Cassi and I have decided to celebrate and remember the life of Elli with a visitation in Maryville Mo Friday September 12 at Prices Funeral Home from 6 - 8pm.
Elli will be laid to eternal rest with a service being held at the St. Paul's Cemetery just west of Treynor Iowa at 11:00 am on Saturday September 13 with a luncheon to follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. (Directions to follow later)
In lieu of flowers we ask that those who wish to make donations do so in Memorial of Elli or to The Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City in memory of Elli Reed.
We are so grateful to all of our friends, family and CDH family that has been nothing but supportive during this difficult time and difficult decisions. Just reading all the comments this afternoon made us realize just how much our Little Elli touched so many while so few got to meet her. She will truly be missed. Although we held her in our arms only for a short time, she will be forever held in our hearts.
Mommy and Daddy miss you Elli, more than you will ever know. Today has been the worst and best day for us. Although you traveled to Heaven today, we were able to enjoy your last few hours on earth resting comfortably in your parents arms. Elli you felt amazing in Mommy's arms and I never wanted to put you down, but I knew it was time to let you go. Your dad and I only wanted what was best for you, we wanted to be selfish and keep you here with us, but we knew that you were ready to go and breathe easy in Heaven. You will never again have to feel any pain or discomfort, and that helps comfort Mommy and Daddy. We love you sweet baby girl and will think of you every single day until we can once again hold you in our arms forever. But for now rest in the warm arms of the Lord, knowing that he will hold you close until we meet you in Heaven. We know that you will be watching over us for the rest of our days. We miss you sweetie, you were so strong and brave and fought so hard, and we are so sorry that you had to endure so much in your short days here on earth. Our hearts are overflowing with grief, but we know that you are in a much better place. All our love forever- Mommy and Daddy
49 comments:
Brian and Cassi
Those word were beautiful. Elli was lucky to have both of you as her parents. You both are so strong,selfless and loving. I admire both of your strength.
Your absolutely right,Elli has touched me. Her courageous journey for the last twenty days as been amazing to follow through the blog and I am so sorry for your loss.
Elli I will always remember you,sweetie. Rest in peace.
Amber
Please feel free to email me if you need someone to vent too.
OwainsMommy@GMAIL.COM
Dearest Cassi and Brian,
Bill and I offer our deepest sympathy. We can only imagine the sadness in your hearts. Although it is said that words can do little to ease the pain, if I may, I'm reminded of the gentle quote, "Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven." For a precious moment in time you held heaven and earth in the tiny hand of your darling baby Elli. Elli was brave to stay, you loved without measure, and medicine did everything it could. Today, Elli let go of her earthly struggle and is now cradled in the arms of her Heavenly Father. We pray that you may feel the same embrace wrapping you all in His comfort and peace. With love, Bill and Ann
Brian & Cassi,
We have never met, but you and your brave angel have touched my husband and I so deeply. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. What awesome strength you have shown over the last few weeks. She is your angel now and you can feel her love and comfort from heaven. May your find peace in the coming days.
Sincerely,
The Schoeberl's (I teach with Annie Vorthmann)
Father God--you chose to bless Cassi and Brian with their precious daughter Elli--you chose them to be her parents for you knew they would love and comfort her for the life You had planned for her. I thank You for the time they were able to know her and hold her and ask that You will give them rest and peace in knowing she is completely healed now and worshiping You joyfully forever. Amen.
Elli, you are so blessed to have such wonderful parents and I am so blessed to have been able to follow your journey.
I talked to Liviana about you and I will tel her about your strength and inspiration as she grows.
Brian and Cassie, my heart aches for you. You have shown such strength and love for your sweet little girl. I will find as many ways as possible to honor Elli's memory.
Amy
Liviana's Mommy
Brian and Cassi,
Someone told me about your blog for little Elli. I'm so sorry for your loss. Our little Tommy was born in March and spent 6 weeks at CMH before he also died in our arms on May 3rd. We pray for your comfort both now and in the weeks and months to come. I find peace in knowing our Tommy is there to welcome Elli to heaven.
Someone shared this poem with us when Tommy died, and I wanted to pass it along because it is this thought - that our babies live on in ways that we see every single day - that keeps me going. Yesterday, I found myself crying and in the depths of despair, and a beautiful butterfly landed on my shoulder. And I know Elli will be here on earth with you too, and you will see her in so many ways.
God Bless you guys.
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Brian and Cassi
We are so sorry about Elli. We have been following your journey since we heard she was born. You & your families are in our prayers.
