Monday, August 31, 2009
In Jesus' Arms
Our sweet baby Samuel went home to be with the Lord this morning at 9:15. He died in our arms after 3 hours of holding him, singing to Jesus with him, praying, and telling him how loved he is. The Lord gave us peace as we laid our son in His arms. We are glad that Samuel's suffering has come to close, but we recognize ours is just beginning. We covet your prayers.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have been following your story for the last week and are heartbroken over your loss. The strength that your family has shown to all of us in incredible. You have been able to shine the light of Jesus during the most difficult time in your lives. God Bless you all!!
ReplyDeletei am so sorry for your loss. i can not imagine the pain. praise the Lord that Samuel is at rest. praying for you.
ReplyDeleteerin ritter
Dear Bryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are broken for you. We pray for God to give you strength as He carries you through these difficult days, hours, moments. Please know we are praying for you and your family.
Seth and Gena
We are so sorry and heartbroken that you lost your sweet, baby boy. Praying now for you to sense the nearness of God in your suffering and pain.
ReplyDeleteJosh, Becca and Grant Daws
Dear Bryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers continue to go out to you. May God conitnue to give you strength, love and faith during this tragic time.
Alex
My heart breaks for you, but at the same time rejoices that little Samuel is free from pain and resting in the arms of Jesus. I'm so glad you were able to hold him for those last hours before you turned him over to the everlasting arms of his heavenly Father. Heaven just gets sweeter and sweeter. I'm continuing to pray for each of you. I love you.
ReplyDeleteAunt Coleen
My heart is breaking for you right now. Our team prayed for you this morning, and we will continue to keep lifting you up in prayer. I can't begin to imagine how you feel right know, but know that you are being covered in prayer. We love you guys.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is broken.i am sure the wisdom and grace that has taken you this far will again rule decisions that you have to make now.Samuel is at peace and was gently handed to the arms of GOD who loves him completly by the arms of those that loved him most during this time here.I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure that the GLORY OF GOD was reflected to all you came in contact with during this terrible time.God bless and comfort you and walk by your side in the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteMy God continue to be your refuge. My He continue to give you strength. Our prayers are with you through this difficult time. Try and remember what a blessing Samuel's short life has been to so many people he never even met.
ReplyDeletePlacing you in His arms,
April
Bryan & Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry for your loss. Samuel life has become a legacy for so many of us. We are praying for God to continue to give you both the strength and peace that you have shown though this at this time.
Chris & Lori
I ache for you and am praying for you, your boys and your family. I am sorry for the loss of little Samuel, but am encouraged by your faith and love for Jesus through this hard time. You are amazing examples of drawing close to the Lord and placing your trust in him in the both the good and the bad.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Merkel
We're grieving with you during this time of unimaginable heartache. Your little Samuel touched so many lives during his brief time in this world, and is now resting in the loving arms of our Savior, freed from all his earthly pain and suffering. We'll never be able to understand how you feel, but please know we are praying that God continues to sustain you and your boys. All our love,
ReplyDeleteJoe and Emily
Mourning with you at the loss of your precious son.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful that he is now at peace and resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father!
Praying for your sweet family as you grieve at the loss, but rejoice in Samuel's wholeness and healing!
Cheryl
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying that God gives you comfort, peace and strength during these difficult moments. Samuel and your family has been such an inspiration to us and our faith. Thank you for sharing your story and your love of our Father.
ReplyDeleteLifting Your Family Up,
Melissa and Jake Neal
I am so sorry to hear of your loss but am so grateful that Samuel is God's newest angel. My prayers are with you and your family. Please know that your story has been an inspiration to all of us whom were blessed to read it through your blog. God's peace, comfort and blessings be with you both as well as your boys.
ReplyDeleteOn my knees,
Lisa
We are so, so sorry. Our hearts are broken and our prayers are with you all! You are loved.
ReplyDeleteJenny & Les
So sorry for your loss. Grace and peace be with you.
