Sunday, February 8, 2009

Birthdays and Grieving on 2-08-09

Hi friends...it is with a very heavy heavy heart that I write to you today to tell you that our twin boys, Owen Timothy and Cooper James, were born today at only 21 weeks. I am not going to go into detail now but will later...I just wanted you all to know that we are very sad and missing them already. They both lived for exactly 19 beautiful minutes. And we enjoyed every minute with them. They are now in Heaven with Jesus and their big sister Emmalee. Friends...I can not tell you how much my heart is hurting right now...but I have to cling to the promise that God gives to us...He will not give us more than we can bear. Jon and I have been asked to walk down this dark road yet again...and we will...this time I think it will be harder...but God is good...we know that...we cling to that...I am going to go now. I will post more later along with pictures of our beautiful boys...two boys...can you believe it! I thought for sure there was a girl in there! Oh how we love them so much and are missing them so. Please pray. And pass this blog on...we believe God is giving us a story to share and we want everyone in on it! Much love with a heavy heart...Ali

51 comments:

The Athearns said...

Ali,
I don't even know what to say. My heart is so broken for you right now. I wish there was something I could do or say to make things easier but I know there isn't. I'm so so sorry. We have been praying for you constantly and will continue to do so.
With much love and prayer and sorrow,
Amanda and Jonathan

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. My heart aches for you guys. I don't know what else to say. I'll be praying for you both.
I'm just so sorry...

Love Jessica Lideen

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,
I dont even know what to say. My heart is heavy for you. Know that I am praying for you and that I love you very much. If there is anything I can do, let me know.

Kathleen said...

Ali, praying for your family. Our hearts are burdened and will keep you in prayer.

Meghan said...

Ali and Jon,
Your two boys are in Heaven with Jesus and their big sister. My heart is broken for you and our prayers are with you. Love, Meghan

Krysta Dittmar said...

Ali,
I just don't even know what to say. I am so sorry. May God wrap his arms around you and Jon during this time. We will continue to pray for you guys.

Love,
Krysta

Jodi said...

Ali & Jon,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I was at the Thanksgiving Eve service when Jon shared the happy news that you were expecting twins. Tears of joy came to my eyes that night as I rejoiced with you. This morning when Pastor Don shared the news in church I could not stop the tears of sadness. You have been heavy on my heart all day and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. My heart absolutely aches for you.

Love, Jodi Hillen (from Trinity)

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for peace and comfort. May you feel God's moghty arm carrying you through!

The Metzgers

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon - There are no words to help right now, I know. Your cousin Andrea shared with me your sad news and I can not imagine your pain nor your strength. Please know that you are in my prayers and that your babies' story is being prayed over and shared in Oklahoma. God bless you both!
Tricia Richards

Christibale said...

Ali and Jon,

We are so sorry to hear about your news. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if we can help you in this tough time.

Jared and Christine Anderson

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,
I'm praying for you.
Miriam

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,

We love you so much. We're lifting you up in prayer and trusting that His grace and strength will carry you once again. Forever family. Pam and Dick

Anonymous said...

Ali,

I am so so sorry for you loss. My heart is aching for you guys. Love ya guys if I can do any thing just let me know.

Love
Melissa

Juliette/Paul said...

Oh Ali,
I can't even believe this. I just found out that you were expecting. Your faith is unsurpassed. Our hearts go out to you both.
Paul and Juliette Reiland

Candie said...

Oh Jon & Ali, how my heart aches for you. It's just not fair that you guys have to endure more pain and suffering, while our baby continues to grow and be healthy. We love you guys and are continuing to pray for you along with our church.

Anonymous said...

Our hearts are broken with yours again. So sorry to hear your news. Owen and Cooper -- what great names! We've been praying for you and we're going to continue!Sue,Greg,Kami,Cory

Anonymous said...

Jon and Ali, i cant even imagine the strength you two must have and and my heart and prayers are with you.

Chris Wagner

Shoemaker Family said...

