Gavin David Bruce Norton
October 24, 2009-January 7, 2010
For the last few days,
our baby was the most
loved and prayed for baby
in the world.
Thank you for that.
God is real.
God is good.
Because of the atoning sacrifice and resurrection of
Jesus Christ,
we will live together again.
Posts
1,415 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1001 – 1200 of 1415 Newer› Newest»To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! Gavin is in the arms of Jesus! Praying for the peace of God that surpasses ALL understanding!
your little boy is beautiful. you will be in our family's prayers as you must be missing him so. remember how much Heavenly Father loves each of us. and allow our Savior to ease your burden...He will carry it for you. may you be blessed. thanks for sharing your story and faith with the WORLD.
I'm so so sorry... God needed Gavin with him. I know that doesn't do much for your pain. My heart aches for you and your family. May God wrap His arms around you and comfort you in this time.
Love and prayers to you all from Kansas City, MO....
I am so sorry for your loss. You are an inspiration in both your faith and as a mom. Your faith will be greatly blessed.
Lifting your family up in prayer.
My mommy heart aches for you, Natalie. Thank you for sharing this sacred experience with strangers--your strength, faith, and love give me renewed energy to be better and to thank God for every day and every blessing. Thoughts and prayers from me to you. I, too, know that you and your family will be with your precious Gavin again in the eternities. God bless.
I admire you and your faith, I am not so sure I could be as strong as you are, having faced your loss. It is because of faith in God that we can get through these trials. You and your family are in my prayers
I am so sorry for your loss! May God comfort you and give you peace!!!!!
I don't know you, but I'm reading Gavin's story and I am brought to tears. The faith you have showed, it's beautiful. Rest in peace Gavin. My thoughts and prayers are with you Natalie.
I am so very sorry. May you find peace one day in the Lords plan.
my heart is broken for you as the tears are dropping quickly down my face. there are no words to express my sorrow for you and your family.
Natalie and Richie,
This is Joel and Meilani. We are so sorry for your loss and only wish that we had been informed about your son sooner. We have been in the middle of our own trials and crisis with our children's health and were almost side by side with you at Primary Children's without knowing it. Our daughter, Eryn was having surgery on the 29th and then I was just there again yesterday. I relate to a lot of your thoughts and feelings as you watched your little boy deteriorate and as you have dealt with all of this. I know the feeling to feel literally lifted or carried by prayer. I hope that you know that we love you and that we will pray for your family, with the hopes that you will continue to feel lifted and supported through prayer.
Sincerely,
Joel and Meilani Kongaika
Natalie, I can't fully communicate the sorrow I feel for your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and I wish you strength through your healing.
Natalie...I am so sorry for you loss. Your spirit and faith in the Lord is a huge inspiration and I am so happy you have that with you in this difficult time. I will continue to pray for you and your family. God Bless.
This is the first time I've ever seen this blog or your name for that matter, and I'm profoundly touched by your words..your faith..your strength...your story...your courage. I know what it's like to see someone you love, sick and leave to be with God. Your strenght has encouraged me. My prayer for you and your family is that you continue to stay strong in faith and feel God's love upon you. Bless you.
I dont know you personally but my heart is breaking for you! I know your pain is so great right now, I hope it will ease up over time. He seemed like a special spirit and I appreciate your testimony in the gospel. You are such a great example to me! Here are some poems that I though might help.
THE WHITE ROSE
All the Earth's mothers and fathers were gathered together at God's garden of flowers. Those beautiful budding spirits, who would someday come to Earth, were nurtured and tended in the garden. A loving Father spoke to the Mothers and Fathers: "See the works of my hands, someday you will be the parents of these radiant spirits."
The garden glowed with mixtures of all kinds and colors. "Choose Ye." He said. One by one mothers and fathers stepped forward. I want the blue-eyed curly haired one, who will grow to maturity and be a mother in Zion. Yet another chose a brown-eyed, brown haired boy, full of life and love who would someday be a prince in a grand country. The garden buzzed with excitement as the others chose their own special spirits, those whom they would soon welcome into the warmth and love of an Earthly home.
Now in the East corner of the garden, pure white roses stood as sentinels. They were not so colorful as the rest, but glowed with a kind of purity which set them apart. As these beautiful roses were left unchosen, the Father spoke, "But who will take the white roses, the ones in the East corner of the garden? These will return to me in goodness, perfect and pure. They will not stay long in your home, I must bring them back to my garden, for they belong with me. But they will gain bodies as was planned. You will miss them and long for them as you complete your mortal journey, but I will personally care for them. "
"No, not I," many said in unison. "I could not bear to give one back so soon." "Nor I," said others, "We will take those who will remain and grow to maturity and live long lives."
The loving Father looked out across the multitude of mothers and fathers with love in His eyes for someone to step forward. Then He said, "Silence! See the most pure and perfect of all the white ones, I choose Him. He will go down and be a sacrifice for all mankind. He will be scorned, mocked and crucified. He is my own. Will not anyone choose like unto him?"
A few mothers stepped forward. "Yes, Lord, I will."
Then a few fathers, "And I as well."
"Yes, we will Lord."
Soon all the pure white roses were taken and they rejoiced in the choices their mothers and fathers had made.
