Our sweet little Noah passed away yesterday.
We were blessed and thankful to have him in our lives for 364 days.
We are rejoicing because we know that he is now completely healed.
We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives.
Noah's memorial service will be held at Capstone Church at 10am on Wednesday, August 20th, with visitation at 9:30am. Capstone Church is at 1907 University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa.
In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to be made to The Rise School in Noah's name. Noah would have started school at Rise on August 13th and the staff members there touched our lives as they provided therapy to Noah throughout the summer. The address for donations is:
RISE SCHOOL
Box 870305
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Guestbook
The Lauer Family
109 comments:
We'll never forget Noah and look forward to the day when we see him again. We love you; we rejoice and morn with you and we're praying for you.
The Scotts
We are praying for you and your family during this hard time. Please know that Noah has touched thousands of lives. He will never be forgotten.
Josh and Deb,
You have my heartfelt sympathy. Take comfort in knowing that Noah is with the angels and no longer suffering. I will pray for comfort, strength, peace and healing for you and your family. God Bless You,
Kathy
Tom made the announcement at church today. It was the first time Matt and I had heard the news. Tears have been flowing ever since. You are in our prayers. We weep and rejoice with you at the same time. Noah is safe now in his Father's arms.
We pray you know how close Jesus is to you and your little boy right now.
The Schaefer's
I am terribly sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your beautiful son have touched more lives than you will ever know. Your strength, love and devotion to God amazes and enlightens me. I will continue to follow your inspirational lives! Thank you and God bless!
We are so very sorry. Our hearts break for you. We have only met one time (Midway Airport, chicago) but have kept up with Noah's journey through your blog.
We are praying and knowing that the God of mercy will Hold you in His Hands ... the very same Hands that grabbed Noah and hugged Him tightly as he entered the presence of the eternal.
I pray that you will find comfort in the words of King David after the passing of his son ... "He will not return to me, but I will go to him." 2 Samuel 12: 23.
Ron & Debbie Woods
I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you guys.
I spent only a few moments with Noah, but those moments touched me deeply. I will never forget sweet little Noah.
We are so saddened to hear about Noah, but rejoice with you in the knowledge that his struggles are over and he is with the Lord. I know words are meaningless, and we can't fathom what you are feeling, but let us know if there's anything we can do for you. We love you guys.
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for comfort for you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear about the deep loss you are going through with Noah's passing. I only knew your family through you blog--but just wept when I read of Noah's death. You are amazing parents, and Noah was so blessed to spend his short life on earth with you--and now his eternal(forever) life in heaven. I cannot imagine the pain you must be going through-but I pray that God will be give you the peace that only He can give. Your faith has been a testament to me and others I have shared your story with. The days until you hold Noah again will seem very long--but know that God will hold him close until you are all together FOREVER!! My dad, my 3 sons grandpa passed away a short time ago, and he just loves children--and I am sure he will love Noah too!! Much love to you all.
Love,
Mulder family
Tears of sadness roll down our faces. God has taken Noah to a better place. He will be forever in our hearts. You have our deepest sympathy. God Bless. Love you guys.
The Kinzingers
Dear Josh & Debbie
I'm so sorry to hear about Noah.
I'm praying for you.
God bless
Amanda
Peace to you both in your journey from here. I have kept up with your precious Noah through your blog and prayed for you all.
I am so sorry for you loss and will continue to pray for you. Noah and the strength and faith that you had through all of this has truly touched my heart.
Deb and Josh,
I heard at church this morning and was so saddened. I don't even have words to say except that we are praying for you and that you are so loved by so many-most importantly by God.
oh guys... I am so sorry. We are still praying for you and sweet little Noah. Our arms are hugging you all...
I am so sorry... I will never forget him or his story or your faith.
Jessica
Josh & Deb,
We are so sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for you!
The Swinigans
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you all. I love you and miss you!
God Bless,
Joslyn
Noah's story touched the hearts of people who had never met him. (me included) Although we know he is now totally healed and in the hands of a loving God I will continue to pray for the two of you as you grieve and hopefully start to heal. With love and prayers.
