Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Duncan Thomas


With heavy hearts, we announce the birth and death of our second son, Duncan Thomas.

We learned on Saturday that Duncan's heart had stopped, and I was induced Monday afternoon. Duncan was born into our family at 8:14 pm Tuesday, May 19, and went directly into the joy of heaven. He weighed 1 lb., 1 oz, was 11" long, and had Seth's nose and HUGE feet! =)

We were able to spend time with him, hold him, photograph him, and introduce him to his grandparents. We feel blessed for the six months he was with us, and choose to rejoice in his life, though we don't understand its brevity.

We covet your prayers as we grieve and heal, and as I recover from delivery.

I'm sure more posts about our experience and about our time with Duncan will follow, but for now ... thank you for your love and support.

111 comments:

Mrs. Frogster said...

No words - except many to Him as I pray for you and your family. Please take care of yourself and your family during this time. If there is anything I can do, and I mean it! you just ask. I am right here.
Love you and I am sure sweet Duncan is smiling down on us now. - Jeanette

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. Just know that I'll be praying for you and your family. So, so sorry.

Stacy D said...

Still praying, sweet friend. Check out some of the comments on your previous post if you haven't already. Some of my blog readers left you a few messages there.

The Blatchford Family said...

Monica & Family-
I am so so sorry for the pain and loss you are experiencing now. I would take it away if I could. Lots of love is being sent your way from PAL and from my family. I hope that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible, and that you are able to take some comfort in your family, loved ones, and freinds (virtual or IRL) as we surround you with our love and support.

Sara said...

Again, no words I can give you will give you comfort. I pray that God heals you physically as well as healing your heart. We all love you, Jim & Seth so much and we hate to see you in this pain. *hugs*

Forever For Evie said...

I am so sorry Monica. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

mandie lane said...

Continued love, continued prayers.

Beth Mitchell said...

I am so sorry Monica- you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers! Beth

Wendy said...

Praying

Anonymous said...

Here from Stacy's blog to offer my sympathy. Praying for you and your family. I am so very sorry about the loss of your precious baby boy. xx

gottaluvboyz said...

I am so sorry for both your loss and your pain...my thoughts remain with you, Jim, Seth, and your families during this time. Many prayers...

Meredith said...

Oh, Monica, I am so sorry to hear this.

Suzanne@the best kind to have said...

Monica,
I am so so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.

JessAndi said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry but thankful he got to go immediately to heaven and will be waiting for you there with all your loved ones.

Heather said...

So,so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. I know no words anyone says can comfort you right now, but I know that we can all pray for you, and I will.

Sheila said...

I am so sorry for your loss. No words to comfort you I'm afraid, just know that sweet Duncan is in good company in heaven.

Anonymous said...

Monica, I'm so terribly sorry for the loss of your son. I am praying for you and your family.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your baby boy. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.

phasejumper said...

I love you all and you are in my prayers.

Miche said...

I'm sorry for your loss. I know that doesn't take the pain away but I will be thinking and praying for your and your family during this difficult time.

Take care,

Amber

Debbie said...

Such a sad and heartbreaking ocassion. You and your family has my deepest sympathy and prayers for healing for your hearts and understanding for your minds.

HappyascanB said...

Praying for you right this minute. May God cover you with comfort, peace, and healing.

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your little boy. We lost our first son shortly after he was born, so can understand a little of what you are going through. I just came across to your blog from Kelly's Korner, and wanted you to know that we will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers for the days and weeks ahead. Sending love and hugs from Cardiff, UK. xxx

MEGAN said...

May God's peace be with you and your family!

The adventure of a redneck mommy. said...

im so sorry no words can comfort you right now as i went thru the same thing , six yrs ago with Matthew i was seven months along and 3 weeks ago with Micah i was 3 months along. I will be adding you to my prayer list, I found you thru Kelly's blog.Just know God know what is best and as hard as it is we have to trust him and his infinite wisdom he has a plan for everyone and we are at his will.We will be praying for your family .

Erin said...

Thinking about you and your family today!

Angela said...

I am just heartbroken for you, Monica. I have no words other than to say I am praying for you all.

Julie said...

Praying for your heavy hearts...

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

hugs! I am so sorry for your loss.

The Fabulous Ms. Beth said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sarah said...

You have been on our minds and in our prayers the past couple of days. Mike and I sat together and cried this morning after getting your email. We will remember May 19and sweet Duncan's life.

We are here for you when you come back to TN.

Lea said...

Monica - I am here from Isaac's mommy's blog.

Not many words, just lots of tears for you tonight.

Praying for you and sweet Duncan.

Kim said...

I really don't know what to say - but that I'm thinking of and praying for you and that sweet family of yours.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for what has happened. When I was 30 weeks our son Hudson Greer lost his heartbeat as well - this was 4 months ago. There is nothing I can say to give you comfort, but I will be praying for you and for your family. God Bless - Kimberly

NoVaIrish said...

I am so, so sorry.

Katie said...

Oh Monica, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers

Tammy On the Go said...

