Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Wanted to give you all a few pictures of our beautiful angel. Not angle. Angel. And thank you all for being respectful and not pointing out my typing inadequacies yesterday...

Yes, this is Matt again. If you want to see them, and don't care about what I have to say, go ahead and scroll down. If you change your mind, you can come back after absorbing her preciousness.

We did get to hold Anna Joy for a couple of hours, and she floated through the arms and hearts of her family during that time. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, even great aunts, got to cradle her, and we all cried and enjoyed feeling her warmth as we snuggled with her. She opened her eyes a few times and looked around, which was amazing. 

When the ECMO was turned off, Anna Joy stayed with us for about half an hour, and even in that she stayed longer than they expected. The nurse came and listened for her heartbeat a few times, and commented once that it was a lot stronger than they all had expected. Unfortunately, or hope that God would come through with a last minute Christmas miracle was not fulfilled. 

Even so, we are grateful for our time on earth here with little Miss Anna Joy Peppley. We count our blessings that were provided, the joy and sorrow included. We thank God for the miracle of her conception, and are greatly honored that He would chose us to be her parents. As I said before, God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him. 

As I said before, I'm not going to be done writing about Anna Joy by any means. Not by a long shot. Not in a million years. Not on your life. And not by any other over-used cliche that you can think of. So, if you want to hear more about her, and our thoughts about her wonderful little life, please, check back. And please continue to comment too. I'll still read them. Thank you once again for being with us. 



151 comments:

  1. Oh, she really is a beauty. What precious pictures. Oh guys - I am so sorry. Thankful that she is in the arms of Jesus, but sad for your empty arms here on earth...tears for you... you remain in my prayers.

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  2. I am happy for the moments you got to spend with your precious Anna Joy, but sad for your loss. Anna Joy is in the arms of Jesus and is smiling her bright smile. She was welcomed by my son, Logan, and I can see them playing together in beautiful Heaven. Your pictures are precious. Thank you for sharing Anna Joy with us all. She is a precious gift from God. She changed a lot of peoples lives. My prayers are with you and your family for peace and love.

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  3. My heart is breaking for you today. Your precious child has and will continue to tell an amazing story. Our prayers are with you as you carry on. May God give you comfort and may you find rest in Him. She is a beautiful, special baby.

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing photos of your precious Anna Joy. Her story has touched me deeply and though I never met her, I will never forget her. It seems that God definitely had a purpose for her - just by reading your blog I can see how many lives she has touched! I know she is in Heaven, playing with my little boy Noah! God bless her.

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  5. My prayers are with you and your family. She is absolutely beautiful. I am so sorry.

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  6. Oh how beautiful she is! Looking forward to reading the series of books you write about Anna Joy's life. She's one amazing Missionary. Praying for you all and weeping both in joy and sorrow has been and will continue to be an honor.

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  7. I pray that you can feel Gods hands and comfort upon you. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and beautiful Anna Joy with us all. Your journey and amazing strength and faithfulness have changed my outlook and life forever. Anna was a precious little angel here and I know she is going onto help many more people as an angel with God. We will continue to pray for your family for comfort and strength through this hard time. I will continue to read about this amazing journey as long as you write about it.
    God Bless
    Barb (the cookie lady)....thought maybe that could get a smile for you.

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  8. I pray for comfort and continued peace for your family. Thank you so much for sharing her story and the pictures of your beautiful little angel. God Bless you both, Matt and Alissa.

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss. I've been following little Anna through Amber Hoff. I was praying everyday that something would happen - that she'd pull through. I wish I could say anything that would make this loss easier. As I sit here sobbing, I can't imagine how you're functioning. Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and the reminder of just how precious our little ones are.

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  10. Oh Alissa and Matt,
    There are no words to adequately say how sorry I am for your loss. My heart is broken with you and will continue to lift you both and your sweet son in prayer! The pictures are just beautiful, thank you so much for sharing them. I am so thankful you were able to hold her, snuggle her, and even see her eyes again, what a gift from God! She was blessed to be your little girl, so much love poured out on her life. I know her life will continue to bless you and so many others for many years to come! So much love and prayers for you.
    Emily (JONES) Carlson

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  11. Once again, no words can express! I have 5 babies in Heaven who I'm sure are welcoming her! May God comfort your family and may He continue to hold you close to His heart! I will continue to follow and to pray for your family.

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  12. I can't stop looking at her pictures.....she seems so perfect. As a mommy of 3 little girls, my heart just breaks for you. Your little angel has affected so many people, I will think of her often. Sending prayers and lots of love.

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  13. I am so sorry for your loss. Anna Joy is looking over all of us knowing how much she was and is loved. Thank you for sharing Anna Joy's life with all of us. My love and prayers are with your family. You both are truly amazing and very strong people in my eyes.

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  14. I can't stop thinking about you all and it makes me keep praying that you will fee God's big loving arms embracing you as He welcomes Anna Joy back home. It's such a wonderful thought knowing that at the same time God is joyful to welcome Anna Joy, He is compassionate as he lets you know he understands your sorrow. You and your family has shown such great love to one another and to so many who have been following your journey. Lovingly, Jackie Ferrado

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  15. She is so beautiful! I weep for you all. I will rejoice to see you all reunited again! What hope that brings to all of us who have lost a child! Romans 8:28 will be proven true through your story. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I truly believe your family will minister to so many through your faith and your joy even in the midst of deep despair. That has shown forth many times. May God continue to bless you. May we all share in your sorrow, but even more some day in the joy of seeing her again.

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  16. She is beautiful! I am so sorry for your loss. Anna is in a better place now and resting peacefully in the arms of God. Even still I can not imagine the pain your are going through right now. I will continue to pray for you two and your family that you will have comfort in knowing Anna is no longer suffering and everything you have gone through this year was for a reason.
    God Bless. <3

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  17. She is so beautiful. All I could think is, "Look at that hair!" I am so sorry, so very sorry- sobbing as I write this sorry. It's so hard for me to see her so beautiful and perfect on the outside and then try to believe that her poor little heart and lungs weren't perfect on the inside. Grieving with you for your loss. Praying for your comfort.

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  18. She's so beautiful! Thanks for sharing these pictures! We love you and will continue to pray for comfort that only He can give you in days to come.

