Rocky, you wanted a picture of me and one of Cristine…well, this is as close as you’ll get to one of me. I had to “document” the journey through the woods, not to “grandmother’s”, but in search of an actual run! As far as a photo of our dear friend, Cristine…well, that just wouldn’t be nice. You see, it would be of the back of her head in the toilet because Cristine could not join us, she caught the flu the night before and insisted we go on without her! We missed her, but, we’re still holding out that a bunch of us can get a house in Mexico and warm up in the sun for a few days…cha, cha, cha!
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36 Responses
Wow, it seems like you are having a great time.
I was just really suprised that you are talking about Mexico (cha cha cha) already.
I have not gone through what you have been through and maybe i just dont understand.
I just think that if i lost my baby that i would not be in a mood to be vacationing.
Geez, Adrienne. I’m so sorry that people write stuff like that on your blog. I know you don’t care what others think of you, but that’s just plain not nice. I assume that you’ll delete that and you’re welcome to delete mine too. But know that my prayer is that you can get that trip in Mexico — that would be wonderful!
Debbie W.
Are you kidding me!!!????
You deserve to do with your life whatever it is you choose. You went through something none of us should ever have to even THINK about much less live through. I applaud you for going away and being able to cleanse and clear your head. There is no reason why you should be sitting home and crying. You NEED to LIVE, you have Emily and a husband. You live in your own private agony that none us can even fathom. I am sorry as well that people choose to use your blog as their way to spread hate!
Adrienne,
Please don’t let negative, cynical people discourage you from posting your thoughts & plans…. we LOVE to hear them! (the plans, not the mean people)
I look fwd to every entry you post & pray that you never end this blog — it has become a MINISTRY to me!
We all STILL have a lot to learn, don’t we?
All I can think about these days is going to Mexico. We had an ice storm Tuesday night and I had to chip an inch of ice off my windshield to get Jackson to school. Unfortunately, we got there and school was closed. Duh. Jackson and I went to Panera and ended up meeting the mayor. Jackson said, “If he’s the mayor, what am I?” He didn’t think “citizen” was very exciting.
Anyway, count me in for a trip to Mexico!!
Gorgeous picture!~!!!!~ I saved it for a screensaver – thanks Adrienne – you are definitely spreading “the word” – you are in my prayers each day!!
I think it’s great you are getting out and doing fun stuff! I’m shocked that someone would think that’s wrong. Good for you for “celebrating Noah’s life” and knowing he is in a wonderful place. You definitley have your priorities right. You are an amazing person. I hope you have a blast in Mexico! I’m sure Noah is up there giggling at all the fun stuff he is watching you guys do!!!! 🙂
Dear anonymous
Open your heart. Losing a baby is
heartbreaking…totally heartbreaking and there is not a
second that we don’t ache for that baby back in our earthly lives.
Because our God gives us His word and His promise of MORE to this life…..we can trust in Him and
believe in Him…especially through times that make us ache.
I have never in my life understood someones heart as much as I understand Adrienne’s…perhaps
because of the loss of my baby son too. Yet, even if you haven’t had s loss, or don’t know compassion….you
must open your heart…and please
please think before you say something like you said. We NEVER
get over the loss of our children..
but because we have our God and
there is hope we one day at a time
get through what we need to ….
with the love and mercy of God.
He knows what tomm brings and
because He loves us….
we can still keep om keepin on.
That includes a WELL DESERVED
vacation. I don’t know anyone
who would deserve one more than
a family that just had a loss of
their precious baby.
Please open your heart and be tender. God Bless
Lynda Bishop
Keep your eyes on your Father who LOVES YOU BEYOND BELEIF. He knows you and knows what you need. You are his daughter and He can’t wait to pour His blessing on you. He is watching you now and knows every thought and intention. That’s all that matters. Thank you for putting your heart out there and being honest. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. I am still praying for your sweet little family.
Sheri
I think the comments made by anonymous regarding her suprise about Adrienne’s desire to go to Mexico were very real for her…I didn’t hear any judgement in her words..just the thoughts of what she feels she might want or not want if she had a loss like Adrienn’s. No one knows what it is like for Adrienne or any mother who looses a baby. Grief is different for everyone. I wouldn’t want to vacation if my boy died..I think I would have a hard enough time getting out of bed..Will I be judged in the blog as well?
