Hi everyone, this is Marsha's friend Amy. She asked me to update her readers. Marsha and David offer their heartfelt appreciation for all the prayers and thoughtful emails from her cyber-friends. Her family continues to be blown away by the support she has received from friends she has never even met face-to-face.

Marsha says God has been very good to them and they are doing well. Although they understand the days will get harder as time goes on and they re-settle back into daily life, they feel very blessed that the Lord has held them in the palm of His hand through this tragedy. She says that it is so amazing to see God's handprint when she looks back on the events of the past few weeks. She feels that God had been preparing her family. She is excited to share those details with you in the future.

Just last week they were able to take a vacation together and she is so grateful for the precious time and memories that they shared as a family. David's company has blessed him with an entire month off. The boys have been understanding, and have been trying to keep themselves busy.

Christian's viewing and funeral are this weekend. Please continue to pray for Marsha, David, and their sons. If you are interested in honoring Christian's memory, Marsha asks that in lieu of flowers you consider a donation to her church's missions program. If you would like more information, please email me at amy@heartofthemattermagazine.com. If you have written a special post in honor of Christian, please add your link to the tribute to sweet Christian at Heart of the Matter.

Blessings to all,
Amy

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Comments

Posted by Training Hearts

Thank you for the update. I know that my family is storming the heavens for your family.

~Tamara (Training Hearts)

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Posted by EEEEMommy

Amy, Thanks so much for the update!

Marshie, I continue to pray for you and your entire family. May God continue to hold you close to Himself and be glorified in you and through you. I love you, friend!

Grace and Peace,
Angel

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Posted by Anonymous

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I pray that you will be blessed with vivid and happy memories of your sweet boy that will carry you through your grief.

Megan in Arkansas

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Posted by kampsplete

Marsha dear, I was so sorry to read the news of your sweet little one's homegoing. He and my Madison went to heaven the same day! I am SO sorry for your loss, and oh how I pray that God will draw as close to you as He has been faithful to do for me over these past 12 years. If there is anything I can do to help you, I'm there! I'm so sorry my friend...

Kathy

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Posted by SurvivingTheTestosterone

Thanks for the update Amy. :)

Marsha, I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am. Leslie has also been keeping me updated. Our homeschool group is lifting you and your family up in prayer right now. Please let me know if there is ANYthing else I can do for you. Many hugs are being sent your way.

Amanda

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Posted by Annemarie

Marsha, that is just like you to think of updating us in the middle of all this. Yes, we are praying for you. We are praying for David and we are praying for the boys. And we will not stop.

I have always loved seeing your love for your boys shine through on your blog with tremendous brightness. It is an inspiration.

I love you and I am praying for you, sometimes every moment, that He will uphold you with strength and peace.

~Annemarie

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Posted by Anonymous

Amy,
Thank you for the update. Many prayers are being sent Marsha's way.
Marsha God Bless you and your family.
Stephanie Freeman Naples, Italy

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Posted by Anonymous

I am saddened by what has happened to your family, but so encouraged to here how God is working through your family and helping you all cope. He reminds me so much of my 3 year old, Joseph. I pray the Lord will see you all through these next, hours, days, months & years as I know you will always miss your beloved son, Christian. The world will miss him too! May God be with you and begin to heal your hearts. My love in Christ,

Megan

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Posted by Amy Beth

Amy, Thanks for the update...

Marshie, My heart still aches for you. We continue to lift you up in our thoughts and prayers. We know the most difficult days lay ahead. Know that you are so loved your 'family' is lifting you up in prayer.

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Posted by KathleenM

Marsha, I am heartbroken at the loss of your precious little Dozer. I first met you when you were pregnant with him, and the time has flown so fast since then. Thank you for your testimony of faith and God's grace and provision at this difficult time. My prayers are with you now and in the coming weeks. May you continue to be upheld by the love and comfort of our Lord.

blessings and prayers ~Kathleen M (FIAR)

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Posted by SuperAngel

My heart is broken for you! I am so sorry for the loss of beautiful Christian!
I pray you receive the peace that passeth all understanding and find comfort in the arms of Christ!
I am praying so hard for you, David, Dash and Tank! I am so devastated!
Wish I could be there in TX with you all! HUGS!
Love you all!
Amanda

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Posted by DebraG

My heart is breaking for you right now! I will be keeping you in prayer!