ReplyDeleteDear Bryan & Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteOh how we mourn with you and our heart breaks for you and your precious Samuel. We continue to pray for you in the days to come, but also to give praise and thanks to God for placing the two of you in such a place where you have inspired us, taught us, renewed us, and championed Him for us. Thank you for sharing the very essence of "you" with us.
Neal & Michelle Tisdale
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts break with you and we will continue to pray for your entire family as you face the days ahead. Thank you for sharing him so freely here...what a blessing he has been to all that have read your story.
ReplyDeleteThe Petty Family
Dear friends, words cannot express how sorry I am that you have had to experience a loss like this. I am mourning with you, praying for you and am here for anything you need. Praise God that he is bigger and mightier than death! Samuel is home and has been fully redeemed!
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you,
Melanie
Aching for you and grieving with you. Thankful that Jesus holds you in his arms, just as you were able to hold Samuel. Continuing to lift you up, and continuing to be thankful for your witness through this valley.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss of sweet Samuel. My love and prayers go out to your family during this time. May the Lord comfort you and draw you near.
ReplyDeleteHe is close to those whose hearts are breaking. May you feel his closeness. I am so sorry for your loss and am grieving with you. I will continue to lift you to our Father during the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are breaking with you. May the same arms comfort you that now hold Samuel. Saying what we know is true and longing for our feelings, emotions and bodies to all be in agreement. For now and always may the love of Jesus overwhelm you with the peace that does pass our understanding. We love you.
ReplyDeleteDonald, Sandy and Rebekah
I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart has been so heavy for you. You and your family are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteKathryn and Bryan, I love you and am sobbing with you. I will always remember precious Samuel and the time you shared him with us. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs,
Robin
Dear Kathryn and Bryan, a dear friend in my woman's bible study just sent me your blog. She knows of you from someone in her previous woman's group. We will be pleading to God for the comfort of your family tonight at our small group meeting. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I also lost my little girl at Northside hospital and lived in the NICU with my son for more than 3 months. I started an organization called Remember Georgia's Children Foundation with one of the primary purposes to support families who have lost a child. On the web site there are some resources for funeral/memorial service planning. This is the link to the direct page: http://domino-20.prominic.com/A55916/RGCF_Park.nsf/Bereaved?OpenForm or you can go to http://www.RememberGeorgiasChildren.org and click on the link for Resources.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to share this with you in case it would be helpful to you at this time. I will keep lifting you up to our Father in my prayers. Please know that I am here as your sister in Christ to offer support in any way I can.
Sincerely,
Christy Zeigler
We're so sad for your loss. Your family has been and will continue to be in our prayers daily. Praying for comfort and peace that comes only from our loving Father.
ReplyDeleteMelinda Rowand
My thoughts & prayers are with your entire family as you mourn the loss of your precious son!
ReplyDeleteStephanie Deal
I can't begin to tell you how my heart is aching for your loss! I have kept up every day on your blog and have prayed constantly for you all. He is no longer in any pain and is in such a great place in HIS hands. All my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
ReplyDeleteLaura (Parker) Kennedy
Our hearts break at what you have had to endure. May the Lord comfort you and draw you close during this time. Sweet Samuel is now at peace and resting comfortably with our Lord, for that we are thankful. We continue to pray for your family.
ReplyDeleteGeoff and Jen Plese
So sorry to hear about Samuel. I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Bailey Willits
You don't know me, but I learned of your family and blog through a friend from a former NPCC small group. My heart is just broken for you and your family. I have traveled with you on this journey through this blog. Your entire family has been, and continues to be, in the prayers of me and my family.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Gary Parnaby
We are so sorry to hear of sweet Baby Samuel's passing. We take incredible comfort in knowing that he is being loved and cared for by his Creator. Your entire family will be in our prayers as you go through this heartbreaking time. The Lord will continue to sustain you and comfort you. Your testimony throughout this ordeal has been truly inspiring and God honoring.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Tricia Coniglio and Family (friends of Marta)
I am so sad that this time has come for you. I love you and hope for peace for you in the coming days.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear of the loss of your son Samuel. I'm praying God's comfort and peace will be very real for you all.
