Until We Meet Again.
I was actually excited to do my Weigh-In post this week because I lost weight. But life handed us a lemon this week. One gigantic heart-breaking lemon.
I appreciate all of your comments, love, and prayers. We thought for a brief moment that my sister-in-law would be healed. But God is all-knowing and He has another plan for Alice. She took a turn for the worse Monday night and was declared brain dead on Tuesday. She died of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, caused by an infection of Strep A. She is leaving behind her husband (my brother) and three little kids. We are all so very heartbroken. I am also in complete shock.
For awhile it felt almost like a game–some scary, dramatic game. One where you play the game for a little while but then you’re ready to be done. “Okay–it’s time for Alice to get all better and for life to go on like normal!” But it can’t. And that is a giant slap in the face. And it doesn’t seem to real to me at all. I keep waiting for everything to return to normal.
Everyone who knew Alice would say the same thing: she was an angel. An absolute angel. She was the type of person who would light up when you entered the room and shout out your name, “Heidi!” She had the biggest most beautiful smile of perfect white teeth. She had long gorgeous brown hair. She laughed at everything. She was my favorite person to give gifts to because she got absolutely giddy when she unwrapped it. She was also an extremely gifted pianist, who studied in London and got her doctorate in piano. I feel absolutely privileged to have been a part of her life. I feel now more than ever, she must have been too good for this world. She was a much better person than I.
I think I’m still in the denial stage of grief. I really just cannot believe it’s happened. Every time I remember I just think it’s not real. It can’t be. She was always so strong and healthy and happy. But now she’s gone. Losing a loved one, on top of being incredibly sad, is just strange. It’s a strange reality that feels like a bad dream.
But that being said, I know Alice is in a better place. I know she has family in heaven who greet her with open arms. I’m so grateful for that knowledge, because it makes this a little bit easier. Earth life is not the end, I truly believe. We will see her again.
I love you, Alice. Until we meet again.
*I wish I had some better pictures but this is the best I can do on short notice. The next few weeks will be pretty busy so bear with me…the blog might get a little barren.
How absolutely tragic. My heart goes out to you and your family, and especially her husband and kids. xoxo
Heidi – I’m so sorry.
So sorry for your loss!!! That is just heartbreaking!!!
So sorry Heidi and she looks like she was so full of life and energy. Sending all our thoughts and lots of hugs to all of you.
So very sorry to hear. Prayers for you and all her family and friends.
Heidi- I am so very sorry. I don’t even have words. Praying for your entire family & especially her husband & children. xoxo
Heartbreaking. You have a great eternal perspective. We’re thinking of you and her family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I recently had to post something similar on my blog, my mother passed away unexpectedly. It seems so very unreal -it’s been just two months since she passed away. I pray Heavenly Father will support and hold your family during this difficult time. Hugs to you and your family.
Heidi, I’m so, so sorry. This is so sad. I’m so sorry for you and your family. It’s such a tragedy. Thank goodness for the gospel and the knowledge of life after death. That doesn’t take away the pain or shock, but like you said, it does make things a little easier. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. 🙂
I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss. They say time heals all wounds but we all know that isn’t true. Time will merely make this less horrible. As that begins to happen, remember the good times, the good stories, and keep those memories alive for yourself and your family.
Take care.
Oh no, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine all that has happened and what you are going through. Prayers for you and your family. xoxo
Oh, Heidi! What a heartbreak! She seems like such an amazing individual! These situations are hardest for me when I think about the children that are left behind. They are blessed to have you and so many who will love them through this and beyond. My prayer is that all of you will be enveloped in the comforting peace the spirit can bring. The blog will be here when you want it to be. Take care of you and your family! *hugs*
I am so heartbroken for you, for her husband, for her children. I cannot even begin to wrap my head around this loss. Words are not enough. I am so sorry.
My sincere sympathy for this tragic loss. My prayers to your entire family, especially for your Brother and the children. May God comfort you all during this time of shock and grief. Blessings!
Heidi, I am so sorry. I’m glad you are comforted that she is with loved ones in heaven. Keeping you, your brother and his little ones, your whole family, in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful person to have known!
