12 January, 2010

I love you.

I read these words this morning
and felt as if they were coming from my very soul.

“There was such a time of the outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord, that my pen is inadequate to write it in full or my tongue to express it. But I will here say that the Spirit was poured out and came like a mighty rushing wind and filled the house. . . .such as had not been known in this generation.”
~William Draper


you CONTINUE to reach out in love and support.
please know that you are doing my little broken heart a world of good.

thank you.

112 comments:

Beth Morgan said...

Your faith brings tears of joy and encouragement to my eyes!

May the Lord bless you!

My prayer for you is that God surrounds you with people that will allow you be real...to get mad, angry, hurt but eventually heal! You are a tower of strength and I know you are resting in the One who gives you that strength.

I pray God's peace, presence and arms in a palpable way right now.

You are a blessing to so many! Baby Gavin was a blessing to so many. His life lived to tell of the love of our Savior and touched more lives than you would ever have reached.

Jenny said...

Oh sweet girl. I don't even know you and I am just weeping for you! I want you to know that I am praying for you and your family - and I pray that my sweet father who is in heaven will play with your sweet boy like the grandchild that he never got to meet here! He is loved, you are loved, I just am so so so sorry.... there are not even words, just bury yourself in Him and know that only He can heal all wounds.

Abbie said...

I am truly amazed by your strength and outpouring of love for OTHERS when it is YOU who is so in need right now. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family and little Gavin as he awaits all of you returning to him!

Sarah said...

Oh Natalie, you are so wonderful!! I hope tomorrow goes as well as possible for you and your sweet boys. I REALLY wish I could be there to hug you. Please know I will still be thinking of you, and be there in spirit. Love and Hugs.

Larry Reeves said...

I'm happy that our love and prayers are making a difference. May God continue to be with you all at this time.

Kerri said...

I have prayed for many people I don't know in my life, but I have never prayed as hard or as fervently as I have in this last week and a half: first for baby Gavin and his doctors and nurses, and now for you and your sweet family and friends.

You have inspired me in the past with your pictures and love for your family. You inspire me even more now. Thank you for sharing your hope and grief and faith with the world. There are so many of us who are learning from you. This is not reason for Gavin to be taken. I am still so so so devastated that the answer to our prayers for his healing was no. But you are turning hearts to God and reminding us all to love our sweet children and to count ourselves blessed that they are healthy.

My prayers will continue for you and I'll be thinking about you tomorrow.

Chatty Cricket said...

Natalie, I'm new to you and your blog. I'm a mom to three who is sending love to you and your family from the East Coast of the US.

I am so so sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for you and for your sweet Gavin.

Stephanie said...

We love you! We are here for you always! Thanks for your great example.

Aunt Becky said...

Sending you and Gavin love, light and healing.

Unknown said...

Love, love, love. To you and to your little family. My little ones are praying for your little ones...and we pray often. Huggs...wish I could be there to wrap my arms around you. I am there in spirit. Loves.

jodie allen said...

I've been trying to come up with the right words to say since I read your first post, and what I realize now, after reading THIS post, is that it's not the words that matter. It's what's behind them. So just know that this mom is thinking of you constantly and lifting YOU up in prayer as I did Gavin. Praying for peace tomorrow as you go through something no parent should.

Truly Silkes said...

Natalie, tomorrow, the 13th, is my brother's birthday. From now on this date will forever have another meaning for me. I am with you in my thoughts.

May you continue to be able to pour out so much love. I have learnt to much from you, becoming a better mother. Take all the time you need to get better and maybe heal.

The fans of the mother Natalie and the photographer Natalie will stick around.
Silke

shari berry bo-berry said...

Natalie,

What a wonderful quote! Prayers, love, good vibes and hugs from Huntington Beach,

Shari

Mindy said...

Your faith and love uplift all of US... you are an amazing person. I am continuing to keep you and your family in my prayers.

Marianne said...

I follow you on Twitter and just now went to your blog. Mere words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your sweet boy. Your strength through Gavin's illness is an inspiration. I was going to wish you peace, but I think you have already found it.

Anonymous said...

