Missing Noah in pictures...part 6

Not one of Noah's happier moments...but he was still cute even as he cried.  This picture was taken after a 4 hour drive from St. Louis to Louisville to watch an UMSL match.  I'm pretty sure he was thinking, "Mom, this was not such a great idea."

 

Love to CYC

In the aftermath of losing Noah, I have become an organizational mess.  I suppose this isn't too surprising, but I am frustrated with it nonetheless.  We have received countless cards and donations, both to the Rise School in Noah's name and to us personally. I have started and lost many lists trying to keep track of our generous friends and family... I am still hoping to compile a list and send personal thanks to as many people as I can, but am worried about missing someone.  

There are several groups of people who we love dearly and I want to recognize them on the blog in case my efforts fail at reaching them individually.

One of the hardest parts about leaving St. Louis was leaving St. Louis CYC.  Josh had been coaching club volleyball for CYC long before we met and it was very important to him.  The coaches, players, and parents became like family to both of us... we celebrated our marriage surrounded by members of the club and they helped us welcome Noah into the world.  

CYC has continued to love us as we grieve over Noah's death.  The money sent to us by those affiliated with the club easily covered our hotel and food expenses while Noah was hospitalized and made a dent in the medical expenses as well.  We continue to feel loved and encouraged by our CYC family and are humbled by their care for us.

Please share our gratitude with those who may not follow the blog.

There is a reason

What my head believes and my heart clings to...

Missing Noah in pictures...part 5

Only me on my knees 

Singing holy, holy 

And somehow 

All that matters now is 

You are holy, holy

Missing Noah in pictures...part 4

Missing Noah in pictures...part 3

From September 11, 2007...

Oh, how your momma misses you.

Missing Noah in pictures...part 2

Noah is about 5 days old in these pictures... sleeping on a light bed because of mild jaundice.  More than anything in the world, I want to reach into my computer and scoop him up and hold him...

Words of hope.

COME TO JESUS (by Chris Rice)

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

(Thanks, Kim, for reminding me of this song and sending the lyrics to me... God has used it to remind me of the truths that give me hope.)

Speechless

The UA volleyball team played its first matches this weekend.  Josh's first weekend coaching at the division I level was a good one... the team went 2-1, with a big win over Iowa on Saturday night.

It was also an emotional weekend.  Josh and I were speechless when we discovered that Noah's name has been embroidered on all of the Alabama volleyball jerseys... what a sweet, unexpected tribute to our little Noah man.  

The team also wore blue ribbons on their shoes (and Coach Green on her shirt) in Noah's memory.  We continue to be blessed even in our sadness.