I’m in shock. How do these things happen??? How do they happen to young, healthy people??? I can’t imagine what your family is going through… Your brother, those poor kids. I don’t even understand. Now that I’ve had children, I feel such a connection to other moms, and reading this story just makes me feel like that could be anyone– my friend, my cousin, ME. It’s so seemingly random and senseless, but then G-d always has a plan…
Is there anything we can do for your family? I know people close by can bring meals and help with the kids, but can we do anything from our here in the “don’t live near you” part of the Internet? If there’s anything you know of that would help, please please tell us. I feel like I really need to do something for your brother and those kids.
I am so sorry to hear about Alice. She sounded like a wonderful person. The kind of person that God puts into the world to make it a better place for all the people who knew her. I will be praying for your family that God will keep you strong through the sorrow. God Bless YOu!!
So sorry to hear. about this and definitely puts things into perspective for me. I got strep in my bloodstream after childbirth with my oldest daughter. took them 3 days to find out what it was an 7 days of strong antibiotics thru IV to get it under control. My newborn even had to go thru a spinal tap to ensure she didn’t have it also. I am just heartbroken over your loss, there are just no words for how tragic this is and I pray you and your family find comfort.
Oh Heidi, I am so sorry. We’ll pray for you and your family.
We are so, so sorry Heid. What a tragedy for your whole family. I can’t image what your brother and his babies are going through this week and in the month to come. We’ll be praying for you all.
Lots of love.
Heidi,
I’m so so so sorry to read this. She sounds like an amazing person. Wow! My thoughts are with your family especially your brother and her sweet 3 kids. I’m heart-broken for them.
Just awful… such a tragedy, but you are right in that this is not the end!!! Praying for you all and especially her 3 little ones. I hope that God will give you his comfort in all of this! xoxo- Rachel
How very, very sad. A Strep A infection seems so, oh I dunno…not a big deal, I guess? I had no idea one could die from it. Very scary indeed. It’s always hard to hear of women with young children passing on now that I have my own children. Life on this Earth is not the end, I agree. We should live each day like it’s our last.
Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!! Sending lots of love and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. XOXO
Heidi, I have been praying for Alice and will continue to do so that you and your family may receive lots of strength in such a difficult time. It’s beyond belief that someone so young and healthy can just be gone in such a short time but the Plan for your life is not always what you expect nor understandable. Don’t worry about the blog. We will all be here, thinking of you and waiting till it’s time for you to return xxx
Heidi — I am SO sorry!! I am praying for your and your family. And for your brother and those sweet kids. She was beautiful and sounds like such a wonderful person. I wish I could give you a big hug or help in some way. Love you.
xoxoxooxoxoxo
Jen
My heart’s breaking for you and the family. I am so sorry. Praying for God to provide comfort in such a sad time.
This is so heart breaking! I’m so sorry for your lose and will be praying for your entire family. I hope that you do find peace in her salvation and eternal life. With much love, heather
i am so sorry you lost her. This is truly heartbreaking to read about. ut just reminds us how truly fragile life is. You can tell by her smile how she was all that you described and even more. A relationship has been put on hold but luckily you have the comfort of knowing you will be reunited again! sending love.
Oh Heidi. I am so so so very sorry for your family’s loss. She sounds like a wonderful woman, wife, mother and friend. I can only assume that your theory about her being too good for this world is correct because it doesn’t make sense any other way. I was telling my husband what happened and I said that what scared me the most is that you really don’t hear about people dying “in” childbirth or as a complication of childbirth any more, so to hear this story was a shocking reminder that we are not in charge and sometimes bad things do still happen, even to great people. I can’t express how sorry I am, especially for your brother and their 3 little kids. I will say prayers for God’s strength and guidance as he moves forward with his/their lives. So sorry. 🙁
She has a newborn. She has babies. She has a husband.
What oh what will they do. They have no mamma.
I am just in tears over this because it hits too close to home. What does your brother need? Money? Cards and love? Breastmilk – not even kidding? Oh Heidi. I’m so sorry for you all. I know there is a bigger plan too but it doesn’t take the pain of reality away. Prays on already on their way, but we’ll change what we’ve been praying for now.
there are no words for something like this… but i’m praying for peace and comfort for you and your family… may jesus be close to your heart…
I am so sorry. I know these mere words cannot do anything for the emence heartache you are feeling. Praying for God’s work, peace and healing only he can bring.