Natalie,
We have never met. We have a mutual friend though who sent me the link to your blog when Gavin was first hospitalized. I have been overwhelmed by the events that have taken place in your life. I honestly can't imagine how you feel. Please know that you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be for a long time. I know that you will all be together again one day. Until that time, I pray that you will have peace and know that Heavenly Father loves you very much.

Amy said...

You should check out Steven Curtis Chapman's BEAUTY WILL RISE. It's an incredibly healing album.

Praying for you all continuously.

heidi said...

Since TVA days, your little (then) family was the epitome of optimism and joy. You continue to see the positive even amidst this storm in your life. You are an example to all. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers and I pray that tomorrow can be a celebration of little Gavin's life and the grand happiness I'm sure he brought in such a short time. I pray that Heavenly Father can continue to comfort you all.

Kristine said...

Knowing that tomorrow is nearing I feel the need to send you strength and hugs lots and lots of hugs XO

Dana said...

My heart aches for you and your family's loss. There is consolation in the commitment to your faith, the prayers lifted for you around the world and knowing God will keep you in His care & that you will see your sweet boy once again in Heaven.

I pray that tomorrow shines as a celebration of Gavin's wonderous fight and spirit and offers you continued peace and strength from those that surround you in person and online.

Kathy said...

Peace be with you and your family Natalie.
You are the strongest woman I know, in every way imaginable.
I pray for you and your family every day.

Unknown said...

We've never met, but I will be thinking of you and your family tomorrow.

Stay strong.

ashley said...

glad your little broken heart has some joy in it. we all love you are are willing to do anything, and i mean anything for you guys when you get back. lots of love and support to you and the fam! ~loves~

The Tafuna Family said...

I feel like mothering hearts bind people in an unspeakable way. I have mourned for and with you these past weeks, despite never meeting you. As I've thought about your struggles, and my own internal debate over immunizations etc, one thing has rung true to me. If it is our time to be called home, we will be called home, vaccinations or not, medical help or not. Heavenly Father's power in the plan over rules all, because he rules all. And the times when it's hardest to see purpose in the plan is the time we must let his be the footsteps in the sand and have him carry us along.
What a valiant Spirit little Gavin has to have completed his mission in 2 short months. And what a valiant spirit are you, Natalie, to have been chosen to be his mother. To be always his mother.

Jaynann said...

Natalie, you don't know me, but we have a common friend, Heidi who sent me your blog link.

I have been praying for you and your family and I just need to let you know that your strength is inspiring. I know your heart must ache and still your faith in God is unwavering and seemingly strengthened. As I read your posts, I can see how the Spirit is with you and I can feel it as I read. Thank you for that. Thank you for your beautiful example. Our prayers for you will continue!

Anonymous said...

Natalie, You do not know me but, I received a link to your blog from a mutual friend. My heart is absolutely breaking for you! I am a mother of three boys, the youngest is just a few weeks older than Gavin. I can not begin to fathom the unimaginable pain you and your family must be going through. Your strength and faith in the Lord is unmatched and has inspired me to be a better Woman and Mother. I will be thinking of you and your precious family and you will always be in my prayers. I know that sweet little Gavin is safe and warm in the arms of the Lord. Thank you for being such an inspiring person.

Veeda said...

Natalie,

I complete choke up when I visit your blog.

Your words are so heartbreaking and hopeful. I am so touched by the outpour of love that you've inspired.

Ashley said...

Please know I will be praying for you and your ohana tomorrow. I know you can do this. :)

Meiken said...

I know your mother in law and she told me about your blog. My heart has broken for your family, but am uplifted by your courage and strength. Please know we are praying for you daily that the spirit of the Lord will continually uplift and comfort you. Much love from Oceanside.

Anonymous said...

Hi Natalie!

I am a friend of the Naivalus. I am going to be at Gavin's funeral tomorrow. There will be many people to be there for you, and while we may or may not meet, just know that I will be there to support you and your family. I have come to have such great love for you and your family that I never knew I had inside my heart for someone I did not know. Thanks for being so candid and authentic. I am certain it has helped many people around the world to have more courage against hardships that we wish we would never have. And for that, I thank you for that courage I have today!!