The Father spoke again. "Oh blessed are you who chose the white roses, for your pain will be a heavy cross to bear, but your joy will be exceeding beyond anything you can understand at this time."
The white roses embraced their mothers and fathers, and so complete was their purity and love that it filled their souls with peace, courage, and faith. Each mother and father knew they could endure this task. And the greatest of all the white roses gathered them as a hen gathers her chicks, and an outpouring of love surrounded each mother, father, and child. Together the Father and His chosen one, prepared these mothers, fathers, and their white roses for their special mission. And together, each mother and father who would bare the mortal pain of the white roses felt God's overwhelming peace and love as they all shouted, "Thy will be done."
What Makes a Mother"
by Jennifer Wasik
I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a Mother
And I know I heard him say...
A mother has a baby
This we know is true.
But, God, can you be a mother
when your baby is not with you?
Yes, you can He replied,
With confidence in His voice.
I give many women babies
When they leave is not their choice.
Some I send for a lifetime,
And others just for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb,
But there's no need to stay.
I just don't understand this God,
I want my baby here.
He took a breath and cleared His throat
And then I saw a tear.
I wish I could show you
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child smile
With other children and say:
"We go to earth to learn our lessons
Of love and life and fear.
My mommy loved me oh so much
I got to come straight here.
I feel so lucky to have a mom
Who has so much love for me.
I learned my lessons very quickly,
My mommy set me free.
I miss my mommy Oh so much,
But I visit every day.
When she goes to sleep
On her pillow is where I lay.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek
And I whisper in her ear.
Mommy don't be sad today,
I'm your baby and I'm here."
So, you see my dear sweet one,
Your children are not blue.
Your babies are here in MY home,
They'll be at Heaven's gate waiting for you.
So now you see what makes a mother,
It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of,
Right from the very start.
Though some on earth may not realize you are a mother,
Until their time is done.
They'll be up here with Me one day,
And they'll know you were the best one!
Heaven got a very sweet angel today...I am so sorry you had to part with him, but I pray that knowing you will see him again, in his Father's arms will comfort you during this time. I, like others, have only stumbled upon your story, but was so moved by your faith. Here are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs that I wanted to share:
Teach me, Lord to have faith
In what you're bringing me will
Change my life and bring you glory
There on the storm I am learning to let go
Of the will that I so long to control
There may I be in your arms eternally
I thank you, Lord, you are the calmer of the storm
Oh, Natalie, I am so sorry. Please know that I will continue to hold you and your family in my heart, in my prayers. Sending love.
tears stream down my cheeks. i do not know you. but i know a mothers heart and mine is breaking for you. but how wonderful the knowledge is that we know families are forever. prayers continuing to flow your way.
all my love,
molly
I found this site through another contact on facebook...I just happened to switch over and started reading your posts and followed your amazing inspiring writing all the way through..I couldn't stop reading. The strength and hope you have inspired me, the joy you shared with your baby while he was here, the love you gave, the determination of a mother. It helps to remind me, teach me, how to live life....thank you for that.
I received your blog address through my cousin in order to pray for your family. My heart goes out to you in this time of loss. I'm so sorry.
I lost my son at 4 days old in my arms a year and a half ago. The pain of losing a child is not something that could ever be explained. God has a plan for every one of our lives and I know little Gavin will touch many lives through your testimony.
Many prayers....
What a beautiful and perfect baby...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family too.
I am so sorry for your loss. But so inspired by your faith! And I pray that you feel the comfort of all those thinking of you at this time.
Hey nat and family, I am sorry for your loss. You have remarkable spirit and faith, thanks for sharing yourself so generously. God bless Gavin, your family and you. Love, Sofia, Singapore
I cannot even imagine what you must be going through. Know that you're being showered with good thoughts and prayers.
may the sun bring you new energy by day. and the moon softly restore you by night. may the rain wash away your worries and the breeze blow new strength into your being. may you walk gently through the world and be at peace and know (continually) that God is real.
My prayers are with you and your precious son during this time, and I know that with God, nothing is impossible!
I am so, so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
I have been following this and have been praying! I am so so sorry for your loss...there really aren't words! I pray that you find peace in this very sad moment.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It's amazing how mommy hearts know one another...you have so many teary-eyed mommies hugging their babies tighter tonight and saying prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family. I am so sorry that your time on Earth has been cut. Here's looking forward to sweet heavenly reunions in their time. Your faith is an inspiration. Again - I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine the pain...
I am sorry for your loss, Natalie. I lost my daughter during open heart when she was only 5 weeks old. It has been 17 years. If you ever need someone to talk to my door is open.
Wow! what AWESOME parents you must be to be able to have this choice spirit come to your home
I just have to tell you this that Hali'a is next to me and she is sad and says that is not good, but she also says that it is okay because his spirit has gone back to live with Jesus.
My sister had a baby die at birth and one thing she said that helped her was that she was going to be able to raise him in the millennium.
We send our love and prayers to you and your boys and thank you for the strength you have had through this, it helps us all to remember our purpose on this earth.
We love you, The Peltons
From one mom to another, my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. May the spirit of the Lord be with you!
I don't know you personally but heard about your story through a friend on facebook. I'm so very sorry for your loss. At a time when words cannot heal your pain I will do the one thing that can truly help and pray for you and your family.
