Thursday, June 12, 2008

Just Breathe...

Ahhh, it's finally quiet.

I am in the solitude of my bedroom, listening to our mothers give yet one more hour of service to my family by cleaning the kitchen after a lovely meal delivered by the Lowell family.

The sense of gratitude that Jimmy and I feel is crazy. It's the kind that makes you smile, shake your head, and wonder, "why are people being so unbelievably gracious to us?" Thank you for your continued calls, e-mails, cards, drop-bys, text messages, hospital visits, meals, flowers, and on and on and on. Most of all, thank you for your prayers. We are in awe of how our loved ones have rallied to lift us up and hold us close. We feel it. We feel as though we are resting on a cloud and each of your hands has joined the Lord's in keeping us afloat. We are full.

Our goal was to get our blog (www.zacharyjamestate.blogspot.com) out to you to be able to give you continual updates. You are so deserving of knowing what is going on. In fact, we have sort of a day-by-day synopsis of our last 8 days to share with you at some point, but we haven't had the time to make it what we want. It is up with some pictures and we'll continue to update it. For now, I want to share with you where we are today and what tomorrow could bring.

Zachary (he's so totally cute) had a minor surgery last Friday that required him to go on a ventilator. The doctors wanted him to sail through the surgery without worrying about him breathing on his own. The intubation was very difficult. It took the anesthesiologist quite sometime to get the breathing tube in because of his anatomy, which is far more anterior than a "normal" patient.

When they went to remove the tube on Saturday, Zach had a hard time breathing on his own. After repeated attempts to get him to take his own breaths, they attempted to re-intubate him. Again, it was met with extreme difficulty, but they were finally successful in getting the tube back in him to assist him with his breathing. However, after experiencing 2 difficult intubations in less than 24 hours, the doctors believe he experienced a lot of swelling in his throat. So they started him on a steroid to reduce the swelling in hopes of removing the tube again, only this time with the outcome of him breathing on his own.

Tomorrow the doctors will remove his tube. Most signs suggest that he should be able to breathe on his own. However, there is a possibility that he may not...much like he did not on Saturday. Our hope is that the steroid provided the boost he'll need to breathe on his own. In the event he does, the next days will be spent rejoicing and considering our next steps. In the event he does not, we have decided not to interfere with God's plan for Zachary and will let his body take its natural course.

We've spent days thinking through this decision and have been graced by practitioners who share our spirit. They have advised and listened, encouraged and prayed. Zachary's condition is incompatible with life but his spirit is not and will continue to live on with us whether he leaves us now or in a few more precious days, weeks, or months. We know God chose the beginning and the end for Zachary and we have done our best to practice loving free will in-between. Now it is up to Zachary and our God.

As we mentioned when we first talked with you, we know that Zachary was hand-picked by God and sent to us. Our consistent prayer has been for Little Z's purpose to be ever-present. God has answered our prayer over and over again and we've started to document them. Jimmy has personally petitioned for Zach to be our family's guardian angel...no small feat.

We are cautiously hopeful that tomorrow's outcome allows us more time with our precious son. But we are also as prepared as we can be if it goes the other way. Please pray that Zachary feels no pain and only the presence of love.

When we left Zach tonight, we read Philippians 4: 4-7 to him: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jimmy and I are full of joy because we got to meet Zachary and that because of him, we are drawn closer to the Lord. See? Z-Man is making his purpose known.

Goodnight, all. Thank you.

Kristen & Jimmy

47 comments:

Anonymous said...

To the Tates-
"sometimes miracles arrive
so tiny that we cannot feel
the weight of them –
and yet we are still changed,
and we are blessed none the less…"

May you find the blessings and lessons that God wants to teach especially to you and your family. May we all continue to be touched by your strength, courage and strenght during this trying time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Brent, Angela, Lyndsey, Braxton and Makenna Baldasare

Anonymous said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this update!!!! I have been praying for you guys and thinking good thoughts about Zachary every day. The photos are wonderful... they break my heart yet fill my heart with love at the same time. I am actually almost overwhelmed with feelings of love when I read this!! I love you guys!!!!! I am going to call later this afternoon... if you don’t answer, I’ll just leave you a message with how much love I feel for your family J



PS – When your mom’s leave, I am more than happy to help with the kids... they don’t know me that well, but I’m sure they would have fun at the Robbins house playing with Justin, Chase & Carly.



