Monday, October 31, 2011

Halloween Potluck at Work

I started this post Monday night...

Today they had a potluck at work. We went in because I wanted to meet Liz's (HR) twin boys. I might have mentioned her before. She had twin boys, 3 and a half months ago...Brayden and Parker. Brayden has a heart defect and it has been a long road. He is having his 2nd out of I believe 3 surgeries later this month. He has done really great so far, but it is tough on his mama, of course!

Here are the cuties in their Batman & Robin costumes.
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Parker is on the left (Robin), Brayden on the right (Batman)

Here's Liz with her baby boys
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Nathan with Michelle & Tammy, our billing department, AKA daycare :)
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And Nathan keeping an eye on the boys
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Liz mentioned while I was there that she would like me to take pictures of her family before Brayden's 2nd surgery scheduled at the end of November.

The following night, Tuesday, we found out that Brayden was having respiratory problems and became unresponsive. They were going to ambulance him to Denver instead of the Flight for Life due to the snow storm rolling in later that night. We sent an email out to our small group for prayer for this precious little guy. Unfortunately, on Wednesday morning we found out he did not make it. In fact, he passed before they even transported him to Denver. My heart felt so broken for Liz that morning, as it still does. Please pray for Liz and her husband Steve as they grieve the loss of their infant son. Liz also has a son (maybe 12?) named Justin, and of course 3.5 month old Parker who lost his twin brother. I don't understand why God allows things like this to happen. We know his plan is always perfect, but we don't always know how or why. I looked at Nathan differently all day that day. Matt and I feel so unworthy to be blessed with such a healthy son. We held him more tightly that night...

It's so hard to not take each day for granted sometimes. No one had any idea on Monday what would occur the following day. There was utter shock & heartbreak felt throughout our agency. I know pictures seem so insignificant in light of losing a child, but I regret that we didn't get to take some pictures for Liz...to have of her family all together here on earth. As I go through my daily routine and find myself frustrated with my little one year old, or finances, or house hunting or a messy apartment etc, etc...I stop and feel so very selfish and ungrateful because we are truly blessed. I pray that Brayden's story will bring God glory above all else. It's amazing how something like this causes people to stop and examine their own life and priorities.

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We love you sweet Brayden. Your time here on earth was too short. But who could blame our Heavenly Father for wanting you with Him? We anxiously await seeing you in Heaven. You have many who will miss you here on earth, but we are thankful you are not having to fight for your life every day...instead you have life eternal! Take good care of him, Dear Jesus. And comfort Liz's aching heart. I can't even guess what she is going through right now.

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