Open hearts and minds everyone..
Julie
To that anonymous person who is so free with the negativity but not so free with his/her identity (and to Julie as well)–
For months this family did nothing but focus all their energies on their sweet little boy in the confines of a hospital. If they want to go out to the mountains or Mexico or wherever they choose, who are we to have an opinion on that? By the way, they’re not posting their activities in an effort to get our approval. And it’s bull to say that making those comments are not judgmental things to do. That’s completely what you’re doing…judging their actions and saying that you would behave differently. And, yes, I am judging you (if that’s what you call standing up to bullies on behalf of friends); at least I’m honest enough to admit it.
Sorry, Adrienne and Jason, but I had to say it.
Sara K.
Julie & Anonymous,
Everyone IS entitled to their own opinion… but they need to keep it to themselves.
Apparently not everyone’s mother taught them, “If you don’t have something nice to say…”
Amy
I know a lot has been said on this topic, but I just wanted to add that just because Adrienne blogs about doing something nice for herself and her family, does not mean that she has forgotten and moved on from Noah. Good for them for recognizing that they need a break. Shame on the anonymous poster for making such a harsh judgement about them. Walk a mile in Adrienne’s shoes, I dare you!
your not getting what I said..People can have different opinions on what they may or may not want to do..That doesn’t mean they are judging. Do you judge everyone who has a different opinion then yourself?
Listen..let’s all move on. I think Adrienne would get it and really..that’s all that matters..
Let’s end it..
Have a blessed day..
Julie & anonymous:
Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however this is the not the platform to do so.
Adrienne is kind enough to share this journey with all of us. I believe the comments that we add are for support, encouragement and to let Adrienne know what her family is teaching us. My life has changed since I started reading about Noah’s journey. I hope yours has too. If Adrienne grieves in a different way than you or I might, is this realy the place to pass judgment??!!!!
Dear Anonymous:
My first reaction was- this blog is not mandatory, if you do not like the message quit reading (and commenting!). But, after further reflection I thought- wait, please keep reading because you are a person that can clearly benefit from the wise words of Adrienne, and the sweet life of Noah. Your post reflects a profound lack of understanding and nativity of what it means to be a mother, what it means to be a wife, what it means to lose a child, and what it means to have faith. So please, keep reading. Open your heart to empathy, understanding and faith; and learn. Noah and Adrienne are here to teach you.
Laura
What in wide world is going on here?
Adrienne, I hope that you have a restful and fun time.It’s a good thing that you aren’t easily offended. I bet you never imagined this much discussion would occur between bloggers on such a posting!
About the previous post, this hit home for me, I was just asking my husband, why do we expect that our lives should be easy…why? We join Jesus in his suffering, right? His life was no cake walk! Thanks for the reminder!
cha,cha,cha,
Chrissy
I love, love, love this family. They have changed my views on death and it’s darkness. I don’t want Adrienne to read what anonymous or Julie said…I feel the need to protect her from these people. How hurtful. Both of you should be ashamed. I read this blog everyday to gain inspiration and hope. Just like Adrienne said in a post not so long ago (to the old lady), what people say in written word gets misconstrued often and taken the wrong way. I hope she is not hurt by your words. She has been through enough already. Most of the readers of this blog come here not because Adrienne laid down and gave up when God put her greatest challenge before her. It is because of her strength and true understanding of His will that we all come here to read. I for one have never felt so close to God as I have the past few months while (although be it virtually) walking beside this family through their toughest times. So, you would get defeated and give up if you lost a baby, that is YOU. I doubt any of us would find your insight into any challenge hardly worth reading. I know that it is tough to lose someone close. I know what it is like to lay down and give up. I now also know that there is a greater plan for all of it which no man can judge, which no man could ever fathom. So to anonymous (and Julie) until you actually think about what you are saying, just don’t say anything. We all come here to gain comfort from a family that is an INSPIRATION to us ALL!!! They truly get the purpose of Noah’s sweet life and their own lives. They have reached so many in need. God has put them here for a much higher purpose. They are doing His will everyday. We don’t need anyone’s judgement here. We don’t need any hurtful comments. I for one am also praying that a change from the everyday would help to heal this family. I truly am sorry if I am out of line here, but I feel very strongly about this. God Bless you Grave’s Family. I love you all. Thank you for all you have done in my life, even if you didn’t know you did it.