Blessings,

Heather Robbins

Anonymous said...

cv




Hi,

I can't stop thinking about Zachary and both of you, my feelings are confused with both the glory and sadness of what is happening. I normally pray for the strength to either do or accept God's will in any situation, but for Z find myself fighting that core belief and hoping for him to rally and stay with us longer. I pray that God's spirit continue with all of you and that in it, you find strength and nourishment for your souls -- especially little Z.

It's not often that I'm at a loss for words, or for that matter, prayers. I'm willing with every cell in my body for Z's strength and that he experience God's grace.

I wish I could do something.


Love, Angelo Rodriquez

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the pictures of your cutie. He is beautiful. I will be praying for God’s will to be done today as they remove the breathing tube. Your strength and faith like I mentioned before is just amazing. We played some music at dinner last night and a song called “Lacey’s Song” – by Buddy Jewel came on and it made me think of Zachary, if you haven’t heard it you should. Actually I’ll drop off a copy of it later on today.

We love you guys and are praying for all of you,

Else Kapusta

Anonymous said...

As I woke to your message this morning, I took a few minutes to just clutch my Bible and lift you all up to our Dear Lord. I cried out to Him to guard you today and to hold Zachary tight. Amazingly, when I opened the Bible and asked the Holy Spirit to lead me to His chosen word, this is where I was taken ….

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago ..”

God is so perfect and good. Masterpiece means - the most outstanding work of a creative artist or craftsman. Zachary is the most outstanding work of the most creative artist, our Heavenly Father. God planned long ago for all the good things that Zachary can do ……

Bountiful love and prayers to you both. Thank you for sharing the pictures of the Z-man. He is perfect and precious. Did you notice that in the picture with Jimmy and Carter how Carter’s hand is over his heart. Doesn’t that sum it up …. Carter’s heart is so full. What a tender and sweet summary of this journey thus far … Thank you for sharing it with us.

We love you!!

Caroline and Sean

Anonymous said...

Let's pray together......

Dear Heavenly Father,

Please bless the Tate family as they go through today and may they feel Your presence each minute of the day. Bless sweet Zachary and give him Your strength. May he feel part of a team as he breathes today and know that so many others are cheering him on! In Your name....

Amen

I have wanted to call, but know that you are so full of thoughts, people, emotions, etc. Please know that so many are praying for you, especially the Hay family!

Anonymous said...

God Bless both of you, Kristen and Jimmy...little angel Zachary and all of your family.. thanks for sharing your courage and blessings....Love and Prayers, Eileen Marie :-)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your email with us. I had to read it a few times for tears were in the way. I told you you guys are amazing parents, Zach is so lucky to have you and I know you feel so fortunate to have him. I told you every child is here to teach us something and from the last words of your email it seems you’re figuring out his purpose for sure. Mano and I wish all the best for you and we pray for Zach’s comfort.

Love, Gina

Anonymous said...

I have not responded to your notes because until today I didn't notice your e-mail address on the notes that the office sent out. Please know that you are in my prayers. Your e-mails to us have blown my mind away -- your are amazing people -- I get why God entrusted Zach to you. I have been reading your e-mails to my daughter who lives in NYS, so feel prayers from there, too. I feel helpless but do know that God doesn't let us down. Grace and Peace to both of you. Love, Hilde

Anonymous said...

Hello,

You are going through a life defining experience that one can only imagine not having walked in your shoes. Your scripture in Philippians is perfect to go over and over and over as I am sure you and Jimmie are doing in living this experience.

You are in our hearts and prayers.

You are in God's loving care,
JoAnn

Anonymous said...

We are praying for your sweet family today. Praying for supernatural peace as you take some major steps today. Also, praying for Zachary's body to prove to be surprisingly strong. As I think of the amazing strength the Lord has given you and Jimmy during this time, I'm believing that same strength shows itself in Zachary.

Romans 12:12 - "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

In Him, there is always hope. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to serve your family - we are certainly praying.

Jenni

Anonymous said...

Is there a song that our band can do for you at Comm Pres tonight?

Jimmy, you/Kristen and Zachary's message makes me think of Wonderful Maker - would you like us to sing it for you guys tonight?

