In the arms of Jesus

I have had such an amazing response to my recent blog postings about Gabriel and Stephanie's baby, and I want to thank you all, especially Anne and Linda, whose responses really helped me to move in the direction I wanted to move in--forward!
Brooks and I had a nice visit with the Weckessers at CDH, which looks even nicer than I remembered from when I had Jillian. Gabriel has had a cold, which explains his weaker voice recently. He showed us pictures of the baby, whom they named Josiah Blaine, which means "God heals", and "first born", and Blaine was Gabriel's given name (he changed one of his middle names to his first name before he and Stephanie married about 3 years ago.) They had a small service with some other friends from church (they would have invited us if there was room!) in the hospital room where Stephanie delivered last night. Gabriel showed us Josiah's foot prints and other stats, such as his length and weight. Josiah's body was bright red, like blood, due to his extremely premature exit, but he still looked like a complete baby, and I could even see that he was starting to look like his parents. During our visit, I did mostly listening, but before we left, I told them there was so much I wanted to say, but I was afraid I would break down crying, but Gabriel suggested I try and gave me a tissue. :) I shared how I was grieving for them, knowing it must be so hard for them, but was glad to have been praying for them and that we wanted to help. I also told them that I had comfort knowing their trust in the Lord, and that Josiah is in the best place possible--in the arms of Jesus--beside his parents' arms. Gabriel is a wonderful husband to Stephanie, and it was so clear in the way he cared for her in the hospital. Thankfully, Stephanie also got the love and care of her mom as we were leaving. She flew in from France, and her dad will hopefully be following tomorrow. They seemed to appreciate our visit and company. We will be preparing and bringing dinner to them on Friday evening, so we get to show them move love before the week is out. :) Stephanie also explained some other reasons why they had a little more peace than they would have had otherwise based on the circumstances, and I was thinking the same things, so that was very comforting to me, too, knowing that they are truly thankful for the small improvements on this tragic scenario.
Of course they still need lots of prayer, so I appreciate those who are praying for them and hope you will continue as they adjust. Gabriel's parents are coming from Colorado, too, and I would imagine that any memorial service will wait until they are all around, if possible.

On a lighter note, Elliott joined me a women's bible study tonight and got all sorts of fun attention from various friends of mine. He also cooed and aahed up a storm in the swing to me as I was working on my cross stitch for him. It was just what this mama needed to hear. :)

Also, my life-long friend, Stephanie Hopperton Perry, gave birth to a little girl named Brianna Isabel Perry today at 3:39. We are planning to visit while Jillian is at school tomorrow since I doubt she will be allowed in. I will try to remember the camera to take pictures and post some.

Well, off to bed for me before I make any more crazy typos that I have to fix!