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  19. I truly believe Anna Joy's miracle was bringing together the thousands of people who read, smiled and cried over your blog, and together in multitudes knelt in prayer! What an amazing feat for such a small baby! Here at Christmas this reminds me of another baby who brought multitudes of humans across the world together in spirit and prayer, and the knowledge of and belief in our Heavenly Father. Anna Joy is now in the arms of that other baby, Jesus. God bless your family today, tomorrow and always.

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  20. Matt and Alissa, thank you so much for sharng Anna Joy with us and allowing us to walk this journey with you. It has been transformational for us all. Anna Joy and the two of you have been the light of Jesus during this Christmas season to thousands around the world. God is amazing and as you said, He is good. What truth for you in the midst of your sorrow. Thank you. We will continue to be in fervent prayer for your family.

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  21. My family is lifting you all up in prayer today and in the days to come. She is truly an angel. Once again, she has touched so many and will continue to touch so many. So, so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in the strength of God's love.

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  22. She looks so peaceful and it sounds like she went peacefully from your arms into the arms of Jesus where she is well & whole. What a blessing to know you'll see her & her siblings again. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" 1 Cor. 2:13. Love & continual prayers.

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  23. You don't know me, and I don't know you, but I know Stephanie Cates, who posted links to your last few blogs and asked for prayer for your family. I am currently wiping tears from my eyes, tears of deep sadness and tears of joy that Anna Joy is done struggling and is in the place where we all long to be someday. Thank you for sharing your lives, struggles, blessings and hope with the world.

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  24. I'm so sorry you had to say "goodbye" to your Anna Joy for now. I will be praying for your family.

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  25. I just had the pleasure of being "introduced" to your family and your precious story via Facebook this morning. I've spent the last hour reading through all of your entries and falling in love with your family. My heart is breaking, as if we've been lifelong friends. All the while, rejoicing that Anna Joy is now in the most glorious place possible. And her heart is healed and whole. Praying for you, that over the coming days, weeks, and months your hearts will be healed and made whole again, too. Holy Spirit, do what only you can do. Send Your peace that surpasses all understanding and soothe my brother and sister and their precious family. Father God, our only assurance during moments like these is that we never, ever have to question Your motives. They are ALWAYS for our best. Help us rest in that knowledge. We love You, Daddy. Hug Anna for us all.

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  26. She is absolutely beautiful! God has such big plans with her and your family and she was brought to your lives, and thousands others, for a reason. May God be with you and your incredible family during this time. May you feel his arms around you each moment of every day. Anna Joy is such a blessing! Thank you for sharing your story with so many family and friends, and strangers like me. Anna Joy has surely touched and blessed my life.

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  27. She's amazing. I am so sorry for your loss. I am without words to describe how this journey has touched my heart and so many hearts of people close to me. Gosh, we don't even know you guys! Thank you so very much for allowing us to follow you and pray for you all and Anna. I will truly never forget this as long as I live. I will hold my babies close and will thank God everyday for the love He has given me. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. I wish you nothing but peace, love, joy and happiness now and always.
    I love your family...even without knowing you.
    Have a wonderful Christmas with Isaac.
    Love,
    Molly Woodruff

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  28. So sorry for your loss. I have been following your story since the day she was born. My heart hurts for you and and your family. Being a new mom myself I cannot imagine what you are going through right now. You were truly blessed to have her in your lives. She was a beautiful little girl that's life was too short, too too short. I admire your strength and find it comforting how strong your belief is in God. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family during this difficult time.

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  29. I am so very sorry for your loss!! God called home a very precious Angel!! Anna joy will forever be in my heart!! And so will your whole family. I have never met you and first heard about you VIA king 5 news. I will continue to keep all you in my prayers!! You have the most amazing guardian Angel watching over all of you and keeping u safe!!

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  30. I write to you from St. Louis, Mo and am currently 9 months pregnant with my first baby. My greatest fear has always been that something could be wrong with my baby or something bad would happen...the typical new mother fears. You and your wife have inspired me and given me the strength to know that no matter what God gives me, I can handle it, if I hold on to his love and goodness. Baby Anna is the most beautiful, precious baby girl I have ever seen. I cry looking at her pictures and thinking about the pain your family is suffering. Know that around the country, we are all crying for you, and with you. Baby Anna and your family have brought my husband and I closer to God. She had such a mighty purpose in her short life on earth and it is obvious that she has touched and inspired the hearts of so many. What a blessing she was. Thank you for your strength and courage. I believe...and so much of that is because of you and your faith. You both have taught me to love and trust God, even in the dark times when it is the hardest to do so. I wish JOY to your family, comfort to your family, and peace. God bless you guys. Much Love from St. Louis, Missouri...

    -Jessica Dimitro

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  31. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful girl. I can only imagine how beautiful she is as an angel in Heaven right now! I will continue to pray for you all. Your faith throughout this experience has touched my life so much and I thank you for that! Your family inspires me and amazes me! Thank you for the consistent updates so we could follow your family in this journey as prayer warriors.

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  32. She is one of the most beautiful angels I have ever seen. I can't stop the tears from flowing when I pray for your family. I woke up this morning to the Lord giving me a song, Great is Thy Faithfulness. Morning by morning, new mercies I see. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me. Anna Joy made more of a spiritual impact on lives that most do in a full lifetime. I am changed, I am humbled. I can only imagine the glory she is experiencing right now in her Creators presence. Praying for your family more now than ever as you walk the healing journey. Thank you for sharing your lives, your faith and your Anna with us.

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  33. I'm so sorry for your loss of your beautiful baby girl. She is an angel. I pray you may find peace and joy this Holiday season. Thank you for sharing your story. You truly have a beautiful Angel to watch over you and be by your side.

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  34. She is beautiful and looks so peaceful! Your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. You are our family in Christ and forever will be. My 6 year old asked me a little bit ago if Anna Joy was still alive. I told him that she had gone to heaven. He replied, "Anna Joy gets to dance with Jesus in heaven and with our little baby brother or sister!" We would have loved to have met her here on earth, but know our meeting her in heaven will be so much more amazing! Your story has changed my heart and continues to. Love and prayers to you! -Lisa Boschma

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  35. She is so beautiful! I'm happy you guys got to hold her and love on her before she joined Jesus. Please know you are still in our thoughts and prayers.

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  36. God must have loved you enormously to trust you with such a precious gift especially since he knew he needed her back so soon. He cannot trust just anyone with such a gift, because they know not what to do with it nor how to share it.

