Richard...I totally understand what you mean. Watching a love one struggle to stay alive prepares our hearts and minds to let them go when the time comes. It is a relief that she no longer struggles, in my minds eye..I can see her running around in the streets of heaven. Healed and beautiful and waiting for all of you to be reunited some day. She was loved and she will be always remembered and loved, but she is finally at rest. God Bless you in the months to come..Hold onto your memories and each other.

peace :) shemelts

God Bless you and your family. What you have been through is terrible, they healing will come but the memories will always be there.

Richard, I am so sorry Anna and your family had to go through what you have, and I am absolutely amazed how you have handled it.
I have not read a bible in many years, I do have one. But when you referenced passages above I read my bible (that my Nana gave me on my 11th birthday) i read those verses.

Thank you for sharing your story with everyone, it would have been a very difficult time for you all. I wish you all peace and happiness, and I wish Anna eternal fun where she is I'm sure smiling down at her lovely family.

Richard, I have never commented on your post before, but I have followed your heartbreaking tragedy. I have kept you, your family and your precious baby Anna in my prayers this past year. God loves you and knew how very much you needed this past year with your baby, and now he has taken her to be his special little Angel. To play, and run free, and do all the things a free loving spirit will do in his presence, free from all pain. She will watch you and her family, and be there waiting for you, when God invites you home. I continue to pray for your family's strength and healing as this loss must be unbearable. My Deepest Sympathies.

is ana the girl of the pic... well i lost many people in my life .. it is to hard and i really cant talk too much about it but u need to be the best because thats what they wanted of u ... best wishes

It completely makes sense. I went through a long illness with my stepmother and felt very similar feelings. Thank you for sharing your story, it helps to know that others have felt the same way.

We have just returned from our home in Donegal where I went for long walks in the wilds and thought about little Anna. For me it is also a feeling of relief that she does not suffer any more but great remorse that she is no longer with her earthly family. As I have said repeatedly, your witness has been one which has touched a lot of hearts. If people come to faith through reading about Anna, there will be one big smile on God's face.

Its totally natural to feel relief that Anna is not struggling so much. When you were asking Larry questions about what he was going through and feeling I could very much see that it hurt you to think Anna was experiencing those emotions. As parents it hurts us to see our children in pain for any reason; it hurts even more when we can't explain it to them. That being said, I also understand needing time to prepare and find closure in your own way. I'm sure God has lead you every step of the way. I'm sure God told you when it was time to be still and when it was time to move. And I know His timing is perfect.

Thank you for your faithfulnes to update us. I'll look forward to the pictures and video.

We understand and are so happy in knowing that you feel more feelings of relief than grief now that she isn't suffering any longer. We love you all and know that there may still be times of grief that sneaks up on you, and continue to remember you in prayer. We appreciate your faithfulness and testimony of faith and the inspiration you and Lael have been to all those around you and those that have read these blogs. It is a special privilege to know you and be called your friends.

God bless you and your family. You will be in my prayers.

I grieve for your loss.

"and joy that she gets to run the aisles in heaven"
I never heard that expression before, it's really a comfort to know that she is happy now and where she belongs...I am sure, but doesn't help the pain. So sorry for your loss, it must have been such a long ordeal. 17 months!

Bro.Richard & Lael,
we weren't able to make it to the service, so I am very thankful for the pic's and the video. But in retrospect, I believe it would have been too much for my youngest son, let alone myself. God must have and is bearing you up with his arms, for no parent could go through this without HIM. Our prayers and hearts are continually with you all. And yes, it is comforting knowing she is in her perfect body. It can't be long now...we will all be together again. With Bro. Steve Johnson's passing almost a year now, it makes you long for that other dimension all the more.

Lord bless you all : )