God bless.
May God bless your dear family during this difficult time. We are so so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and peace your way......
I am aching so for you. I am so sorry. My best friend lost her daughter to drowning last year. She blogged through her whole experience and continues to do so. I hope you will visit her blog and draw strength from her strength at this incredibly trying time. www.adailyscoop.blogspot.com
I will pray for you and your family.
Dearest Natalie and Richie,
God be with you and your family during this time. We grieve with you and love you dearly. We are blessed to have the knowlege that we can be with our loved ones through the atonement of our Savior. We love you.
Our prayers continue to be with you and Richie and your sons.
All our Aloha,
Natalee and Rex Webb
We have been praying for little Gavin and the rest of your family. We are heartbroken and saddened by the news. We pray that through the rain you will be able to see the rainbow. With love...
I cannot imagine what you must be going through, I do not know you but as a mom, it is all of our worst nightmares, I feel your pain and ache for you. your family will be in my thoughts and many prayers. I know we don't have to be ok with every decision that God makes, but I know there is a plan for us all and you are right, you will rejoice when you are all together again. may all the prayers and love coming your way fill you with warmth and hold you tight.
Natalie and family,
We are sorry for your loss. You are a wonderful mother and fighter for you children. We are also comforted and happy to know (and have read) that you have such a strong testimony and faith in our Savior and our Heavenly Father's plan.
Isn't it wonderful!?
Our prayers are with you- He was and still is such a beautiful baby boy.
Oh Natalie, I'm so very sorry! Please let me know if there is anything at all that I can do to help you in this hard time. Much love to you and your wonderful family. I hope you find peace in your healing.
So so sorry Natalie. Thoughts and prayers are with you!
I am also a stranger to you guys, but my heart aches for you. The miracle of babies has been on my mind lately as my niece was born today. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Where would we be without it? Much Love.
I think my heart just felt out between my knees! I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I will be praying that God makes sense of this storm that you are in.
{{hugs}} I am so so sad to hear of your loss. Baby Gavin. My heart and prayers are with you all.
My Mommy heart goes out to you. I can not begin to imagine the pain you must be feeling now. I stumbled across your blog tonight & I don't even know how I got here. I guess it was Meant for me to see. Your strength & faith inspires me- I want to thank you.
You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers, I wish I had found this blog earlier so I could have joined in on praying for your little man. I will pray for him now.
God Bless you, your family & your little angle. May God help you heal.
Natalie, you don't know me, but I heard about your sweet Gavin through another photographer friend. I am deeply sorry for your loss. It is so obvious that God put Gavin here for a reason and that in his short life, he touched many lives. Your faith is very inspiring. I wish you peace at this difficult time and will keep you in my prayers.
OH Natalie... I am in tears and just so very very saddened for you and your family with such a heart breaking loss. I just found out today. And I'm sorry I didn't know he was ill. Erin and Audrey called me right away and Hilary Burton sent a text. Thank you for sharing some of your darkest and yet faith filled moments with so many. I will never forget what I have read and have truly been touched. prayers are being sent from Colorado. I love you Natalie. Amy Gruber Tuttle
Oh Natalie...to you and your family...I just heard the news and although we have never met I wanted (felt compelled really) to stop by and let you know just about everyone is thinking of your family right now...I don't really know what else to to say other than I am truly so very sorry for your loss of Gavin. How heartbreaking!
Dear Natalie, I don't know you. A friend of mine, Alex Monroe, sent me your blog and told me about your baby boy Gavin, in heaven today. My son, Matthew (01/07/08-01/20/08) would have turned 2 today but he is in heaven also... God bless you Natalie. There is no other experience in your life that will top this one that's for sure. What I keep reminding myself through it all though is that "the greater the loss, the sweeter the reunion"! It is only a matter of time till we will be with our boys again.
Much, much love to you.
Amy Romney
San Marcos, CA
Natalie - i know that the heavenly father has a host of angels surrounding you...holding you up...giving you strength and giving you breath when you can't breath on your own.
what a great honor you had to give life to such a beautiful boy...Draw your family close and know that God will take you through this journey.
So sorry Natalie. I pray that you continue to rely on God for emotional strength - when you are weak, He is strong. Keeping you in my prayers xxx
I am so sorry for your loss. May your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ help you through this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
I am SO sorry for your loss, and I can't imagine how you hurt as you grieve this loss! My heart aches for you! I learned about your story tonight as I stumbled across another photographers facebook page and saw a post asking for prayers for you and your son. I want to tell you as a Christian what a testimony your posts these last few days have been to me! And I am so glad we have a hope in our Savior Jesus Christ, a hope in His second coming and a promise of being reunited with Him and our loved ones. Please know my prayers are for you and will be over the next several months!
Blessings and Love!
I can't help but to cry for you. I have two girls under two and I cannot imagine what you're going through. I also know for a FACT that your son is now PERFECTLY HEALTHY, HAPPY, and in the arms of God. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Natalie, I don't know you, but read about sweet Gavin from a friend's blog. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm praying that God will guide you and your family through this difficult time.
I just read your blog posts about Gavin's struggle. My heart goes out to you and your family. I have a one year old daughter and I simply cannot imagine what you must be going through right now.