    You gloried in her here, and will glory in her again when you are reunited. I am uncertain why some of us have to suffer and still I KNOW there is purpose there. You are strong and beautiful, an angel sent here for purpose! God Bless you on that journey! My prayers are with all of your family as they struggle with that purpose.
    -Leanne Chrisman-Khawam, MD

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  37. She has her Daddy's eyes,
    her Mommy's smile and
    her Father's heart.

    Can't wait to see you little one.
    Soon, and very soon.

    Jesus heals the brokenhearted.

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  38. I know I've said this before, but thank you for sharing your journey with me. The strength of your character and your faith is amazing. That you can write the beautiful words you did today, that you took the time to share your loving words of faith and parenthood with us and allow us to see beautiful Anna Joy speaks volumes about who you are. Anna Joy was blessed to have parents like you and was surrounded in love every moment of her life. Thank you Matt for allowing us to experience the joy, sorrow, smiles, and heartbreak with you. I don't in any way say that trying to imply that I have idea how agonizing this is to you and your family. I don't. But I thank you, Alissa and Anna Joy for reminding me what really matters. Her life had an impact on people all over the world. Please know myself, my friends, and family are surrounding you all in love and prayers. And please don't stop writing. We won't stop praying.

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  39. Grieving with you and your family. Will be keeping your family in my prayers. I'm so, so sorry for your loss. May God keep you strong.

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  40. I am honestly captured by Anna Joy. I continuously sob when I read your blog and look at her beautiful pictures and yet I have returned multiple times (including the middle of the night.) I am sure my 8-month-old is feeling like her personal space is being intruded upon. But I can't stop kissing and hugging her. Anna Joy has reminded me that the three beautiful girls that the Lord has entrusted to me are ultimately His. So I will love them the very best I can and thank Anna Joy for reminding me that this life is short whether days or years. I am thankful that relationships are the one thing we can take with us to Heaven. I look forward to meeting Anna Joy and witnessing your reunion with her and her siblings! God bless you and may You feel Your Hand in His as He carries you. What a testimony!

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  41. Oh my goodness! She is so beautiful! Thank you for making us a part of your life, and Anna's life. Absolutely an Angel.

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  42. She is SO Beautiful!! So glad that you got to spend that precious time holding her!! That is priceless! God is good even in this time of sorrow. For her to open her eyes and stay with you so long after taken off the ECMO. I Thank God for the Blessing of her life. She truely was a miracle from conception. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and Anna's life with us. Love you all so much. Continuing to pray for all of you.

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  43. So sorry for your loss of beautiful Anna Joy. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. I'm sure she's done more in her short life to impact people's lives than many people will do in their entire lifetime :) I'll continue to lift you and your family up in prayer...for wisdom and grace and comfort...and trusting that you will feel God's amazing love in a new way today. I'm hugging my own kids a little tighter because of sweet little Anna. Thank you for sharing her with all of us!

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  44. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I was made aware of this blog by a family member who is a "friend of a friend" of you all... though we are all brothers & sisters in Christ. My son is a month younger than your little boy, & as I sat up with him last night as he suffered through a terrible flu, I couldn't help but think of the suffering your family was enduring at the same moment. It is a privilege to go to the Lord on your behalf, & I will continue to do so. Alissa, as a mom, I treasure the example you have set & hope that I can honor the Lord with half the dignity & purity you have shown as you've trusted Him with your babies. Your testimony has reached farther than you even know... I can imagine that God's heart is beyond blessed as He sees His children walking in His truth, despite desperate circumstances. In the words of Job: "though He slay me, yet I will trust Him." May His power be made perfect in your weakness. My deepest, most heartfelt condolences to your family in this time. I weep with you, & rejoice in the knowledge of Anna Joy wholly resting in Her Savior Jesus this morning. God bless you!
    -Ashley

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  45. She is beautiful...I am so sorry for your loss. God continue to comfort and give you a peace only he can give.

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  46. We are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. We were hoping for the best for you.

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  47. She is one of the most beautiful babies I've ever seen. She'll make an exceptional angel.

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  48. She is so beautiful. I am so sorry. I am thankful to read that your faith is still strong after all you have been through with Anna. Prayers for peace and comfort.

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  49. She's absolutely beautiful. My heart aches for yours...what a blessing your time with Anna Joy will forever be. Thank you for sharing her (and your) story with us. May you feel His presence especially now and in the days ahead.

    "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth" ~Psalm 145:18

    From a fellow SCH heart family,
    The Allred's (Maddie, HRHS)
    Royal City, WA

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  50. What a beautiful princess you both were blessed with! May the Lord blanket you both with the Healing, Peace and Joy that only Our Maker can provide. Your journey through this valley keeping your eyes all the while lifted to our Savior has impacted my life in ways I never saw coming. Thank you for your openness and willingness to let the Lord use you and your family's story to minister to us all. May the full extent of the love of our Father fill you and continue to be revealed to you both in the days to come.
    You all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
    - Heather (Bullock) Hanners

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  51. Sorry just doesn't seem to be enough. Your amazing faith and trust in God has been inspiring to so many. I look back at my life and think I have not had to go through anything like this and I lost my way. I have a newly restored faith in God after following your story. I sat here this morning reading and crying my eyes out both in sadness and joy. I am so glad that you got to hold her and see her beautiful eyes again. Your family as been truely amazing and thank you for sharing your story with us. I am truely amazed at how many people have been touched by you guys. I will continue praying for you. With love Cherity

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  52. She looks so perfect, and beautiful -- and she IS! Thank you for sharing this journey with us all, and for letting the Father walk you through a very dark tunnel. As another friend put it, He certainly didn't send this, but is using it to show others how much you, as His son and daughter, can trust Him in this DARKEST hour. And yet KNOW that He has NOW healed His precious child Anna Joy, and that He will continue to carry you with the Strength of His Presence! OH, I love the HOPE in those words! He understands your grief, and identifies with it -- HE LOST A SON! Our hearts bleed with you! Blessings and Peace from the Father of All! We continue to hold you up!

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  53. What an absolute beauty!!
    Praying that God will continue to carry you both in the days, months to come

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  54. Anna Joy is a beautiful angel. Like the countless people before me, Anna's story has touched my life. It has brought perspective to my life and hearing your undying faith to the Lord has brought me closer to Him, thank you for sharing your story. You two are inspiring people. I pray for comfort and peace for you. Godspeed baby Anna Joy.