ReplyDeleteIn Him,
Aimee Law
Dear Bryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteBill and I were so blessed to be with you tonight. Your testimony of God's Presence, peace and kindness in the midst of your grief is totally amazing and wonderful to us. I cannot stop thinking of you and praying for the glory of God to be manifested in this story. We love you and are praying for you tonight. Thank you for your lives. We grieve and mourn with you. Trusting God for His grace and comfort in time of need.
Dear Kathryn & Bryan:
ReplyDeletePlease accept my condolences on the loss of your son, Samuel. I know you take solace in knowing that he's with our Father, undoubtedly passing out toy trucks left and right ;); yet, I can only imagine the temporal loss you must feel.
I only know about your story from Joel T & Randy W, but what a testimony you put forth. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your walk during this time and for allowing His light to shine through your words and your example.
I pray peace, rest, and His continued blessings upon you, your sons, and your family as you move forward and anticipate the day when once again you will see your beautiful boy, Samuel.
God Bless,
Lou Hablas
Bryan and Katherine, We are heartbroken for your loss. I pray the God of all comfort will comfort you in the way only He can. You are loved and carried. Love, Amy and Russell
ReplyDeleteBryan and Katherine,
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that I grieve with you.
Patrick Bartkus
Bryan and Katherine - we are so sorry for your loss. We love you guys so much and pray that God's comfort and grace would be increasingly strong in your family today.
ReplyDelete- Ben and Amy
Bryan and Kathryn- we are without words to even speak to your loss. We love you both so much and are praying for God's peace and comfort to be very tangible to you over the coming days.
ReplyDelete-Jason and Jennifer.
my eyes are full of tears and my heart is broken for y'all. praying you feel the Lord's touch now and in the days to come. love you all!
ReplyDeleteBryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteAs I read these kind words from others who've followed your journey here, I'm struck with how similar we all are. It's not just words when we say we are heartbroken with you. Because you shared Samuel's story with such openness, we grieve as if we knew him. And through you, we did know him. I do hope it will comfort you in these dark days ahead that his little life shone so brightly in the testimony here. However, I also know that you don't necessarily want a mighty testimony of our Lord's grace and peace. You want a little boy who wakes up during the night, and sleeps through Caleb and Joel playing, and messes up his diapers.
Bryan, all day today I kept thinking that I just wished we could have met for our quarterly lunch and traded stories about those first few weeks of newborn life and our inadequacies as small group leaders. Just normal stuff. But it was not to be.
Please know that we are grieving with you, that you have not been foresaken by your Heavenly Father or His earthly church.
We will continue to pray for your family. I will specifically pray for rest for both you and Kathryn. I cannot imagine the physical toll this last month has taken on the two of you.
We will all be here to help in any way we can as you guys figure out your new normal.
Much, much love,
Jason and Allison Russell
Dear Bryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteI have followed your heartbreaking journey, and you and your family have been constantly in my prayers. I am so sorry for your great loss, but am so glad that you were holding your precious Samuel as he passed from your arms into the Lord's. His time on this earth was much too short, but his story and your tremendous witness on the midst of this unimagineable sorrow will remain in our hearts. I will continue to hold you and your family in my prayers.
Kay Hopkins
Bryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you and your boys. I'm sharing your blog as much as I can and gathering other saints to pray. God is hearing your petitions and holding you close.
love and prayers,
Katy Peterson
Praying for you and yours with love from your friends at Trinity Fellowship Church in Richardson.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches as my eyes weep - for all you have been through and all that is still to come. I promise that I will continue to pray - will you please continue to blog?? You have taught us all so much and I would love to continue to grow in this process with you. Love and prayers, Gwen Diaz
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts, tears, and prayers are with you. At least sweet Samuel got to know his wonderful parents...even if it was for far too short of a time.