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Posted by Anonymous

Marsha & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to understand everything, but isn't it awesome to be able to hang on to the Lord? He is our all in all. God Bless you and your family with His peace and His joy during this very hard time.

Blessings,
Jamie B.
Montana home school Mom

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Posted by deedeeuk

I can hardly believe that in the middle of all your grief you are making sure to update us! You are simply amazing! Know that there are many families here in the UK who don't have blogs who are all lifting your family up in prayer in the weeks to come! There are also several mothers on this side of the pond shedding tears for you at this difficult time. It seems that everyone I ask to pray immediately starts to sob for you. I 'rained' on the keyboard for a couple of hours last night when I got the news, and have stormed heavens gates for you for the past 24 hours. My family will continue to uphold you all as we head off on our vacation this weekend, and I'll be in touch again when we get back in a couple of weeks. Oh Marshie! How I wish that these miles we smaller and I could come and make you a coffee and give you a hug! For now my love and prayers will have to do! (((HUGS))) - Deedee

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Posted by tn3jcarter

I've hardly been able to think about anything other than Marsha and her family. It is such a blessing to hear that they are seeing God's gentle handprints even in the midst of such tragedy. I pray that you all are holding each other tightly and feeling held even closer by the Lord.

Sending prayers and hugs for you all especially this weekend.

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Posted by Anonymous

Marsha,

All the normal words can't at all capture what I felt when I read about your son's homegoing. I pray that God will continue to love you all so you can feel it ... He knows.

You'll all be in my prayers.

Rachel
(author of "Taerith," which you blessed with your enthusiastic comments - www.rachelstarrthomson.com)

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Posted by mamaduso

Oh Marsha, ever the encourager you are, comforting us with words that you are ok and hanging on the Lords arms through this. Thank you, as I have worried about you. I continue to pray for you as your family are not far from my thoughts continually. Bless you dear friend and please let us know how we can continue to minister to you.
Love, Susan

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Posted by tnmomtomanyblessings

Dear Marsha-
I am sure you will have a beautiful story to tell.
Still praying.
Love,
Maria

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Posted by Jaybird

Thank you for the update, Amy.

((((Marsha))))

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Posted by DanielleW

Amy ~ Thank you so much for posting an update

Marsha and family ~ I am so sorry for your loss. I've been praying since the time I heard of your unimaginable loss. Thank you for the wonderful testimony that you have already blessed me with. May the Lord continue to hold you close.

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Posted by Dana @ School For Us

I am praying for you and your family. May God's peace and love surround and uphold you all.

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Posted by KarinKath

you are very loved and your testimony to the Lord in this situation is amazing-----just like you.

Love you,
Karin Katherine

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Posted by Connie Hopkins

I was made aware of your family's heartbreaking situation from Julie's Blog and I just wanted you to know that you have been in my prayers a lot! The Lord has called you and your family into remembrance numerous times. This tragedy is gut-wrenching and I am sure that there are no words that can bring a measure of comfort to your broken hearts. I will continue to pray for mercy & grace but most importantly, for God's intimate presence in your midst. I pray for peace and for comfort, thankful that we who are in Christ have "this blessed hope" knowing you will see this precious child again!

In Christ,
Connie Hopkins
Denton, Texas

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Posted by melissa@afamiliarpath

i'm glad to read an update on their family as they have been continually on my mind. praying for you marsha.

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Posted by OldPathsMom

I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious boy. I cannot image your grief at this time. You and your family will be in my prayers.

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Posted by Juliestew

Dear Marsha and David,
As you are surrounded by support just days after Christian's death I so wish and pray for people to be there a month from now, a year from now. People to hug you and let you cry. People to stop in and remember with you. I wish I was there to hug you now and in a month, a year.

