Heaven and there are castles there,
no crying, no sadness, sickness or hurt...usually the response is, "I love God. I want to go there!"
Then, we "grow up" and take theology classes and try to figure God out with our minds and we really screw things up...There is a reason that Jesus was so in love with children and why He still is today-they are not tainted with "higher education" or lofty thinking. They are pure, they are simple. There are no complications, no denominations, no classes, no reasons NOT to believe. It's pure faith. Faith like a child.
I believe Noah had that kind of faith. Or, at least he taught me to have it by living his life out loud in front of me.
We will post more pictures from our photo session with Em and Noah prior to laying him before the Lord.
We thank you for your overwhelming response of support, love and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We covet them as we know our lives will continue on this road of radical transformation...We have a peace that surpasses all natural understanding, and, of course, at the same time I want Noah back more than anything else in the entire world. I'd give my life for him if there was a guarantee that he'd wake up and be with his dad and sister!
He touched the deepest, most tender part of my heart.
I guess he had the same effect on the Father heart of God, too...so he got to go there, to His arms, and delight His heart. For that we are grateful.
Please know we will continue this blog because we know it is just the beginning of a legacy from Noah's service to God that beyond our own imagination...
Also, we wanted all of you to be able to have a cyber-wake, as weird as that sounds. We know that you have fallen in love, so we wanted you to be able to see his angelic face as he sleeps peacefully in the arms of his loving Savior.
(*pinch me, please, because it is surreal that I am posting this...)
Praying that Jesus would continue the amazing work that He began through little Noah. We have all been changed as a result of his life and pray that the Father would surround you, Jason, Em and the rest of your families with his love, his peace and his tangible presence. Bless you guys!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
Columbus, OH
My heart stopped when your blogspot was pulled up. I have been checking all day, praying for you and checking for news. It is now the middle of the night where I live, but my 3 year old just crawled into bed with us and my thoughts instantly went to you. So here I am at the computer, checking and praying some more. Noah is perfect, he is sweet and until now I haven't been able to rejoice that he is God's. I am guilty of hanging on too tightly to my children, controlling maybe, but out of nothing but love. My greatest lesson from sweet Noah's life will be in the daily giving back to God of my children. I expect it to hurt a little, but if I can find a fraction of the peace that your family has found, I will be a changed woman.
ReplyDeleteKiki
Conway, AR
Dear Ade,
ReplyDeleteI've cried so many tears yet I know they are a drop in the bucket to yours. I find myself trying to 'understand' and it is my little ones that have been so captured by your dear baby Noah that keep bringing me back to that child-like faith and trust!
My entire family has been deeply impacted by your amazing family! So many have said it but I too thank you for sharing this journey with us---you and your dear Noah are in our hearts forever!
Our prayers continue to be with you!
Good-bye for now precious one; we love you!
Michelle, Rich, Sky, Blake & Tori
As beautiful as the day he was born...now made completely whole in the arms of our Saviour. Sweet Noah is "Crowned in Peace" for all of eternity as he waits for us on the other side. We love you all. Praying without ceasing.
ReplyDeleteMarie and Family
I have only read a handful of times but have left each time amazed by your faith and crying tears of joy for that faith and tears of sadness for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord bless you and keep you
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious unto you
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you
And give you peace...
I thanked God for my little girl last night and tonight as well. And I will remember from now on. I stopped doing that once she was past the scary 'preemie' stage. I took her health for granted. This week someone sent a link to your blog and I could breathe again and remembered what this peace meant to me. I pray that your family be comforted by God's amazing favor. How many of us can say we'd be so obedient if God asked us to make such a sacrifice? Noah's story is an amazing journey and thank you for sharing it with us. I have been reminded of God's grace and to that I appreciate your willingness to share openly your innermost pain, your strength, and more importantly your love for you son and daughter.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless Your Family
Dear J and Ade,
ReplyDeleteIt's 2:00 in the morning and I, like many others, cannot sleep because you are heavy on my heart right now. I was lying in my bed thinking about you and praying for you, wondering if you are awake and how you must be feeling. I don't think that any of us have the right words to say, but we all want to show our support and let you know how much we care.
I pray that the "peace that passes all understanding" be yours today. We love you two so much--you have been there for us in our most difficult times and we plan on being there for you in these days ahead. May God give you sweet sleep tonight.
Love, your friend who doesn't usually post but is always thinking about you!
P.S. Thank you for sharing these photos with us. What a precious little guy...
I understand the surreal nature of how things are for you right now and even though I have not met you in person I consider us sisters in Christ. Since, He calls us to mourn with each other and to rejoice with each other, (thus the world will know us by our love), I have been praying and mourning with you and I know many others have as well. Know that the Joy comes in the mourning Ps 30 and that His favor is for your lifetime. I pray the Holy Spirit will come on you in the moments of grieving and give you great unexpressable joy and peace. I praise and thank God for you and your family, the testimony of Noah and the truely awesome things that are yet to come in your lives and all those Noah and family has touched. After all, 7 continents of seed spreading has got to be shaking things up greatly in the spirit realm. I pray much fruit will come to bear as the seed of Noah's life has touched so much ground.
ReplyDeleteMy heart both breaks and rejoices along with yours as I know these feelings well. I love the way you glorify God in your writing of this...what a blessing you are to grieving parents. I will continue to pray that you will be blessed with the gift of Peace that our family has felt after our Gus went home. Thanks again for sharing...
ReplyDeleteJenny
www.homeschoolblogger.com/gdoriot
There aren't any words that will come easy today.... I just keep singing the song "I Will Praise You in the Storm" by Casting Crowns.