ReplyDeleteDear Bryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteBob and I grieve with you this evening. Our hearts break over the loss of your precious Samuel. We praise God that Samuel is no longer suffering and is in the arms of our
Lord.
The two of you were a gift to Samuel, just as he was a gift to you. He knew the love and tender devotion of two wonderful parents. He heard your prayers, songs, stories, and your declarations of love for him. He felt your gentle touch and knew he was loved.
We will be praying for the two of you and your family. May God give you rest, peace, and comfort, and may He heal your wounded hearts.
Love,
Sally Holt
I read your blog for the first time this morning and I wept as I looked at the pictures and contemplated your grief and sadness. I also wept at the strength in your words and the faith that was so obvious. Now I read that Samuel has gone to be with the Lord, what a beautiful baby boy. You will hold him again in heaven. I promise to continue to read if you continue to share. Grief is an incredible teacher. God bless all of you, Tracy O
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!!! 803 riverstone is always an open door. B/K/Gab'm have got my vote as the strongest people on the planet. I hope everyone has ya'lls (that was for K) strength in times of serious faith. I have no good views of direction at this time. But knowing you beautiful people as long as I have you wil be guided down the right path. Our door is always open. You can lean on me.
ReplyDeleteR
I've come here via Mark Herring's post on Facebook. How my heart aches for you, and how glad I am to know we serve a merciful and loving God. Sam rests safe and healthy in His arms, knowing the One Who holds him will speak peace and comfort to all those who loved and cared for him during his brief stay here. While you mourn his loss, I pray you'll glory in the promise you will see him again. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
ReplyDeleteI pray God's presence and healing surround you during these sorrowful days and always.
Kat & Bryan,
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you, your boys, and your family. May God continue to give you the peace and strength that you will need to get through the next few days, weeks, months... So glad for you that you got to hold him in your arms and experience that closeness.
God Bless you both,
Jared and Sarah Lenko
Tommy and I grieve with you- even as we understand that we can't full know your pain. May Jesus continue to hold you in His arms and give you peace in the midst of all the changes and decisions.
ReplyDeleteWhat can we say? We love you, and grieve with you, and will pray that you know unspeakable comfort in the days to come.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Graham & Rebecca
Your family is in our prayers. Thank God for letting you have 4 weeks with sweet, precious Samuel even though is was the hardest thing of your lives. You will never forget those prayers, talks, songs and memories. We are heartbroken for you guys and we wish you comfort. (I am a friend of Katie Green).
ReplyDeleteKim Riley
We grieve with you. Praying for peace and rest for your family. So thankful you were able to hold him. Tim & Tracy Alderson
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry. May you find some peace in all of this.
ReplyDeleteJulie and mike clawson
Praying.
ReplyDeleteBryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that Samuel had to leave us but he left us with his mommy and daddy holding him! Jesus then came and held that precious little child and made him whole and complete as he was when he was first created! What a blessing that is knowing that he is now safe in the arms of our precious Savior! I know the road ahead for you guys is a long and difficult one but thankfully you can rest in the arms of our God who is there to comfort you and who definitely knows your pain. We will continue to pray for you guys knowing that all will support and love you through this difficult time in your lives. We love you very much and grieve with you.
The Tates
Dear Bryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts to hear of the loss of your dear sweet baby, Samuel yet rejoices that he is with our Savior. I feel greatful to our Lord that Samuel's suffering has ended but heavy-hearted because I know your's will continue.I pray for all of you knowing that the days ahead will be difficult. May you find comfort in His constant presence.
With love, Vicki, Tim, Skyler and Savanna
Brian and Kathryn:
ReplyDeleteWe love you and pray for you. We're so sorry for your loss, yet so moved by your faith and strength. Samuel's story has been heartbreaking and God's role for you has been difficult but so touching and inspirational. We will continue to pray for you daily with heavy hearts and high hopes for all of you. Your faithfulness through all of this will someday be richly rewarded.