You are in my prayers....now and in the future.
I heard Steven Curtis Chapman say that someone had emailed him right after his daughter's death and told him that his precious child was a much greater part of his family's future than she ever was of their past. I hope you find encouragement in that too. And know that you will spend eternity with your dear, sweet son.
I can't wait to meet you all there.....
Until we understand His ways are higher than ours,
Julie Worthy
Liberty SC

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Posted by mhabrych

Marsha,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that you will be comforted during this time and that you will be able to comfort your sons and husband as well.
Michelle

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Posted by SandBetweenMyToes

My heart has been breaking for you all, and I have been praying for you all since the moment I heard the news yesterday morning. I am so thrilled to hear how you feel God's presence holding you and loving you. I cannot imagine your pain. May the Lord continue to soothe you, and you experience His overwhelming peace and love through the days ahead. You will continue to be in my prayers.
Letitia

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Posted by TC

Praying that you find God to be your strength and refuge.

My heart is broken for you.

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Posted by Michelle Bentham

Though I only visited your blog today for the first time, my heart aches with the beats of a mother who knows what it means to lose a child.

I am praying for you and I know that in the midst of great tragedy can come great glory. I've seen it in my own story, and in the stories of others who found themselves walking by faith through the valley of the shadow over their child's homegoing.

Thanks for allowing Amy to update us and know that many are praying for you. May His grace, His peace, His comfort and His love be upon you throughout the difficult and bittersweet days ahead.

Blessings.

www.michellebentham.blogspot.com
www.hearttohearttransformation.blogspot.com (A Blog for Grieving Moms)

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Posted by eyecorn

Thank you for the update.You have been in my thoughts, prayers, and heart non-stop. We all love you so much. May you continue to see in comfort in God's arms.

With much love and a hug,
Michelle

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Posted by Tami

Dearest Marsha and David,

Words escape me. You are such a precious family, and I will be lifting you up to the Lord in these coming days and months.

Love, Tami

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Posted by Jocelyndixon

Oh praying for you all Drews Family. We love you and you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't wait to hear from *you* and am so glad to hear that you feel God's presence.

(((((HUGS and TEARS))))

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Posted by Suzanne

Marsha,

I hope my "Mr. Linky" thing hasn't 'detracted' from HOM's tribute to precious Christian and *their* Mr. Linky. I just wanted to find an easier way to post links to blogs which had notes for you and your family... than hunting them down. :)

Love you, and I'm still praying,
Suzanne

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Posted by Anonymous

Marsha... Just want to send you some more lovin... we are and have been praying for you all.... Praying for that Peace and comfort....

Lisawa Koinonia Academy

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Posted by Anonymous

Just wanted to add a cyber hug. I hate this blogging thing sometimes...we're all so spread out. You don't know how many of us want to drive down to Texas and cook your boys food, and let you and David be alone, and mow the lawn, and do the extra stuff for you.
I wish I could do something....
so I just pray.

Emily
thelearningneverstops.blogspot.com

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Posted by Homeschooling6

My family is praying for you.
Blessings,
Linda<><

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Posted by homeschoolingKatt

Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers. My heart aches for your family.
Vicki

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Posted by Anonymous

1"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God trust also in me. 2In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

I have no words to express my heartache for your family. My prayers are with you at this time. I have left a special tribute to your son as well. Blessings to you and you boys.

Mica Garbarino

/ http://thechildspaper.blogspot.com/

A Fellow Homeschooler & Sister In Christ

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Posted by Anonymous

I am so saddened to learn of the loss of your dear little boy. I hope you feel God holding you close as you hold each other close.
Naomi (from Among the Gum Trees)

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Posted by Fiffi

Dear Marsha,David and boys,
my heart is grieving with you all. I will be praying that God covers you with His grace and that beyond this tragedy you will see God's plan and purpose for your lives.
Love Fiona

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Posted by The Nester

Thinking and praying for you, you husband and your boys.

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Posted by EmptyNestMom

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just want you to know that I am praying for you and your family.

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Posted by Janne

You continue to be at the top of my prayer list, my dear friend. Again, I can't say how very sorry I am for your loss.