God IS good. ALL the time.
God gives. God takes. Blessed be the name of the LORD.
Dear Natalie, I feel very sorry for your loss. And though I don't know you and your family, I feel very sad for you. Please do stay strong! We love you.
Natalie, I don't know you, except through your DPS posts, but I learned of little Gavin's plight yesterday on DPS, and was sad, but optimistic when I saw your strength and the support you were receiving. My first online visit this morning was to see how he was doing, and I was devastated to read the sad news. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I can't imagine the pain that you and your family are feeling. I've been close to tears all day, and couldn't find suitable words of comfort. Please accept my sincere condolences, and I wish you the courage to get through this. Having read many of the messages here, it's clear that support and love for you from across the globe are abundant.
Hi Natalie, I know we didn't know each other very well but we met a few times...(we were dorm parents with Chris and Taylor). I just found out about your loss and I have nothing but love and prayers to send to you and your family. Your faith is so important right now. The best comfort you can possibly receive right now is from your Heavenly Father. Much love
Jennelle
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's amazing to me how word spreads so quickly of amazing people like you. Thank you for your testimony of the atonement and your strength. You are amazing. Prayers and love for your family.
I don't know you but I have to express my deap sorrow. I can't even begin to put myself in your shoes but we will continue to pray for you. You said it right, you will live together again. Keep your head up. This too shall pass. We hope you feel our love.
Hi Natalie,
We didn't know each other very well but we me t a few times (we were dorm parents with Chris and Taylor) I just heard about your loss and my love and prayers go out to your family. Your faith is so important right now....the best person to comfort you right now is your Heavenly Father.
Much Love,
Jennelle
Dear Natalie and Family,
You don't know me but a fellow photographer forwarded me a prayer request for Gavin a few days ago, of which I have been praying and will continu to pray. My heart is broken for your loss. Baby Gavin did indeed leave the hospital completely whole and perfectly healthy in the hands of our Heavenly Father. Praise God that you will get to spend eternity with your son. Your faith is such an inspiration. God Bless you and your family.
Cindy T. in California
God bless you; my prayers are with you.
I came back to the blog to check on the status hoping not to find this outcome. So sorry for your loss, many prayers for you and your family.
I am so so sorry for your loss.
you will see baby gavin again.
I am so so sorry for your loss.
you will see baby gavin again.
I don't know your family's story and I know there are no words but I wanted to say I am so sorry for your loss. I'm so glad you know Jesus, and His goodness and the hope we have in him. Praying for your family.
Your blog is inspiring and heart breaking. You have a talent not only with your camera but as a writer.
Our prayers are with you and your family. A song comes to mind at this hard time: God Speed by Dixie Chicks. Much aloha!!
"God speed little Gavin.."
I'm really sorry for your loss... Don't know what to say... Keep the faith that you have...
Oh Natalie, I am so sorry! As a mother with a sickly child who has been in hospital more often than not in her 3 years of life, i am SO encouraged by you! by your faith, and by your strength. Though we are on opposite sides of the world - i will continue to pray for you like a sister! Know that here in South Africa - you have family! Much love, Rochelle
God led me to you a few days ago and I have been praying and will continue. I know the Lord will give you the strength to get through this. God is good even when we lack understanding. I am sending prayers all the way from Terry, Mississippi.
Natalie,
I came to your blog from DPS. Sorry to find the trauma you had gone through. May God bless the Gavin's Soul.
Regards,
Subbu
I am SO sorry for your loss, I can't even imagine the pain you are feeling right now. I have been praying for Gavin since I found out he was sick and was really hoping to come back here and see a post from you saying he was getting better. It is so heartbreaking, he was such a beautiful baby boy. He is at peace now and one day you will be together again, untill then he's saving your spot in heaven. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss.
You don't know me, but somehow I came across this webpage and was touched by your love and faith. As our hearts are breaking down here there is a joyful celebration in Heaven for the arrival of your angel. May he rest in peace and love.
-Allison in Florida
Richie, Natalie and family-
I am so saddened and a bit numb after hearing about the loss of your sweet baby boy. Words cannot express the emotions, the tears, the aching, yet you have touched me so deeply through your faith and testimony. May you know of my love and admiration for you and your family. I pray you may feel peace knowing that families are forever.
Kari Uluave and family
Natalie, I am amazed at how much faith you have. You bring a new meaning to motherhood.
My heart and prayers go out to you, Richie and your whole family. I can only imagine what you all esp, YOU and Richie are going through.
Our Deepest Condolences
and HEAPS of LOVE
Jennifer and all your friends @ American Savings Laie Branch
Natalie!
I just read about your little angel on Facebook, and I'm deeply touched.
I am also a mom of three and as I think the worst thing in the world is watching children suffer and die. I've even started a charity group here in Sweden for photographing sick children/parents, so they will have beautiful pictures of their loved ones.I really don't know how I myself would deal with the fact of having one of my own children getting deadly sick.Being close to families that have experienced such a horrifying time is helping me struggle to understand how anyone can cope with that. I just had to drop you a line and say that my thoughts are with you. I'm sending you all my positive energy all the way from Stockholm. There's not too much to say in such a dreadful moment then I feel for you, I feel with you.
Be strong!
