This morning we had to say 'Good-Bye' to Hope. My mom was with her when she took her last breath, and it was very peaceful. We were on our way home from church when Mom called to tell us that she wasn't looking very good. We got home shortly after she died and were blessed to have some crying time with her while my mom took the other kids outside. I'm so, so, so glad that Hope was with her Grandma when she died. We would have loved to be with her, but we know that it is a blessing this way too.
I am so glad that we have had some time with Hope. After Ashley died, we prayed that we would have a few more months with Hope (Wow, this is a really hard post to write)...and I guess we got it. It is so hard to let her go.
Yesterday, I bathed Hope and braided her hair. When I brought her over to the couch, Mira was reaching for us, so I sat on the floor with Hope and Mira for a moment. I'm so glad that Kayla snapped a photo. It will be the last one I have of Hope. Wow, that's hard to take, too. How does one wrap their mind around the fact that they can never again take a picture of their child. I no longer have my girls to share with you. How is this possible...
Funeral arrangements will be posted here.
44 comments:
I've been following you for a while and was sadden when Ashley passed and now with Hope I'm just as sad for you and your family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry.
I'm so, so sorry, Jolene! Praying peace and comfort on you!
Wendy Ens
my thoughts are with you and your family jolene. thanks for sharing your journey with us all. hope and ashley were the luckiest little girls to have such strong and loving parents who always did what was best for their children.
natalie
We are praying for you and your family as you walk this journey of grief Jolene. Our most sincere sympathies to you. take care.
Derek and Johanna Friesen
Mom called and told me this morning. My heart broke when I heard the news. Im so sorry you lost your little girl. Cant wait to see you and give you a hug. My prayers are with you.
OH, Jolene and Alex: our hearts are so saddened for you. Hope was such a special girl! We are praying for you, and love you and care.
Dear Jolene & family,
I was saddened with Ashley's passing and now I am saddened with Hope's passing. They were darling little girls and were loved by so many. We wish you all hope in the midst of sorrow, and comfort in the midst of pain. Thanks for sharing their journey with all of us. With love and deepest sympathy. Ken & Sharon Lofgren xxoo
Oh Jolene & Alex, i am so sorry. So glad that Grandma was there with her. My thoughts are prayers are with you right now. You have been through so much. I love you, Anita
Jolene. You have been on my mind so often this past week. I am so very sorry. Word cannot express...
Jolene,
There was so many times I wanted to come and meet your girls. I've been always following your blog and am in tears now even though I never met them. I always remember you as an amazing person and can't imagine the pain you're going through. I will be praying for you and your family.
Tammy
I am so very sorry that you lost your very special little girl. My prayers are with you as you go through yet another huge loss. May God give you His comfort always.
Lila
oh honey. jolene i'm so sorry. tears are just welling up over here. :(
camille
I am so, so sorry Jolene. You are an amazing mother and I know that Hope felt loved every single moment that she was here. I'll be praying that you find peace, and strength tonight.
I am so sorry, Jolene.
Erica
Jolene,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Deb L.
Jolene and Alex
I only wish I had an ounce of strength you all have had throughout this journey. Your blog postings were factual, yet personal. Thank you. You definetly had two little Angels. Our prayers are with you.
Dear Jolene & Alex & Family- We are so very sorry to hear of your loss of sweet Hope. Lots of love sent your way from our family to yours- Lorraine, Zenon, Aurelie, Hannah & Tristan
I am so sorry for you and your family. Ashley and Hope at least have each other and will watch over you from above.
i'm so sorry, jolene. i'll pray for you guys tonight like i have many nights before - "God, give this family strength and be near to them. amen."
love, jodi
thoughts and prayers as you walk this journey again
Love Ken & Brenda
Jolene,
You are an absolutely amazing mother, and I have no doubt that Hope is on her way to heaven knowing that she was (and is) deeply, deeply loved. Her life was much too short, and her struggle so great, and my heart aches for you and X. Although it is hard to imagine what you are going through right now, please know that you are constantly in our thoughts, and that we are here for you for any support you need.
All our love, Kristal, Paul and Gabriella
Alex, Jolene Bridie and Mira.....
Oh my the tears are falling as I type--- I have been away and thinking about you so much- I guess this is why.
My heart goes out to you all- I would like to send BIG warm hugs and prayers will be said tonight.
Knowing all of you has been a gift for me- and I cherish you :)
Jolene, Alex, Brodie and Mira.
