tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post3096918519330684845..comments2023-06-14T06:35:08.986-07:00Comments on theatypicallife: We're not that greatMatt Mooneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07440281183532430923noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-49092780116663286872008-12-12T17:49:00.000-08:002008-12-12T17:49:00.000-08:00I'm still in awe of your tribute to your beautiful...I'm still in awe of your tribute to your beautiful son. I'm truly in awe of your faith and strength. Thank you for your honesty and openness. My husband and I lost our son 6 weeks ago, I was 29 weeks pregnant. Reading your blog and watching your tribute has given me more hope than I've had since we lost David Henry. Thank you.natashahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05603094146154079663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-6328807805453035902008-12-09T20:54:00.000-08:002008-12-09T20:54:00.000-08:00Hey Matt and Ginny, I am sure you don't remember m...Hey Matt and Ginny, <BR/>I am sure you don't remember me but I worked with yall at Kanakuk at K-Classic (3rd term) right after yall were married. I went to Auburn and then lived in Texas while yall were there. Ginny worked at my favorite place to eat...<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I was forwarded the 99 Balloons video one day and was so sad when I quickly realized it was yall! What an amazing video. <BR/><BR/>I really appreciate your story and your honesty. Yall have allowed God to work through you and your family to touch so many peoples lives. He is using you to do amazing things for His Kingdom. I pray for your family and thank you for sharing your story and your honesty. Life is hard... the Christian life is HARD! We are human and I know I am SO thankful that His mercies are new everyday! <BR/><BR/>Your little girl is BEAUTIFUL! I know God will continue to bless you and your ministry! <BR/><BR/>BethBeth Goffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08674519922225650533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-18318208951525039572008-12-09T13:30:00.000-08:002008-12-09T13:30:00.000-08:00Just getting out the word about the 12th annual Wo...Just getting out the word about the 12th annual Worldwide Candle Lighting event. Compassionate Friends offers the opportunity for grieving families to come together on one day to celebrate the life, love and light of those children gone much too soon. It is believed to be the largest mass candle lighting in the world. Last year tens of thousands of candles were lighted in memory of children around the globe in small gatherings and in the privacy of homes. <BR/> <BR/>This year the candle lighting will be held on Sunday December 14th for one hour at 7 pm local time around the world, creating a virtual wave of light. It symbolizes that the light of these precious children will forever he held within the hearts of many. <BR/> <BR/>If you want to post a message about your own loss you can see my blog at http://graceolaobrienpang.blogspot.com OR post on Compassionate Friends website on December 14th, their web site, www.compassionatefriends.org.<BR/><BR/>Chelsea Pang<BR/>Mother of Grace Ola, born still September 17th.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16009899362772510178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-71879949049145975822008-12-09T12:51:00.000-08:002008-12-09T12:51:00.000-08:00Okay, waiting for pictures...:) Blessings to you ...Okay, waiting for pictures...:) Blessings to you guys! Merry Christmas! jen in alJen in Alhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02786796461203117329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-8309347129409120232008-12-08T11:30:00.000-08:002008-12-08T11:30:00.000-08:00Peace be with you (that's how we say, here in Braz...Peace be with you (that's how we say, here in Brazil).<BR/>I translated your video. There's someone asking the texto to a church.<BR/>But I can't speak English. Is the text somewhere so theat I can correct the one I wrote?<BR/>Today I read James 2:23.<BR/>Thank you for helping me to be a better Christian.Suzanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09373435338162961774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-59731888527102448992008-12-08T07:01:00.000-08:002008-12-08T07:01:00.000-08:00I finally made it over here to say congratulations...I finally made it over here to say congratulations on your new blessing from God! Hazel is just precious! Jayme Walker has kept me updated on you guys and although we have never met, I love you in the Lord and pray for you often!<BR/><BR/>Your post is honest and humble...it is all God's grace isn't it? Each day we endure and press on it is by God's grace...and that you can go through such trying times and still rejoice...that is God's grace in your lives for a watching world to see. I love that! <BR/><BR/>Thank you for your sweet testimony!Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06223175539772172259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-73256154354614867782008-12-07T14:09:00.000-08:002008-12-07T14:09:00.000-08:00Thanks so much for the plug Matt. I owe you... a ...Thanks so much for the plug Matt. I owe you... a few.Mother Letterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13648775190477607607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-15811056014193653912008-12-05T13:43:00.000-08:002008-12-05T13:43:00.000-08:00It's difficult for people to see you as not perfec...It's difficult for people to see you as not perfect due to the fact that you have lived the grief most parents dread. my parents lost two babies (not twins) before having myself and my younger brother. for years my parents were praised for being the best parents and they would say thank you and explain they weren't perfect and they made mistakes like everyone else. when i asked my mother about it she explained that people are quick to see perfection when parents go on after the loss of a child. god bless your family!! you are wonderful and may sleep and restroom breaks come soon for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-5359083436638987442008-12-05T13:18:00.000-08:002008-12-05T13:18:00.000-08:00Hi! I am from Brazil. I have just seen Eliot's his...Hi! I am from Brazil. I have just seen Eliot's history on Oprah. It came in the right time for me and my life. I needed this menssage to keep going, to keep moving on. I added Eliot's film on You Tube to my personal profile on Orkut. So that can be a example for others, mostly in Brazil, like it was for me. Thank you for sharing. I can see now the really meaning of carpe diem.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-60884142501177321322008-12-02T22:26:00.000-08:002008-12-02T22:26:00.000-08:00Hi,I've been holding your family in my heart for a...Hi,<BR/>I've been holding your family in my heart for about a year and a half now (and I am a huge fan of your wife's jewelery business!). I am glad you wrote this post and may participate in the letter project. Now, get back to your little girl! :-)<BR/>Love,<BR/>RandiRandihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12438063256628751685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-81420133505002141842008-12-02T21:55:00.000-08:002008-12-02T21:55:00.000-08:00I love this blog. I believe you creep into my head...I love this blog. I believe you creep into my head and steal my thoughts. Then you write them better than I ever could properly express. I recently took a picture of my living room after watching Oprah. The room was destroyed with toys. I was having one of these days you are describing now, the bad day, the shameful part is I know better you know? I have had this loss and you hold your self up to be "that" parent, "that" parent that doesn't take their kid for granted, you feel, no you "know" you will be different. HA! You try and that is the important part, because you know, you've been there, but damn, your human and its hard! <BR/> Anyway, I wanted to document that day. I had to re-evaluate my wonderful mixed up world, and to be honest, I had felt I had forgotten or let my daughter's memeory slip away and it had angered me. Anyway...My husband laughed at the pic and took it to work, and everyone he knew who had grown kids, laughed and said, "Been there done that...totally normal." That quote is how I feel about you guys. Man, I would love to meet you both and sit down to a cup of coffee. We have walked a similar path, we lost our child before birth, but of the same chromosomal disorder. I have said it before, it doesn't get any easier, just sweeter. We have two kids now and I can't look at them with out oozing love or feeling the loss of my first. I still look at my little girl and say to my self, "I could have had two of you? Wow!" Yet, there is not a day that goes by that I don't struggle to be a good parent. I mean struggle, depravation can bring you to your knees...literally. I hear you and I am here for you! No one is perfect, we all struggle. I am just amazed at your struggles so far. It is just nice to know you do exist, there are others out there and you (and I) are not alone. I said before it does get better. Hold on, after three months things start to fall into place. You feel like you can get a chance to pee or as your wife thinks now...How will I ever get a shower on my own again? We all learn, we learn to cope and keep living.<BR/><BR/>p.s. I LOVE that quote from JOB, it is going in the permanent memory bank...and I am writing a letter! Also, you are that great, you just don't feel like it now...