ReplyDeleteAde, your words, your example, your love, your perseverance and your testimony have touched me in many ways and I praise God for that. I have walked with you daily for the past 5 months and there isn't a day that went by that you have not been on my mind and in my prayers. And I thank God for Noah!!
Now I grieve with you, and I rejoice with you and I pray for greater grace and strength for you all. Your family are in my prayers.
Sue
Aberdeen, SD
Noah is so perfect, he will never be tainted. I beleive he was meant to be so Christ-like, that we would all learn from his perfect, perfect nature. I am praying for you guys and I know this may sound weird but I love you guys and my heart is broken for you. Please remember... Joshua 1:5-9. God is with you wherever you may go. Peace..
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting. I have been checking all day and into the night on news of sweet Noah. The photos are beautiful,peaceful. I am sorry for your loss. I am also amazed by your faithfulness.Your daughter is so blessed to have you as an example of a strong,christian woman.I will be praying that God continues his blanket of peace upon your family. And that the warmth of his love will be over whelming.
ReplyDeleteYou have a strength that I can't even begin to imagine. You have been blessed to have your perfect Noah and he will forever watch over you until you are with him again.
ReplyDeleteMy heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family
I absolutely do not know what to say. Ive set here for several hours reading through your posts, and crying. My hearts aches for you and your family, but I know that God will give you peace through this hard time. I will be praying for you and your family, I know that just as God has Noah in his arms right now he is also holding all of you too! Take care and thank you for this blog, it has been such an inspiration to me!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Altus, OK
What a testimony to the love and peace of the Father! Your faith speaks volumes...'though He slay me, yet will I trust Him'. Noah is beautiful. You are beautiful. Your family is beautiful. And it all comes from within. It's God's love and peace shining from within your hearts.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this hard journey with the world. May Noah's life and your words touch so many souls that it will be impossible to count the endless ways God is glorified through this. When the difficult days come, look back at your posts from this week and praise God for his strength and mercy...and rejoice that He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords now and forever.
Praying in SC
My son was stillborn at term....so I know loss. My heart goes out to you and your beautiful family. The days ahead are going to be tough ones. I highly recommend www.silentgrief.com it offered me unrelenting support after my son's loss. The women on their are survivors too.
ReplyDeleteAgain, my heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your beautiful son.
I am a mother of a 4 year old and a 7 month old. After I received your blog early Friday morning, my day was consumed with reading the entire blog and hoping that there would be a miracle. I am amazed at the faith that you and your family have and I admire you for the strength that you have had through all of this. You and Jason are amazing parents for so many reasons, but mostly because you WERE your sons healthcare advocate and I think that that is such an admirable quality. You found a way to incorporate Em in Noah's daily life and you continued to be parents to her, even though you had such a heavy heart.
ReplyDeleteI continued to check the blog last night, hoping that there would be news. You and your family were in my thoughts and my prayers all day yesterday and will continue to be in the days to come. Thank you for all of your inspiring words.
You and your husband are amazing people, and your little girl is incredible. Your family and friends are blessed to have you all in their lives. In a short time you have truly made a HUGE difference in my life, so I can only imagine all of the lives that you touch on a daily basis.
I am so sorry for your loss and the heavy heart that you all must have. Noah is beautiful and so peaceful, something he must have learned from his mother:)
God Bless you and your family,
Melissa
Gilbert, AZ
Dearest Graves family,
ReplyDeleteYour son is perhaps the most beautiful child of God I have ever laid eyes on. He is now made perfect. How do we even begin to comprehend his beauty?
Kathy Troccoli's song "Love Has a Name" has been my dwelling place these last few days as I prayed for you all:
"Love has a name, Love has a face, and when you know Love, you know you're not the same. Love never dies, Love never leaves, and when hope is gone, Love will believe. Love every day, gives Love away, Love has a name....
Love came from heaven, and died for us all. Now we are forgiven, by the Savior of the world.
Love has a name.... Jesus."
Adrienne, my heart is heavy for you but at the same time I know that you will receive much, for much you have given.....
I have only just yesterday discovered your website and your beautiful son has touched my life forever. I am also a parent and I am in awe of your faith and your abilities, of your courage and your vulnerability. May you heal in peace, and know that many peoples' thoughts and prayers are with you. You have touched the world with your story and your love. I am so sorry for your loss. I am amazed by the fact that you have been able to find the love that you have in your faith through all of this.
ReplyDeleteHeather
VA
Thank you for posting these incredibly beautiful pictures of Noah! He is so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI have learned so much about being a Christian woman and about being a mother from you! You are one of the most amazing women that I have ever met. And you have one of the most amazing families that I have ever met! Thank you for sharing your story with us.
I will never forget and I will be there on Monday and in the days, weeks and months to come to support you and your entire family, please know that!
I pray you have peace today, peace in the sadness. We will miss your precious little guy!
We love you! God Bless You!
The Coward Family
Our prayers are with you. Thank you for your awesome showing of faith. Our family has followed Noah's story and we have learned much about faith and trust in ou Lord. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteWe are very sorry for your heartbreak. We have been and will continue praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeletePeace and Comfort be yours,
J,C,A & W in SE Aurora
I have a 12 month old little girl who I rocked a little longer last night praying that God will Bless your Family and thinking about little Noah in Heaven playing with all the other Baby Angels. I have only found your site in the last week from a friend who made a prayer request. But it only took that long to change my Heart. You are so strong in Faith. And your Children are Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteChandra Morrison, CO
Sweet, handsome Noah. How I wish we could've all held you just once! Someday... I know I'll be standing in that line!!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne, Jason and Em - our hearts go out to you as much as ever. You are all such good people, you can just see it in the pictures and feel it through your actions and words. Thank you all for being such good caretakers and warriors on behalf of your son. And thank you for blessing all of us with the opportunity to know your son and experience the change he's brought forth in our lives. The pictures are so beautiful.