Praying for strength for each new minute. I cannot fathom the pain you're feeling.

Allison Shoemaker (fellow IWU alum)

Trisha said...

I am so sorry to hear this news. My heart and prayers are with you now and the many days ahead.

with deeepest sympathy,
Trisha Redden-Hitchcock

Karen & Chad said...

Danielle called me yesterday and I couldn't believe it!
We love you both so much and are grieving along with you!! Two precious boys! I am glad you were able to spend a little time with them.
You are in our prayers.
Chad and Karen

Stephen and Michelle said...

Ali-
As with all the others who have commented, I have no idea what to say, but know that we are praying for you.
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon-
I am speechless as I write this. There are times when, no matter how hard we try, we cannot understand the ways of our Lord. I am confident, though, that God has something just SO special planned for your future as parents! Your faith, trust, and strength continue to be such an inspiration. You are 2 very special people; I don't know many people who could handle these situations with the grace that you do. You are in my prayers daily. God bless.
-Anna Schweitz-

Anonymous said...

(I don't see my post on here that I did last night, so I'm going to write again)

Jon and Ali, Tim and Ann,
We're so sorry to hear your news. Our hearts are heavy for all of you. Know that you're in our prayers. (Owen and Cooper are really cute names!)
Sue, Greg, Kami, Cory

Anonymous said...

Jon and Ali,
I also don't know what to say, except, We are so sorry! We all have so many whys?, that can't be answered this side of eternity.
We continue to pray that you will sense God's peace, comfort and strength in the midst of unspeakable grief.Many in church yesterday shed tears as they heard of your loss of Owen and Cooper.
Brian and Diane Harris

the mombergs said...

My heart absolutely breaks for you both; I can't imagine the pain you are feeling. Know that your boys are happy and healthy in heaven, and remember that God is good, all the time... even through this.

May the One that created them hold them in His loving arms. You all are in my prayers!

~lori

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,
You are an amazing couple and I so admire and respect you and your faith, and willingness to cling to the Lord and trust him in spite of this tremendous pain and loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marcia and Tom Bisel

Anonymous said...

We all want to say that we'll cling to our Lord when crisis hits, but do we really know if we can. You have been witness that it can be done and I commend you on your faith. You two amaze and inspire me to be faithful to God no matter what. Though I don't know why this had to happen, I know that our Creator loves you two more than any other creation and He has a great plan for your lives. My heart feels broken and the tears won't stop. I know we can trust Him and I know He has unspeakable joy ahead for you. Owen and Cooper were absolutely beautiful babies, so perfect in every way. I guess sometimes we have to face horrible sorrow to know complete joy. I'm just so grieved that you have to face this sorrow again. Life isn't fair. I love you and am here for you whatever you may need. My spirit is crying out to our great God for you. Hugs on you. Thank you for letting me hold your boys. I won't ever forget that. I'm just so so sorry.

Anonymous said...

Forgot my name. The above is from me. Sarah

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,
I am so sorry. I will continue to pray for you both. Remember that you are surrounded by people that care and love you. I am very sorry for the loss of your two precious boys.
Wtih love,
Kristy Campbell

josh, julia, ethan, and amaya fisher said...

Ali,
I will just "ditto" all of the above comments. My prayers are with you and your family, and my heart is heavy. Please know you are loved and prayed for so very much.
Love,
Julia Fisher

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,
Our hearts ache for you and we are praying for you.
Jenny and Mick

Anonymous said...

Just hold on, hold on, cling to the things that are still here are real for you...
with you in tears and prayers,
Carrie

Stephanie said...

Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you all and praying for you.
Love, Stephanie

Unknown said...

Oh Jon and Ali.
We love you so much.
Our hearts are so broken for you.
We know the Lord is there with you every step.
We are so sorry:(
We are broken and grieving with you.
We can't get you guys off our mind today...
Many of our friends and church family are praying with and for you guys.
LOTS OF LOVE
John and Danielle

Anonymous said...