Oh no, Heidi! I’m so sorry. 🙁 I will be keeping your family in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry to hear that it didn’t work out the way you’d hoped. I think losing any loved one is odd, but losing one so young has got to be devastating. I think the pictures that I love the most of people when they’re gone are the pictures that aren’t posed or perfect. They’re the ones that showed how they loved and lived life. Her little baby will certainly appreciate these pictures when she’s older and wants to know more about her mom. Share them often and the stories that go with them. Love to you and your family!
Oh Heidi! I’m so sorry! I will be praying for your entire family. Hugs to you my friend.
Heidi- I am so incredibly sorry for your and your family’s loss. Your sister in law sounded like an amazing person. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you, her husband and children and family.
Oh Heidi! I am sooo sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. I will pray for you and your brother and those sweet babies. I wish I could give you a big hug! Love you!
I am so sorry. I wish there was more to say. My prayers are with you. I can’t even imagine. I feel such grief over this, and I don’t even know who she is. You are right, though- God has a plan. You are so strong. Your brother must be an amazing man to have loved such a wonderful woman and to have been chosen to endure such a devastating trial.
Oh Heidi honey I am so very, very sorry for your loss. 🙁 I know how hard this was for you to write because I just did something similar, so my heart totally aches for you. I do believe there’s a reason for everything that happens in this world, though sometimes it’s very difficult to figure out what that reason might be. I wish I could hug you right now. Please accept my prayers and heartfelt condolences and send them to your brother and their children as well. God Bless.
Heidi, you are in my thoughts and prayers. How tragic and what seems to be so unfair. I hope your brother and the rest of the family fairs the next several months until they can begin to heal.
Heidi, I’m so sorry. This is so sad, so heart-breaking. Alice looks so pretty in those pictures – her smile infectious, her love of life jumps out in each image. Your description of her matches those images, and I cannot stomach what I know your family is going through right now. You’re in my thoughts and prayers, as is your family and Alice’s husband and kids too. Hugs, Laura
Oh Heidi, I am so heart broken to hear this. My best friend lost her sister-in-law 4 years ago from something similiar after havinh her daughter and 7 years ago my sister-in-law passed away unexpectedly not long after my niece was born, both left behind 3 kids. I can understand the heartbreak your family is going through. What a beautiful knowledge that we get to see our loved ones again someday. Your family will be in our prayers, if there’s anything else your family needs, especially your brother, please let us know!
Your family is covered in prayer. May you find peace during this incredibly hard time. BIG HUGS!
im so sorry for you and your families loss – you will all be in my thoughts and prayers..
You and your family will be in our prayers. May you all have His infinite love surround and comfort you.
My heart aches for your family. Definitely praying.
I knew Alice. Her husband was in the BYU MBA program this year with my husband. I had the opportunity to get to know her, and ever since this tragedy, I keep thinking the same thing: She was an angel. She was the most upbeat and happy person! Seriously, she was one of those people where you think “Can they really be that good all the time?” But, she was. She really was such a great light of hope. We the MBA program and spouses would love to help with whatever they or you guys need. Food, babysitting, you name it. We feel quite helpless, and our hearts ache with you. We lost one of our own. We became a close group while struggling through the MBA program, and we are heart broken for your family. Again, please email me. We have 300 people who are longing to help with whatever would help during this time. All that comforts me is my testimony and thinking that heaven is lucky today. They got a good one. And, she and her husband and kids WILL meet again. Our prayers are with you.
I am so very sorry — your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers! xox.
My husband was in the MBA program with Kurt so we got to know them both. It really is so hard to believe this has happened. When we found out we were in tears. My heart and prayers lie with all of you. You are right, Alice is an angel. We all loved her.
I am so sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family and may you all find peace one day. Hugs!
I’m so, so sorry. I pray you and your family find peace.