Thank you for the update.

Blessings and prayers,
Janne
http://janne.cc

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Posted by JenIG

God Bless you Marsha; you are being lifted up by so many who love your family so dearly.

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Posted by kristenph

I'm so sorry to read of your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

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Posted by jewls2texas

It is always amazing to me when those who have gone through something so difficult find ways to comfort others.
I am just blown away by that. Praying still that the everlasting arms continue to hold you.

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Posted by MelissaS

Words cannot describe how sorry I am for your loss. It is unthinkable. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

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Posted by Anonymous

I would like to express my sympathy to you and your family. Your son is beautiful and precious and I wish I could know your beautiful family. Though I don't, I'm grieving with you. Much love and prayers.
Kathy in
Graham, Texas

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Posted by OhioSarah

I heard about this at MOMYS. I am so saddened by your loss and will be praying for you and your family in the days and months to come. Praying you will feel His arms holding you all.

God bless,
Sarah

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Posted by Anonymous

Your family has been in our prayers. I'm so sorry for your lost. May God give your strength and peace during this time.


Love
Kysha

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Posted by Anonymous

I just wanted to let you know we've been praying for your family since we heard that you lost your precious son, Christian. We are friends w/ the Unsell's, and they asked us to pray for you. I can't imagine your grief right now, we will continue to pray and hope in the faithfulness and sovereign plan of our Lord with you!

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Posted by aSprinkling

My heart just breaks for you at the thought of losing a child...especially unexpectedly. You are in my prayers!

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Posted by Anonymous

Marsha and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. I will be adding you in our family prayers.
May your hearts find peace,
Trishia G (Nebraska mom of 5)

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Posted by Anonymous

I have been praying many times per day after hearing this terrible news yesterday. I am a friend of a friend, but my heart is so heavy for your family right now. I will continue to pray daily for you guys. Heather from GA. lulubellescouture.blogspot.com

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Posted by Anonymous

I read about this heartwrenching loss on my sister Julie's blog. My thoughts, prayers, and hopes are with your family.

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Posted by jaminacema

Marsha,

I just wanted to let you know that you are continually in my thoughts and prayers. I know that God is holding you all tight right now. I pray that there will be plenty of irl friends surrounding you and meeting your needs. I know the cyber community is all praying for you.

Please know that you are loved!

Jamin

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Posted by Jena

I'm glad to get this update. Thank you for letting us know how they are doing. Our whole family burst out in tears when we first heard, and we've never even met you all face to face.

I am so glad to hear that the Lord had been preparing them for this. He is good in ways we can never understand. We continue to pray and hold them up.

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Posted by Anonymous

Oh Marsha, I can not fully express to you my deepest sympathies. My heart is aching for you and your family. I want you to know that you are being held up in prayer over here in Mesquite Tx, you are all so deep in my prayers and thoughts as well as many others. I wish I lived closer so that I could cry with you and hug you and laugh with you as you share your sweet memories of your sweet baby boy.

May God fill your hearts with His love and peace as you walk through each day.

JOYfully in Him,
Kelli@embracingthejourneyexperiencingthejoy.blogspot.com

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Posted by Anonymous

oh my. i am so sorry. praying for the family. :(

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Posted by Anonymous

I am lifting up heartfelt, pleading prayers for you from Columbus, Ohio.

Tina

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Posted by AFJen88

my heart goes out to you all and prayers are being lifted up. God bless you.
Jen

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Posted by Anonymous

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. I can't imagine the pain you feel right now but hope the memories of having him and the happy times will stay with you. You will see him again one day.

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Posted by Wendy

Marsha you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so glad you are experiencing the peace that surpasses all understanding. It is indeed amazing.

Thank you for updating Amy.