Love,
Jason,Rebecca,Kelli and Dana
Bradshaw
B and Cassi,
We will be more than happy to donate in Elli's name. We are so proud that you have both been so strong in all of this and please know that we are, always, always here if you need us.
We love you more than anything.
-Jenny and Jus
Brian and Cassie, Tho not many of us got see or meet Elli, you have told her story with such love and details and pictures that we feel that we have known her and loved her too. I wanted to thank you for sharing her story with all of us. She touched us all. Our prayers are with you and your family for strength and peace. Nancy Hurst
Cassi and Brian,
I just read your last entry, you are an AMAZING couple, your faith and strength are incredible. Even as you are mourning your loss, you have given comfort to others. Elli is so blessed to have you for her parents. Yes, she was so brave and she endured so much during her short time here and so did both of you. You were there with her through it all. I know Miss Elli knew you were there with her. Know that she loves you both very much. Praying for strength, comfort, love and understanding for both of you. May you be blessed with Angel Kisses every day from your precious little Elli.
Love to both of you,
MaryBeth
Brian and Cassi,
Wes and I just want you to know that we are very sorry for your loss. Elli was so beautiful and such a fighter. She really did touch the lives of all who saw your blog. Thank you for sharing your story.
The two of you and all of your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wes & Betsy Sharp
Cassi and Brian,
My husband and I are sad to hear about Elli. We have been following your journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elli you touched our hearts. We will not forget you.
Liz and Shane
A Child Loaned
"I'll lend you for a little time, a child of mine," He said, "for you to love the while she lives, and mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three, but will you 'til I call her back, take care of her for me? She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief, you'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn. I've looked this wide world over in my search for teachers true, and from the throngs that crowds life's lane, I have selected you! Now will you give her all your love, not think the labor vain, nor hate me when I come to call, and take her back again?"
I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, Thy will be done," for all the joy the child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may, and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for her, much sooner than we planned, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
Anonymous
Brian and Cassi,
We love you.
Brian and Cassi, I am so saddened that you won't, physically, have Elli here on earth. What an impact she had on so many lives in the short time she was here! Please know you are in my prayers.
Jody Dear (MN)
Cassie and Brian, So many may not have met Elli but she has touched my life and I am so very sorry for your loss. I have hoped and prayed that she would pull through. I hope for you the strngth you need to get through this continued difficult time. Love Laura
Cassie and Brien
I am so sorry that Elli's time on earth was so short. You are such incredible parents and Elli was such a fighter. All three of you have been such an inspiration to so many people. As many people have already said, you did such a wonderful job of keeping everyone up to date on what was happening. It felt like we were there with you.
I am inspired by your strength and you faith. I pray for your continued strength & know your wonderful memories of Elli will see you through the tough times ahead.
Cindy
Brian & Cassi,
Your tribeute to Elli is beautiful. You have touched the lives of people everywhere.
May God be with you as you face the tough days ahead. She is alive and well in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May God grant you His strength, peace and healing.
Elli will always be in your heart and ours!
Sending all my love,
Aunt Jill
Cassi and Brian i am so glad that your angel elli does not have to struggle anymore. She is now in a great place and continues to see the love you have for her. I just want you to know how amazing you are and how strong you are. You are wonderful people who care deeply. My thoughts are with you!!
Love,
Kim
Brian & Cassi,
We have never met & you dont know me but i have been following your little Elli's story, as a mum to a CDH little girl i have been sending all my love and strength to you all. Please know that i am thinking off you both and your families with love and preyers xx
With much Love
Melanie, Ashley & Eliza-Rose
England
I am so sorry to hear the news about your beautiful daughter Elli.I know the devastation this defect causes,please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at the moment.
Thinking of you
lots of love
Debbie
www.joelarchie.piczo.com
our thoughts are with you!
You are always and forever in my thoughts and prayers, Cassi and Brian. I miss you both so much and know that God is with you through this struggle.
Always,
Megan Nielsen
Just wanted to let you know I am still thinking of you. I wish I could say or do something to help with the hurt, I know I can't, but please know, I am here for you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Rachael
I do not know you but this poem kelped me in my time of need and I pray it does the same for you
"Just For Today For Bereaved Parents"
Just for today I will try to live through the next 24 hours
and not expect to get over my child's death,
but instead learn to live with it, just one day at a time.
Just for today I will remember my child's life, not just her death,
and bask in the comfort of all those treasured days
and moments we shared.