Praying for you that the moment by moment strength of Christ will be with you in a loud and profound way.

Framed by Grace said...

I'm praying for you!

Preppy Coastee said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! I will be praying and crying for you. XOXOX

The Bradford Blog said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for you loss.

Trish said...

Oh Monica, I'm so sorry to read this. My prayers are with you and your family. I hope you are doing alright.

Mom to 2 Angels said...

Monica-
Know we are thinking of you and praying for you. I had no idea until today.

Andrea

Anonymous said...

Keep the faith and pray hard. Now is the time to stand near God. He will heal your hearts. Praying for you!

Jill said...

There are no words. Lifting your family up right now.

slt said...

My heart hurts for you and your family! Please know you are in my prayers!
Samantha

Fiffer said...

There are no words. I am just so sorry. Holding you guys close in prayer. I pray that you are feeling "held" right now by the body of Christ.

Kate said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

Only the Sheppards said...

My heart is breaking for you! Praying for you and your family.

mrs shortcake said...

I'm so, so, so very sad to hear about your loss. I'm praying for you and your family.

Katie said...

My heart breaks for your sweet family. May God wrap you in His comforting arms. Praying. I am so, so sorry.

Tristan said...

praying for your sweet family.

KK said...

I'm just so sorry and I will be praying for you and your family.

A mom and one princess said...

Here from Kelly's blog. Praying for you and your family. I am so very sorry.

Lindsey

Tina said...

I'm here from Kelly's blog - I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers up.

Beth said...

my heart is heavy for you and your family. i'm so so sorry for your loss

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss of sweet Duncan. I'm praying for you and your family. Sending you endless love and hugs.

Nancy
cherryblossom from PAL

Carrie said...

Dear Monica & Jim & Little Seth,

Carrie in Semmes, Al is praying for all of you. It grieves my heart to hear of a little one who goes to be with Jesus so soon. With no answers and so many questions....may Gods love and grace be a comfort to your hearts.
I will be thinking of you.--Carrie

Melody said...

I am so sorry for your loss....praying for you.

Susan said...

Please know you are in the prayers of many. There are no words to tell you how very sorry I am.

Susan in Indiana

Kendra said...

All my love and prayers to you sweet friend...and to Jim and Seth and the rest of your family.

Crystal Theresa said...

i am so sorry you. i'm praying for you and your family. God bless you as you cope through this loss.

Jackie said...

Praying that the love of our Father will carry you through. I am so very sorry.

Holly said...

I am here by way of Kelly's blog. I've been reading thru your older posts and as happens sometimes, feel like I "know" you. Please know that I am lifting you up from Virginia.

Newt said...

Oh Monica, what an awful shock. I'm so so sorry.

Alexis said...

You and your family are deep in my prayers. I can't imagine what you must be going through.

Laura said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you family during this awful time.

Mandy Rose said...

I found your blog through Kelly's. I am praying for you and your family! Hang in there!!

http://houseofroseblog.com

Anonymous said...

There aren't words. Believe me, I know- I too lost my infant son very recently, so I know that nothing anyone says or does can bring you comfort now- but know there are others who feel your grief, and are here if you need a shoulder, a friend, a prayer.

I'm so sorry.

Elaine said...

I ran across your blog on Kelly's Korner. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Elaine from MT

Patrice said...

I came across your blog through Kelly's Korner. I am so sorry for what you are going through. I will keep your family in my thoughts & prayers.

Amanda said...

Prayers for healing and recovery for and for His peace for your family from Kendra's sister, Amanda.

4 on the go said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. Just know that I'll be praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved, Duncan. Please feel the love and comfort from your family and friends... and most importantly from our mighty Savior, who is holding sweet Duncan and smiling down on you.

Katie said...

Lots of hugs and prayers to you. Little baby Duncan has a wonderful momma!

raechel said...

Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear this news! Your family is in my prayers!

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Duncan. I will be praying God's continued comfort and sufficient grace for you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything else we can do. We do not charge bereaved families for our products or services. I have walked this path...and my heart is broken with and for you. You can email me @: sufficientgraceministries@gmail.com.

In His Grace,
Kelly Gerken
Sufficient Grace Ministries

M said...

I don't know you, but wanted to express my sincere condolences in the passing of your sweet baby boy. I am praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.

noahandlylasmommi said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family during this difficult time. (((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Monica..over from Kellys Korner...I am so sorry to hear of the news about your litle angel. Prayers for your family..

Karyn said...

May the peace of CHrist be with you and your family.

Kelly said...

I'm here from Jeanette's blog. I don't know you but I'm heartbroken for you. You'll be in my prayers

Unknown said...

I know that you don't know who I am but I am a friend of Jeanette's and she told me today about you. I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family. - Rachel Glosser

Jennifer said...

Mollie told me about you and your sweet little son. Congratulations on birthing such a precious gift. I am sorry you had to give him to Jesus so soon, though. I have been exactly where you are right now only two short years ago when my daughter died at 26 weeks. If you need someone to talk to, just let me know. Praying you physically heal quickly.