Love,

Rachel Hikida and family

Krista said...

There are no adequate words I can think of. Sending peace prayers and love for you family. I am truly impressed by your faith and strength in teh midst of this... thank goodness for the gospel and the fact that families can be together forever.

Unknown said...

What a wonderfully perfect quote. I pray for continuted healing,for you Nat, for Richie and your boys. The spirit tomorrow is going to be through the roof. I wish I could be there to how you my love and support and to feel of that spirit. Wishing you lots of love, healing, peace and light.
Natalee Pumehana

Anonymous said...

I will be praying for your family tomorrow! I wish you peace and love.

Damaris @Kitchen Corners said...

sorry about your broken heart.
I am so thankful for the gospel and so thankful that the spirit is touching your family during these very difficult times.

Noni Bee said...

I hope that through prayer and time, you and your family are able to find comfort and peace. During this time of grief, I hope you can feel all of the outpouring of love, kind thoughts and sincere prayers made on your behalf. G-d bless you and keep you in perfect peace.

Love,
Noni San Juan, Puerto Rico

Whitney Elizabeth said...

you had a family member make it to the celestial kingdom. we all love you and your family.

Justin M. Bowen said...

We continue to think and pray for your family. You are an example to so many. Thanks for the spirit you bring in to my day. Take care, Linds

Anonymous said...

Hi Natalie,
I am praying along side of you for supernatural peace that only God gives...I understand as my 2 week old son, Joseph Luther "Luke" Scheckel went home to be with Jesus January 6th@ 4:40am. His Celebration of Life Services was this past Friday Jan. 8th. and was simply just as beautiful as him.. well, almost! (smile). God has been revealing himself to me in so many ways that go beyond writing about and wish I could just paint what I have learned so far and what I have seen... Amazing how God reveals himself in so many things even in pain and anger. I read a lot of your posts and you sounded so similar to me and what we spoke over our son. The faith we had that was unwavering and strong, the belief that "yes" God can and He would, and dreamed of the day I would bring him home and God would be glorified! All the thousands and many churches that prayed, how could God not honor the prayers of his people?", I'd say.. How did I cross the line into tunnel vision with all of this and miss what God wanted to do? All I know is the questions yes are still there but I made the decision to serve Christ forever and in all things. He deserves praise every day even in this anguish and my current world of suspended blankness..but even in that He is revealing himself and is there with me, comforting me (and my husband).. amazingly so. My only other comfort is yes we will see our son again! The devil can NEVER NEVER touch him again. I will NEVER have to worry about my son's salvation, He is there and I await the day, long the day that I will see him run to me, my husband and his big sister and give us huge hugs and kisses and there we will live forever! Amen. God bless you and your family and I pray for Jan. 13th your son's Celebration of Life Service! Sincerely, Tina (Ohio)

Annie @ Marry You Me said...

Natalie, I have followed your blog for awhile now, and admire your work, and prayed for your little Gavin and you and your family these past few weeks.
I am not a mother, I do not know when or if I ever will have the motherhood gene kick in. But the amazing words and faith that had poured forth from you these past weeks have given me a model of motherhood, faith, and womanly strength to strive towards when/if I ever do decide to have children.
Thank you for being so inspirational, even in your darkest hour.

Beth S said...

Hi Natalie. Please know how many of us you touch with your strength each and everyday. Know that we are now here for you as much as we can be in cyber world. Sending you all hugs, strength and love to get thru the days to come. Lean on those near you, they are the angels in our lives to help us get thru overwhelming times such as these.
take care

Kristen said...

I just wanted to let you know that I'm still reading your tender words and holding you up in prayer.

P.S. I am a subscriber to DPS

Paige Holley said...

Natalie,
Your family is still in my prayers...I think about you often and pray that you will continue to be comforted. I hope tomorrow goes well. I will be thinking about you.

Julie Watts said...