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  55. I am SOOOO sorry! I have been reading your blog hoping, wishing, and praying for a miracle for Anna Joy and your family. I know that God has a much bigger plan for the blessing of baby Anna's life. You guys have touched so many lives by sharing her story and I am so grateful for that! I have in these last few weeks realized that my life with the Lord has not been where it should be and you guys have inspires me to get back my faith and not let others break it down! You guys have such an AMAZING faith and trust in the Lord and it is simply amazing, and leaves me speechless. I am happy you guys for to spend those special last moments with Anna Joy. She has touched the lives of this nation! May God bless you guys continually, and the peace of the Holy Spirit rest with you guys! With love, Serina

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  56. It saddens my heart to hear that she left our world. A beautiful rose that was budded on earth to bloom in heaven. Our Lord Jesus will cradle her and love her forever and ever, and you will see her again. All our love~ the Peterson family.

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  57. Others have already said this and I agree that Anna is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.
    Now that Anna Joy is healed and whole in heaven we will continue to lift you guys up in our prayers.
    Love Melissa
    (Lavergne TN)

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  58. I'm mourning with you. What a beautiful baby Anna Joy is! In every way. Our family has been praying, and will continue, for God's peace for you all.

    Cheryl McD

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  59. I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful precious little girl... our prayers are with you

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  60. Your story has touched my heart, and I am praying for you. My heart hurts so much for you. I can't fully understand your pain, but only a tiny portion as I lost a baby this year at 12 weeks. The healing process is painful as I struggle to understand why God allowed it to happen, and at the same time cling to Him in desperation and faith, trusting Him to carry me and hold me, knowing that He knows. I think of what Job said after he lost so much, and he fell to the ground and worshiped God saying, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord". Sometimes I feel like that is all I can do, fall to the ground and cry out to God, worshiping Him because He is God and realizing that my life is in His hands. I love the songs on your special songs page, and I would like to share a song with you that has encouraged me in my loss. It is called "Glory Baby" by Watermark. I don't know how to attach it here, but here is a youtube link:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUZkjbYaKPA
    or maybe you've heard it already. Praying for you and crying with you,
    Jennie Parker

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  61. She is absolutely breathtaking. I'm so happy you had that time with her after they took her off the ECMO, what a precious gift from the Lord that time was. Really, she is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. Praying for you as often as I think of you, which is quite often. I know the Lord will hold you so close. I came to know Him in such a deep and sweet way when we lost our little girl to HLHS. Bless you dear ones!

    Stephanie Nelson
    (My friend Christine Harper works with Matt's brother, I believe.)

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  62. Matt, Alissa- I'm am sad, numb, & sorrowful beyond words as a father, and as part of your Mountain View family...but awestruck & humbled by your steadfast faith even in the darkest hour. Even from 11 time zones away, I shared your desperate prayers & tearful cries to God. I feel privileged to get to know you better through the whole journey. Please know that Lori & I stand at your service- a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a brother in Christ, to walk with you in the storm.
    With love & deepest condolences from Djibouti, East Africa. -Dean Hoopes

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  63. I pray for God's comfort and peace for you and your family.

    I learned of your precious little gift from someone in my Sunday School class at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, TN. Prayers were prayed. I'm not sure why... but today I thought of you and was prompted to pray. I then went to Facebook and saw where my friend had posted a link to your blog... and that's when I saw your latest post.

    I'm deeply and profoundly moved by your story and this angel that was yours for a little while.

    I found this prayer... and wanted to share it with you...

    Prayer for Those Who Suffer

    For those who suffer,
    and those who cry this night,
    give them repose, Lord;
    a pause in their burdens.
    Let there be minutes
    where they experience peace,
    not of man
    but of angels.
    Love them, Lord,
    when others cannot.
    Hold them, Lord,
    when we fail with human arms.
    Hear their prayers
    and give them the ability to hear You back
    in whatever language they best understand.

    Margaret A. Davidson
    © 1996 by Margaret A. Davidson, All Rights Reserved

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  64. I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful baby she is.

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  65. I can not stop thinking about you and your family. I can not even begin to imagine what it is your going through. Your faith amazes me, encourages me, and reminds me that all we need is Jesus. I have been captured by your daughter, your story, and your blog. I have read daily and have been praying. Thank you for sharing your story and your pictures of your precious daughter with us. She is beautiful, as is your entire family. I am so sorry. I will continue to uplift your family in prayer...

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  66. She is absolutely beautiful. I am so glad that you had the time to spend with her. God is good all the time, all the time, God is good. We can still praise God in our sufferings. And He does have a plan. My heart breaks for you, but it is encouraging to read how you have witnessed and shared your faith through this experience. I don't know that I could be as strong or faithful. Every blessing as you go through the valleys... and I pray that God will grant peace that passes all understanding. From Horatio Spafford himself:

    When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;
    whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
    It is well, it is well with my soul.

    It is well with my soul,
    it is well, it is well with my soul.

    Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control,
    that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
    and hath shed his own blood for my soul.

    My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
    My sin, not in part but the whole,
    is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
    praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

    And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
    the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul.

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  67. I don't have the right words to say. But I just wanted to let you know that another family is lifting you up in prayer. Your angel Anna Joy is an absolute beauty.

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  68. Matt,

    Thank you for taking the time to share your heart with all of us, yet again. Anna Joy is beautiful! I hope you know how much I love you all. My prayers continue.

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  69. I started reading your blog just a few days ago and have been praying for you all and will continue to pray. My heart aches for you and I pray that God will provide you peace during this time of hurt and for the hurt you will feel in the years to come. Thank you for being so faithful to God during this extremely hard time, you have witnessed to so many people what a wonderful God we have even in times of heartache! Thank you for reminding me to treasure every moment with my little ones and thank God for all the blessings in life both good and bad. You are all an inspiration and I am so blessed to have come across your blog. God Bless you and your amazing family. Anna Joy you are beautiful and one day you all will be together again!

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  70. God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.

    God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.

    God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.

    God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.


    God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.


    God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.


    God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.


    God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.

    God is good, all the time. And that includes now, even in the midst of our sadness. We are loved by Him, and nothing can ever take that away from us, except maybe ourselves. So we chose to love Him.