Much love to you all.
Annalisa, Ron, Audrey and Will ("AM in OK")
Your lives and ours will never be the same - and that's o.k.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for having the courage to post.
Put your dancing shoes on Noah! There's a party going on in Heaven!
Love from Philadelphia
ReplyDeleteI have been following your journey since September. This sweet little angel has touched more people in his short life than most of us do in a long time here on earth. I have been visualizing Noah being taken into the arms of Jesus Christ, and I have prayed that God will give you a sign of how happy and free little Noah is now, surrounded by love in the heavenly arms of our Savior. Thanks for humbling those of us who have been with you through these last few months. I know God is going to bless you guys in so many ways only known to Him at this time.
After reading your blog yesterday, I held my 10 month old all night. I don't think I slept a wink! I just stared at his beautiful face, thanking God that He gave me such a beautiful gift. I am so sorry that your family has had this experience. But you must know that your testimony has changed many lives. You are a blessing to me!!! Thank you for all you've done.
ReplyDeleteAdrienne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing so much of yourself, Jason, Emily and Noah with all of us.
Through Noah's life, so many have been drawn closer to God.
Other than thanks, I can't add anything to what you've already said so well.
Thanks for sharing your lives and your hearts.
In HIS love,
David
Gods Flower Garden:
ReplyDeleteSometimes we cant quite understand our creators way.When he takes a life so young and leaves one withered,old and gray.Who's life work seems finished,prehaps is waiting for the call.While that life so young and tender held so much here for us all. Then sometimes I get to thinking perhaps this world down here below is just a flower garden, where God's flowers live and grow. And perhaps when god is lonley like us he loves to roam in his garden, gathering flowers just to beautify his home. Tho' he takes the full bloom flowers, drops and withered that need his caer, still he needs a bud or blossom to scatter with them there. So he takes a few choice blossoms, just the rarest he can find, God needs them up in heaven while others are left behind.
God Bless and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.We too lost a child. Ethan Richard was born Aug 5th 2006 and lived for a precious 50 min.
The Boones, Jeremy Melissa Abigail and Angel Ethan...Rock Valley, Iowa
I can't wait to meet you sweet Noah! Hug Jesus for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying peace and comfort for you all!
You've taught us all so much. Thank you!
Janna
Indiana
Song after song has poured through my heart as I continue to lift your family up in prayer. There aren't words to express what we all are feeling for you, I am amazed at your love. I am amazed at His mercy. I am amazed and forever changed.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to say to your family other than you have touched my life in such a positive way. I have only known about you for the last couple of days, but I have read your blog and I am in awe of your faith. I have a 1 year old perfect daughter. I can't understand sometimes how I have been blessed so much with such an angel. I have a relationship with God, but I can say truthfully that it is nothing like the one your family has. I am going to strive to have that kind of relationship. The unquestionable way you live your lives. Noah was truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. He has touched so many lives. My heart was broken all day yesterday for you and your family. I only know that he is truly having the best day today. He is with his Father and in a blink of His eye, you too shall be in Heaven with your littlest Angel. I thank God for Noah, he has changed me. Just like that... I am anew. Thank you for your thoughts, your insight has been miraculous and life changing to so many. Thank you Adrienne, Jason, and Emily. You will always be in my thoughts and my prayers. I feel like I have seen God in the passages you wrote. Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteLove from afar,
Alicia
Dawsonville, Ga.
Thank you for sharing your utmost being with us in Honor of your son and our Lord Jesus Christ. Your family has been in my heart since hearing of your story. I pray for continued peace for you and your husband..especially little Em. I am forever changed by Noah!!
ReplyDeleteJessica/ Tualatin, OR.
Adrienne
ReplyDeleteNo words can express your beautiful faithfulness to God.
Nothing can let you know how much you, Noah and your entire family have etched a space in my heart.
I am so deeply touched by Noah
and your entire family. How the love and devotion and promise shines straight through your hearts.
I can tell you that my heart WILL NEVER be the same after experiencing the gift of Noah's life and your families faith.
I truly THANK JESUS for your family. Noah has touched my heart in a part that was tender and
aching before and because of you being kind and generous and giving Adrienne and journaling to us
Noah's journey you have given me more hope then ever that my heart can grow and change more & more & more so my faith can be beautiful like yours. I so deeply want that kind of faith and have hungered for it. Because of Noah's beautiful life and your true faith I will never want anything but to grow deeper in Jesus.
I hope and pray I never lose touch with your family.
My baby son David is among
one of Noah's playmates in Heaven.
Thank you Adrienne...bless you
Love
Lynda
bishopswife@comcast.net
Hello, Adrienne, Jason and Emily
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers and thoughts! Jesus is celebrating the arrival of his little prince Noah. My heart aches for you. Thank you for sharing his life with us.
Distant cousin Kimberly Hayek,
daughter of Amy (Pestal) Hayek
Sent with love
I work with Kiaja and she has told me so much about Noah and your family, the past week I have been checking on you everyday. I read this the other day and thought of your family. (So much of what we learn of love we learn at home.) I feel that is so true, you & Jason have taught Em & Noah all about love, but then you let all of us into your home also and taught the world about love also. God Bless you, thank you for touching my home.
ReplyDeleteKjersten Fisk
Because of Noah, I have learned so much from you about our Creator. Thank you. Noah's picture show so much PEACE. That is what we will look like with our Father. I have been changed as a result of you and your little boy. Tearful in CA - Cathy
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful words have opened my eyes so much. I praise God for giving you such amazing strenght. Noah was so blessed to have such a wonderful loving and christian family to be with here on Earth. I can only imagine how many more families you all will touch and possibly bring to Christ with Noahs amazing story! Contiuned prayers will be said for you all!