Maureen
I am so sorry. My heart is absolutely breaking for you and Josh. In reading the comments that have been posted I am humbled by your witness to so many people as you have walked this journey. I pray that you feel the love of your God and that it will sustain you during this difficult time. I love you dear sister and wish so much I could be there with you to hug you and cry with you. Our prayers are continually with you.
My heart breaks for you and your family. You all continue to be in my prayers, and Noah's sweet face will always be in my heart.
I am at a loss for words. Your post took my breath away...
Loving you all from afar.
Leslie and Family
Deb and Josh, we are praying for you both. We love you and wish we could be with you to put our arms around you!
love, Sarah and Garrett Call
I am so very sorry you had to let your precious baby go! The Lord is a loving, merciful, just God. He is. While he can't completely erase the darkness you will go in and out of as a result of your loss, he WILL carry you through it, strengthen you, equip you, embrace you, sustain you, provide for you. Joy WILL come again, and it will be sweeter, deeper. More so than you ever thought possible. He gives back after he takes, by instilling more in your heart than there ever was before. There are rewards to loss, even though none of us would ever chose this path, knowingly.
Each day of grief may bring different emotions. Sometimes it may seem like you are going backwards, other times a few steps forwards. But trust God that there is light at the end of the sometimes-dark journey. Trust him, like you always have, to provide the peace your soul craves. He WILL provide! He WILL!
I will pray and follow your journey, as will so many others who've been touched by you and by Noah. Again, I am so very sorry you had to let him go!
The reunion in Paradise will be sweet!
ever since erin called me last night i haven't stopped thinking about you. there are just no words. throughout this year i just kept praying for peace, for you especially deb, and that is the prayer i have continued to pray today.
i am just so sorry.
I am so very sorry. I am praying for peace and comfort for you, and also that you will be able to keep in mind an image of God holding Noah, playing with him and comforting him like a loving grandparent while you are out for a very short while. It is not long until we'll all be with him. I'll pray that it does not feel long to you.
Sending lots and lots of love, around the clock -- you can be sure that whenever you are awake and feeling alone, someone else is also up and thinking of you.
We are so sorry to hear this news. We have been praying for Noah and your family throughout this whole jouney. Please know that our prayers are with Noah and your family.
Kari Lane and Southwest Illinois Volleyball Club
i am so, so sorry. you all our in our prayers.
Words cannot express our sympathy. Though little Noah is safely home, we know your grief is unfathomable. We will keep you in our prayers.
May God Bless and Comfort You.
Pam and Bob Jackson
k.c. mo.
My prayer is one of thankfulness for Noah's life. He was blessed with parents who demonstrated God's love on earth every single moment of his life. I pray for God's grace and peace to sustain you. May you take comfort in knowing that Noah is completely restored to health, and is resting in the arms of his loving heavenly father. Linda
I wish I could wrap my arms around you and cry with you. Know that you are loved, prayed for and that Noah is greatly missed!
Kelli
words fail.
tears fall.
heart breaks.
love,
brad & dawn simms
Tommy and I have been following your journey with little Noah. Words cannot express our sadness. We will continue to pray for you and Josh during this difficult time.
Carrie
We were deeply saddedned when Liz called us to let us know that Noah had been called back home. We will always keep you and Josh in our prayers.
Jerry and Sally Cook
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I will continue to pray for your family during this difficult time.
Christine
We're mourning with you during this time. Our hearts are deeply saddened by this. If there's ANYTHING we can do, please don't hesitate to ask. We love you guys,
The Mohr's
Our hearts break with the news of Noah's passing - we are terribly sorry for your loss. We will join with so many others here that will be praying for you and your families. Love, Kenny and Amy Gerlach
Deb, I do not know you nor do you know me; however I have been following your blog since Noah's birth, and today I cried for a child and his parents whom I have never met. No one in this world deserves to go through what you have been through in the past couple of weeks. However, I also know that you both feel so privileged that God chose you and your husband to be the ones to spend these 364 days with this special little boy. Being a mother is the most awesome gift that God ever gave a woman. Know that you will always and forever be Noah's mommy and he will be with you every day.