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  71. I just want to send hugs and love. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling. I heard this song on my way to work this morning and thought about you and your beautiful family. May it bring you some comfort. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBy2D8p5Kpw

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  72. My FRiends at Free Republic have been
    holding your family and Anna Joy up in prayer.

    http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2822034/posts?page=32

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  73. My friend referred your blog to me today, and I have been truly moved by you and your family. Thank you for reminding me what is important in life. Your precious daughter is so beautiful and I know that you will be able to live with her again. Merry Christmas, from Idaho. I hope that our Heavenly Father's spirit will be with you during this time and always.

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  74. You are the most beautiful, giving, amazing people I have ever met - and yet I have never actually met you. Your words are so sad and yet so soothing. Your strength in this is truly admirable. Anna Joy was so fortunate to have YOU as parents, and God is now fortunate to have her in his arms. I wish you all as much love, support, hugs,and sweet memories of your Anna Joy as you need. God Bless x

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  75. She is so beautiful. My prayers are with your family.

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  76. I have been reading your blog for less than a week. I have been so touched by your faith and trust in the Lord. I am so sorry for your loss. It is a pain that no parent should have to endure. But I am so glad that you have the comfort of the Lord and your family in this time. I will continue to pray for your family.

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  77. Thank you for sharing you precious daughter with us all. You are so right about not being done with her. Our own infant daughter passed away almost 12 years ago, and she is as real to us now as then. I will keep you all in my prayers as you continue to bless the Lord in all circumstances.

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  78. Oh my word...so beautiful...so, so beautiful.

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  79. What a beautiful baby girl. I am so sorry for your loss. My husband and I lost our baby this fall and it will be something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am touched by your story and I pray God's peace over you and your family. Take comfort in the Lord and he will be your strength. Blessings to you all.

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  80. She is just absolutely beautiful. You and your family have been on our hearts and minds. Continuing to pray....the Fife Family

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  81. Anna Joy is so incredibly beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, and your precious baby girl, with so many people that you will likely never know this side of heaven. I am so, so very sorry for your loss. I don't know the words to say. As I read through all that others have written before, my heart and tears just echo what they have written. I thank Jesus for the faith He has established in you...for the faith and trust in Him that has challenged and encouraged and strengthened you and all of us following Anna's story. As I hold my own Anna Joy born exactly one month before yours, my heart is just so full of so many emotions. Matt and Alissa, may Jesus continue to pour His love on you in profound ways...especially in the days and weeks to come. May He bless you deeply. You are in my heart and prayers.

    Michele Mwanza, South Africa

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  82. I have tears streaming down my face. She is beautiful and I am so thankful you had a chance to love on her. I truly believe God has a plan for our kids. Your daughter fulfilled a purpose and had an impact even in her short time on earth with us. I like to imagine all the heart angels dancing in heaven together.

    Your family will remain in my prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Brandi

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  83. What an absolutely beautiful daughter you were blessed with. I have to add my thanks to the long list of thanks for sharing her story here. For the last two weeks, hardly a moment has gone by when I've not been in prayer for Anna. And as I was praying for her heart, I could feel God working in mine. I'm not sure yet what He's doing, but I know that for me (as well as MANY others) Anna Joy Peppley will NEVER be forgotten.

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  84. I'm so sorry. Your lovely and perfect Anna will grace your hearts forever. May Jesus grant you peace and sweetness in your sadness.

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  85. Thank you so much for sharing your story with everyone. I have this awful knot in my stomach, and have had the last couple of days. I just can't imagine the pain you are all in. Little Anna Joy is so incredibly beautiful - a very precious gift. She has absolutely touched the heart of thousands of people, myself included. Please give Alissa an extra special hug. As a mother, I know how strong that mother-baby bond is and imagining what she is feeling is so impossible. The strength and faith of your family is a rare treasure, and you have definitely influenced others in very important ways (unfortunately, at a huge expense). Hugs to all.
    ~Cheryl

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  86. Anna Joy is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I am so glad you all got that precious time with her yesterday. What a blessing for you all to overwhelm her (in a good way) with your love for her and to be able to snuggle with her. I will continue to pray for you all-for you to be able to continue to celebrate Anna Joy's life and to continue to know that God is good and that He loves you.

    -Carrie Hays

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  87. I´m so sorry to hear that Anna had to go:´( She is so beautiful <3 I´m praying safe journey to Anna and strenght to her family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Hugs to You,

    Noora and Vilja-daughter (HLHS) from Finland

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  88. I just heard about your story today. I am so sorry for the loss of your angel. My cousins just lost their newborn son with the same condition this summer.
    May God wrap his loving arms around your family and bring you peace.
    What a precious baby girl!

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  89. As I sit here rocking my own 2-month old daughter to sleep, I cannot stop weeping. I think you and I will not meet until eternity because I believe I am simply the friend of a friend of a friend... Who did not learn of your story until recently when I was forwarded an urgent prayer request text w/ the address of your blog. Even so, my heart is physically aching as I sit here trying to in some small way understand the sovereignty of God and make sense of why I am rocking my daughter and you are not rocking yours. I have no idea what to say except that I am so, so sorry. I am glad that you got those precious last moment on earth with her, but I'm so sorry that you had to say goodbye. Oh how I'm aching for you. Jesus, be near. Please, please be near.

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  90. Thank you for sharing Anna Joy with all of us. She is so beautiful!I have been in awe of your faith throughout all of this. Anna is so blessed to have you as her parents. We are so blessed for you sharing Anna Joy (and yourselves) with all of us. God bless you and your family and may you find peace during this incredibly difficult time.

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  91. She is so beautiful!!!! I am so blessed to have been able to see Lil Anna through this blog, she has inspired me to continue to appriciate and not take for granted all god has given me. I cannot tell you how many times a day I have thought and prayed for her. Stay strong for she is no longer suffering!!! Love you in Christ always!!!

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  92. There's a song, by JJ Heller, called Olivianna. Anna. Yeah, funny how grace was there too. It was written for another baby girl who was called to the arms of Christ, this one only 11 minutes after her birth.

    When you are ready, you need to listen. Until then, here's a taste of the lyrics.


    Olivianna, you're in the arms of God
    Just a moment there is better than here

    Life is... short, but it is wide
    I know it's true
    You've touched more souls
    Than most people ever do

    Olivianna, you're in the arms of God
    Just a moment there is better than here


    And so it is with Anna Joy. Praying for your family, for continued peace and healing and grace and even joy. God is good and ALL is grace.