ReplyDeleteChristy, Portland OR
Graves Family,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your precious Noah with the world.
I don't have any flowery words or anything profound to share. Only that, as you know, Noah's life and your journey has also changed me.
Last night I came across this song on someone's MySpace page again. This time God reminded me of you as I listened to the lyrics. How no matter what we go through here on Earth, that He is in it, to keep our focus on Him and it will be worth it all....
"I don't understand Your ways
Oh but I will give You my song
Give You all of my praise
You hold on to all my pain
With it You are pulling me closer
And pulling me into Your ways....
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it
It's gonna be worth it all
I believe this...."
(http://www.myspace.com/realritaspringer)
So another heartfelt Thank You. There are saints waiting at Home that I want to meet and want to sit and hear stories from. After following your story and how it has changed my faith, I will be looking for you and sweet Noah as well.
My prayers will continue to be with each of you.
I'm amazed at how many lives Noah and your family have touched in the short time he was on this earth. Like so many said before me, I had hard time sleeping last night, thinking of your family and of Noah. While I'm thankful Noah is with our Lord, healed from whatever was hurting him on earth, I can't help but hurt in a way that only another mother can understand!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your faith with the world; your family is encouraging every Christian around the globe to have faith "like a child". I will continue to keep your family in my prayers!!
Ade,
ReplyDeleteI love you so very much, my friend.
Rachel
You are such a treasure and I love you so much- Laura
ReplyDeleteYou continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. The pictures are absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSending your whole family an e-hug!
Renee and family in Colorado
Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteThank you for allowing us all to meet Precious Noah Steven. I like many have fallen in love with him. I have asked God for understanding many times during the past 5 months and through you he has given it too me. Your faith has touched my heart. You are an incredible woman and I thank you for all you have shared.
Noah will always be in my heart.
God Bless You, Jason & Em.
Julie - Rhode Island
Noah,
ReplyDeleteAs I read today's blog, a scripture came forth. I opened my Bible to confirm it, and was convicted today that this scripture is my verse to you, dear sweet Noah, and your family...
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you wll carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart..." Phil 1:3-7
You have made an impact so far and wide that I and thousands other are forever changed.
Michelle (attender of RRC)
To Noah's dear family,
ReplyDeleteI only found your page on Thursday of this week, and my heart ached for you as I realized that in one day, you were going to have to let go of your little boy. I am so in awe of your faith!!! I know that this must be such an indescribable time. Less than a year ago, you were bringing this beautiful little boy home and now you are having to let him go to his heavenly home with Jesus. I know it has got to be unimaginably heartbreaking yet relieving... devastating yet inspiring. But please know that his death is not in vain. Noah's life story has touched the hearts of countless people. Your faith has inspired us all as well. You are all in our collective thoughts and prayers.
I know firsthand the amazing comfort and peace that God provides when you are in the depths of grief and brokenheartedness and when you have no where else to look but up. Continue to reach up for His hand and He will continue to bless you through the precious life of your beautiful son and the faith that you have lived out throughout all of this. You have a very powerful life story (testimony) that can help so many people. And no one knows your grief more than God does... who also lost His precious Son. He knows your pain... He knows your brokenness. And He's cradling you in His arms at this time.
God bless & take care...
Love, Janna (Holland, MI)
Rest in peace, sweet, beautiful Noah. Thank you so much for sharing his incredible journey with me. I am forever changed.
ReplyDeleteDee M.
Castle Rock, CO
All I know to say covers two fronts. Adrienne, and family, I love you. Right now I'm just loving you from here.
ReplyDeleteSecond, Praise be to God...
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
May His name be praised.
heidi jo w
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI have never met you or your amazing family, but I have been touched by your story. My prayers are with you. What a beautiful boy and how lucky we all are to have been touched by him.
ReplyDeleteWe are strangers, as we have never met...but I am here to support your family any way I can. The beauty your son has brought to this world cannot be replaced, or shouted loud enough.
ReplyDeleteThank you for changing me, and my family, for the better.
I look forward to sharing in the joyful effect of Noah's life for many years to come!
With Prayers for continued peace,
~Sarah Larkin
I was moved to tears as I read this post; blessed by the complete submission you have towards our Father in Heaven. I pray that you will be comforted during this time of loss, knowing that Noah is now "Crowned in Peace."
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous re. the viewing of the pictures...although I respect your thoughts and certainly feel bad for those traumatized post-death, please know that there is evidence that those who view bodies post-death are actually able to deal with and grieve the loss of that person more fully. Personally, I was touched to see sweet Noah finally at rest...he looks so peaceful, and his soul is truly at peace now in Heaven with Jesus. With all sincerity...
ReplyDeleteDearest Friends,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are broken for you, but we have been and will continue to be humbled by your willingness to serve Him, no matter the cost.
We will hold our kids a little tighter and a litter longer because of what Noah has taught us.
We love you all.
D,C,L,K,E & Ainsley Kennedy
I only recently found Noah's site... and have read every single post. My heart goes out to your dear family. My prayers go out to all of you in the days and weeks ahead. The Lord is and has been doing a mighty work in these past seven months. Thank you for sharing the journey... we are all better for having known your precious Noah.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful beautiful pictures of you sweet little guy. I have cried so many tears for you this morning. The last 48 hours I have been in constant prayer for you and your family. I never stopped thinking of you yesterday and I have never met you. I pray that God will continue to draw you closer in the days and years to come. May your memories of Noah stay fresh and real.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Alisa
Mom of 4
Denver, CO
I was thinking of you and your family since I first found your blog on Thursday. Friday I was torn knowing he was going to pass, I thought of my own children and how much I would be totally devasted and wouldnt have the trust in God and strength that you and your family does. Noahs story, and your families story of Hope, Peace and courage has insipred me and touched me. I am thankful that you will continue to let us in your family. The beautiful photo of Noah resting peaceful touches my heart. Please know we are all thinking of you all.