Juliana Wiklund
I can't even being to understand what you are going through, but you are an absolute inspiration in your strength and faith. My prayers are with you and your family.
I know you don't know me, but I am a friend of your sisters. My prayers are with you and your family. You will continue to be in our families prayers... Love - the Landstrom family...
I am so deeply sorry for your family. Gavin is a beautiful angel looking over you, such a precious little cherub. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marsha
Sydney, Australia
I don't even know what to say...I just wanted you to know that my family is praying for yours. Nothing I say will be very comforting, but know that you are loved and being prayed for by people all around the world.
I'm so sorry for your loss, heard about Gavin's struggle through twitter and have been praying for him. I was so heartbroken to hear of his passing. May your family find the peace and comfort. Families are forever.
My mother's heart has been aching tonight and the tears continue to flow. And yes we know the Plan of Salvation BUT it is still hard to have loved ones go on while we are left behind. Just remember though that while you will miss Gavin terribly while you continue your journey here on earth, Gavin is happy and healthy and is thankful to have chosen an eternal family and will always be with you. And in the meantime you are still needed by 3 other beautiful children that need your STRENGTH, guidance, and LOVE! Our prayers are with you Natalie and Richie. We love you! The Fakatava Family
God has always had a plan for you and your family. There is something to be said about a family that must suffer the death of a cherished baby... He knew you would suffer this...He knew you would have to handle this...He knew you would have to experience this... Take strength in that. God is good, and when the storms pass and you can wake up and feel peace every morning, know that He is giving you that peace. He loves you and your sweet little angel Gavin loves you for being such a strong Mommy and Daddy. Use that strength to buoy up your other boys. God bless you both.
I am so sorry for your loss. You are an amazing woman whose faith has strengthened my testimony of the atonement and eternal families. In his short time on earth, your child has blessed so many people. Our prayers are with you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss,
you don't know me, but I am deeply touched by your faith. You are an amazing strong woman.
Miss baptista
You have helped Gavin's life bring glory to God. My prayer is that His grace will wrap you comfort.
I am so sorry to hear this Natalie. My thoughts and prayers will still be with you and your family. Your faith has been such an inspiration to me.
I am so, so sorry. May your faith lift & sustain you.
"Let us not presume that because the way is at times difficult & challenging, our Heavenly Father is not mindful of us... May each of us follow the Lord's comforting counsel: 'Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of they days' (D&C 24:8)."
xo from New York.
your faith is radiant.
your peace is contagious.
your trust is overwhelming.
all i can think about is that there are thousands of people hearing your testimony and seeing first hand what a relationship with christ looks like. thank you.
Whenever someone dear to me passes on, I'm always comforted by this poem:
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
I hope that it, too, brings you comfort.
Dear Natalie and Richie
Whilst I don't know you both, I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved son.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless
Marie
peace, love and strength to you.
you are an amazing light in this world. my prayers are with you.
take time to processs.
I pray for you and your family during this difficult time. Sending lots of love your way.
God embraces you and your family in these difficult times. Things will be better.
I am so sorry. Your faith that Gavin would be okay is still real--he is better than okay now. He fulfilled his purpose on the earth. Not many words can be of comfort to you right now. Just know that Gavin's life has touched thousands of people who you don't even know. Thank you for sharing that with us.
Prayers go out to you and your family for your loss. As a mom of a little one it breaks my heart into a billion pieces for you. I want to hug you and tell you how sorry I am. {Wiping my tears}. I pray you have continued strength.
i don't know you, but i can honestly say that my heart is hurting at this very moment thinking of you and your family. i can't image what degree of pain you are experiencing now, the kind of pain that only Christ can heal. i will pray for that and for strength. as we continue to have trials with our son's health, i look to 1 peter 1:6-7 for inspiration. may it be yours too...
"you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. these have come so that your faith- worth more than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, & honor when JESUS CHRIST is revealed"
God bless you.
I only now just read the story of your little Gavin. Your faith inspires me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. No mother should have to go through this trial. Sending lots of love your way.
I don't know you. I only know how empty your arms must be. So from a total stranger, first time visitor--my heart is with you!
God Bless you and your family. He is in heaven now. No more pain or suffering. Have faith that you will be with him again!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. AS a Mom, my heart goes out to you.
Many, many prayers for you and your family.
Natalie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your baby is at peace and no longer in pain in the arms of God. Gavin is an angel :)
Sending prayers your way.
Claudia K.
My heart is broken for you and your family. I hope that you continue to find comfort in your faith and knowing that one day you will see his sweet face again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers during this very difficult time.
May God comfort & bless all of you
You are so right. As an Eternal family you will see him again. I'm so sorry for your loss, and I'll continue to pray for you. What a blessing as a photographer you knew the importance of recording your family history from day one.
I cannot begin to imagine your pain but just trying to has broken my heart. I hugged my 2 babies close this morning as i read your story, already too late. You are in my thoughts and i wish you peace and comfort and love always. Your faith is inspirational. x
AH x
May God hold you all tenderly in His hands and give you healing comfort and peace. May He send you exactly what you need exactly when you need it.
As I sit here, a stranger to you, I am sharing your pain and heartbreak.
May a bubble of prayer surround your family.
annie g.
i will continue to pray for your family.