So sorry for your loss Heidi. That is heartbreaking. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
I’m so sorry!! This is absolutely horrifying! I definitely did not anticipate such a tragic outcome. I’m so sorry for you, your brother, their children, your whole family. I’ll pray for healing and peace for you all.
Heidi I am so, so sorry for your family’s tragic loss. Alice sounds like a beautiful soul. Praying for you, your brother, and the sweet kiddos. Hugs and blessings!
I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish you all peace and strength to carry on for the little ones….
I love Alice. I met her two years ago when our husband both started the MBA program together. We were put in the same playgroup together. When I first met her I was intimidated–not the kind where you shrug back though. I was intimidated because I wanted to be like her. She is an angel. She is kind, talented, beautiful. The list could go on. I just took their family pictures a few months ago, in addtion to my pictures I have of her from our get togethers it is hard to come to terms that is all a memory now. My prayers are with you and your family along with little C, E , & beautiful F and Kurt.
Oh, Heidi. My heart is broken for your family, especially your brother. I’m grateful your have the knowledge and hope of eternal families and hope that that brings you comfort. I’m so very sorry.
Heidi… I’m pretty sure I don’t have words that can ease your pain… but my heart aches for you and your family’s loss. Thinking and praying for all of you.
Heidi, my heart aches for you and your brother and their children and your whole family. Sometimes it seems so hard to make sense out of tragedy. She sounds like a wonderful woman. What a sweet tribute you gave her. May we all end our lives having lived as sweetly as Alice. You will all be in my prayers.
Oh my goodness…I am so sorry. I have been thinking and praying for her since you last posted. I am so so sorry…I dont know what else to say. My heart breaks for your family and your brother and her children.
Heidi,
I was praying when I read your first post that Alice would pull through. I am so very sorry to read today that was not the case. May everyone’s prayers be with you and your family.
Heidi there are no words for what you and your family are going through. My husband and I have been praying since you first let us know. My heart breaks for all of you and so close to Mother’s day. God does things in His own way not ours. Your brother needs your love and lots of hugs. And we all give you hugs… We will continue to pray for all of you. God’s blessings.
I’m so, so sorry for the loss of your sister in law. She sounded like an amazing woman!
I will say a prayer for you and your brother that you will find healing and peace.
Hugs and God’s Blessings,
My heart goes out to you and your family! The loss of a loved one is the hardest thing to deal with in this world… Prayers and happy thoughts sent your way.
Heidi,
I have been reading your blog for a while now, but never posted a comment until today. God is mercy and love, and I am sure that right now He is holding you and your entire family in the palm of His hand. Trust Him and He will carry over your pain. Your family is in my prayers. So sorry for your loss.
I just stumbled across your blog, and I’m so terribly sad to read this story. I have a new baby, and it saddens me so much to imagine any child growing up without ever knowing their mother. I’ll be praying your your family and those babies… I’m so sorry.
Oh Heidi! I am so so sorry. I know that there is nothing that anyone can do or say at this point that will make it feel better but I know just as yo do that this life is a small moment in eternity and how wonderful it will be when everyone is together again! Love you and praying for your family!!
I’m so incredibly sorry for your tragic loss. I’m certain she brought beauty to everyone’s life in more ways than one. Will pray for her and your family.
Donna
So sad for you, and for the little family Alice left behind. This is just so tragic. How heartbreaking. I will be keeping you and your brother & his kids in my prayers!
Heidi I’m sooo incredibly sorry! I know there is nothing that can be said to make things better but please know you and your family are in my prayers and I hope you can all be surrounded with peace.
Oh Heidi, I am so sorry! I too prayed for physical healing. I cannot even fathom the loss that your family, especially your brother and their children, are feeling right now.
I will tell you that our neighbors daughter married a man with three very small children who’s wife also passed unexpectedly and their family has been blessed beyond measure by this wonderful man and his children.
I will continue to pray for your family.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Please share condolences with her husband and kids that might understand. I don’t remember ages, except they’re young. God does have a bigger plan than we mortals can imagine. Cling to that knowledge and you go through your grieving. Read Romans 8:28 until it becomes a natural part of your thought process, if you haven’t done so already. Remember how much He loves you. And so do I, sister in Christ.