ReplyDeleteEmily from NC
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank you for sharing Noah's journey. We are all forever changed. God Bless - MN
ReplyDeleteLINDSEY HAUN LYRICS
ReplyDeleteBroken
Wake up to a Sunny Day
Not a cloud up in the sky
And then it starts to rain
My defenses hit the ground
And they shatter all around
So open and exposed
But I found strenght in the struggle
Face to face with my troubles
When you're broken
In a Million little pieces
And your tryin'
But you can't hold on any more
Every tear falls down for a reason
Don't you stop believin' in your self
When you're broken
Little girl don't be so blue
I know what you're going through
Don't let it beat you up
Hittin' walls ang gettin' scars
Only makes you who you are
Only makes you who you are
No matter how much your heart is aching
There is beauty in the breaking
Yeah
When you're broken
In a Million little pieces
And your tryin'
But you can't hold on any more
Every tear falls down for a reason
Don't you stop believin' in your self
When you're broken
Better days are gonna find you once again
Every piece will find it's place
When you're broken
When you're broken
When you're broken
In a Million little pieces
And your tryin'
But you can't hold on any more
Every tear falls down for a reason
Don't you stop believin' in your self
When you're broken
Oh When you're broken
When you're broken
When you're broken
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteAde & Jason,
ReplyDeleteI went to sleep last night with you on my heart and woke up this morning the same way. As my new group of students arrives today, I was remembering the first day I met you, Ade. For some reason it is SO vivid in my mind. I met you with a mix of emotions and have thanked God for you ever since...even though we have been far away and out of contact for much longer than we were together.
On one of the most difficult days of my life, you sat with me on your couch in Moyer and held me while I cried. Jason walked quietly into the room and handed me a note card that said "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Part of me wishes that my inadequate arms could be there to hold you while you cry, but all of me knows that Jesus is in the room with you whispering his peace in your ear.
Thank you again for sharing your journey.
When he appears to wipe all our tears forever away...
Then we'll be together in heaven forever on that great day.
--Jonny Lang
Much love,
Chris Krebsbach
Dearest Jason, Ade and Emily,
ReplyDeleteWe love you and cry for you and pray for you. You are amazing testaments to God's love. Noah is beautiful and we love him too.
Much love,
Mark, Mariellen, Janey and Caroline
Grossinger
I am praying for your sweet family! What beautiful pictures of a precious baby boy.
ReplyDeleteA common theme, you've touched us all with Noah's life.
ReplyDeleteYou, Adrienne, have been a mentor in many ways to me. I love your heart. I want to be more like you, a beautiful and captivating picture of who JESUS is. Who He truly IS. You have reached outside of your situation and showed me a glimpse(I know there is more and I will search for it) of God that will forever be written on my heart. The Lord has used Noah's life in many hearts,how Awesome!!! Bless you for sharing your Noah with me.Jason, Adrienne and Emily you are blanketed in my prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss and just wanted to say thank you for being willing to share some of it with me. I love reading about your family and the faith that you show. It inspires me.
ReplyDeleteTammy
Orem, UT
I just found this site a couple of days ago, I have been praying for your entire family. You are a strong family. Fly high sweet Noah.
ReplyDeleteTo the Graves Family,
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to tell the number of lives that your sweet little Noah has touched throughout his journey. Your strength and steadfast faith in Our Father and Savior has been inspirational to everyone that has caught a glimpse of these pages. Noah is now home and will be there waiting for all of you with his precious smile.
I know that you will all continue to follow Christ's lead in your life and will always have Noah close in your hearts. You will all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for allowing us to share in this journey with you, Noah has certainly made an impact on my life.
Bless all of you and I hope to hear you in Michigan on Monday when you sing your praises.
Judy Brodock
Thank you so much for sharing this with the world! I'm one of those you don't know who was sent to this site by someone else, but I have been and will continue to be praying for you. May God give you peace during this time that no one else can. Thank you Noah and family for your testimony!
ReplyDeleteKatie Self
Colorado
I am also a stranger to you and your family. I was forwarded your blog link by a friend of a friend. I am so overcome with sadness for what you and your family has had to endure. I too have a baby boy who is now 18 months old and I don't think I could have your strength given the same situation. I am not a big prayor, but I think you have changed me.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and your family.
Sweet Dreams Noah.
Allison S.
We HAVE fallen in love with you and Noah and your family.
ReplyDeleteHi you guys-
ReplyDeleteYour faith, peace and strength during this time is such an inspsiration!You are right - the enemy messed with the wrong family! God is always good and loving - it is just this fallen world that bites! The images of Noah are so sweet and we continue to pray for all of you. What a witness your hope and joy is to a dark world - the beauty of how you are laying Noah at God's feet is such evidence of His existence and love! We love you guys....