Erin in North Carolina
Deb & Josh,
I have been keeping up with Noah's journey though my daughter, Martha Hyland, and through your blog. My mother's heart aches for you right now. Know that you have been and will continue to be in my prayers as you grieve the loss of your sweet little boy yet rejoice that he is back in the arms of the One who created him.
I am praying for you and your family in this time of need. I pray for peace and comfort and strength for you and your family. Little Noah has touched so many people, many more than you will ever know :) God Bless You!
I wish I could see you to give you a hug. While I certianly can not even imagine how you are feeling right now, I hope you find support in all the people who care about you and your family. I love you.
Brielle
Deb,
My mom told me about your journey with Noah and about his passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will join the countless others whose lives you have touched in praying for peace and comfort.
Lindsey Reed Post
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I wish I could be there in person to offer a hug. My sincerest condolences.
Julie Brown
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family at this time.
Deb and Josh, we were heartbroken to hear about Noah. Yet, we rejoice he is spending his first birthday in a more glorious way any of us can imagine. We will continue to pray for you and your families. ~ The Bryans
I don't know any words that are right for parents that lost their child but I wanted you to know we are praying for you and hope that now more than ever you feel the presence of God in your life.
I am so sorry for you loss. Our prayes are with you.
Josh and Deb,
My heart breaks for you. But I know for certain that God loves Noah and will take good care of him for you. You are both in my prayers.
Sarah Travis
Josh and Deb,
My heart breaks for you. But I know for certain that God loves Noah and will take good care of him for you. You are both in my prayers.
Sarah Travis
Deb-I am a good friend of Stephanie Locke and I have been following your journey of precious Noah. I am truly saddened to hear of Noah's passing. I tell Steph all the time that ya'll our amazing parents and Noah is an angel! I really feel that there was "a reason" why ya'll were blessed with Noah.
All my prayers are with you.
Noelle and Stephen Hardin
Praying hard for you guys...we're grieving with you but rejoice that he's in Jesus' lap now. Big hugs and all our love.
Wendi (Nervig) Cupp
There just aren't words for this. We are mourning with you for the loss of Noah and celebrating that his spirit is free of his restrictive body. I'll be praying for comfort. Love you guys.
i don't know you personally, but i cried when i read today's post. i am so sorry that you aren't together with little noah, celebrating his first birthday. that stinks (to put it very mildly), and it shouldn't be so! yet at the same time, i was just thinking, maybe he is celebrating his birthday with jesus! can you imagine him having his first cupcake in heaven?
praying for you guys.
I know you only through your blog, which I was introuced to. From that time on, I have follwed your story.
Noah's life and story have touched countless lives, many of which you are unaware of. You may first see that when you see your sweet boy again in heaven.
THANK YOU for sharing your story with us.
My heart bleeds for the 2 of you. Your son was blessed that God entrusted him to 2 special parents.
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire family.
I am here by way of Greek Grits, who we were all praying for sweet Noah. My deepest condolances. May you find peace in all that have prayed and will continue to pray for your fmaily, as well as the time that God allowed you with Noah. My deepest sympathies. God be with you.
I just wanted to add my prayers and hurting to the list... I ache for you, but I have the deepest faith that Noah is whole, at peace, and so excited to see you again someday.
Your faith will carry you through if you start to fail...
What a lucky boy to have gotten to be with you for 364 days.
Deb and Josh, you have my tears, my prayes, my angry fist punches and my praises of our God. I praise God who I know has carried you. I praise and grieve simultaneously.
We have been following sweet Noah's ups and downs for months and cannot imagine what you are feeling right now. We will continue to pray for peace and strength for both of you. God Bless you both.
The LeCave's
Deb and Josh-
I've been a follower of Noah's journey. My heart aches for you at this time. May the Lord hold you tight during your time of sorrow.
Greta Jo
I never formally met either of you but saw you looking adoringly at little Noah while I gave him some of his IPV treatments (with his little hand wrapped around my finger). I am a respiratory therapy student and I was doing a clinical rotation through PICU and was honored to get the chance to work with Noah. He was so captivating, I wanted to grab him up and hold and kiss him. Since the first day I had Noah you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I have enjoyed reading about Noah and his journey in this world. I pray that the Lord be close by you and give you peace. Noah will always be remembered with smiles. What a blessing he has been.