Much love and peace, Kim Hawk

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and Kristen,

From the moment I learned of your experience with your son, I was led
to prayer
and repentance. Prayer for Zachary, the both of you and your family.
Repentance
because as we read your words and imagine in our mind what you must be living, and how the power of God shines through you with love and grace, it is obvious that God is using the both of you and even Zachary to draw us closer to Him.

The apostol Paul wrote that we were to be "living epistles before all men". You both are doing just that! By sharing your experience with us, We
are seeing
God's amazing love and wonderful grace. I am reminded of a beautiful
verse that
says; "All things work together for the good to all that love God and
are called
according to His purpose."

In all of this, there is a purpose and even in Zachary's life, God had a wonderful plan. We have all been challenged to look at our own lives and make the neccessary adjustments. Sometimes we forget that He cares for us as
He does
the sparrow.

I am so blessed that you guys shared all of this with me. I am challenged by this to be faithful to Him, comitted and driven to be what God has called even me to be! We continue to pray...

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and Kristen,

From the moment I learned of your experience with your son, I was led
to prayer
and repentance. Prayer for Zachary, the both of you and your family.
Repentance
because as we read your words and imagine in our mind what you must be living, and how the power of God shines through you with love and grace, it is obvious that God is using the both of you and even Zachary to draw us closer to Him.

The apostol Paul wrote that we were to be "living epistles before all men". You both are doing just that! By sharing your experience with us, We
are seeing
God's amazing love and wonderful grace. I am reminded of a beautiful
verse that
says; "All things work together for the good to all that love God and
are called
according to His purpose."

In all of this, there is a purpose and even in Zachary's life, God had a wonderful plan. We have all been challenged to look at our own lives and make the neccessary adjustments. Sometimes we forget that He cares for us as
He does
the sparrow.

I am so blessed that you guys shared all of this with me. I am challenged by this to be faithful to Him, comitted and driven to be what God has called even me to be! We continue to pray...

Anonymous said...

Dear Kristen & Jimmy,

Just want you to know that you All are in my thoughts and prayers. I have emailed all my friends and asked them to pray for Zachary, and all of your family.

Your faith is very strong and will help you through this. I wish that I was physically closer so that I could do more but prayers are all that I can offer. May the Lord's blessings and grace continue to give you strength and bless Zachary.

Love, Jean

Anonymous said...

Kristen and Jimmy,

The passage from Philippians is the first one I learned as a new Christian at Penn State in 1965! How precious and inspiring your words are to us whom you have extended the privilege of sharing your journey. Per our discussion, let me guide you to JoAnn Tennant who, I am sure, will have some worthy ideas for you to consider.

God goes before you. Please keep me in the loop.

Anonymous said...

Know that you are prayed for constantly -- Zachary has been a good reminder to "pray without ceasing." (See his 'purpose' at work here -- calling many to prayer, I believe).
(Oddly I'm home today and taking care of personal business and logged on to find your note and blog. So I am praying right now.)
Love -- and peace that surpasses all understanding -- to you all.
RK

Anonymous said...

Kristen -

I have been so lucky to have Laura near me to keep me up to speed on all that is going on. She was so touched and moved by getting to spend time with you all and Zachary. And, to be able to hold him!!! I just finished looking at the blog you all put together. HE IS PRECIOUS! I know you already know that but it was nice and so touching to see all the pictures. Every time I read your messages I am amazed at your strength and faith and find myself constantly wondering how I would do. That is irrelevant, but I say it because you and your family are truly gifts from God yourselves.

I continue to pray for you all and I just wanted to share that I am constantly thinking about what you are going through. Thanks for allowing us in to your journey and in to in some ways, the life of Zachary.

Love and prayers,

Julie

Anonymous said...

You continue to amaze me! You, Little Z, Jimmy and all the doctors are in my prayers and on my heart today especially!
If I could take some of your burden and pain ~ I would! I pray God will let me help you that way!
If you just see one set of footprints ~ remember, they are his!
Love, love, love you!
Laura

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and Kristen,
Thank you so very much for sharing this with us. My thoughts have been with you and especially of your little Z-Man. He is such a little guy, absolutely adorable and cute and has such a strong, strong spirit. You can be very proud of him.

Well, we will be heading off to the airport in just a couple of hours. Jimmy had mentioned that he will have an eye on Mark. I thank you for that in advance. He will not starve, I just hope he will not return to be McDonald's best customer.... :)

We will be back on July 30 and I really hope we stay in touch during this time. It may sound weird, but your updates have brought us a little closer to you and of course, your life.