Just for today I will forgive all the family and friends
who didn't help or comfort me the way I needed them to.
They truly did not know how.
Just for today I will smile no matter how much I hurt on the inside,
for maybe if I smile a little,
my heart will soften and I will begin to heal.
Just for today I will reach out to comfort a relative or friend of my child,
for they are hurting too,
and perhaps we can help each other.
Just for today I will free myself from my self-inflicted burden of guilt,
for deep in my heart I know if there was anything in this world
I could of done to save my child from death,
I would of done it.
Just for today I will honor my child's memory
by doing something with another child
because I know that would make my own child proud.
Just for today I will offer my hand in friendship
to another bereaved parent
for I do know how they feel.
Just for today when my heart feels like breaking,
I will stop and remember that grief is the price we pay for loving
and the only reason I hurt is because
I had the privilege of loving so much
Just for today I will not compare myself with others.
I am fortunate to be who I am
and have had my child for as long as I did.
Just for today I will allow myself to be happy,
for I know that I am not deserting her by living on.
Just for today I will accept that I did not die when my child did,
my life did go on,
and I am the only one who can make that life worthwhile once more.
~~~~Vicki Tushingham
I do not know you but i have been following your blog. It is sad to hear that Elli has gone to heaven. I had a beautiful baby boy Eric died from CDH (10/04/98 to 11/06/98).
"God saw you"
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure ws not to be
So he wrapped his arms around you
and whispered "come to me"
you didn't deserve what you went through
So he gave you rest
Gods garden must be beautiful
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
to suffer like that again.
Cassie and Brian,
My heart goes out to you! You have both been so brave and so loving. You have touched so many lives. You never weakend and you never gave up. Your strength and the love you have for your baby girl is absolutely moving..
Love to you both,
Lindsay
Brian and Cassi,
Right now, there are no words that can ease your aching hearts or fill your empty arms. We hope that knowing so many others care and share in your in your sorrow helps lessen the pain a little.
By sharing Elli and your world with all of us, so many people came to love Elli and were praying so hard for all of you. What an amazing baby! What wonderful parents! You'll probably never realize how truly inspirational you have all been or how many hearts you have really touched.
We were so blessed to get to meet Elli while she was having a good day. It was kind and selfless(and so typical) of you to share some of your precious time with her. We will always cherish that memory. Such a tiny body with such great heart, trying to open up one eye to see Daddy.
Please know how much we love you and keep you all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Perry
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have been following your little ones journey for quite a while. She was an amzaing little fighter. I wish you peace.
I have followed your story through Sofia Miller's blog. I am so sorry for your loss of your sweet baby Elli. May you find peace and comfort during this most difficult time. You are both in my prayers. Thank you for sharing her journey.
Your love and stength you have for your baby girl is moving. I heard about Elli through a friend of a friend and having been thinking and praying for all 3 of you daily. Your daughter was beautiful and the story of her life has touched me in a way words can not express. Thank you for sharing
Cassi,
I can't even begin to imagine the difficulty in having to let go of such an amazing little angel. One of the most beautiful but painful moments in life is watching a soul leave this world. I know Elli with feel yours arms around her and the love in your hearts forever.
Wishing you strength and peace,
Amanda Burton (Amanda Mass)
Brian and Cassie,
We have always felt a strong connection to you both and particularly Elli. Will and Elli shared their birthday and we know that they will be dear friends in Heaven. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help.
Brian and Cassi,
I am so sorry for the loss of your little angel. I can only imagine what you have been and are still going through. I have just heard about your heartbreaking news this evening and about the blog that the two of you have been keeping. Reading it makes my heart go out to both of you. I wish that I could say something that would ease that pain, but I know that words will not help.
I will be praying that God will continue to give you both the strength that you need to carry on.
Crystal Keiser (Boruff)
Cassi and Brian-
All the sympathy that our hearts can hold go out to you and your familes. Your journey has been just that, a journey that will forever weigh on your hearts. God picks special people to take these journeys with him and Elli was one of the chosen. I have a vision of her in his arms getting an eternal hug and it is quite a beautiful site.
You are both so amazingly strong. Elli could not have been better blessed with more loving parents. We are here for you if you need anything please do not hesitate to call. Hang in there and be strong. Obviously God is with you, so may he bless you always.
with deepest sympathy and love
Tommy and Blu
Cassi & Brian~Just wanted to let you know we are thinking about you and remembering you in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that your Little Angel Miss Elli touched so many lives, as have both of you. Praying for strength, love, peace and understanding. May you be blessed with Angel Kisses every day from your precious little Elli.