Adrienne,
After seeing the photo and your comments, and then clicked on the link to post… I have to agree with the following comments from the first 3 posts… “Wow”, “Geez”, and “Are you kidding me”… for various reasons… now I’ll go back to what I was going to post…
It was awesome to see your sense of humor surfacing… it’s a great testimony to the opening of the Book of James.
I know you have a full range of emotions to cycle through many times in the coming days, weeks, months and years… thanks for continuing to share. I hope you can continue to enjoy time away, and the snow, the beach, and all the little blessings of life.
David
Adrienne my comment is in response to your post yesterday, amidst your skiing.
You were apparently listening to God when you posted… your reference to Proverbs was right on for me that day. I was at a loss of the trust (faith) I know I have to depend on as a believer.
Usually, I sit & read your posts, crying & falling more in love with Noah. But yesterday, your words encouraged more than just my mothering.
We’re at a crossroads with my job & I was at one of those dark parts of the path, where I teeter on not putting my 100% in God.
Your words were a big fat reminder of how I should (or shouldn’t!) think.
So God bless you Adrienne and thank you for obeying God!
… and I’ll just add..”John 10:10″ … to my previous post…
David
Noah would want his parents and sister to take a vacation and honor him in their own way. The peace that he feels will give you peace for the rest of your lives. Noah doesn’t want his family to be depressed or sad.
Thank you for sharing your story, I have been through something very similar.
Adrienne,
I don’t know you, but I have read your Blog through your long journey. I can’t imagine anyone leaving such a cold comment and If anyone deserves a vacation it is you…Actually take as many as you want! People should really think before they write….God bless you and you’re beautiful family.
How interesting that both Julie and “anonymous” spelled the word surprise incorrectly….mmmmmm. I think we might be on to something here. Maybe the first post isn’t so “anonymous” after all.
Adrienne,
The snow looks so beautiful and Jason and Emily look like they were having a good time. We go to Denver every year to visit family in Brighton but never when there is snow. I live in Houston so we do not get any. But it is always beautiful in the mountains no matter what time of year.
Thank you for allowing us into your life. Your strength and relationship with God is so inspiring. Your words continue to work daily in my life.
Thank you again,
Sheri from Texas(since there is another Sheri on here)
Adrienne,
I can not believe someone would write something so harsh. Do they not even know what you are going through. Go to Mexico and have a great time! And while you are there could send some sun and warmth to South Dakota?!!? Have a great time and my thoughts are prayers are with you.
A mom from South Dakota.
It makes me very sad, that even on this wonderful post that Adrienne and Jason have shared their tremendously difficult journey with all of us that Satan has forced his way even here. I am not going to comment any further on “the” comment, just to say that I was thinking of you all today, and proud that you are honoring Noah by continuing on with your lives here…until you see each other again!
-Jessica Wilson
I think we are losing focus here…satan is creeping into this beautiful work of love and healing.(with a little “s”, Adrienne…I know you aprove).
Thank you Adrienne for sharing your heart. As a Neonatal ICU nurse, I have stood with many families who lift their Precious Ones back into the arms of Jesus. Every family is different. Some laugh, some cry, some wail, some celebrate….very unique to the family. However, I can tell you that everyone is entitled to do whatever they need to handle this incredible journey of grief. I suppose I can say to those who have decided to be hurtful; “Judge Not Lest Ye be Judged.” It appears that you have NEVER stood in Adrienne’s shoes….Bless You, Adrienne and your sweet family. Enjoy your family vacation! Watch those slopes….I am heading out tomorrow and can’t wait! I think we all need a little cha cha cha in our lives!! 🙂
Hugs to you,
Jennifer
I am at a loss for words, “almost.” I cannot believe that someone would actually post something so ugly and negative on your blog Adrienne and I am so hurt after all you and your family have been through that obviously someone feels you should grieve even more as if you’re not already! I know as a mother, yes, it’s hard to imagine after losing your child that you would even be able to crawl out of bed or function for that matter and I am quite sure that Adrienne is struggling with the exact same feelings daily. In small bits and pieces she explains those feelings of complete defeat but at the same time is trying to overcome what satan would wish on all of us, to give up and quit on everything and everyone. I only want the best for this family and if taking a vacation will help in some small way just for a minute, a day, a week, then I say go for it. Obviously reality is always here and waiting and the pain of that is paralyzing I’m sure. I couldn’t imagine. Thank God Adrienne’s faith is as strong as what it is because some families would be completely torn apart by such a tragedy.