Dear Natalie
I am very sorry to hear about this. May God give you & your family strength to go through this tough time.
I prayed for Gavin and now I pray for you and your family to have strength in this difficult time. I also pray for acceptance and that you will not blame yourself.
just wanted to say sorry for what you are going through, no words can bring you comfort that you need at this time but my family is continuing to pray for yours. gavin will be missed by many who never even got to meet him, but someday hopefully will get the chance.
Im am so very sorry for your loss. I just learned of your story less than 24 hrs ago, and my heart goes to you and your family at this time.
Natalie & Richie,
My heart goes out to you and your family. Since we know God doesn't give us trials above what we can handle, this difficult time shows all of us who have followed his story and prayed for him just how strong you are. May God bless you all with peace, and even smiles. I'm sure you already thought of this, but maybe your brother is in Heaven holding Your Little Gavin.
Love & Aloha,
Tori
What heartbreak. I can only imagine how difficult this time is for you and your family. My thoughts and well wishes are with you and yours. Your sweet testimony has reminded me how grateful I am for temples, and eternal families. I know that yours is one.
i am so sorry for your family. My own family went through a recent death of a new born as well. My heart is with you and your family. May you find peace in your heart. Thank you for sharing your testimony with the world, it has really helped me. Your story has made a big difference in my life.
We don't know each other, but I have followed your story and my heart just aches for you. Your faith is incredible and so inspiring. May you feel peace in the days to come.
Praying for you,
Erika
My heartaches for you and your family. Sending you hugs and prayers and praying for the continued strength and healing of your family :-(
dear Natalie,
I'm so sorry for your terrible loss.
I hope that you continue to find comfort in your faith and knowing that one day you will see his sweet face again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
you are in my thoughts these days. stay strong in your faith. inspiring.
I am so sorry! I cried for you today! You must be an amazing person to have such a perfect baby! My prayers are with you and you are in my heart!
Having only met you a couple times, I don't know you very well, but have always been impressed by your comments in gospel principles. Please know that we are praying for you and your family to have the added courage and strength you need to get through this incredibly difficult time. May you also find peace.
The Camblins
I am so very very sorry. Sending prayers for strength and healing your way. Hang in there.
My heart is aching for you...I pray that God will carry you at this painful time. I will be another praying for you and your family. Thank you for your powerful testimony.
You weigh heavily on our hearts and minds, and we are on our knees continually for you. Just wanted to let you, Richie, and the boys to know that. You give me hope. Tears and huggs.
Your family's faith is amazing and touching.
My heart aches for you guys and your family,for your loss and how much you'll miss little Gavin, but how wonderful that the Lord made sure everyone around Gavin knew and felt peace so that it would be an aid to the healing process. I am sure, without a doubt that Natalie's brother Gavin was there to welcome little Gavin.
Though his time was short on this Earth look at how many people he has touched.
Sending thoughts and prayers your way (and to all family members/relatives).
I was in the hospital overnight with my daughter who had her tonsils and adenoids out. I was w/o internet access so I am just hearing your sad news today. I thought of you and your family all day yesterday and was so saddened to come home and learn of Gavin's passing. Many, many thoughts and prayers being sent to your family! You are an amazing mother and I just know sweet baby Gavin is shining up in heaven.
I remember you guys from when Richie was pres of BYUH. I have been crying and praying for you and woke up thinking about your precious boy.
So incredibly heartbroken for your loss. I am praying now for you and your family in this very difficult time. You have honored Christ with your faith and your words on this blog. May He be ever nearer to you right now.
I will pray for peace to come to you. I will pray for your family. I will just pray that the Lord that we share will guide my prayer to what you need most. I do not know you and yet I love you. I weep for the pain you are in and the faith you exhibit and for the grace that we have that insures you will hold your baby again as sweet and perfect as he was in your photos. Gavin touched my life and I never met him.
Kirsten
Prayers for your family. I'm so sorry.
Im so sorry for the loss of your precious little guy! His sweet little spirit will be with you always. Stay strong and close to God. He will bring you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time...
Your lil angel is beautiful and loved my the Lord God more than we can ever love or understand love. He is with Jesus, pefect, healthy and LOVED by his almight Father in Heaven. I pray that you and your family can find comfort in the Lord to get you thru this difficult time. I am so happy that you KNOW THE LORD!!!!!!! That YOU will get to hold your baby again one day in heaven! One thing I am SURE OF God is always GOOD!
God Bless you and your family! Your baby boy is a gift from God!
Natalie- I can't imagine the pain you must feel, but I do want you to know that my thoughts and prayers have been and will always be with you and your family. As long as God is in your heart you will forever be with Gavin in this life until you shall meet again.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Richie in high school (mainly from Stake dances- I grew up in Poway), and my friend Jaime Porter Prigmore emailed me asking for prayers for your family. Praying for you from Minnesota. Hang in there.
I'm so very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. :(
Can't stop thinking of you and your family. Thoughts and prayers from California.
My heart cries for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God quiet your grieving hearts.
I keep imagining Gavin and Gavin hanging out together. I think they are having SO much fun together.
I am praying for your family,and find peace and comfort in your faith in the lord and the wonderful things he does do. Gavin was a beautiful child of God now resting peacefully in Gods hands.