Natalie,
From one mom/photographer to another, I just want to say I'm overcome with emotion as I read about Gavin and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Erika said...

praying for you and your family. many many many many hugs to you. ((((Hugs))))

ed pingol said...

we will be with you in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow, natalie & richie. if an ocean weren't between us, we'd be there in heartbeat.

you continue to inspire us... your immoveable faith in god is incredible. continue to lean on this, as he carries you through gavin's funeral tomorrow and through your journey of mourning and healing. god bless you all!

//ed & monica

Mama2aMiracle said...

God bless your soul! Please know that my family from TN is praying for you and yours. Your beautiful Gavin has touched my heart so deeply.

Lori from TN

stacia hehenberger said...

Wishing you strength and peace. You have been an inspiration to this new momma.

Em Levy {orange + barrel} said...

Please know you are in our hearts and prayers. May God continue to bless you with peace. My heart just breaks for you.

G.B. said...

Praying for comfort for you and your family from the Father....that HE will bless you during this time..and that you most of all will feel and KNOW His presence! Blessings

Laura said...

Natalie,
You're wonderful. Keep your head up! Again, thank you for being an example to me.

Unknown said...

Natalie -

Time and time again, I think to myself - what words can I say to her to help ease your pain and the truth of the matter is, there is none. I hope just knowing that there are lots of people out in the world thinking of you and your family. There hasn't been a day that has gone by that you haven't crossed my mind. Much love to your and your family especially tomorrow.

Love,

Heather Cole

Sharon said...

As a mother my heart is aching for you. I pray God will comfort you and carry you through this awful time. Lots of love and hugs to you and your family xxx

The Belnaps said...

You don't know me..I found your blog through my cousin Megan..I have a baby girl who was born on the 21st of Oct...just a few days before your precious son. I will hold and cherish her just a little more tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Christensen's said...

Natalie,

I have not met you but know your sister-in-law and was forwarded your blog. I have been so amazed by you and all you have been through. As a mother of two I cannot even imagine how your heart must be aching for you sweet sweet baby. I am praying for you that you may feel peace and know you will be with him again. You have a beautiful family and you are truly talented! Hang in there! Love from Utah!

Miranda said...

Along with the others leaving you their love from a home you've never occupied, I want to let you know that my heart is so swollen with gratitude to have read your story. You truly are the strongest women I've ever come across and inspire me to praise God. God is good, and so are YOU and your family. I have a daughter born 3 weeks before your son and I hope she was blessed to know your son in the pre-existence. Even though we don't know you personally, we do know what love is and we love your family. Prayers, comfort and love from Provo

Deanna said...

Anything we can do to help carry you guys, big or small, is worth doing. You have been at the forefront of our minds and hearts the last two weeks. Hugs and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I know throngs of people will be trying to give you a hug tomorrow and sending love and good energy your way, and I will be one of them- Thank you for sharing your testimony so freely, it strengthens mine. Patria

merideth said...

so many of my thoughts are with you and your family these past couple weeks.
i am so glad that you have faith in a loving Father in Heaven who loves you so much.... may He hold you and your family up through this hard time.

i am so sorry for your loss. love the pictures of you and your baby. so beautiful.

Amanda Petersen said...

came across your blog & want to send our love & (ongoing) prayers for your sweet family. your optimism & faith are such an inspriation. your family is so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I wish I could be there tomorrow. You've inspired me to get on my knees and pray...which, for personal reasons, I haven't really done in a long time. On my knees for you, your family, and in gratitude for my own little ones. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Prayers are being said for your family - especially tomorrow. I can't even imagine....so instead I'll offer prayers.

-Tami

The Cricket on the Hearth said...

I am but one of the many who will be with you in spirit tomorrow. That quote is so beautiful... how is it that you, who are in need of the most comfort, wind up comforting us! Love to you all...

shira said...

you have our sincere love and prayers. may the Lord bring your family peace and comfort. your strength and faith are an example to us and our hearts our with you!

Rachel said...

our prayers are with you and your sweet family. I wish you all the most comfort and peace. good luck tomorrow.

with love,

rachel and brandon

Unknown said...

The Christensen's are thinking of you and your family and extended family here in Provo. much love.

Kelli Dix said...