Wendy
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that Noah is being held by our Lord.
My prayers for you both and your family.
Lynn
Praying that you can feel our God's arms wrapped around you guys. I just found your blog - Noah was precious...absolutely precious.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I pray that your family is comforted by all the lives that Noah touched. What a special boy. I can only begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you.
I'm a stranger to your family, led here by another blogger (fernlovescoffee). But I wanted to let you know how moved I am by your account of Noah's life. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am praying for you.
Becca
We are praying for peace and comfort. We love you and wish we could be there to hug you.
Words are failing me. I'm so sorry that he isn't here on Earth any longer, but as so many have already said, I hope you can take comfort in knowing he is with God and that God is taking very good care of him until you can be reunited.
I will pray for peace for you.
I am praying for you and your family. Even though I never met you and only know your through your blog, your family worked your way in to my heart and I am crying heartfelt tears for your family's loss.
I kept Noah in the nursery at Capstone only one time, but he was such a joy to have in there that Sunday. I know he brought you so much joy, and his memory will in the years to come. I'm so sorry for your loss and will keep you both in my prayers.
Kristin S.
Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.
Shelley, Justin and Avery
Tears from Kentucky.
Sweet Noah struggles to breathe no longer.
Praise the God of Heaven.
But I'm sure his parents are fighting for every breath.
Praying even more fervently now than I have been.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for healing for the two of you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
josh and deb- i've waited a while to post a comment because i've felt inadequate on what to say. i cried when i read the post and a knot remains in my stomach as i think about what all you guys have been through and the hurt you will continue to face and struggle with. it's amazing how someone so small and whose life was so short can be so special - to those who knew him and to those who did not. noah's prayer card will remain on my kitchen bulletin board as a reminder to continue to pray for you guys throughout the coming days and even years. You are loved and prayed for, Lance and Heather
We are so sorry to hear about little Noah. You two are amazing parents and people. We are lucky to know you.
Love,
Alan and Kate
praying for your family!
Josh and Deb,
Please know that all of you are being thought of and prayed for.
May God grant you much peace and strength now and forever.
The Orf family
Deb & Josh,
Our hearts go out to you on your great loss. Cherish every day you had with Noah and rest assured that he is in a better place.
Chris, Ann, Erin and Cara Traczek
Deb and Josh -
We are greatly moved by your loss. There is no way I can comprehend your grief. Praise God for the day when you are reunited with Noah in heaven! Our prayers are with you.
Josh & Melinda Hogan
Deb & Josh,
I wanted to apologize for my ignorant comment earlier, made as Matt and Amy, about maybe celebrating his birthday in heaven with jesus. I guess that just shows how much I don't understand the heartache you have. Please forgive me!
But I did want to add that I am just so sad for you to have lost a son that you love so much, and at such a young age. I'm praying often for you, to have peace beyond all understanding, and also specifically for your marriage, that in your own time, would get through this together, stronger. And also that God would be glorified in this, which as I read the comments, it seems like Noah has already accomplished that in his 364 days.
Deb & Josh,
I wanted to apologize for my ignorant comment earlier, made as Matt and Amy, about maybe celebrating his birthday in heaven with jesus. I guess that just shows how much I don't understand the heartache you have. Please forgive me!
But I did want to add that I am just so sad for you to have lost a son that you love so much, and at such a young age. I'm praying often for you, to have peace beyond all understanding, and also specifically for your marriage, that in your own time, would get through this together, stronger. And also that God would be glorified in this, which as I read the comments, it seems like Noah has already accomplished that in his 364 days.
I'm so sorry for your heartache. Praying God brings you the comfort and peace that passes all understanding and that you are able to press deeper into him.
I do not know you personally, only through this blog, which I found through a friend of a friend, but anyway.... I have read this blog since this journey began and have been praying for you all. I am so very sorry for your loss. I shed real tears yesterday for you... a family i do not have a real connection to. I will continue to pray for your strength and peace as you walk through each minute.