We will be far away, but, at the same time, with you and your family, right here, in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care (not just a phrase, I actually mean it..).

Lots of love and big hugs,

your friend,

Sina

Anonymous said...

Kristen:

Laura just shared with me what you and your family are going through and I am so sorry to hear of little Zachary's situation. My heart goes out to you and Jimmy and the rest of your family...and you will be in my thoughts. I know that this must be terribly hard but like you, I do believe that people come into our lives at certain times for certain reasons...and I can't think of a more caring person than you to take care of little Zachary.

I know its not the same, but when my brother was sick and in his final days it was incredibly hard... but I believe that there was so much I learned about myself and my family during those days and while I wish he was still in my life, I am a better person from being his sister and going through the experience.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and send some positive energy to Zachary and the whole Tate family.

-Kattie

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and Kristen,

Thank you so much for sending us the email that you did. We pray that you continue to have the strength to get through this, whichever way God intends it to go. Please know that as you read this there is a group of extended family in Christ who are praying for you here in California.

God bless you and your little one.

Michael and Deanna Allen

Leah Sams said...

Dear Tate Family,

You are so incredibly loved. Your pictures are wonderful! Your story is a testimony of true faith to all who have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to renew.

We love you,
The Sams Family

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristen and Jimmy,

We are continuing to keep Zachary and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers. The love, strength, understanding and thankfulness you are demonstrating is a testament to your faith and to the Lord’s decision to unite Zachary with you. He is indeed a blessing – now and in countless additional ways yet to be revealed.

Let us know what we can do to help you – shopping, cleaning, listening, or even simply having the kids over to play with Lauren, please don’t hesitate to call upon us.
With love,

Eric & Deanna

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the update.I am keeping you in my prayers constantly and I will continue to do so.May you feel Gods peace and presence at all times.

Penton Wilbanks

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and Kristin

I really do not know what to say to you…but.you inspire me…to be a better Christian, to be more appreciative of life, to be more appreciative of what God has given to me, to triumph in times of weakness, to look at the good in people, to not be spiteful, to be gracious, to be forgiving, and most of all to be thankful for what God has provided and to not take things for granted.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

With the most loving thoughts,

Vanessa and Jaime

Anonymous said...

I am so grateful for the updates...you and your family are covered in prayer as I stay behind the scenes in hopes of giving you the time you need with your family. Not a moment goes by where you all aren't on my mind. "Z-man" is a miracle and an inspiration to us all as are you and Kristen. Shel and I are humbled by your deliberate choice to embrace your gift from God knowing that the gifts HE has given to you are exactly what your blessed Zachary needs.
God's will be done today, whatever the outcome...Zachary is so blessed to be hand picked by God to be the child of you and Kristen. You have carefully considered the options and have a very humane and realistic understanding of the heroic(?) measures that are used to save body, but not necessarily spirit. May God continue to guide you in this process. We anxiously await your next update and pray for peace, rest and understanding for you. (and a day that is longer than 24 hours...i am certain you need it!)
Love,
Brenda and Shel Hart

Anonymous said...

I am thinking of you all often!
RG

Anonymous said...

Thanks for taking the time to share. I am amazed by your faithfulness and led to do the same...WOW, again if you want or need me I am here for either of you!
Nicole

Anonymous said...

Kristen and Jimmy,

You are both an inspiration to others on how your belief has made you so strong. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.

Pam Coskey

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for including me in this distribution. I am in Denver on business and just saw the email. I am immediately saying a prayer for you and Zach. You are the ones who need comforting rigth now but honestly your words are sending out such comfort to all of us.

I am touched by your constant faith and I am sure that God is too. May He bless your family with comfort during this difficult time. Please know that you may call upon me for any need you may have.
God Bless Zach and the Tate family.
With much love
Tracy Farkas

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I can't stop thinking about Zachary and both of you, my feelings are confused with both the glory and sadness of what is happening. I normally pray for the strength to either do or accept God's will in any situation, but for Z find myself fighting that core belief and hoping for him to rally and stay with us longer. I pray that God's spirit continue with all of you and that in it, you find strength and nourishment for your souls -- especially little Z.

It's not often that I'm at a loss for words, or for that matter, prayers.
I'm willing with every cell in my body for Z's strength and that he experience God's grace.

I wish I could do something.
Love, Ang

Anonymous said...