<BR/><BR/>p.p.s. Thanks again...I was having a down week, I guess you could put it...due to family rearing their self absorbed head and feeling as though, my white picket fences were out of reach. I have been asking myself why can't I...and fill in the blanks here, the pitty pot was filling fast. I love going back and reading Ginny's random thoughts and I say who needs picket fences anyway... I am going to make my own, my way and in my own color.Elle2702https://www.blogger.com/profile/16942051870331202721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-21252934180180979082008-12-02T21:16:00.000-08:002008-12-02T21:16:00.000-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Elle2702https://www.blogger.com/profile/16942051870331202721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-33342690972153532052008-12-02T08:52:00.000-08:002008-12-02T08:52:00.000-08:00I know the feeling Matt.....I had a daughter on Oc...I know the feeling Matt.....I had a daughter on Oct 3. She keeps me up all night and I'm returning to work. I get very mad as well. But you know what.....I never sat to think and pray to God when I get those mad and angry feelings towards her. Thank you for showing me a different way to approach this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-29229068427423776382008-11-30T20:59:00.000-08:002008-11-30T20:59:00.000-08:00Just wanted to drop a note, I'm sure among thousan...Just wanted to drop a note, I'm sure among thousands of how much I appreciate your story and perspective of your son, Eliot. I have not lost a child, I have two but one of my best friends lost a premature delivered baby that lived for about 3 hours. I was there for all 3 hours of her life and it was one of the most amazing/worse moments of my life seeing my best friends child die in his hands. I can't wait to meet you and your baby Eliot in heaven. I pray God blesses you with as many children as you desire.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-31550256283242184122008-11-29T11:52:00.000-08:002008-11-29T11:52:00.000-08:00i wrote a letterthanks for the ideamelaniei wrote a letter<BR/>thanks for the idea<BR/>melanieMelaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12859620651816168803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-47276764519260569842008-11-28T19:52:00.000-08:002008-11-28T19:52:00.000-08:00I know it's hard to hear things that you may not b...I know it's hard to hear things that you may not be feeling or that you may feel you are not worthy of. We are all learning as we go. God doesn't give us the view of the future to get us through hard times. He gives us the answers we need when we need them. He gives us instructions as we can take them. I loved this post...the emotion and honesty. It's what we all feel as parents at times, but are afraid to admit.<BR/><BR/>I think that what so many people feel, and at least what I feel when I think of all you both have been through and how you have "handled" it. It is that you had the courage to ENCOURAGE others in difficult times. You took the short time you had with Eliot and made the very most of it. It reminds me to be more patient, to try harder when I am feeling frustrated (and even that anger too Matt!), to just believe that there are short comings I can over come...because I think about how very lucky I am. I think (?) that's what people are trying to say when they speak of what great parents you were to Eliot/are to Hazel, how you are good Christians, how you are to be admired in the face of struggle.<BR/><BR/>There are time when we all fail as parents, but fortunately, a wise man told me, that we all seem to turn out pretty well or people would not continue to have children!<BR/><BR/>God Bless your sweet family. I can't wait to see some more pictures of that sweet little angel of yours!Chris, Kristin, and Emilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12431231831184582552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-11388776994291277232008-11-28T16:35:00.000-08:002008-11-28T16:35:00.000-08:00I became a follower of Eliot's blog long ago when ...I became a follower of Eliot's blog long ago when I first saw his video on youtube. Then, again, I saw it on Oprah and saw that it was only a portion, so the message board that I frequent I encouraged everyone to watch the whole video.<BR/><BR/>Anyways, the reason I am leaving a posting for you is I wanted to let you know about a service called blurb.com Many people on the message board that I belong to blog about their lives and families. Some have done this for years and have many posts, etc and they are transforming their previous years of blogs into books. <BR/><BR/>I thought you may be interested in possibly transforming Eliot's blog into a book and having it to share with his sister when she gets older. These books can be made into one or many so if you only wanted to do it for yourselves or family you are able to do that, also. <BR/><BR/>You can learn more at blurb.com and I am in no way affiliated with them - just thought as precious as Eliot's blog was that you may want to turn it into a personal book for yourselves to be cherished forever!<BR/><BR/>Love and peace to you and your family at this time of the year.