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  93. She is precious. I'm so sorry for your pain. I understand to a point, my great nephew passed into the arms of Jesus a few weeks ago. I'll continue to hold your family in my prayers. God Bless ~

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  94. Your family is in my thoughts out here in Wisconsin. <3

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  95. My prayers are with all of you as you grieve for Anna Joy and celebrate her short, but oh so precious life. I pray you feel our Savior comforting each of you. Prayers from Germany....

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  96. What a beautiful girl! Thank you so much for sharing your story. My family will continue to pray for you!

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  97. Matt & Alissa -
    Thank you for being so open to share this journey with us. Miss Anna Joy is beautiful! Your faith is such a testament to our God and how great He is, even in the midst of our pain. I'm praying for you all. I pray God gives you peace & comfort and that you're enveloped by His outstretched arms. Thank you again! Blessings!

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  98. Matt and Alissa, I have been following and praying for your family for about a week. I am so saddened by the news of Anna Joy leaving your arms, but so rejoiced that she is resting in Jesus' arms as a whole perfect little girl. I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your lives with the world, and sharing your faith and love of Jesus. Anyone who reads your posts are pointed to Jesus and see's or hears His love and perfectness in spite of the situation. Thank you. My Sunday school class in Salem, OR has been praying for your family and will continue to through the next months. I pray now that as plans foe Anna's funeral are being planned that God will continue to give and be your strength, peace and love and that He will fill your arms.

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  99. Oh, Matt and Alissa, thank you for sharing glimpses of your journey with all of us! We have seen God in you - in the way that you love each other and in the way that you love your beautiful girl. Anna Joy will live on in the hearts that she has touched all over the world. You will be in our thoughts and prayers until we meet again... Love, Ryan and Angie

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  100. She is beautiful! I'm so glad you and all your family got to cuddle her and spend some time with her before she left this earth. Thank God that we have the hope of holding our little ones again in heaven. We are praying for you as you go through this terrible time.

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  101. MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN

    I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below,
    ... with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.
    The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,
    for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.


    I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
    but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
    I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
    for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.
    I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart,
    but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart.
    So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear,
    and be glad I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.


    I send you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
    I send you each a memory of, of my undying love.
    After all "Love" is the gift, more precious than pure gold.
    It was always most import in the stories Jesus told.
    Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
    for I can't count the blessing or love he has for each of you.
    So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
    Remember, I'm spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.


    ~ Author Unknown

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  102. I have never met you but want to send love and strength during your families difficult time!



    God has tiny angels,
    Flying in his heaven, 
    Looking over you and me 
    Now it has little Anna Joy
    A tiny Angel has received her wings.

    She's watching over her big brother,
    And her mommy & daddy especially.
    She’s wrapping her tiny angel wings,
    Around their hearts so very gently. 

    She see's her loving family, 
    with so much love in their eye’s,
    She holds her tiny angel heart,
    And knows, true love never dies

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  103. So, so sorry for the loss of beautiful Anna Joy! My son has HLHS as well. The CHD community is rallying around your family right now, and I pray you can feel our arms around you as you mourn precious Anna Joy. Praying for peace and comfort for your family. Dance with the Angels Anna!

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  104. Thank you for sharing your beautiful little angel with us! She's one special girl that touched so many lives.
    We love you guys and are praying for you.

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  105. I heard of your family through my parents who attend Mountain view. I have been praying for your family and beautiful daughter Anna. My prayer for you and your family is this.. may you find peace in the same arms as Anna.. may you find joy in the gift God has given you your precious son... and may you keep the faith that will allow you to spend eternity with your precious Anna. I am so sorry for your loss. God bless.

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  106. Love and wishes for comfort and understanding to come to your hearts from one heart patient mommy to another.
    Love,
    Jessica Marschall
    www.caringbridge.com/visit/annabellemarschall

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  107. Thank you for sharing your story with so many of us. We grieve with you. How can you not feel an overwhelming amount of love for Anna Joy just looking at her precious face. I commend you for your sharing of the story and of your faith. You have been very brave. By sharing in such wonderful detail you have helped others face fears. I am grateful that other family members were able to be a part of her going to meet Jesus event. How much strength and love you must have felt. You did everything you could for her life on earth and by being a solid christian family you gave her the path to God. Having spent many a night in a critical care children's hospital, I was saddened for those children alone without parents or family. You gave Anna Joy your undivided attention, prayers, love, songs and comfort. You gave her the best medical care. You were great parents! Now, it's time to take care of yourself and each other. Rest as much as possible. A healthy body will do wonders to help you cope with the sad days ahead. Communicate with each other about all things. Allow yourself to laugh. Issac will provide great comic relief in the coming months. Give yourself permission to take time to do nothing. Ask for help when you feel overwhelmed with life and grief. This has been a traumatic time for all of you. Again, find the blessings. There have been many. Thank you, thank you for taking the time for us. It allowed us to help support you in prayer. I loved what Emily said about "allowing you to have this gift because he trusted you". Anna Joy was a beautiful, precious, gift. Alissa, keep us in mind when you need some company or cheering up. Prayers and hugs

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  108. i am home
    crying

    i love jesus
    i know that your baby is with him now
    may be he loved you more than u loved her, so he took her !

    i am still crying....i dunno what to do !

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  109. Thank you for sharing her life with us. She is stunning! We will continue to pray for you and your family. Your sweet baby is where we all long to be after this life is over. Your story will forever be in my heart. Prayers from the McCartys in Helotes Tx

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  110. There just aren't words, so I'll just tell you that our family is praying for yours. Asking our Father to hold you close to Him and be a constant source of comfort and peace that passes understanding.

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  111. Precious angel! Lucky girl to be in the arms of Jesus! My you hearts heal with the faith that God will be with you and has much more love and life to give you.

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  112. What a precious little angel. Thank you so much for sharing the last photos with us. It helps me to accept her passing, knowing that she was not in pain (as I had imagined). She looks so radiant, it's hard to believe a last minute miracle didn't come through.

    Please take pride in knowing that you did everything humanly possible to give this little girl a rich life here on earth. Some would have "terminated" the pregnancy at the first mention of heart defects. Not you... even when the odds were stacked overwhelming against her, you were there rooting her on, preparing to welcome her with the best start possible. You will never have to wonder "what if". You tried so hard.