I've prayed so hard for your family and for little Gavin. I am so sorry for what you and your family have been through. I just cannot imagine what it is like to lose a child, and I don't know what I would do if I had to lose one of my own. I pray that God will bring His peace to you & your family. God bless you for not losing your faith in Him through all this. You truly showed a tremendous act of Faith & Trust in Him. Thank you for that.
I'm am so sorry for your family's loss. You will be in my prayers. Your strength and openness are such an awesome testimony to the strength of Jesus Christ.
I am so sorry for your loss. What an inspiration you are through your faith. May you have peace and comfort.
YES! You will be together again.
I don't know you. I just wanted to say that I am amazed at all of the compassion from others, at the power your tiny son had over so many, and at your strength.
When Life had begun, I was woven and spun,
You let the angels dance around the throne, who can say when,
But they’ll dance again, when I am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak,
still I will call You by name
“Creator, Maker, Life-sustainer,
Comforter, Healer, My Redeemer,
Lord and King, Beginning and
the End, I am, yes, I am.”
"I Am" Nichole Nordeman
I dont know you but my heart is breaking for you. My mother passed away from cancer 5 months ago and I found this song to be comforting. My God bless and comfort you.
Rebekah (Lakeland, FL)
My heart breaks for you. I lifted prayers all during the day for your son. He is laying on God's shoulder for sure. Now I pray for you and your family. How I wish for a different chapter in your life.
Cre
My prayers go out to you and your family. Its never easy to lose a child...just know that God grace is upon your family and he is the one you need to lean on...((hugs))
“We have again the warning voice sounded in our midst, which shows the uncertainty of human life; and in my leisure moments I have meditated upon the subject, and asked the question, why it is that infants, innocent children, are taken away from us, especially those that seem to be the most intelligent and interesting. The strongest reasons that present themselves to my mind are these: This world is a very wicked world; and it … grows more wicked and corrupt. … The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again. …
“… The only difference between the old and young dying is, one lives longer in heaven and eternal light and glory than the other, and is freed a little sooner from this miserable, wicked world. Notwithstanding all this glory, we for a moment lose sight of it, and mourn the loss, but we do not mourn as those without hope."
- Joseph Smith
I can't imagine the loss you feel right now, my hope and prayers is that you can somehow find peace in this hard time.
I am truely sorry for your loss.
Terry
So sorry. Praying for you. Your faith is a blessing to many.
I am a fellow Christian, mom, and photographer, I follow your blog and have been praying for your dear little one. My heart goes out to you, I'm so sorry for your loss :( You will be in our prayers.
Natalie,
Your family is in our prayers and thoughts. How grateful we are for the plan of salvation and that knowledge of the atonement.
I don't know if we've ever met, but I recognize you & Richie from our days at BYUH. Thank-you for sharing Gavin's journey with us. You have inspired me to be a more trusting and faithful mother, wife, and friend. I'll be praying for your comfort during this difficult time.
I know I don't know you...but I came across your story from Jule Lawrence...I hope the prayers of strangers are giving you strength at this time. My heart aches for you and all you and your family has gone through. Your story and the life of your Gavin has reminded me that I need to make more of a conscious effort to be grateful for all that I have. My baby boy is only 6 1/2 weeks old and his name is Gavin too. I can't imagine watching him go through all that your Gavin did. I pray that the Lord will carry you through this. I am so sorry.
I have been following your blog for quite some time and love seeing your amazing pictures and even cuter family. I have been impressed by your strength and conviction after losing your brother, blessed by your words of inspiration in memory to him. I was so glad when you had a boy to follow in his uncles footsteps and I am so sorry that Gavin passed away all to soon as your brother did.
Thank you for your continuing strength. This is the hardest thing a mother and sister can go through and for you to go through both with such faith is inspiring. I too know you will see your brother and sweet soon again and am glad that at least there is someone in heaven to great your son and call family.
My prayers continue to be with you, your husband, and your three sweet girls - who have an AMAZING mother.
You've been a source of inspiration and strength for so many, not only through pictures but through words. May you find a source for strength, peace and mindfulness each day, each moment. God bless you and your family.
There are absolutely no words that can be spoken to ease your pain. I'm so sorry. I pray that you continue to feel God's arms wrapped tightly around you, your family and all of your loved ones. May He bless you in ways that were thought unfathomable. And always remember that He has a plan for you and for baby Gavin.
Natalie,
My heart is heavy for your family and yet grateful for the miracle of Eternal families! May there be an outpouring of the Spirit upon each one of you. Thank you for the inpiration you have been to me through your art as well as the faith we share! My prayers continue on your behalf!
Melanie Wilson
natalie, we are still praying for your sweet family. i would hug you now if i could. we love you, and my husband and i wish you peace and comfort. yes, you WILL live together again. all our love..
I don't know you but my heart aches for you and your family. My prayers and well wishes I am sending from across the world to warm your souls. May the Lord comfort you.
Many many prayers for you for peace and healing. I am so sorry that you are all going through this :(
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. And yes, it's wonderful to know that you will meet that little guy once again.
my heart goes out to you and your family. so sorry for your loss...rest in peace baby gavin.
Oh how my heart is breaking for you, I am so sorry.
He was healed and made whole, he no longer has to suffer. Let God carry you.