Like many have said, there are no words now to comfort you two and your families. We are so saddened by this news and praying that you will feel God's closeness now. Many love and care about you and feel so sad right now. Know that many care and help carry some of the grief that you are carrying.
In love & sympathy,
Pat and Janet Kruse

Michelle M. said...

Ali, I am so sorry for your incredible loss. You are all in our prayers. May God give you comfort and strength to bear this. You are in our prayers.

Jacie Wright said...

Ali and Jon,
I was reading your blog from Julia Fisher's blog. You don't know me, but I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine losing a child, let alone 3children. Your testimony is wonderful. I am sure it would be easy to turn your backs on our Lord and Savior, but you are trusting in Him. What a wonderful testimony you are. I wish I could say words to ease your pain, but there are no words to express my sorrow for your family. You will be in my prayers. May God bless you as you heal.
Love,
Jacie Wright

Jeanette said...

My heart has been grieving since I heard the news - the heavy heart drives me to pray. We love you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Jon and Ali,
we also are brokenhearted for you. There are no words for this. Many of our church family are praying for you and peaple from my work who have never even seen your picture are so saddened by the news I had to share today. I am praying for great comfort for the entire family. we love you all... Lynne and Dave

Anonymous said...

Jon and Ali
My heart sank and my eyes flooded with tears as I read Annie's email. I have been sharing your brave story with others and we were so excited for you and the twins. I can't express the sorrow I feel right now. I prayed the whole way home that God would be with you and give you strength. Then, I got pulled over by the police for speeding. Whoops, I guess I wasn't focusing completely on driving!! Lots of love to you...Amy at Archiver's

Deven said...

So sorry for your loss. May the Lord be especially close to you.

michal said...

Ali,

I heard about the loss of your precious boys from your cousin Andrea. My heart grieves for your loss. The fact you continue to lift up the Lord through out all of this is such an amazing testimony of your faith. I am praying for you and Jon and for a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Anonymous said...

My heart breaks for you and your family. Your love for each other and the Lord will carry you through this difficult time. Many thoughts and prayers.

Gene and Annie said...

My heart broke to hear the news of your sweet baby boys! We will be praying for you as you walk this journey! May God give you peace that passes all understanding even in the midst of it all!

Anonymous said...

I have started this over about 5 times...I cant think of words to say....I am so so very sorry for the loss of your two little boys...I will contstantly keep you in my prayers. Your faith is so strong and will carry you through.
I can't begin to imagine how you are feeling. Stay strong and always draw on the love and support of family and friends.
Love, Sandy Johnson

Unknown said...

My heart hurts for you- I pray that God gives you peace. Thank you for inviting us all on this journey, and being so open on this blog. You have encouraged me so much!

Carmin (Blinn-Bortner)
IWU Class of '02

Anonymous said...

This just breaks my heart. I'm so sorry for your loss Ali and Jon. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Amy Sillanpa

Anonymous said...

Ali and Jon,
I remember you from the past (mom of kids who went to school with Ali), I have cried more the past few days then I have in a long time. What a beautiful family you and Jon created and what loving souls you both have. I have and will pray for you and all who loved your beautiful children. You are in my thoughts. Thank you for your blog... for sharing such an amazing story and teaching the world about faith and trust and love. God Bless you both.
Anne Barber

Anonymous said...

Ali, Ali~
I can hardly find words to tell you how sad I am for you and John. I was so excited to hear you were pregnant, and then it was twins! My sorrow is in equal measure that deep now.
I am letting my hair grow, in solidarity with you. No one else may cut it. It's my way of saying, I am with you now.
Love from Becka

Emily said...

Ali & Jon,
as the others have said, I am in shock and don't know what to say. I pray God continues to give you peace, his peace...that is not like this world's.

Much love to you. Please take your time in sharing...it's important to give yourself some rest.

With love,
Emily Proctor

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

A friend sent me here, I'm heartbroken for your loss. I hope you are doing well today.

Stephanie