Beth Lang & Family
I am so sorry for your loss. We all know that Noah is in a better place, But that doesn't take away the pain and the hurt of him not being with you. I checked on here yesterday to see, i prayed and prayed that he wouls wake up. There is no limit when there is prayer. I pray for your family in this time of need. I love you and your fanily and pray that you ocan some how find peace. Erin Colorado
ReplyDeletejust like sunsets, or new snow or ice on the trees, some things need no words.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is full and tears of joy cover my cheeks
noah...heaven
they sound good together.
mmmmmm
Thank you sharing Noah with us. He is a sweet little angel. I feel blessed to have gotten to a know a little bit about him and I know my relationship with my son is changed forever because of Noah. God bless you and your family. -dawn
ReplyDeleteThere are no words.... but my heart aches for you, Jason and Em. You are all in my prayers and thank you for being such a beautiful example of a woman of God.
ReplyDeleteMillie
Denver, CO
I am saddened for the worlds loss of little noah but it is such a great gain for Gods eternal kingdom, Praise God you would not allow the enemy to sabotage the beauty held in you handing noah back to the arms our our great Father in Heaven, Noah now lives were we strive to get to but his footprint will ever be left on this earth and surely within my heart. I pray God lifts the pain from your hearts and instead seals within you the love you have for your beautful son, it is obvious where the wisdom of your words comes from and where you have your true faith, God bless you through these next days!
ReplyDeleteWords seem inadequate and prayers not enough but thank the Lord He is! "I am" Jehovah will be your shield, your banner, your strength, your faithful God of glory, your righteousness, your Redeemer, your everlasting joy.
ReplyDelete"I am" bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, be gracious unto you and give you peace.
bless you! I am a tm alumni although you don't know me i have been praying and crying over your little one. what an amazing woman God has grown you to be. someday i want to be a mother like you may Christ continue to be with you in the coming weeks, months, and years. thank you for sharing your story, your heart, your life and Noahs. I am honored to be apart in a small way. He truly knows the Love of Christ more than we do.
ReplyDeletePeace to you
Julie Sartor
Michigan
I thank you for sharing your journeys with all of us. I've been reading along since someone forwarded the link to me, and have been praying for you and your amazing family since. I now pray that God will touch you in your time of grieving with a sense of peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a heart breaking story, but know that the Jesus Loves his children and that he will take wonderful care of Noah. He is in a place where he can not hurt, where his soul will be at peace and with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I will be praying for you, Jason and Em. Noah is watching over you. He will be your gaurdian angel. The Lord chose you and Jason to be Noah's parents because of the faith that you have in Him...You have given Noah is slot in the Book of Life.
ReplyDeleteBe strong, stay prayerful, and remember that the Lord and Noah are always with you. You were wonderful parents. Noah is lucky to have had you in his life.
How God loves you and your precious family,for he chases the ones that he loves! I read your words and can feel how deep your love is for the Father. What an amazing testimony of faith. You are a walking example of what it truly means to be surrendered to God's will and purpose. What a mark you have left on me and thousands of others. I have read your blog for only 3 days and have been taken over by it. Keep pressing on faithful one!! God has mighty things in store for you. James 1:12- "Blessed is the man who perserveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
ReplyDeleteDona Markert
Spanish Fort, AL
Dearest Friends,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are broken for you, but we have been and will continue to be humbled by your willingness to serve Him, no matter the cost.
We will hold our kids a little tighter and a little longer because of what Noah has taught us.
We love you all.
D,C,L,K,E & Ainsley Kennedy
God sent his only Son here to Save us all. God also sent Noah to save those of us who have strayed...myself included. So many of us have been saved by reading your testimony, Adrienne. Sweet Noah has touched thousands in his short life - how wonderful that we live in an age that one little boy can travel all around the world and share his message! Oh, how God is personally congratulating his faithful servant!
ReplyDeletePeace be with you Adrienne, Jason, Emily and the entire extended Graves family. Love surrounds you. Noah will live forever in our hearts and our minds. He will always be with you.
-The Vasami Family in Delaware
I was forwarded your blog from a friend at church today as Noah entered Heaven.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly unimaginable- your strength and faith are such a testimony to all of us.
You remain in our prayers.
Noah is an angel.
Kimberley
Los Angeles
I sat in the stillness and the beauty of the morning this morning...
ReplyDeleteI love you, my friend
Steph
I just learned of your precious Noah last night, and it was the first I had ever seen or read about him. How much I wish I had found about him sooner! What a beautiful, precious boy, your sweet Noah. You are an amazing family with the strength you exude through your words. Please know I am grieving with you and wish you and your family peace. Rest in peace Noah.
ReplyDeleteI have a story to share...
ReplyDeleteFor my job I get to work with high school Special Needs students. One of the students is Austistic and he tends to be a challenge for me to work with at times...his attitude towards me is usually disrespectful and hurtful...with that said, here's the story...
I just learned of your journey last Wed. I had spent some time reading the blog and went to bed upset...on the one hand I was upset that God would allow all this to happen to Noah and your family...on the other hand I was upset at myself for being upset with God and not being able to see the situation in the same way you were seeing it Adrienne...I was so ashamed of my self centeredness and my lack of God centeredness... So the next morning comes along and I have to go to work and I'm just a mess of emotions...I go to this class where my usually negative autistic student is and he starts in right away...I was seconds away from crying and said to him, "I'm very sad today and I would really like it if you could be kind to me today" In an instant this student changed his demeanor and wanted to know why I was so sad. I told him that I knew a family whose baby was really sick. My student then kindly shared with me how I should just think of things that are happy...he specifically said "well, just think of the little baby playing in the big white house"...you see in our town there is this spectacular historic white mansion...to me it's picture perfect with fancy windows and beautiful, peaceful porches...I had never thought of what the mansions in heaven will be like before...clearly they are better than this one in our town...and that's hard for my simple mind to grasp...it makes me smile though, and I hope it will help you to do the same...
I praise God for you Adrienne and for your family...and I ask Him to honor you all for being real and open with all of us...