We are so very sorry.
Your stength and courage as you walked this journey with Ashley and Hope have been unwavering and amazing.
May you find peace and comfort knowing that your angels are together again.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Love Janice, Darren and Keira
Hard to hear this news. Can't think of the words to express what an incredible family you are, and how much your journey means to me. Your strength through the years continues to inspire me. You are truly incredible.
May God bless you as your journey continues. I believe your angels are now together in heaven sending you their love, strength and comfort.
Love you all,
Sally & Jason Lauzé
Both of your angels have now found their wings. Your unconditional love and dedication to them both is to thank for that. I hope you can one day look back on all of this and realise just how much you did, how strong you were and how you did more than everything you could. You both are extraordinary people and your family has touched the lives of so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time and on your journey through it.
My most sincere sympathy goes out to you, Alex, Brodie and Mira. I am thinking and praying for you to heal, accept and recieve comfort.
Love,
Karin
Words seem so inadequate! My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you as you lose another precious child. Hope was incredibly blessed to have such a loving, caring family. She could not have been born to better parents. So much love,
Elise & CJ
Jolene, Alex Brodie and Mira, I was so sorry to read of Hope's passing yesterday. Both Ashley and Hope were so blessed to be loved and cared for by all of you. You are an amazing family. I'm sure they are running ,dancing and laughing together in heaven. My prayers are with you.
Heather Bruce
Know there are people from a far sending their support and strength to you and your family as you deal with the lose of another beautiful angel. Your children are so blessed to have you as their parents.
I too have been reading your blog for so long and my heart breaks for you and your family! I fell in love with your daughters, your strength, dignity and love. I pray Jesus will hold you tight and surround you will people to comfort and be with you.
Jaime
I am so sorry to hear this. You don't know me, but I am a relative of Karen's (rainbows and earthquakes)and found your blog through her's and have been reading about your journey for quiet awhile. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Our hearts break for you Alex and Jolene. I know you were prepared for Hope to go but that is still so very, very hard! Praying for Jesus to carry you all in His precious arms.Love you!
The Lord is my shepherd...He walks with me...I am not alone...
May the peace of Christ fall on your shoulders, love Aunt Rita Mae
Alex, Jolene, Brodie & Mira
I was with Ashley J when she received the text from Alex. We were at her mom's and we were all so saddened by the news. I have felt so blessed to have gotten to know you and your family. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you as you once again travel down the road of grief. I like to believe that Ashley and Hope are running and playing in their new home.
Marie McConnell
Rita Mae called and shared your sad news, what amazing parents you have been to these 2 beautiful girls. May God be near you in these times of grieving.
Ruth Braun
Oh, I am grieving for you all. Good bye beautiful Hope, flying to Jesus and Ashley. Dear God; grant this family strength and comfort.
God comfort you and give you peace. Love Ida and Dennis
We don't know each other, but I have been following your blog for quite some time now (we are fellow parishoners at St.Tims). Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Take care.
Can't even begin to imagine your pain in this loss, and so soon after Ashley. I am sooo sorry for your loss. Praying the Lord will give you the comfort that only He can, and provide all that you will need. You so beautifully reflect the love of God as you cared for and now grieve your angels. Thank you. Helen Wall
We are so sorry Jolene. My heart hurts for you and Alex....please take comfort knowing that you were an exceptional mother and loved her so beautifully. You are truly amazing and taught so many people how to love unconditionally. Thank you for sharing Hope with all of us-- she will be missed but will always be in our hearts.
Love,
Dana, Matthew, Ella and Carson
Dear Jolene, Alex, Brodie and Mira...
My prayers and thoughts are with your family during this time. I so much admire your courage and strength through this journey...my most sincere sympathies.
Take care,
Kim (from St. Tim's)
I'm so sorry to hear about Hope. I hope you are feeling everyone's care and love and I know you will be surrounded on Thursday. Thank you for writing for us these last few years. It's been special to be a part of it.
Lots of love, Krista
Our prayers are with you.
The Marchant Family (WMES)
I'm sorry to hear about Hope, Lauren told me when you emailed her. I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to spend as much time with Hope as I did over the past three years. She was a very special little girl who will always and forever be in my heart. I wish I could be there on Thursday to say goodbye to Hope but please know that I will be thinking about all of you. Please give Brodie a big hug for me and tell him I miss his precious smile and him kicking my butt at Wii Mario Kart! Big hugs to all of you :)
Candace
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