I do not know you either...but I am completely touched by your experience and the amount of faith you have. I am a mom of 2 kids with one on the way....this is every mother's worst nightmare...I am SO sorry that your family has had to go through this. The gospel is amazing. Thank you for sharing your experience and for your righteous example. You WILL be in my prayers.
Sincerely
Kelli

Amy said...

Natalie, I'm so sorry for the loss of your little angel. I have been following your blog and your amazing photographs and my heart breaks for you. I don't know the right words to say, but know that I am thinking and praying for your sweet family, and praying for God's peace in your life. I am so sorry.

Meghan said...

Sure do love you Natalie. Our little hearts are broken with you.

Anonymous said...

As you face today I'm thinking of you. David says in the Psalms that our tears are precious to God. There's an old song that has a tag line that says, "Tears are a language God understands" He's close to the broken hearted.
Many prayers for you today.
Lorraine B

Anonymous said...

Natalie,
I heard the news when I returned to work Monday night. I must confess I cried a little. I'm so glad that your hubby was able to make it here, and that Heavenly Father is comforting you at this time. Your testimony in your trying times is a blessing for me. Thank you for sharing that with me. When we get on the other side, we'll have to get together so I can see your amazing son freed from tubes and wirers and all grown up. I love you and put your names on the Jordan River Temple prayer role.
Love, Courtney Lye

Anonymous said...

I am thinking of you and praying for you today. Gavin will never be forgotten.

Pablo said...

Natalie,

My thoughts are with you, I will be in spirit and I know there are no words that can help you to go trough this hard moment, but love acts as a balsam helping us to cope with this difficult time

Pablo

Chris Cornwell said...

Natalie.. so very sorry for your loss. I've been following your site for a while but haven't checked in for a few weeks. We don't know each other but I know what/ how you're feeling right now. But you are in good hands... you will be OK. Thanks for being an inspiration to me and to many others. Blessings and prayers, Chris Cornwell

Becky Pitcher said...

I can do nothing more than offer my deepest, and most heart-felt condolences but I hope you know what an inspiration and blessing you are to everyone who reads your blog.
Thank you for your faith.

Julie said...

You are amazing Natalie. Your faith and strength is inspirational. You have touched so many lives by sharing your love. Thank you! Our prayers are still with your family. We love you.
Julie (a friend of Kristen Tuifua's)

Jenny said...

I am sobbing tears again for you today....Please know that you are such an example of faith to me. I am thinking of and praying for you and your family today.....

Nick and Brittany said...

You truly are an inspiration of hope and strength. Stay strong today! You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be there. Sending you lots of love from Utah! -Brittany Holt

kanaboke said...

Prayers, Good Thoughts, Hug, & Kisses all go out to you today...The Gavins will definitely be watching over their sweet sister/mommy today.

Snapshotsofhappiness said...

You truly are an inspiration! I am praying that God hugs you tightly and you are comforted!

Anonymous said...

Dear Norton Family,

I have been very touched with you ability to share such a personal and spiritual experience with the world. While following baby Gavin's illness and then death I came to find out that your family truly understands that "the peak of life's experiences is to be able to return to GOD's presence. Yet while many recognize the value of that goal, some don't realize that to be WITH Him, we must become LIKE Him. And there is not quick and easy path to that peak." Natalie you and your family are truly "LIKE" Him. You have such Faith, Hope, Charity and Love of our Savior and your ability to share this with others is above and beyond. Baby Gavin's eight weeks of life here on this earth has touched so many lives, most people could have never accomplished this feat in a life time. He truly is a Grand and NOBLE soul! I know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and He sent us His Son so that, we might be able to reach our "Peak." I also know that "if you want to understand the summit, you must understand the depths, because that's where the summit began." Thank you for sharing baby Gavin's life with us and letting us wittiness his miracles. My prayers and best wishes are with your family. You are turning in the right direction for comfort and peace because I know that Jesus truly suffered "pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind" so that He can succor us. He knows what you are going through. Continue pushing upward!

Love,

The Reinharts

Amy said...

My thoughts are with you this morning, and I pray the words that are in your heart will flow forth from your lips. But no matter what, your baby knows he is loved.