I have been praying for her and your family and was thinking all week about her and wondering how she was. My heart goes out to all of you and I will continue to pray. She will live on through your happy memories with her and in her children’s smiles. God Bless.
I’m so sorry Heidi, my heart is breaking for all of you for this loss. Please know that your brother and his sweet little family will continue to be in my prayers.
So, so sorry to hear this sad news. Such a huge loss for you and your entire family. I will be praying that all of you, especially your brother, will be able to find peace and comfort through this. Wish I could give you a hug, but a prayer will have to do. Hang in there.
i am very sorry for your loss!
Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry for this loss to you and your family. No words will help, so here’s a big (((HUG)))
I am so sorry for your loss. A few months ago, we lost someone way too soon also. After months, I still feel the way you do today. Not the heart aching grief, but the disbelief. I think perhaps it is because he had so very much life in him it is impossible to imagine him gone. In that way, he will never be gone. He will always be alive and laughing and playing his guitar.
I wish you and yours peace.
Oh Heidi I’m so sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you and your family.
My heart breaks for you and your family. I am so sorry to heart of Alice’s passing. There are no words, but sending you and your family hugs and prayers during this very difficult time.
Heidi~ Words can not express my most sincere sympathy to you brother, her babies, you, and your family. I will pray for you all. I know you are in denial & then you will be angry. It will be probably one of the most difficult things you will ever have to deal with…but God will guide you through. Don’t lose your faith. I had a similar scenario and I lost my faith & it made it much harder. Take each day on its own & do the best you can. There won’t ever be a day you won’t miss her but the tears will lessen and the smiles will become easier. Again, my most sincere sympathy. May God bless her family (and yours too) and keep you close during your time of great need.
This is something that we used and helped us through:
“I’ll send 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-one or three, but will you, till 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 memory as solace of your grief.”
“I cannot promise you that 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 crowd life’s lanes, I have selected you.”
“Now will you give her all your love, not think the labor vain, nor hate me when I came to call, to take her back again?” I fancied that I heard them say, “Dear Lord, Thy will be done” for all the joys this 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 far sooner than we planned, we will brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
Beautiful!
Hi Heidi,
You don’t know me but I was a friend of Alice’s from BYU’s MBA Program and the President of the MBA Spouses Association this last year. My husband knows Kurt of coarse from the program too. Holly Smith sent me a link to your blog posts and I was really touched by them. I just wanted to say that I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I have been amazed by our group pulling together and all the love and concern that EVERYONE in the Class of 2012, 2013, and even 2011 feel for Kurt and the kids and all of you. Thank you for sharing your feelings and testimony on your blog. Know that there are literally hundreds of people praying and fasting for your family and for Kurt, and we all love them and Alice too! Sincerely, Rebecca Walsman
Dear Heidi,
Erin shared you post with me. Your Mom had also emailed me. I still can hardly believe it. Lance and I just fell in love with Alice when she attended our YSA Sunday school class with Kurt when they were dating. It was such a joy to have them both in class. They were such enthusiastic and well studied contributors.
We last saw them on Halloween when they brought the boys over to say “hi” and trick-or-treat. It was such a special gift to us that they took the time to stop by and introduce the little guys to us. I’m so glad to have that memory-Alice and Kurt both sharing their warm, happy smiles and hearts and children with us.
May the Lord comfort you all during this most difficult trial is our prayer.
Love,
Terry and Lance Robert xo
We send you, Kurt and your family our deepest condolences. Please give Kurt our love.
We will keep you all in our prayers.
I just wanted to stop and say how sad I am for your family. Losing someone unexpectedly is the most surreal, strange, horrible thing. I lost my brother two weeks ago in a car accident. He died instantly. I think I’m okay one day, and then I just start crying out of the blue. Everything you said about grief is so true, and it is comforting to read you feel the same. Your words made me feel normal in my grieving. I am so sorry you all have to go through this. It seems God needed some musical angels in heaven (my brother was also a musician). I’ll pray for your sweet family.
So sorry to hear this Heidi. My heart is broken for you and I’m praying that you all will find comfort from the Holy Spirit as you journey through this difficult season. hugs
Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry.