Our love,
Doug & Wanda
We are heartbroken for you but so overwhelmed with joy at how the Lord has carried you. Your strength and peace among your grief is truly a gift given by our Father in heaven. It is awesome to see Him at work and changing the lives of those who cry out to Him. We are continuing to pray for God's love, warmth, comfort, grace and peace to surround you as you move through the coming days. Our hearts will be heavy but our hope will be in the Lord and HIs continued faithfulness.
ReplyDeleteMuch love and blessings,
Angela and Rob Brettschneider
Dear Bryan and Kathryn,
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to express my sadness at the passing of your little Samuel. Please know that he is resting in God's gentle arms. Samuel was sent to teach and to show God's light - and teach he did. I don't think you will ever know Samuel's impact on so many- friends, family and strangers. Thank you for sharing Samuel's teachings with all of us - especially me. May God grant Samuel eternal rest and may He grant you peace, courage, strength and love in the coming days. My heart bleeds and cries for you, but know that your angel, Samuel, is watching over all of you, helping to lift you up. I'm so glad that you got to hold him - and that he got to share himself with you. May God bless all of you.
Love,
Sharon Bigge
god bless you all. May god give you the strength and comfort at the this sad time.
ReplyDeleteWe are sad for you...we love you guys and are with you in prayer.
ReplyDeleteWe are lifting you up in prayer throughout the day. Rusty, Rebecca, Dakota, William and Eli
ReplyDeleteour hearts grieve with you. you will remain in our prayers. we love you. phil and nancy
ReplyDeleteI'm here from the Mauntel's blog. I'm sure there are people on their knees for you (as I am) all over the world that only know you from our shared love of our Savior. Oh how I pray God's peace surrounds you and gives you strength.
ReplyDeleteIs 41:9-10 - i have chosen you & have not rejected you. so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. i will strengthen you & help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand...
I am so sorry! I will be praying for you and your family!!!
ReplyDeleteour hearts are broken for you. our prayers are filled with petitions on your behalf. thank you for sharing samuel's life & your faith here. you have all 3 been a witness to many for our Father. we love you guys! beth, brian, garrett & lucy
ReplyDeleteI would also like to tell you thank you. I have been inspired by your relationship with the Lord. I, myself, had grown a bit distant since college. I looked for a church down here and after going to a couple couldn't find one. I gave up; and, I didn't look anymore. In turn I ended up growing distant from him. I think that he guided me to your blog for a reason. He wanted me to see your relationship with him. You have made me realize I need to get closer to him again and stay that way. Thank you for being an amazing example!!! I know the Lord will be with you in your time of suffering and I will keep you in my prayers!!!
ReplyDeleteScott and I are praying for you in your unspeakable grief. That the Lord is your refuge, your shelter - that He will carry you. He sees you, He hears you, He is with you. I pray you're surrounded by God's comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss and for these hard weeks you have endured. I know you are comforted to think of Samuel in the arms of the Lord, but can not imagine the pain you have felt. I will continue to pray for your family...
ReplyDeleteashley
dallas, tx
I learned of Samuel's story through a prayer request that Matt shared at The Richards Group. I am heartbroken for your loss. I am also encouraged by your faith. I believe that God is using Samuel's life to bring miracles to pass by reaching people across the globe to draw them nearer to Christ.
ReplyDeleteYour faith reminds me of Corrie ten Boom's sister, Betsie. She, too, trusted God in unimaginable circumstances and, as a result, was an encouragement to a great many people. Her story, like Samuel's, spread far and wide, and with it spread hope to lost and hurting people. Thank you for sharing your heart, your hope, your faith with great openness and honesty. God has been glorified through you.
I hope you don't mind, but I posted a link to Samuel's Heart on my blog, so that Samuel's legacy could continue to be passed on and that your witness of God's faithfulness and love would be known.
God bless your family and your hearts during this difficult time. I will continue praying for you all.
Amanda
I am so sorry for your loss. I stumbled upon your blog a few days ago and I am heartbroken to see Samuel go...but he is in a better place now and with the lord. God bless your family and I will continue to pray during this time of need.
ReplyDeleteSara