Love to both of you,
MaryBeth
(PS..if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know)
Can't get you off my mind! Continue to stay strong for one another and know I am praying continuously for the two of you.
Nicholle Kalb
Cassi and Brian
Elli was a beautiful baby with the heart of a true fighter! She was so lucky to have you as her parents. I am so sorry for your loss and I will keep you both and your family in my prayers.
Gayla
Cassi and Brian, those were beautiful words and they put tears in my eyes. Yes, Elli touched me as well, she was blessed to have you both. My prayers are with you.
I have been thinking of you both constantly since I heard about baby Elli. Kellie and I, as well as all of our friends and family, have followed your blog closely and are devestated by your loss. You are both still in all of our thoughts and prayers.
Brad - dad to Carter (LCDH due date 10/12/08)
I love the new look to ANGEL ELLI'S blog. Pink and brown, so dainty and perfect, just like Little Miss Elli.
Thinking of you and sending you warm caring thoughts. You continue to amaze me with your strength.
May you be blessed with Angel Kisses every day from your precious little Angel Elli.
Love to both of you,
MaryBeth
I have been searching for the right words to say ever since you posted Elli's passing. I have read all of the posts and people have left you beautiful words, thoughts and prayers. I just don't know what to say - except thank you. You opened yourselves up and shared one of God's most beautiful angels with us all. Elli has touched us in a special way...
Elli, you were Meaghan's first roommate and we would be blessed if you would be her special angel in heaven.
Brian and Cassie, there has not been a day that we don't think of you since we left CMH. You are the strongest couple we know - so attentive to each others needs. No one can truly comprehend what you are going through. Know that we are sending lots of love and prayers. Kirk, Michelle, and Meaghan
blissmichelle06@aol.com
The Bliss Family
PO Box 324
Maize, KS 67101
(316)729-9008
Brian and Cassi,
I just wanted to let you know that you continue to be in my thougts and prayers.
Amy
Cassi & Brian,
So much has already been said so well by others. I just want you to know how strong and courageous you two have been and continue to be throughout all of this. I am so sorry for your loss. The sharing of your experience has brought a great deal of knowledge and understanding for others, and perhaps you can find some comfort in that. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Kaleigh Rogers
May God hold your hearts in His hands as you go through the next few days. Your strength has truly been an inspiration but know that it is okay to not be strong...He will be strong for you when you can't.
God Bless,
Amber & Jesse Thompson
I have been priviliged to come to know Elli through Mary Jane Davis' prayer requests & to pray for her & your family during this long journey. I know you hearts are aching & there are no words that can be said to heal your brokeness, so I will continue to lift you all in prayer.
I send out a newsletter for a Catholic Retreat Movement called Cursillo (Cur see oh) which means short course in Christianity. Here is the poem that was in it when it was mailed out on Mon., 9-8
"Why Me Lord"
One day I thought "Why Me Lord?"
God answered me & said,
These things that happened to you my child were for heaven's benefit.
For out of pain, comes growth & strength, and character & grace & some day, you may see such pain, on someone else's face.
If some day I send your way
someone in pain like you,
because you understand their grief,
you can help them through.
And you can tell them about my love,
and what I've done for you,
For maybe all they know of God is what they see in you.
One day my child, you'll come to me
and your suffering will end,
And what a great reward you'll find because you helped a friend.
May God Bless You & Heal You!
Karen Meehan
meehans@hotmail.com
Brian and Cassi,
Our hearts ache for you. There are no words that can be spoken to ease the pain. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please extend our sympathy to all her Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. She comes from wonderful people.
May god hold you in his arms,
Jason and Amy
Brian and Cassi,
I am so sorry to hear the news. You and your family will be in my prayers. I am happy baby Elli has seen heaven and she will be waiting for you when it is time. Thank you both for being so strong for her!
Love,
Amanda Montez
I just wanted to let you know that I will still continue to pray for you during this challenging trial in your life. The decision to let Elli have a chance at life was so unselfish. She will always know the true love you two have for her. I'm so sorry she was with you for only a short time but man, that is a lifetime of wonderful memories. I think of the song by Garth called the Dance. That was and is Elli. Please don't ever forget how wonderful you two have been to such a beautiful baby. May you find comfort in knowing there are so many of us who share your loss with you.
Many prayers,
Kaci
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