    I will keep reading your blog. I feel like I know your family and I wish you all peace.

    Hugs, Tracy Sanderson

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  113. Many prayers to you and your family. I, too, have a baby in heaven. His name is Jacob. He died when he was 6 months old and that was a little over 8 years ago. Please know that we are still praying as you begin this "new" life. The only thing that got me through was my faith in our Lord..the He is still good all the time and it was Him that sustained me than..and still now. Anna touched the lives of so many people. It takes some of us 50-80 years to fulfill our purpose, but how amazing was she that she only needed this little bit of time to do..that's amazing!

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  114. I find myself coming back to your page again and again. Everytime I can steal a moment where my two year old won't see me cry...I haven't met you guys; I didn't meet her, but I find my arms longing to hold her. One mother's heart grieving for another's. She is unbelievably beautiful. Her cute little chin. Her precious face. Her short life has so much worth. So much value. I pray God would give you laughter and peace and rest in the midst of this. I pray He would also give you both the time to grieve and heal.

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  115. What a sweet angel she is. I am so sorry for your loss, but as you said, we all know she is in a pain free place in the arms of jesus who is loving all over her sweet face. I will continue to pray for your family, and hope that god will continue to reveal his wisdom and purpose. How amazing that such a strong family and a tiny soul can bring people together to honor life, and the strength of god. You are all in my thoughts daily.

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  116. Matt,
    Thank you so much for posting the BEAUTIFUL photos of your BEAUTIFUL sweet girl. I can see both of her parents in her sweet face. Really want to give you and Alissa both a big hug. Can't get you off my mind, and you of course remain in my prayers. Love!

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  117. She is perfection. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures and moments with all of us. Thinking of all of you.

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  118. I know that my tears are nothing compared to your sorrow right now. May God bless you and somehow ease your pain in the knowledge that Anna is in heaven and in pure joyful peace.

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  119. Beautiful precious little angel, Anna Joy. SO loved and will be missed greatly xxx

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  120. Thinking of you and grateful that Anna Joy is with her grandpa and siblings...although I do wish she could have spent more time on this earth with you.

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  121. What a beautiful baby girl! I am so sorry for your loss...I feel my words could only ever be inadequate. Thank you for bringing us all along on this very sacred special journey. I have seen so many people rally in support and love for you guys and Anna Joy and it has been a very amazing and inspiring thing to watch. Our family continues to pray for you guys and I pray that God hovers so closely to you guys that you feel held tightly! Your strength, love, and faith has made an impact on so many people. Much love and many blessings!

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  122. She is beautiful. she looks like she is responding to your touch. I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord continue to bless and care for you and Anna. Much love, Kitty

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  123. You don't know me, but I have been praying and will continue to pray for you all. Anna Joy is so beautiful! What a blessing to have had her in your life!
    Michelle B.

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  124. Matt and Alissa,
    We have never met, but I learned about your story just yesterday through Angie Ketchum's post on FB. I have been thinking about and praying for your family all day. Tonight my husband was reading "A Baby Changes Everything" to our new little girl and he then played the cd. As the song played I felt impressed to pass it along to you. May you hear the voice of our Father as you listen to this song.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-y0_wNPSOaw

    In Christ's love,
    ~Amanda Fisk

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  125. If this isn't testimony of God's love I'm not sure what is. Even in times of our deepest grief everyone can see how God's love has been with you and your family. Such a testament of faith that as I grieve for your loss I feel hope in our humanity in that her short life brought so many together from all over this wonderful world to pray and provide strength for you at this difficult time. Please know you are in our families thoughts and prayers and thank you for sharing your child with all of us. In God's Faith and Love, Rachell and family.

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  126. Matt & Alissa, this has been such an incredible journey! All the joy and sorrow . . . You all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I feel fortunate to have been a small part of it all. See you guys around soon.

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  127. I wish I could give yall hugs. I weep with you from afar. Blessings to you all.

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  128. Dear Alissa and Matt,
    What an intense and excruciating time. I marvel at you're sharing this personal struggle so publicly, but we who care about you are grateful. It's hard to know how to encourage you with words; anything I think to say, you have probably thought a hundred times in the last couple months. So I'll just come alongside, saying with you what you already know. (I also am wordy, not poetic like Alissa.)
    Thank God Anna Joy got to delight you as long as she did with such a condition! Sounds like she was a champion in her brief time here. And thank God for giving you both the faith that saves you unto LIFE eternal. In contrast, the family of a co-worker of mine who died today expresses none of your eternal HOPE in their blog.
    It is so good to hear you giving glory to God during this intense faith-stretching trial. He has His reasons, which you may never know in this life, but you bearing the fruit of trusting Him before such an audience is surely one of His reasons. Well done, good and faithful servants. Trials are what reveal the hope of those who have listened to what God says and believe Him to the puzzlement of those who don't have that rock of knowledge and faith.
    I'm sure you've also gained insight into the parent's heart of the Father who sent away His only Son to death. He doesn't ask more of us than what He's already done out of love for us. Christ, because of the hope set before Him humbled Himself to death on the cross. Because of His work, you share that hope - of eternal reunion again with Anna Joy and the rest of us.
    You trial reminds me of Job and his wife, who without explanation lost their daughters and sons. I've been praying that in addition to the delight Anna Joy has been to you, God will bless you through this with precious insight into who He is and your relationship with Him, such as eventually happened to Job. The Bible clearly shows there are purposes both in this world and in the spirit world for what you're going through. And all God's purposes are good.

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  129. Alissa and Matt,

    A friend of one of your friends sent me a link to your blog about a week ago inviting me to join you in prayers for your precious Anna Joy, knowing that my family and I had experienced having our newborn going through an open heart surgery just a year ago. I have been following up with your blogs since that day. I simply cannot even fanthom the excruciating pain you are going through from having to let Anna go. But, I have been so encouraged by your CHOOSING to glorify God amidst all the suffering, and give Him all the praise no matter the circumstances He wills in your life.

    Isaac, your first precious blessing from our Lord, will need you to be continually strong for him, who is already maturing much faster than all of the peers his age similarly to my son as he lived through the hardship along with us.