As I woke to your message this morning, I took a few minutes to just clutch my Bible and lift you all up to our Dear Lord. I cried out to Him to guard you today and to hold Zachary tight. Amazingly, when I opened the Bible and asked the Holy Spirit to lead me to His chosen word, this is where I was taken ….

Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago ..”

God is so perfect and good. Masterpiece means - the most outstanding work of a creative artist or craftsman. Zachary is the most outstanding work of the most creative artist, our Heavenly Father. God planned long ago for all the good things that Zachary can do ……

Bountiful love and prayers to you both. Thank you for sharing the pictures of the Z-man. He is perfect and precious. Did you notice that in the picture with Jimmy and Carter how Carter’s hand is over his heart. Doesn’t that sum it up …. Carter’s heart is so full. What a tender and sweet summary of this journey thus far … Thank you for sharing it with us.
We love you!!
Caroline and Sean

Anonymous said...

That is quite the email! You guys are so great to have embraced everything that you are dealing with. God couldn’t have chosen better people to love and care for Zachary……he is so lucky to have you!

Sina and the kids are flying off to Germany today, so my long list of projects including digging in the yard will get underway. I know you are getting lots of help from all your friends, but I am your coolest redneck friend and I am here for you if need anything, whether it’s taking Carter to the pool, watching Addison at the playground, running up to the store to pick up something, or just listening if you want to talk or need to take a little break from it all. That goes for both of you!!!

Now, enough with all this mushy stuff…..when are we hitting that tavern for a brew?

Anonymous said...

We are praying for your sweet family today. Praying for supernatural peace as you take some major steps today. Also, praying for Zachary's body to prove to be surprisingly strong. As I think of the amazing strength the Lord has given you and Jimmy during this time, I'm believing that same strength shows itself in Zachary.

Romans 12:12 - "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

In Him, there is always hope. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to serve your family - we are certainly praying.

Jenni

Anonymous said...

gosh...your e.mails have me in tears! what you guys are going through is just...well I can only begin to imagine. As a mother, it sends goose bumps all over. Your strength is admirable, and it's very obvious why you were chosen to be zach's parents. Since the birth you have been in our thoughts constantly....and we will 'hope' and pray that today little z gets what he needs, either way. We are here if you need absolutely anything at all.

much love,

anna, james, em and hattie

Anonymous said...

Dear Jimmy and Kristen,

Jean Gallagher has been forwarding your updates to me - knowing how much I have always adored you both. Wanted to share with you how Little Z has touched me :-)

As I read your beautiful testimonials, for that is what they are - powerful testimonials, it helped me to focus more clearly on counting my blessings rather than worrying. My oldest turned 16 this month, and got the inevitable drivers license. I've made it part of my devotionals every day for the past year and half for the Lord to help me not be consumed with thoughts of worry, but rather gratitude at his growth and maturity. As I read about the Z-Man and all you all are dealing with, and the incredibly faith-filled way you are dealing with it - the light went on for me. I'm learning to celebrate and send Bennett off with a bright smile when he leaves the driveway. I celebrate every day I've had with him and all he has meant to me, and rejoice in all the Lord has planned for him in his future. All my worrying will not change the outcome of his life - whatever that may be. All I can do is pray for him continually and relish the complete and total blessing he is.

You guys ROCK! Know you are loved and prayed for - and admired for the courageous way you are facing this journey. What an inspiration you are to us all.

Much, much love,
~ Candy

Anonymous said...

Kristen and Jimmy,
Thank you for the update. We are glad and not surprised to hear about God's intervention. Our prayers will remain continual.
Love,
The Sutterfield's in GA

Anonymous said...

Kristen and Jimmy,
We are so thankful to be able to see your beautiful baby! Thank you for keeping us updated, and with this blog I feel like, although we aren't with you in person, we can share in your journey - thank you! You have not left our thoughts and I pray everyday that you will continue to feel God and your family and friends supporting you. You continue to amaze and inspire me with your beautiful words, which are filled with so much strength, wisdom & love for God.

The pictures of your family with Zachary touched my heart so much...it's so special that you and your kids have had time to be with him. I will continue to pray that the time you have with him is filled with love and peace.

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you today, tomorrow during Zachary's procedure, and ALWAYS.

With love,
Kristin & Eric

Anonymous said...