Stephanie Smith - 831 Photography said...

Natalie and Family,

I will continue to pray for you all. I'm so sorry for your loss and am amazed and it lifts my heart to see you still so solid in your faith. I have friends who have lost children and their faith went with them, but you have held on to that. It is a true testament to your love of God and love of Gavin. He is surely proud to have you as his family.

You are in my prayers. I know I am thousands of miles away, but if you need anything...please ask!

Stephanie

Matt5verse6 said...

As I sit here staring at a blank comment box I find I cannot adequately put my heart into words. God is so good. And it is beautiful to see someone like yourself (a reflection of Job) who instead of cursing God, rather worships and sings His praises in this heart breaking tribulation. I hope you don't mind, I pasted the quote you posted (by William Draper) and a link to your site over at my blog. I wanted to share your story and the surpassing excellency, worth, power, pleasure, and knowledge of God and His Son Christ Jesus. My heart is with you and your family. Best wishes in 2010.

For His glory,
Brook

Lil' Stormster said...

My heart is broken for you & your family.

Shasta said...

You don't know me but there is a friend of yours who is here. I am so sorry. You have been in my thoughts. I live in Virginia or I would stop by just to hug you. My heart is very broken for you and your family.
-Shasta

sourfleed said...

Thinking of and praying for your sweet family today Natalie.

Audra said...

Stopping by from MckMama's site, I'm heartbroken for your losses, this most recent one I just can't imagine but my heart feels like it knows. Praying for God's peace that surpasses all understanding. May God be with you today, and in every step of your journey until you are with your baby Gavin again, Forever!
In Christ,
Audra Deffenbaugh

Terrie B said...

Still reading, still praying for you, still sending up strength & stamina for you. Maybe thats why I am so tired this week... never been happier to be so tired.

jlydia said...

praying for you all today.gavin is being held in the arms of his Heavenly Father smiling down on you all.

Tiff and Meg said...

Praying right now for your services thousands of miles away from where I currently sit... and for God's presence to just be so physically tangible on you at this moment that you feel like you can literally fall into His comforting arms. I pray that the services will be a wonderful and perfect expression of your love for your amazing son and his brave and courageous fight. You all are in my prayers.

letty said...

I am praying for you and your family today. I know you'll be able to hold your son again someday and that you will be able to raise him in the millennium. Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

Thinking and praying for you all as you go through today.

"In our arms a short time, in our hearts forever"

Sue
Australia

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that today was a beautiful, special perfect day for your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers

Leslie said...

Your stregnth and courage and faith have been a true gift to all of us. I am sure that the funeral will be beautiful. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Leslie Moss

Anonymous said...

You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers every day. Your strength and faith truly inspire me. I know God is holding ALL of you in the palm of his hand. Please take care and yourselves the time you need to grieve and heal.

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, but I feel I know you a little bit better after reading your story. Words cannot express my sorrow for you. I shed tears that I didn't realize were there to shed. I laughed at your jokes and felt, as a mother myself, the only way to get through such an ordeal is to make jokes!! Prayers of love continue to be with you and your sweet family. God IS good, you got that right!!!

Alyssa and Dave said...

What an incredible woman you are. Your testimony is an indescribable strength to me. My heart aches so much for you and your family. I wish I could do anything to help even though we are complete strangers. My greatest hope is that the prayers of millions will carry you through this difficult time. May angels surround you and guide you through all of this. I know they will. I will think of you often and pray for you always. May God continue to bless you with peace. After my father died when I was 18 I was told that he would be able to teach me things from beyond the veil in ways that he could not have in this life. I am so sure this is true for Gavin as well. Families are Forever. Of this I am certain. God Bless You.

Gretzbabi said...

You are touched by Angles all around the world, praying for you and your family, I just can't express how sad and yet happy I am for you. What a brave little spirit child who came to you and tried to fight the odds for so long. Now he is free to soar with the eagles and live life to its fullest,with his family and his Father in Heaven. My heart breaks for the loss you must all feel but I do know that you will learn so much from this, as will all who have touched you all. May the Lord Bless and Keep you all! Much love to everyone there!