    Anna Joy - perfectly and flawlessly made in our Heavenly Father's eyes, you have been such a fighter... fighting for your life from the moment you took your first breath when you came out of your mommy's womb. Our God used you so powerfully and mightily for His glory, revealing how beautiful the Body of Christ is, and through you, by God's will, many have heard our Father's name! You reminded me again not to take anything in life for granted, and that life itself is such a precious gift from Christ. I look forward to see you one day, with our Eternal Father!

    In His love,
    Nadine M.

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  130. I don't know your family, but saw your blog through a friend on facebook. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. A blog that you may want to check out when you are ready is www.joy-comes-in-the-morning.com
    Much love,
    Colleen D'Angelo

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  131. What a beautiful baby. She looks perfectly at peace in her daddy's arms. What comfort to know she continues to be in perfect peace in her heavenly Father's arms. Praying the same for you.

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  132. There were so many friends of mine and families from Salem 1st Nazarene praying for your sweet Anna Joy and you during this time. I'm so sorry that this has happened in your life. I will continue to pray for you through the Holidays as you are celebrating with your sweet son the joys of Christmas.

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  133. I would like to imagine that there is a special place in heaven for little babies and children who have had to leave us early, and that they have this amazing huge playground and all the joys of the childhood they might have had here on earth without any of the sadness or tears they also would have had here. God bless you-- and may your continued time of adjusting to life without your sweet girl be eased by the prayers and peace that we are all sending your way. May our Sovereign Lord hold your hearts and hands through this process. . .

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  134. Love you guys. She is just beautiful. She's being loved on by a lot of special people in heaven.

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  135. Beautiful. Sad. Heartbreaking. But Beautiful.

    Praying and sending hugs your way.

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  136. Such beautiful pictures. She is simply amazing. May God's arms hold you up in this time of deep loss for your family. He loves her and loves you, and will continue to hold you up as you need Him to. So extremely sorry for your loss and know, first hand, the sorrow you are feeling. I will continue to pray for your family daily.
    Tina (mother of an angel with hypoplastic left heart syndrome)

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  137. Praying for your peace and comfort and through Him, you will receive it. She is a precious miracle and you couldve have been more blessed with the time you did have with her. Please know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers and I pray you find some kind of comfort for Christmas. I will most definitely be checking back for updates and posts on this precious Angel.

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  138. I started watching your posts, and praying when my cousin Jennifer shared your blog on facebook right after she was born. My heart is breaking for your loss in this time. She is so beautiful. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time. I will be checking back daily for new posts about your sweet baby angel Anna Joy, and your family.
    Megan in Springfield, Oregon

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  139. Anna Joy is so beautiful! Her little chin is precious. Thank you for posting these and for sharing with so many of us you don't even know. Reading of your God-honoring response through her diagnosis to her birth to the medical interventions to her departure has been like seeing God's face on earth--giving us a little glimpse of Him. Your faith is otherworldly--in that it is not of this world. We are sojourners in a foreign land and this is not our home. Your sweet Anna has gone ahead of you and waits to spend eternity with you where you can praise your Savior forever together. I thank God that you have another little one (so wonderfully named Isaac - laughter!) to comfort you. I pray that God fills your lives with much strength and many joys ahead. I pray also that as Jacob worked 14 years for Rachel that it felt like but a day so great was his love for her that the time until you see your darling Anna Joy again feels like but a little while. She is healed and her heart and lungs work perfectly. You will be together again, and I look forward to meeting her in eternity and you there too, unless we meet here on earth.

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  140. She is beautiful! You are both constantly in my prayers. She is playing in heaven with all of our angels. Let God comfort you. May he give you strength and bless you all the more for the blessing he took back to heaven.

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  141. I admire your strength in enduring this time. I admire your love and honor of God amidst this sad sad time. Thank you for still loving God, and knowing that He loves you! And knowing that Anna is enjoying the wondrous beauties of heaven, getting to sit right by Jesus, and enjoying eternity, looking down on her earthly mom and dad, and wondering when you'll come home (but not for a long time!)

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  142. She's beautiful. I wish I had something comforting to say but I don't. Thank you for sharing her with the world.

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  143. I wish I could hug you all right now. Praise God for sweet Anna Joy and the moments you had with her both in Alyssa's womb, and in the hospital but now for every prayer, thought and beat of your heart in your lives as you continue. Thank you for sharing her story and for bringing God all the glory. While, of course we prayed her life not to end, I can imagine no greater place for her to be. Jesus will be holding your baby until that day when it is time for you to take over. Love to you all!

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  144. Ok Matt this is for you! I'm crying my eyes out at the beautiful pictures of your precious Anna Joy. Wanting to comment, it took me a longgggg time to get the bottom of the page to post! Ya think you have found a following?

    I'm so glad you were able to snuggle your angel. Mighty and beautiful even when she pouts.

    Still praying for you and all of us!

    Janis

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  145. So thankful for a little glimpse of your sweet baby girl. I know that it seems simple to say how beautiful someone is, but in Anna Joy's case, she is simply that. Beautiful. A true little angel. Her little face is just gorgeous and she is perfect! Though my heart is aching for you all in how much you must miss her, I am so glad you got a chance to hold her and feel that sweet little bundle of warmth and love in your arms. I will be thinking about you all and praying for you over this holiday weekend, and for many months to come.

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  146. I can hardly type through my tears. Thank you for sharing these sweet and lovely pictures with us. I wish I lived close enough to bake a casserole (as if that would change anything) to bring over. Sending my care. ~Sara

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  147. She's perfectly beautiful! Thank you for sharing the precious photos with us. Your family will be in my thoughts!!

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  148. Beautiful photos...She is definitely a perfect little angel. I am so sorry for your loss, but I find so much peace in hearing about your strength and love for Him still. It would be so easy to turn your backs on Him...and you haven't and it certainly doesn't seem like you ever will. He will keep her safe, and she is definitely your beautiful guardian angel now.

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  149. I found your site a few weeks ago and was drawn in by your strong faith and your sense of humor. It is by chance that I am reading it again this morning, and am so sorry for your loss. I feel a slight kinship with you at this moment, as today we are holding a memorial service for our 18 y.o. son, who died suddenly this week. He was a special gift to us, and we have spent MUCH time at Children's Hospital with him. He was the one who brought Jesus into our hearts, at 1 week old! Your post has made my spirit a little lighter, reminding me that God is good, even now. So, thank you for that. Even in your time of grief you were able to shine His light on our family, right when we needed it.

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