ML
Deb and Josh,
We are so sorry. We’ve struggled with the words to say; we can’t stop thinking about you. May the Lord sustain you through this inexplicable time of sorrow. He used Noah’s life in such a powerful way. As many have stated before, sweet little Noah touched countless lives on this side of heaven. We will continue to pray for peace, strength and comfort.
Love you,
Chris, Michelle, Alex and Jacob
I am a stranger to you but cry for the loss of your son. Your faith and trust in God through out your Blog has been an inspiration to me and I am sure many others. Noah is home with the Lord and healed. God Bless you all. Your family will continue to be in my prayers.
There are no words to express my sadness and grief on your behalf, Deb. I pray that God will give you and Josh a special, profound assurance of His presence and love, that you will turn to Him and each other in the days ahead, that you will feel the prayers of so, so many who have come to know and love you and your special little boy, and that at some point set by our loving Father, peace will start to dull the savage grief you feel. You are ever in my prayers, pal, even when, like today, they are incohate moanings the Spirit alone can transmit to our merciful Fathr.
Although I do not know you personally, I have kept up with your journey through my daughter in law, Becca Bryan and your blog. I cried when I heard of little Noah's passing and am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and your family. Noah, what a beautiful, wonderful, precious gift from God. I believe He picked you specially to be Noah's parents and that Noah will forever be looking down from heaven with a twinle in his eyes and a loving smile on his face because even though it was only for a short time, he had you for his mommy and daddy.
Connie Bryan
Deb and Josh,
Words can not express the sorrow that I feel, nor can it comfort you for your loss.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Peace be with you.
Pete Wung
Although I do not know you, your story touched me from the time you came to T'town. You have been in my thoughts and prayers daily and will continue to be. God bless you!!
Deb and Josh,
After reading some of the other comments, I really don't know what I can add. Please just know that both of you are in our prayers and wish you the best!
Mike(Traczek) & Toni
We pray that God consumes you and Josh with His presense beyond human description. Noah's life reached and touched so many.
I hadn't been to your blog since just a bit after Noah was born. Had no idea. Got an email from Chris Peters yesterday. I am so, so sorry. Just crying. Not sure what to say. Sarah (the new Mrs. Spiker) and I have and will be praying for you guys.
Love --
Tim
I dont know you both..but I came upon your blog through a friends site. I was so deeply moved by what I read. You fiercely loved and tirelessly cared for your son every single moment of his life...and although it was too short, he was and is extraordinarily blessed to have had you both as his parents. My heart is with you both.
I have been reading your blog via the Locke's. I am humbled by your faith. I will continue to pray for strength and comfort for your family.
There are no other words to write. You and Josh are in my continued thoughts and prayers. Noah was a special child and know that God used Noah in special ways.
The Emerys
I'm sorry for your loss. Read this blog. She just recently went through the same thing just a couple months ago. She's starting a blog for parents of those who have lost children.
http://adailyscoop.blogspot.com/
Our prayers are with your family. We are so sorry.
Tori and Russ Taff
He has returned to the One who created him. We are crying with you. -C
Deb and Josh,
My prayers are with you. I can't imagine what it is like to lose your child. Noah was special and so are you both. Your faith has been an example to me and I only wish mine was as strong. You and Noah will be in my prayers for a long time.
Pat Lawhorn
You have been on my mind constantly the past two days. I am praying for you, Josh and Deb.
Angel Blessings for your little angel.
Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Noah's story touched many lives. You are in our prayers.
josh and deb
please accept our deepest sympathies. our hearts are breaking at your loss, but we are rejoicing at his victory and are in awe of your strength. We have been and will continue to pray for all of you.
much love
The Fonkes
I'm sorry for your lost, I'm praying for you and your family.
I am so so sorry for your loss.
Deb and Josh,
We've been out of town for the last week and we just checked your blog and our hearts are aching for you all right now. We never got the chance to meet sweet little Noah but yet feel so blessed by his short, yet amazing time on this earth. We are just so deeply saddened but ultimately we will rejoice that sweet Noah is in Paradise and experiencing such bliss that we cannot even fathom! We are and will continue to pray for you and your family! May God's peace,love and comforting arms sustain you!!
Love,
Tony and Kristen
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