Words can not express how I feel..I am soooo sorry for your loss!! God must have needed a wonderful Angel..and yes you will see her again!! God give you and your family the strength and guidance you will need while grieving!! I will keep in my prayers!!
May God bless and guide you and your family, today and everyday.
God be with you, your brother, children and families! Our prayers are for peace, strength and faith to sustain
and see you through. I am enclosing a small financial gift for expenses. May you see God’s face and love
in those of us who care and want to help.
My heart aches with this news. May you find comfort in your loving memories of Alice. Sending my love, prayers and sincerest condolences to you and your family.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine what it must be like. My brother lost his wife several years ago – she too was very young – their marriage was one that was made in Heaven. Yes, Alice is in a better place, and she is with family that has proceded her in death – and YES, you will most definitely see her again.
My thoughts, and prayers are with you, and your family!!!
Susan
My prayers are with you and your family and especially your brother. I was widowed last year in my 20s so I understand the hell he is going through. I sent you some online resources for him via email that I have found very helpful. I am so very sorry.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I wish I could do more than just offer prayers…I will be praying that the Lord will help you all through this terrible time..
Heidi – I am sorry for your loss. I too lost my sister-in-law about 10 years ago and I still miss her. I know at this moment you are lost and hurt. It’s good that you have faith you will see her again. Keep strong in that faith and your pain will ease. It will always hurt, but it will ease. Please stay strong for your brother and his children. They will need you more than you will ever know!! My brother has 2 kids that lost their mother. I’m so sorry this happened right before Mother’s Day! Try to find peace. God Bless you all during this hard time.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. God Bless you all.
I’m so sorry, Heidi, how heartbreaking. Praying for you and the family…
Oh Heidi,
My heart is breaking for you and your family. I am sooo very sorry for your tragic loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you dredge through this heart wrenching time.
Oh, Heidi I am so very sorry. The loss of a loved one is never easy to bear but I pray that your brother, his little ones and your family will be able to feel Heavenly Father’s comforting arms around you. Knowing that we will be united with those we love who have already crossed the veil really helps us to grief in such a peaceful way. My deepest sympathies
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
I am truly so sorry for your loss. I am feeling so deeply for your brother and their children. I am hoping for a bright healthy life for all of them, and you, until you all get to see her again.
So sorry to hear this Heidi. My prayers and thoughts are for you and all your family.
Dear Heidi, I am so sad for your family’s loss. Jesus is sovreign, even in the depths of your despair. He is the Prince of Peace. We can’t understand all these things, but someday we shall know and see everything fully and will see God’s greatness and purpose in it. Praying for strength and grace for all of you.
Oh my I am so very, very sorry to hear this. She is absolutely beautiful and sounds like such a wonderful person. What a fantastic legacy she has left behind for her kids and everyone who knew her. We’ve had a close relative die much too young this year and leave behind 2 young kids. It’s horrible and hard and, yes, it seems surreal. I truly cannot even imagine this happening to someone so close to you. I’m very, very sorry and will keep all of you in my prayers. One of the most comforting hymns to me is “It Is Well With My Soul”. The story behind it is amazing and it just brings a calm over me.
Heidi, I am so sorry for your loss.
So very sorry to hear. My prayers and thoughts are for you and all her family and friends.
Oh this is so heartbreaking. I am so sorry for your loss. I live in Gilbert, so if you need anything. please let me know.
The Pratt family sends their love and prayers to you. We know your grief, your loss, your great sorrow and we weep with you. Knowing she is your guardian angel now and your lives will one day be together, will help you cope and heal. Time is a great healer. Your children will live through her. It is a great shock, but life has a law of compensation for one loss there are blessings too. cherish the blessings.
Love Ruth M. Pratt (Jared’s mom)
Prayers for all of you!! I can’t imagine the pain, sadness & grief. I am so glad that God is comforting you during this time. Only HE can!! Thank you so much for sharing her story with us. She sounds like a wonderful person!! Again, my prayers are with you.
Niki
Only just heard about Alice’s passing today through Pretty Handy Girls blog. I know words cannot comfort you at this time, but please accept my prayers on behalf of your entire family during this horrible time. I pray you will be filled with peace and that your grief will end sooner than you can imagine. May God bless you all.