Sabrina said...

Praying for you as you travel each day through the most unimaginable grief.

Anonymous said...

I don't even know how to express my sorrow for you...I can't even begin to imagine what you are feeling but I can tell you this...God has a plan...and this was part of his plan for you...you can do this...you can move forward...you will see him and be with him again! I testify of it and I know it's true!!! May peace come to you in the coming weeks and may grief treat you well!

Thank you for letting all of us be a part of your life!

ab

Diana said...

Natalie,
I happened upon your blog through Anne M. My heart goes out to your family. I am touched by your faith and frequent mention of prayer in your blogs. My little girl was born in July with a severe heart defect and lived for 9 days, and I can relate to the comfort from prayers of others, even strangers. I pray that you may continue to be buoyed by your faith and the prayers of others.
--Diana

Amelia . Lyon said...

I hope and pray you are doing well today. I hope and pray for all your little boys and your wonderful husband that they are at peace. Thank you for empowering me with your words. I read the post you wrote on January 7th of 2009 and I was so touched by your wisdom. Sometimes it's hard to live by what you write, but I truly believe the spirit was helping you write those words a year ago to help you just get through this rough patch and heartache. I'm rooting for you and your family, as are so many others. I know you know that, but I just felt like I needed to write it anyhow. I'm sending you something, so keep an eye out for it. You are an amazing person Natalie with an amazing soul. I wish I could have been there today to experience the wonderful spirit that must have been present at the funeral. I'm sure both of your Gavins are looking down and smiling upon your courage. May peace and strength find you my friend.

alexismdyer said...

Natalie and Richie,
I grew up with Chelsea and Eric.
Although I have never met you, I feel such a deep sympathy for you and your family. I know that angels live among us and are there more than we realize. I know they are filling your household and guarding the doors at this time.
We are praying for you.
Much Love,
Alexis Munoa Dyer

Anonymous said...

Natalie, I am thinking about and praying for you and your little family. My heart just aches that you don't have your little Gavin now, but I (too) know you will be with him again.
I know that I am going to think of you when I am having difficulty dealing with my trails. Thank you for having so much grace and faith. You are amazing.
-brooke

Maly and Dan said...

You and your family were in my prayer last night. I wept. I stared at my son who was born two weeks before Gavin and hugged him tighter then ever. God is good. I am so touched and lost for words to say. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Courteney Miller said...

Natalie, you are the true meaning of faith. I am completely inspired by you even as I sit here at work and sob. You are completely amazing and I know the good Lord is working through you. I will be praying for you and your sweet little family with my entire being! I know God lead me to your blog for a reason and that was to be inspired by you and your story. Baby Gavin will have many many friends up in heaven. God Bless you.

jennyferban@yahoo.com said...

I just wandered onto your site and all i can say is I am so sorry. I read in a past post of your confidence that God would heal and restore your precious Gavin. I just wanted to affirm that. God has indeed healed and completely restored your son into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has not failed you and he will not leave you. Even though we don't even know each other I mourn your loss and I cry for your Baby Boy. I look forward to the day when you and your Baby are reunited in all of God's glory. In His Abounding Love and Restoring Grace, your sister in Christ.
Jennifer

Gene and Annie said...

I'm praying for you and your family as a sister in Christ!!
Love
Annie

Team Seguritan said...

Hi Natalie and Richie,
This is Katie Seguritan. I don't know if you remember Donovan and I.(he graduated in 2004.) My sister-in-law just sent me this link and I wasn't going to leave a comment, but thought that you should know you will be in our prayers, and we will hold our children a little longer tonight because of you. May the Lord continue to hold you up now and in the times ahead.

Katie

ana.gr said...

Big hugs for you and your family.
So sad about your little Gavin that I can't help crying and crying even if I don't know you or him but for your blog, but I feel you so close.
Luckily, he is sleeping up there on his soft and warm cotton cloud.
All my love.

Sara said...

Thinking of you and your family. And sending prayers to Gavin. You are all in my heart.

Peta said...

Thinking of you and sending love. I absolutely can't imagine. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little boy.