Jody C, MN
Hi dear people. I don´t know you but in Christ we are brotehrs and sisters;) It speeks so much to me how you handle this and your writings truly touch people all around the world!!! May Gods blessings cover you and your family in the times ahed. Love, Kolbrún from Iceland.
ReplyDeleteLots of love and hugs, kisses and prayers to you from Iceland. Your writings are touching people all around the world!!!! In Christ, Kolbrún
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteJ, Ade & Em,
ReplyDeleteWe have been so touched by your family, Noah's life, all that you have shared. We love you and pray for you. Again, thank you for sharing. Our hearts and faith have grown because of it. Love, Jon & Lisa
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you..I just became aware of your journey this past Thursday and yet I have not been able to get your family out of my mind or heart aince. I was so sad at work on Friday..wondering about you..wondering if God had given you the miracle of Noah back that you all wanted so dearly. I kept looking at the clock wondering if you had said goodbye to him..holding back tears thinking of my son. I am a mom too..I have a baby boy who blesses every second of my day and I couldn't put Noah aside from the love I have for my own child. What would I do if God calls me to the same test of faith?
ReplyDeleteNoah is strong now..his eyes wide open to see all the glory of God..You all have an angel you know by name..How blessed he was to have such a faithful family..And for the blessing he brought to you..you won't ever know them all. He is so bright now..
From a mom in Ohio to a mom in Colarado..blessing to you my sister.
Julie
Cleveland
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
ReplyDeleteIt seems this wound can not heal but the word of God is truth in all matters. I thank you for this Father God. I do pray for comfort and peace as you walk through this difficult time.
You have no idea who I am... but I wanted you to know that Noah has touched my life. I've read about your struggles, your joys, your faith... Though Noah was small, though he was young... he touched thousands of lives. Not ever knowing a fraction of them. Thank you for allowing me to know him (through this blog), to pray for him, and to care for him. Your family is strong, and faithful. I will pray for you all.
ReplyDelete-Carrie
I was reading about ur wonderful baby boy. I cried but then I realized that he is with our heavenly father happy and looking down on all the people he love sooo much. Our prayers and thoughts go out to u in this hard time we love even through we don’t know u. I was listening to this song and wanted to share this with u.
ReplyDeleteKirk Franklin
Lean On Me
There's a child who is sick and begging to be free
But there is no cure for his disease
He looks up to his mother as
she holds his hand
Praying that someday the sun will shine again
(and the pain)
And the pain will end
Chorus
I am here, you don't have to worry
I can see your tears
I'll be there in a hurry when you call
Friends are there to catch you when you fall
Here's my shoulder you can lean on me.
God Bless ur family
Dear Adrienne, Jason, and Emily,
ReplyDeleteI have been getting to know all of you and your precious little boy, Noah over the past few months, and I thank you for allowing me to know you and pray for you. Noah Steven (and all of you) have touched my heart. Over the past several days, I have wanted to write a comment but have not known the words... I still don't. I just wanted to tell you all that you have been - and will continue to be in my prayers. At church this morning, the priest said that when Jesus was born, God already knew that He would die on the cross... that the purpose of His life was for us. Immediately, I thought of your Noah. When God created Noah in your womb, Adrienne, He knew what Noah's purpose would be... and you have helped to carry that out through your heart-felt blog entries and wonderful Christian witness that you have been for all of us. Though I am sure your heart is broken and that you miss your little boy dearly - I will pray that you continue to find comfort in God's love and grace. God Bless all of you!!
Katie
Madison, SD
I am so ashamed that I've waited this long to let you know how much I've been praying for Baby Noah and for your family, but I can't let this day pass without telling you. I know your hearts are broken, but your great faith will sustain you. Your family is such an inspiration. The next time I am faced with a challenge (as we all are eventually) I will call up the memory of Noah and his brave fight. God Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteJo in North Carolina
I read Beth's blog and just tonight clicked on the link to yours. I have been praying for you, knowing very little until tonight, and want you to know I will continue to pray for you and your family.
ReplyDeletethe Kingdom of Heaven is his. God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful to God that He is faithful to give grace and peace to us when we need it. Words fail - but I wanted to let you know that I'm praying, praying! I can't wait to meet Noah one day - what a special boy he is!
ReplyDeleteCatherine
Castle Rock, CO
My thoughts and prayers are with you and you family. My hearts aches as my family has also lost a little one. But I cherish the thoughts that my sweet niece Emmma now has a new playmate in heaven. I will pray for peace for you and glorify God for what He has taught you through Noah.
ReplyDeleteDear Adrienne, Jason and Em,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are saddened by Noah's going home to be with Jesus. Yet we rejoice with you at knowing he IS with Jesus! Noah's blog has been such a blessing,a testimony and tribute to the Lord. I can't imagine how you as a family could have impacted the world for Christ more than what you have done.
Your tough journey has been one that God has blessed and I am so certain that Noah is rejoicing over the impact his little life has had on so many people as Jesus and Noah look on to see the hearts that have been touched and how it has led people to communicate with our Savior.
We'll understand one day soon when we rejoice in Heaven as a family and look back.
Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord...for when we see your faith and your love for the Lord and for your son, dear little Noah, we see the love of Jesus in the purest form.
Mike and I had the privilege to become so close to Noah's grandparents, Betty & Bob Biebel in Virginia Beach. We cherish our friendship and Christian kinship so very, very much. I wish we could come to join you for the service on Monday, but it is not possible. We will be with you all in prayer. I know the Lord continues to hold you all in the palm of His hand and strengthens you each moment of each day.
Thank you for sharing your journey and your testimony with us all. It is a journey we all have learned so much from. We've learned from Noah and from the whole family so much about keeping our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ in spite of circumstances and situations and to praise Him in everything.