Hi Heidi – I stumbled upon your blog somehow this morning and have been caught up reading about your sweet sister-in-law’s recent struggle and passing. In light of Mother’s Day approaching, it has caused me serious reflection about my own role as a mother and my heart is aching for your brother and his three little children. Thanks for sharing their experience here – and for providing ways to help them. Even though I don’t know you or your brother and his family, my prayers are truly with them and I pray the Lord will bless them with peace during such a hard time. Many prayers for you and the rest of your family, too. Hang in there!
So sorry for your lost. look to the Lord for your strenght, he will give you peace. Always remember the good times, you will see your love ones again.
Although we have never met I have enjoyed Honeybear lane and all that it offers. I cant imagine the pain
her family is going through.
May you all be covered with a blanket of Grace and hope in these coming months.
My heart is breaking for you and your family. God bless you all during this tragedy. I’m praying for you all with all my heart that God will guide you and help you heal. Praise Him you have her children to carry on her legacy. He will provide for your brother and the children. There’s always a plan we just rarely know how it will end up.
I saw the link to your story on Craft Gossip. I had to come and read about it. My heart goes out to you and your family. The loss of a loved one is such a difficult thing and even more so when they are young and so is their family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hi Heidi, I don’t know you and I’m not a regular follower of your blog, but I heard about Alice from Amanda’s Cooking and I just had to comment on how very sorry I am for your loss and your brother’s loss. What a sweet, talented and accomplished woman Alice was. My heart has been touched by her story. I am certain I will think of her every Mother’s Day. I wish your family peace during this difficult time.
I am like many here, I just happened across your story and felt such sadness. We are many faces here, from many different places, but the one thing I noticed in common is the power of prayer and love being shared. I pray you are strengthened and comforted by all of these beautiful words shared, and Katie G’s words are words I will remember. I’ve always said our children are on loan to us, but when we lose one, the pain must be so intense. Heidi, may God richly bless you and use you to be a comfort to your brother, and a true witness of His amazing love and grace. His ways are not always our, and we can easily question why, but I’m sure you already know that He is with you all, and feels your sorrow.
Heidi, Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. I am sorry for your loss and I pray for you and your family. Your post inspired me!
Sorry for your family’s loss. Prayers to lift you up at this time .
From one Heidi to another….I am so sorry that this happened to your family. We never know when our time will come. Prayers for your entire family and especially your brother and his babies as they embark upon a whole new world.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, you and your family are in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. It’s a shame to see a life lost so suddenly, but her spirit will live on, and she’s within her beautiful children.
I’ll be thinking of your family, and I know you will be strong for your brother and your nieces and nephews
So So sorry for you and the rest of your family’s loss. I have been following a blog for the past 4 years that your brother (and rest of the family) may find some comfort in. Matt Logelin lost his wife right after their first child was born and he has been blogging about his loss, raising a child, and his healing process. http://www.mattlogelin.com/if-you-havent-been-here-before/
Dear Heidi,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Looking at your pictures of Alice, it’s impossible not to see what a warm person she was, and I know you cherished her.
My son was born 10 weeks premature and I had complications from the cesarean. I very nearly died. Actually, I did die. Twice. If I had not had a c-section, I wouldn’t have had the complications, but it is very likely that my son wouldn’t have made it. As the doctors were frantically working on me, I remember thinking with absolute clarity that my death was a very small price to pay if my child could be alive and healthy. And I knew that my loving family would take excellent care of him. And it was okay.
I know it isn’t much consolation to offer, but I’m sure Alice would have been happy to know that she was leaving her children in the wonderful circle of love your family has created.
All love,
Aleigh
Although i have frequent spats with my mother i know that life would not be the same without her…Sorry that Alice’s kids wont look into her face for her bright smile but i do know that with an aunt like you, the kids wont be unloved. Lots of hugs and smiles for your family.
Even though I’m a stanger to you and your family, I can honestly say my heart breaks and I read this. Prayers from Michigan.