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Posted by Anonymous

I was so sadden to hear about your loss Marsha. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rona
Berrymorins Bits and Tips
http://berrymorinbits.blogspot.com

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Posted by wardssward

I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious little boy, Marsha. My heart aches for you and your family. May God continue to give you acceptance, comfort, peace and reassurance that He knows best as you go through the days, weeks and months ahead. I will be praying for you all.
Love,
Connie

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Posted by Jenna Wallace Auntie of miss jocelyn & miss amanda

I cannot express my sorrow strongly enough to you for your loss of your precious boy; Christian I have looked through your blog and I see how much you love your children. God must have needed him in Heaven! Hugs for you and tears with you,
Love in Christ,
jenna

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Posted by Youngwife

Marsha and family,
You will all be in my prayers today as well as the days to come.

May the Lord surround you with His perfect peace and love,

Rebecca

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Posted by Anonymous

My heart aches for you and your family. May God wrap his arms around you all and comfort you as you miss your precious son.

Jody

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Posted by Kathy in Colorado

I have followed and enjoyed your blog for some time now. I am so sorry for your sorrow. You and yours are in my prayers and thoughts. Sending hugs across the miles.

Kathy
http://kathalog.typepad.com/kathalog/

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Posted by Anonymous

We will see what we can do as a family to help.

Still praying.

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Posted by Sally

Praying for your family. Thinking about all those beautiful songs we sing, Scriptures we read....and to think that your son is with HIM, the I AM, CREATOR, LORD GOD, KING OF KINGS....ABBA, Daddy. May he turn his throne into a rocking chair while holding your precious little one. God Bless you as He is blessing your son right now.

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Posted by sprittibee

I'll be there today, but I sure wish it were under different circumstances, sweetie. Our family continues to keep you all close to our hearts and in our daily prayers.

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Posted by Buckeyeblog

Dearest Marsha, David and Boys...

I am praying for you all. My heart breaks for you all. We lost our sweet little girl, Jessica, a long, long time ago - she would be 23 in October. So hard to believe. Not a day goes by that we don't think of her. This will be a hard 1st year, as I'm sure know, and even though you pain WILL ease (yes, it will), you wonderful memories will be just as strong and bring the same smile to you faces in years to come.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

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Posted by Sisterlisa

(((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))
I'm speechless today Marsha. I know that today is Christian's service and I'm praying for you all.

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Posted by PinkFlamingo

Drews family,
Just wanted you to know I'm praying for you all, too, and asking the Lord to take care of you.
Love, hugs, and prayers,
Ashley

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Posted by OreoSouza

All here are crushed for you. I will give you the only thing I would desire in the same circumstances from a friend...I will be crying and praying for you, bringing you and your family before the Father, asking Him to lift you up and give you beautiful gifts and reminders of His love for all of you and Christian. Jewels that will comfort you and sustain you.

Love,
Shurleen

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Posted by Titus2woman

(((((Marsha and family))))) I love y'all so much, sight unseen, for all of the love and encouragement you have shared with us so freely. How sad I am for your loss! and I am remembering y'all in prayer. (((((HUGS))))) sandi

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Posted by LaQuita Rabanal

Wow, I haven't heard from you in a year or so and I haven't been a faithful blogger at all and then I get an email saying to keep you in my prayers. I wonder why and I find myself here, seeing your precious little boy smiling out at me. I am so impressed with your faith and strength of character...to endure such a tragedy and still smile to know Jesus, Wow, you are my hero.

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Posted by Anonymous

My favorite verse" The Lord watches between you and me when we are absent one from another"......my prayers are with you all........sassyfras at homesteadbloggger

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Posted by Anonymous

I'm praying for you and your family every day, Marsha. This whole passage came to life for me when my grandmother died:

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

(John 11)

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Posted by Anonymous

(That was me -- Rachel. www.rachelstarrthomson.com)

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Posted by Rebekah

I found about the loss or your baby via a blog via a blog. I don't know your family at all, or even your family's friends, but as a sister in Christ I wanted to tell you that I have been praying for you all at this time. "When you don't understand, when you can't see His plan, when you you can't trace His hand, trust His heart." Many prayers for you and your family.

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Posted by jenniferwells

I am so sorry. I am thinking of you and praying for you.

In His love,
Jen

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Posted by DandelionSeeds

Marsha... how can we be praying for your family tomorrow?

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