Oh he is, he is so totally cute! I am so thrilled to see photos of little Z with his wonderful parents and brothers. Thank you for the blog!

Much love to you all, Aunt Pam

Anonymous said...

Dear Jimmy and Kristen.......

Though I've never had the pleasure of meeting the two of you, I feel as though I know you both so well - from all the wonderful things BeBe has said about you.....and from reading the blog you started for Zachary. He's a beautiful little boy who appears to bring such peace and solace to all who read about him.......thank you for sharing your story, your journey and your son with all of us. Both of you are an inspiration in how you have chosen to handle this with such grace..........God has blessed you and your family with Zachary, and in turn you have passed along the blessing to all of us..........Zachary has truly made a difference, and so have you.

I belong to a prayer group here in Lafayette and I hope it is okay that I have added Zachary's name (as well as yours) to our circle. Please let us know if there is something we can do.......John has been forwarding emails to me as he gets them and please know that our prayers will continue for you and your beautiful family.

God Bless!!

Adrienne & John

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and Kristen,
Thank you so very much for sharing this with us. My thoughts have been with you and especially of your little Z-Man. He is such a little guy, absolutely adorable and cute and has such a strong, strong spirit. You can be very proud of him.

Well, we will be heading off to the airport in just a couple of hours. Jimmy had mentioned that he will have an eye on Mark. I thank you for that in advance. He will not starve, I just hope he will not return to be McDonald's best customer.... :)

We will be back on July 30 and I really hope we stay in touch during this time. It may sound weird, but your updates have brought us a little closer to you and of course, your life.

We will be far away, but, at the same time, with you and your family, right here, in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care (not just a phrase, I actually mean it..).

Lots of love and big hugs,

your friend,

Sina

Anonymous said...

Kristen and Jimmy,

Thank you so much for the update. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Kristen

Imagine how pleased our Heavenly Father is as he watches you compose this letter, love your baby, bless all of us, hold up your husband, and nurture Carter and Addison. Your trust in Him is apparent and for that he is most pleased. I am a better woman for knowing you. My heart aches for you and Jimmy as I know how much a child adds to your life and your family. I know that Zachary’s life will add more to your family that you can ever imagine. I am in awe at your strength, your gift of words and comfort and the peace that you have. Please know that we are covering you in prayer. We love you!!

Caroline & Sean

Anonymous said...

Kristen,

Tim sent us the e-mail you sent to family and friends. I was touched by what I read. Thank you for sharing the information you have received on Zachary as well as your feelings with all of us that have asked so many questions. I can't imagine the emotions that you and Jimmy must be going through. I have kept in contact with Tim so have been updated on the latest developments concerning your precious baby Zachary. I commend you for putting your thoughts into words and sending such a heart felt message. Your strong faith and positive attitude will help get you through any troubling times ahead. Rick and I know we have only met you once but already feel a strong connection. We are both so sorry that you must go through a journey you never even imagined would happen. With the support of your friends and family, and deep faith in God, you will come this even stronger. You are both in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Rick and Joanne

Anonymous said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this update!!!! I have been praying for you guys and thinking good thoughts about Zachary every day. The photos are wonderful... they break my heart yet fill my heart with love at the same time. I am actually almost overwhelmed with feelings of love when I read this!! I love you guys!!!!! I am going to call later this afternoon... if you don’t answer, I’ll just leave you a message with how much love I feel for your family J

PS – When your mom’s leave, I am more than happy to help with the kids... they don’t know me that well, but I’m sure they would have fun at the Robbins house playing with Justin, Chase & Carly.

Blessings,

Heather

Anonymous said...

Dearest Kristen and Jimmy,

You two, along with Carter, Addison, and Zachary, are such a treasure. We all have been so touched by your life experiences of the past 8 days and none of us can adequately find words to express our feelings of love and concern for all of you.

When Pam first phoned me I was stopped in my tracks and felt such concern and ache for you. I agreed with Pam that no one was better equipped to deal with the situation than you two. And then on the 5th I read the email that you had sent and I was struck by the fact that it was you and Jimmy, reaching out to the entire family, helping to ease our pain and showing us a maturity and grace that I can only describe as saintly.

I know there will be difficult days but I also know that you are gifted with an ability to see the large picture and agree with you the our Dear Lord did entrust you to love and care for Zachary, as only you can.

You'll remain in my prayers and know that you are loved----you are so very special.

Fritz