Pre-dawn
I've seen a lot of things that a parent should never have to see in the five years and one week since isaiah was born not far from where I sit by his bed this morning in chicago. and I know that, even in the next 12 hours, I'm going to see more. I'm reminded of St. Francis as I struggle to find the strength to meet the coming dawn, and I wonder how I will be an instrument of peace today. I wonder how I will bring hope in the face of despair, faith in the face of doubt and healing to the depths of injury.
Morning will break- of this I am certain. I will lean on my wife as we try to be the best parents we can be to both of our sons- and she will likely lean on me. And after the sun sets, if I can say that in some way, I was an instrument of peace today, I will know that I've done all that I can do.
I don't know what the day will bring, but that is true for every day of my life so far.
We'll update when we've got more information.
Joe
posted by joe @ 5:07 AM
25 Comments:
I can't begin to imagine what you're going through. I wish that I could take away some of the pain. You and Jen have an amazing strength, and you will find it today and the days after, for Isaiah and Joey. I am saying big prayers that today brings you and Jen strength and wonderful things to hope for.
Love
Liz
As you lean on each other for strength today just know that you are backed up by your families and friends. As I drive for the Red Cross today I will ask my dear clients to offer their pain and suffering for Isaiah and his loving family. May the PEACE of the Lord be with you in a very special way today. Love, GPJoe
Being that I work for the Sisters of St. Francis, his prayer is everywhere and as I read it again, I will echo your words. Please grant all of us here and those of us distant, to be light, to console and to love. Not that glib quotes will help, but I re-read too the words of Paul CLaudel when my brian challenges my faith and "why?" is too often on my lips..."Jesus came not to eradicate suffering, but to fill it with His presence." May there be some peace in the day ahead. Prayers will never be far from all of you. blessings.a
As I laid in bed most of the night wishing I could reach out to you, I kept thinking about the "Spirit of Truth which surpasses all understanding." Seems that there is a whole team there working toward understanding so they can "fix" the problems! We trust that you will be able to sustain one another through these hours of waiting, pacing and praying. I pray that knowing whatever support that can be offered is waiting in the wings will strenthen you. We love you! Grandma Jan
Our thoughts are prayers are with all of you. May you continue to find the strength and love that have fueled all of you through such challenging times. You will all continue to be in our thoughts and we will continue to hold you in our hearts and thoughts through this difficult time. We are in Chicago and please feel free to contact us if you need anything...food, rest, etc. 773.539.9070
Sincerely,
Jolie and Jake Brown
We hover ever so quietly at this blog and wait and hope and pray. Our hearts are full of love for you. nancy
Joe and Jen,
You haven't been a member of the WNJ family for that long, but know that our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. We're here for whatever you need.
Janet
We love you guys.
Carin Ojala
Joe, Andy passed on the link to your blog. I am praying for you and your family, as I am sure are other members of our Wednesday morning study group.
Carl
Please know you are in the prayers of many this morning and in the coming days.
Joe, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10
Joe,
Susan and I are praying for you, your family, and especially Isaiah today. We pray that today you experience the blessing the Lord promises His people:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
I don't know the right things to say so I will just say that our family is praying for you guys. I know that God will be with you every minute of the day.
we are thinking of you, praying for you, and loving you as we have for the past 5 years and one week. stay strong and faith-filled, and know we're with you.
love,
Thandi and Mitch
Dear ones of His,
I am keeping Isaiah and you in my constant prayers, lifting him up to the Lord and asking for healing, mercy, grace,& peace during a time most difficult. Praise the Lord, Isaiah is God's child, placing him in His lap with loving arms surrounding him !
Dear Joe and Jen,
The prayers of all the Coyles in Indiana and beyond continue to be with you all. We have hesitated to intrude and rely on your parents to keep us updated. However, today's post resonates deeply within us both. It is there we will carry you all as you are carried from deep within yourselves. Hang on to each other!
Peace to you both!
Dear Joe & Jen, I have passed your Mom's update and link to many others who will be praying for all of you too. The previous comments of encouragement echo my sentiments. We love you lots!
Cecilia
Joe, everyone around here is thinking of you and your family. You have been on our minds since we arrived this morning and read your posting. If you or Jen need anything, anything at all, you know we're all here.
Jack
Joe and Jen,
our hearts hurt for you both, for joey and for zeke. with nothing less or more to give...we offer our prayers right now, our company and conversation when you get back to holland, and our love always.
the pageau's
sending the armstrongvoss family all my bestest vibes during this difficult time.
joe, hit me up on the cell if i can do anything for ya.
much luck,
alan
joe & jen...
we know we have only met once [at your house new year's eve], but we want you to know that our prayers our with your family at this time... may peace be w/you & blessings cover you in the days to come.
tiff & joe graham
Joe and Jen,
May God bless you and your family, and I wish you guys all the best. Take care of yourselves.
Adam
Want you both to know we're praying for little Isaiah today and will continue to do so.
My thoughts are with you guys, all my blessings.
much love,
Seamus
I just wanted to let you all know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Meredith
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