Sending love and prayers from Alberta, Canada. I am so sorry for your pain.
Oh Natalie- My heart is just bawling for you and your family. I just can't believe this is happenning. Please know that we are all thinking of you and praying for your family.
so sorry for your loss, I pray for your family
Our family has been so heartbroken for you. My 3 year old is praying "for the baby that had to go to heaven" and we are praying that you and your family will be blessed with peace and reassurance. As a mother I simply can't fathom something like this, i hope i would be the woman of faith that you are. So much love to you and and your family and baby gavin.
My heart breaks for you. You and your family are in my prayers.
My heart breaks for you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. So, so sorry.
my heart is breaking for you, but i have been so inspired and amazed by your faith. may you find peace and may your heart be comforted.
Natalie, I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this right now. You are in our prayers. Your baby is adorable. Thank goodness for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Love & Prayers for you and your sweet, sweet family. Thank you for sharing your faith and testimony.
{hugs}
Your family was my first thought this morning and you have been on my mind all day. Please also send my love to your mum - the only person in the world who can really understand what you are going through. I firmly believe that the hardest challenges are reserved for very special souls with faith enought to cope with whatever is thrown at them and your family most be special indeed.
Natalie,
I have not been able to find the words. So I've waited for them to come, while realizing there is nothing I CAN say to take away the hurt.
That's when I realized that the truest comfort you could receive right now you have given to yourself. As I reread your words, I can hear little Gavin taking HIS turn to whisper comfort to YOU, saying...
"You keep working Mom.
You do NOT quit.
You are strong enough to do this.
You are brave enough to do this.
I KNOW it's scary. I KNOW it's difficult.
But Mom, here's the deal.
The Savior suffered this pain too so that he could be here for you now.
He is here with you.
And so am I.
And people all over the world are praying for you right this very second.
SO YOU CAN DO THIS.
You will be healed.
You WILL be made whole.
We need you.
We are a family, and we need you just as much as you need us.
Don't be afraid.
I am here."
I'm sorry, with lots of tears I'm sorry. My motherly heart breaks for yours and you are an angel. God is good and real and is standing right next to you holding you up. I know that.
Natalie, I dont know you, but have followed your blog for awhile and have been praying and hoping for you and your sweet angel for weeks now. I am so very sorry for your loss. I am currently pregnant and have been admiring your strength and hope that I can be as good of as mother as you seem to be. Strong and loving for your children you are an admirable person and mother. May you stay as strong as you have been. My condolences to you and your family.
Our family is praying for you during this time. You are an inspiration. Until you meet again.
Love, The Douglas Family
I am so sorry for you and your family.
Being a young mother I can´t possibly imagine how this might feel to you..
A deep respect for how you are handling this.....!
And it is so true, you will see each other again in heaven!
Speaking to God on your behalf right now as you prepare to talk to your boys. I absolutely cannot imagine how difficult it must be. I am so very sorry.
I pray God gives you the words to speak and the strength to speak them. May you feel His healing hand on you and your family today.
Natalie,
I am so sorry for your loss! I am praying that God will lift you and your family up during this time and that He will comfort you in only ways that He can. Gavin was a beautiful baby boy and you will one day see him again! I have asked my blog readers to also lift your family up in prayer! (http://freckledfancies.blogspot.com/2010/01/prayers-for-natalie.html)
Your blog is one of my favorites and although I have never written I now feel compelled to send you my sincerest sympathies. I have cried for a baby I've never held and a women I have never met. There is another Angel in heaven.
Goodness Natalie & Family...stay strong! So many healing thoughts are with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family. God Bless all of you.
Rosie
Natalie and family,
I'm at a loss for words to convey my sadness. And I am thankful you, an eloquent writer, have not been at a loss for words. Hopefully you'll find healing in your writing. Your words and your faith have truly been inspirational. Fly free, sweet Gavin...fly free.
With a heavy heart...Sue
Oh Natalie. Your beautiful boy. Just aching for you.
Natalie, I really have no idea how I stumbled across your blog today (actually, I'm sure I was directed here). I have been sobbing for an hour now. I don't know you nor your family, but I am so saddened by the passing of your baby boy. But what a perfect spirit he is! You are so blessed! Your faith is amazing. Families ARE forever, and you WILL be with your Gavin again and our Heavenly Father does know the big picture. Now it's just being patient and waiting for the time when you are with him again and you will be able to raise him. I know that type of patience, as I (try to) patiently wait to be with my baby girl again.
God bless.
Your example of faith with stay with me forever! My son was born with medical problems, his life will be a difficult journey. I am comforted to know this was the plan he choose. Perhaps Gavin also choose a difficult plan for himself, to strengthen others around him too. Thank you for sharing your faith with others. My heart breaks for your loss. May God carry you and your family until walk on your own again.
With love, Brooke Murdoch Dalling
My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love from Mesa, Az
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
My prayer is with you.
Andrea
You are such a strong and faithful woman. You are an example to all. My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
I'm glad there is a great plan for all of us.
Oh, Natalie, my heart breaks for you. My daughter had pertussis at 11 weeks old. She's still with us, but many were the moments I thought we might lose her. Gavin is so beautiful and so precious and you will see him again one day.
God bless you!
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