<BR/><BR/>AshleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-506408156404779952008-11-26T17:14:00.000-08:002008-11-26T17:14:00.000-08:00You are great and perfect, and I don't mean to eve...You are great and perfect, and I don't mean to everyone who says so or even to me. When you look at that little girl every day just know that to her you are perfect and great just the way you are, imperfections and all! That's the great thing about being a parent, even though sleeples nights cause us to get frustrated at times we know that our child still loves us. I am a mother of a nine month old baby girl and there were times when she was first born that I just wanted to set her down, walk outside and scream. Trust me all parents with a new baby go through their frustrated lack of sleep faze. Can't wait for the next update and more pictures!Karihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11640509254950400520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-21763237891823053752008-11-24T20:03:00.000-08:002008-11-24T20:03:00.000-08:00I love your honesty, Matt. It's a beautiful thing...I love your honesty, Matt. It's a beautiful thing to see people be so real. And yes, it's crazy what emotions lack of sleep will bring out in us. Seth said he saw Hazel today - "she's so tiny" he said :) Sweet sweet baby.Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13031196339428485824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-77754225096761392712008-11-24T14:26:00.000-08:002008-11-24T14:26:00.000-08:00This is wonderful and something we all can definit...This is wonderful and something we all can definitely relate to. Thank you.<BR/><BR/>StephStephanie Wilson she/her @babystephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02703122439142892617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-81954461294022237332008-11-24T13:42:00.000-08:002008-11-24T13:42:00.000-08:00YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!I am so happy to see your new blog!...YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!<BR/><BR/>I am so happy to see your new blog!LuciePhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02078306343511479597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-54960083849680480382008-11-24T10:33:00.000-08:002008-11-24T10:33:00.000-08:00Thank you for sharing and your honesty. I have bou...Thank you for sharing and your honesty. I have bounced around from several ministries and churches. I never really fell in love with a group of people or church until I came to Fellowship. Finally I found a place where people did not pretend to be perfect. People who are honest about their mistakes and sins. Finally I feel like I am in a place where I can be honest without being judged or told I am not a Christian. Thank You!ChristineWinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02982076610942320545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-68727207823539955782008-11-24T08:20:00.000-08:002008-11-24T08:20:00.000-08:00It's good to "hear" from you both. And your post ...It's good to "hear" from you both. And your post is so real...thank you for that. As other commenters have espressed - you are human and it is okay. We, too, experienced a loss prior to our 3 children. We lost our twins Devin and Elizabeth during my 5th month of pregnancy. We are not blessed with a 3 year old boy and 9 month old twin boys. <BR/><BR/>My husband and I talk all the time of how much we have to be grateful for and we are...but there are still those time where we are just mad, tired, frustrated and can't wait for bedtime to come!!! It's human and it's okay. We are all human - we all make mistakes and we all have days or moments we are just done. What Kelly (2nd post) said is so true to what I am trying to say. <BR/><BR/>Hang in there - you and Ginny are right where you need to be and doing a great job!!!Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11768340545226910759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-19944580554571150072008-11-24T07:32:00.000-08:002008-11-24T07:32:00.000-08:00Thanks for the update! will be looking forward to...Thanks for the update! will be looking forward to the pictures:) To God be the glory! Amazing that he chooses to use us to fulfill His divine purposes. i can so relate to the feelings of unworthiness. you're right. amazing grace, huh? praying you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with Hazel rejoicing over God's infinite blessings that come in all shapes and sizes:) blessings, jen in alJen in Alhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02786796461203117329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4981215402335256939.post-62077495420656945632008-11-24T05:38:00.000-08:002008-11-24T05:38:00.000-08:00There is something about being a parent that magni...There is something about being a parent that magnifies all of our short comings. We all see it when it happens in our lives. Lack of sleep is HUGE. Loving that you updated with this info and the great idea of your friend. Also looking forward to some updated pictures of Hazel Emerson. And it is so wonderful that Gods forgiveness is unending towards us. Have a wonderful week.<BR/><BR/>Laurie in Ca.Laurie in Ca.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15599832324966859946noreply@blogger.com