Heartbroken for all of you and asking for friends to cover your family in prayers. I am so very sorry for your tragic loss. donna
I am so sorry for your loss, and the entire family. I will be praying for peace, and comfort. Grief is a hard and terrible thing to endure especially when you don’t understand how a precious mother, wife sister, etc can be taken away to soon. Be strong.
I came across your blog through Pinterest and your post about Alice caught my attention. I am so very sorry for the loss of this very young, beautiful, talented and inspiring woman. She was only one year older than my oldest child. My heart sank when I read that Strep was the cause of her death. That cruel illness has touched my life twice. My newborn daughter died from Group B Strep, a “couisin” to Strep A. Shortly afterward, Strep A took the life of my two year old nephew. My prayers are with your entire family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I live in Maine and friends of my parents went through a very similar tragedy a few years ago. Their daughter-in-law also died from toxic shock syndrome. She left behind her husband and three children. I am wondering if these grandparents may be of support to your family. If you think it may help, please email me.
Chris
writethecricket@hotmail.com
My God bless you with whatever it is your family needs most at this unimaginably tragic time.
I am truly sorry for your loss and understand what you are going through. My 29 yr old son committed suicide and left 2 lttle girls behind ages 5 and 3. I will pray for your brother and his little angels. Please know God is in control even when we don’t understand His ways.His ways are much higher than ours.
Hello Heidi,
I came here via Pinterest (which my niece inspired me to join). Therefore it is her energy that kicked off my being HERE today! I LOVE the Halloween Cheesecake Treats you posted and that is how I became aware of your loss. I clicked on the photo of Alice that you honor on your page. Loss of something in your life takes a full cycle of seasons to begin healing. Before the Holidays arrive and things get too challenging…. I am here to recommend a Book:
“Transcending loss” by Ashley Davis Prend.
My husband had previously been married, but then divorced. He married again, but she turned out to be a “roommate/good friend – rebound relationship” Then, he found the woman of his dreams. She lit him up and when he speaks of her, he still lights up! They met and moved in together early on and after 6 months, he married her. 10 days later she was shot by her ex-husband who then shot himself (in front of their children).
Sadness enveloped my husband, but he says now that he wouldn’t take any of it back because it made him who he is and he is stronger for having survived the ordeal. Read the book. I hope it helps.
Love and hugs and blessings and laughter to you all… May Alice’s Memory Live Forever in your hearts as she touches each of you now from her Heavenly perch. You may have lost her physical presence, but she is still here with you always. Laughing and loving and watching…. Angels never leave, they just sometimes become invisible, but they are always there!!
“TRANSCENDING LOSS” by Ashley Davis Prend… She also has a FB page!
Thank you so much for stopping by to share your comment and thoughts. much love to you. -Heidi
Hello,
I know many months have passed since you lost your precious sister in law. I hope the pain has lessened. Such a tragic event, and she was far to young. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
It sounds like she was an angel on earth and needed to go back to heaven to continue.
The first year is the hardest after you lose someone you love, however now is the time to remember and honour her in everything you do. Perhaps her memories will inspire you and your family. From your story she sounds like a wonderful human being whose life is an inspiration, an inspiration and guideline for many of your readers to live by.
God bless you and your family
She was the best. Thanks for your thoughts Sonja.
Hi Heidi! I was reading your blog and noticed the picture of the couple and two kids.Then I saw the dates under the picture. I decided to click on their picture and find out what happened. I am devastated in my own way. I am tearing up and tears are falling down my face. I lost my brother and mother. They weren’t supposed to die, either. It was tragic. These holidays will be rough for them, and for you. The first year is from hell. Will it get easier? Maybe 15 years from now. Always figure that it will take at least half of the time you have known her to just process things. But, you’ll still miss her. That’s why we need Jesus. For His comfort. For His arms to hold us up. I know you are devastated. You loss and your brother’s loss, plus the kid’s loss, too, is just too much. There will be such raw times of pain. I know what you will feel. I have been there. Honey, all I can do is keep you in prayer. I’ll check back and stay in touch. Never met you, but because of Jesus, I love you. He won’t forsake you. You will enter a new experience with Him that will draw you closer to Him.
Thanks Annette. I’m so sorry for your own loss…it’s such a hard thing to go through, I can’t imagine your pain. Hugs to you.