Thank you!
The Lord gave me a song for a part of my life once, called "Leave a Well In the Valley." The song talks about leaving a well of refreshment in the valleys we go through, because others will have to travel through those valleys too and will be able to find a drink of refreshment when they see we made it through that same valley and got to the other side. You have left with your Blog and with your lives, a big well with neon lights for those to find who are so thirsty for a glimpse of how to make it through this valley.
Again, thank you for your faithfulness!
Our prayers are still with you for this time of healing and knowing where God will take your journey now. This IS only the beginning of your amazing ministry. We rejoice with you that Noah is at home with Jesus and running and laughing and playing in Heaven right now. No more hospitals, only joy and peace for the sweet gift from Heaven that has touched so many hearts for Christ. What a mighty missionary he has been and remains!
Attached is a great picture of our dear friends.... I think I forwarded it, but if not, here it is!
God Bless you all.
Love In Christ,
Dennice & Mike Boscoe
Atlanta, GA
Dearest Adrienne,
ReplyDeleteI feel compelled to encourage you to post more photos of Noah, when you are able. By sharing his sweet pictures, you are able to promote healing for those of us who aren't able to be there with you. He is truly now, "Crowned in Peace."
There are times when people say things that come out wrong. There are times that the enemy twists our words mid-air (or through cyberspace, if you will) so that they are taken wrong. Sometimes we just say things that we think are appropriate, but they might not be. Surely, we can't fully understand what anyone else is going through unless we have "walked in their shoes."
If things have been said that have been hurtful in any way, shape or form, I pray that the Lord would shower you with an added measure of HIS grace to keep your eyes on the source of your comfort and strength, Christ.
Thank you for so courageously and openly baring yourself to the world that all may see God's glory in your life.
May you continue to be a light shining brightly in a struggling world.
-|<@ren
Augusta, GA
I have just come across your blog and have been extremely blessed by reading all that God has taught you these last few months of the journey He has chosen for you.
ReplyDeleteWe serve a GOOD God and He has been glorified with your heart attitude in what He has brought you through. Sweet Noah has touched my heart and I thank you for sharing him with the world.
God has likewise given me a son that has taught me God-planned lessons about the character of who HE is and desires to be for me in my life. My first son's name is Ezra. He is almost two...a day we were never supposed to see, let alone even dream of...God has chosen to have Ezra be part of our family, truly a blessing and humbling gift we have learned to never take for granted. We are currently on a journey of raising him, every day a GIFT we embrace and humbly thank our Heavenly Father for.
Thank you for sharing all God has taught you by blessing you with being Noah's mommy...from one mommy to another, I will pray for strength and comfort...may God's glory and praise to be present on your lips, you are a beautiful picture of the love of a mother...
Liz Borbe
Missouri
I only found your blog on Friday morning, but I have been you have been imprinted on my heart, forever.
ReplyDeleteI have honestly been unable to take you off of my mind or my heart ever since. I wept and prayed and read the entire blog and prayed and wept some more.
I have wept and prayed over my own children. I have confessed my weaknesses to our Father and asked for his Spirit to reign over my parenting.
You have set an example that I desperately needed to see. You have opened your lives and heart to the work of the Holy Spirit. You have held nothing back. You are living your lives with open hands...allowing the Lord to put in and take out. All the while giving God the glory and praise. You have a JOY and a PEACE that can only come from our Father.
Thank you for sharing Noah with all of us. Thank you for loving him so deeply and passionately...but even moreso, for trusting our Lord.
I will snuggle and spoon and kiss my children and remember you.
You will continue to be in my prayers, my thoughts and my tears. May the Lord be your strong tower, your refuge, your peace and may you rest in the shadow of his wings.
I wish I could be there, physically, with you on Monday. I wil be there in spirit. I am moving to Colorado in the summer and I hope to one day meet you.
Katy
Long Beach, CA
I haven't been on this blog in so long because I have barely been on any lately. But i had this nagging sense in my heart that Noah wasn't here (on earth) anymore all weekend. I'll be honest, every time I thought it I begged God for it not to be true. I said "please, no, God, heal him, don't take him". I had no clue where you guys were at with this whole thing. The first thing that showed up on my screen were those pictures, and again... I thought "no God please no" I read on only to see I had that sense for a reason.
ReplyDeleteWhat I found completely amazing and surprising though was your peace. I'm ashamed to say that because I have "followed Jesus" most my life. But God has spoken to me and convicted me through it. And I know that is just the beginning of a new work in me. I lost my mom almost 13 years ago now. And to this day I realize I am still tormented by it and have little peace about it. I hang on desperately to those I love and fear deeply losing anyone... in an unGodly way. When I greive for my mom there is no peace attached. I long to have this peace you have, and I'm going to start praying more for it.
elizabeth
columbus, oh
Adrienne-
ReplyDeleteI hope that you will consider writing a book. Noah's story has touched so many people and there are so many more that could be inspired by him. I never got the opportunity to meet him here but I hope I do in Heaven. Bless you.
I just happened across your blog and wanted to let you know how very sorry I am that Noah is no longer here on earth with you, but how you are also very brave to let him go and know that he is now in a place with no pain... just peace.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find peace in the strength and faith you have. It sure sounds like you will prevail.
God bless.
It appears that all of my sentiments have already been said but I wanted to know Noah has truly touched my life. I don't think I have ever seen such a perfect child! I find myself thinking of you and your family several times during the day and saying a prayer. Words cannot express how sorry I am for you loss and I will get the word out in Georgia that prayers are needed for your beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteWhitney
Atlanta, GA