Jen

NationalParkMama said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers.

Valerie said...

Monica - my heart is so heavy for you. Sending lots of prayers to you, Jim, and Seth.

Susie said...

I am so sorry. So sorry. My daughter Angela weighed the same amount and was the same length. I am crying. I know your pain, and I'm sorry we share it. Hold on to each other with all that you have. I am so so so sorry.

Vanessa's Dad said...

I'll add my prayers to the Bouquet of Love going up for you and your family.

LOVE,
KENDRA'S DAD

Amy said...

Monica-You have stopped by my blog a few times to offer some encouragement in the past. My prayer is that God will be near you in the coming days, and will provide the strength and grace you need to hold on. May your memories with Duncan stay strong, God Bless and take care.
-amy

Erika said...

Oh Monica, I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. You have been through so much. Love and prayers.

Hillary @ The Other Mama said...

My sweet friend, I have been overwhelmed by your strength and by Duncan's story. You are amazing and are surely being wrapped in God's love and grace right now from the prayers of many- including all of our household. Can't tell you how often I've thought of you and prayed for you. Much love,
Hill

Lori said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, and pray for peace and healing for your family.

Blessings,
Lori

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your son but please take comfort in knowing that the Lord needed him in heaven instead of here on earth :) I will be praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

11:14 am

=( I will pray that things go quickly for you. All our love to you both. Keep me posted. I'll be checking in.

Daina

Anonymous said...

11:06 am

hey friend. I just want you to know that today you are my superhero! The Lord has been told several times that I don't think I could ever handle this. The fact that God knows you can makes you she-woman. Give "Sawyer" a hug and tell him Aunt Jen loves him. I am so here for you when you come home. Love you!

Jen

Anonymous said...

7:21 am

Thinking of you right now....HUGS...will check in later...HUGS some more.

Daina

Anonymous said...

10:43 am

Praying...

Kendra

Anonymous said...

10:52 am

Lots of love and prayers xoxoxo

Mandie

Anonymous said...

10:54 am

Give your sweet boy a kiss from me. If you need anything, you let me know.

Melissa

Anonymous said...

10:59 am

I am waiting with you...Lord, come quickly!

Kendra

Anonymous said...

7:30 pm

I just heard "I Will Rise" on the radio and am just sobbing...may the Lord bless the day He calls Duncan's name.

8:38 pm

Oh Monica, I knew he was coming. I just knew it. That song came on the radio just about that time (about 15 minutes ago) and I just knew. I bowed my head and just started crying and praying.

Peace be with you, sweet friend.

Kendra

Anonymous said...

8:50 pm

Much love to you all. I hope you get some precious moemnts together with little Duncan. [[tearing up]]

How are you physically?

Daina

Anonymous said...

8:50 pm

Oh Monica....Take care. I love you and enjoyed our chat today. we'll tak soon. Thank you for letting me know.

MaryBeth

Anonymous said...

8:58 pm

So much I want to say but at the same time not sure what to say so....call if you need or want to talk. Love you and praying for you.

Did everything go well?

Jen

Anonymous said...

9:30 pm

I am praying, Monica!

Stacy

Anonymous said...

Hello Monica -- I am Jeanette Foster's mom and was deeply saddened by this news. One day again you will see your sweet Duncan -- I am praying for you and your family and also wanted to share this beautiful poem with you. Rest in His care--He cares for you and knows all about it!

‘TIL I AM WITH YOU THERE

Far away from fear and death do my children play;
Never to feel the stain of sin on their spotless soul;
Never to know a single tear nor stab of searing pain.
In the Father’s arms are they, His face do they behold.

In arms of tender comfort they rest devoid of fear;
Salty taste of tears never to cross their face.
Not burnt by earth’s sun nor chilled by its storms,
Untouched by earth’s shadows and darkness of night.

Lifted higher than dreams can go,
They soar above the frailties of earth
And thrive in the love of the Father
Whose grace sparkles and tender ways smile with unearthly perfection.

Yet my arms feel empty.
With painful chest I long to hold them to my breast;





To see their smiling faces and ease my painful fears.
Yet this I know: They are safe in the Master’s care.
And I shall see them face to face and hold them when I’m there.

They’ve breezed their way to Paradise. How smooth their getting there;
So free from blame and shame. More pain than them I’ve known,
But our destiny’s the same. Their journey there was easy;
Long and hard is mine. But whether long or quick,
We will meet again.

Till then, my love, rest easy. Behold His face and rejoice
Without a single fear. I shall come to you some day
And you shall dry my tears, As I weep in joy
To see your cheery face

And even now at times I think I hear your giggles,
But rest, my love, in His arms,
‘Til I am with you there.

With love and prayers,
Mrs. Debbie Vasel

MyKidsMom said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I stopped by from Jeanette's blog, and just wanted to say that I will be keeping your family in my prayers. Take care.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carolina Mama said...

God bless you and your family Monica. I am sorry about your loss of sweet Duncan. THanks for sharing. Prayers for all of us. ANd your new pics of Seth are so very cute!