Adrienne, we love you and support you 100% no matter how many vacations you take! hehehe
Love,
Paula and Family
Oh Adrienne,
I don’t know if people are expecting you to sit in a corner in a dark room and cry for the next 6 months… but maybe they need to realize that maybe, just maybe you grieved Noah’s passing before you even took him off of life support?
You grieved for so long already and still will grieve. Just because you got away from the house and spent time with your family, your not grieving? Not in pain? Not heartbroken?
NO one at all knows what it is like to be in your shoes but yourself. No post that I or anyone else could make would be right on because we are not you. This includes the negative posts.
So please know that there may be negative but there are plenty more arms reaching out for you in comfort and understanding to the best of our abilities. We thank you for sharing yourself, your family and especially your beloved son Noah.
P.S. I hope you do many more travels because as you previously said..
“Jason and I will have Noah cremated after the service on Monday and wherever God leads us as a family on this beautiful earth, we will leave a little bit of Noah there…
“
Letting grief take hold won’t let you do that, so keep doing just as you are. Every step you make will be blessed. Cha Cha Chas and all!
Love,
Mandy77
Adrienne,
There are so many opinions and so many perspectives….no one can truly know what you are going through. I lost my father to suicide a couple of years ago and didn’t know what to do with myself for a number of months after (and sometimes still don’t). I am encouraged by your continuous sharing of what you are going through. It makes me feel like I am not alone with my feelings of loss. Although I have no idea what it feels like to lose a child, I do know what it feels like to suddenly loose a parent….and to tell you the truth, it feels different every single day and sometimes even changes minute to minute.
About the vacation…..I hope you do get to take that vacation and I hope and pray that you enjoy yourself tremendously.
God Bless! Carol
I pray your time in Mexico is full of laughter and sunshine – I hope it offers a bit of refreshing and joy… I pray it brings hope and healing. I pray it is a new corner to turn and a time of dreams for the days ahead.
Heidi Jo W
We vacationed only two weeks after burying our son, Gus. I can’t begin to tell you how refreshing it was to go the beach and “talk to God”…Grief is so personal and each person processes it differently. Thanks for continuing to share with us…
Adrienne,
I found your blog today, I don’t even know how I clicked through to find it. But I read the whole thing. You are an amazing woman, an amazing daughter of God whose faith is so real, raw and inspiring. I can’t imagine the range of emotions that you go through in a day, I assume your thoughts that you write are a snippet of the thoughts in your head. Thank you for sharing your story, your thoughts, and your emotions with the internet to be criticized and encouraged. I love to read your thoughts on Jesus, you are inspiring me to draw closer, dig deeper, live more fully in my life with Christ. Thank you. I will continue to read about your life and your thoughts. I pray that you continue to inspire.
Kristin
Why don’t we cheer Adrienne on for wanting to go to Mexico to spread the word! I know it’s a vacation, but she never takes a vacation from loving God, or spreading his word. Think of the other lives that might be changed in Mexico when Adrienne has a ‘random converstation’ with a stranger and brings them to her blog, her journey, her faith.
I have been reading your blog for several weeks and have not posted….But feel compelled to post tonight. This Family sat in the hospital for over 5 months with their precious baby who slipped away day by day. Until you have watched a loved one suffer…you do not know what you would do. My Dad was so sick for months. The last 4 days of his journey were unbearable for us as a family. Four days of heart rate over 160 bpm and a raging fever of 107. I understand what this family went through. We stood by my Dad’s bed and prayed for God to take him HOME. And when that last precious breath left his body…we wept with gratitude that his suffering was over. We had done our grieving in the days and weeks before his death…So don’t judge anyone until you have stood in their place. God Bless this wonderful family, who loved their baby enough to let him go to God and end his suffering.