And so... He's Gone Ashleigh Baker

And so… He’s Gone

See you in thirteen months, my Beloved…

By Ashleigh | Published on: January 17th, 2008 | 80 Comments | Categories: Heart & Home

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This entry has 80 comments

On January 17, 2008
Debbie wrote:

Your family is in my prayers!

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On January 17, 2008
Happymama wrote:

((((Ashleigh)))) Sweetheart, my prayers are with you and your little boys and your precious husband.

“Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

~Kristi

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On January 17, 2008
Chantel Harding wrote:

Even though we’re thousand and more miles apart, I’m there with you in my heart. Love you so much, dearie….

::hugs::

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On January 17, 2008
Elizabeth in Alaska wrote:

Godspeed… you are all ever in my prayers. ::hugs::

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On January 17, 2008
Shari's Page....... wrote:

Ashleigh–you are in my prayers, honey. Here with just one state above in Oregon.

Shari

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On January 17, 2008
Megan wrote:

Ashleigh, I’m praying for you. Hugs

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On January 17, 2008
Tammy L wrote:

I’ve been praying for you lots… didn’t know what day was “the day”, so thanks for the update… :(

::huggs::

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On January 17, 2008
coljefferson wrote:

Oh Ashleigh! I’ve been thinking of you often lately and will be praying for all of you. ::hugs::

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On January 17, 2008
Skye wrote:

Oh Ash! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs.

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On January 17, 2008
Heather wrote:

Loving you and praying for you dear dear friend.

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On January 17, 2008
Grafted Branch@Restoring the Years wrote:

You’re a stronger woman than I have ever been called to be.

God bless you, Ashleigh. I will be praying for his safety at every remembrance.

((((((you))))))

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On January 17, 2008
Katie wrote:

Oh Ash…

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On January 17, 2008
Keith & Sarah Milligan wrote:

**hugs**

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On January 17, 2008
Madeleine wrote:

Bless your heart.

And allow me to say thank you for your great sacrifice. I pray the next 13 months go by quickly.

For all of you.

~madeleine

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On January 17, 2008
Mrs. Taft wrote:

*huge hugs*

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On January 17, 2008
Tiffany wrote:

I dont really know what to say, because I have no idea what you are going through right now. I feel so blessed to be apart of this morning. I never relized truly what the families went through until I saw it for myself this morning. It was such an emotional few hours to see the men and women leave there families. To see all the children just want their mommies and daddies and just dont understand. I love you and will be here for you through it all, I know that doesnt bring John home and make it any easier but Im here for you!!! Whether you need to go shopping or just to take a nap. I love all of you with all my heart!

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On January 17, 2008
Darcy wrote:

I’m moved to tears at the sight of this picture. My heart aches for you tonight and the goodbyes you had to say.

Please know you are in my thoughts and my prayers. {{{Many Hugs}}}

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On January 17, 2008
Mrs. C wrote:

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord strengthen you all in the coming months.

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On January 17, 2008
Jenny wrote:

HI Ashleigh,

You and your dear family are in my prayers.

praying for you.

Jenny

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On January 17, 2008
mel wrote:

You and your beautiful little family are in my prayers.

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On January 17, 2008
Christine wrote:

Oh, *hugs* you are in prayers. I’m sorry. Praying for your comfort, and John’s safety.

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On January 17, 2008
Rebekah wrote:

Ashleigh,

I’m so sorry you have to go through this. It makes me cry, especially knowing that mine’s just around the corner. I’ll be praying for you and your family.

Rebekah

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On January 17, 2008
Pam wrote:

Oh sweet Ashleigh! The photo is heart rendering to say the least. Prayers are being lifted up this moment for you and those sweet boys of yours – all 3 of them! God bless.

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On January 17, 2008
Haus Frau wrote:

Words can’t begin to express the emotion I feel for you, John and the boys. I’ll hold all of you in my hardt and prayers, knowing that our Lord will lead and protect in whatever the day will bring, for each one of you. May our Lord make His presence known to each of you..often..and may you rest in Him.

Psalm 4:8

Blessings as you walk this path, dear hardt(s),

Sherry aka haus frau

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On January 17, 2008
Leah wrote:

Aw, Ashleigh, I cannot imagine.. It makes ::me:: want to cry for you! *hugs* I have been thinking of you often lately, and praying for you. Will continue to do so! Love to you.

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On January 18, 2008
MiPa wrote:

Praying for you and your family. And ever so grateful that families like yours sacrifice your time together for our freedom. Bless you!

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On January 18, 2008
Terry wrote:

God bless you and your brave husband!

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On January 18, 2008
Anonymous wrote:

You don’t know me, but I’ll be praying for you! I cannot imagine going through such a thing…you’re so brave…all of you! May God bless you!

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On January 18, 2008
Nicklemarie wrote:

You’re in my prayers… God bless you!!

Hugs
~Nicole

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On January 18, 2008
Sarge Charlie wrote:

Hi Ashleigh, my wonderful friend, Mel, asked that we stop by with hugs and friendship. Just so you know, you have started an adventure that will forever change you and your family. I speak for experience when I made the same journey in 1968. Your love will grow stronger and you will accomplish things that you would think are imposable today. The next 13 months will be trying and difficult at times, harder for you than for him. You see, he will just be doing a job, you however will fill both roles until he returns. Believe that all will be well, we will be here for you, if you need a shoulder to lean on stop by and visit. I will be adding you to my reader and stopping by to check on you. Best wishes young lady, trust and believe and it will be ok.

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On January 18, 2008
Natalie (Nyquist) Klein wrote:

:tears gush all over again:

So glad I will see you in just a few weeks….cuz words aren’t enough right now–I want to hug you so much.

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On January 18, 2008
Mod Girl wrote:

Thank you both for your sacrifice on our behalf. You will be in my prayers.

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On January 18, 2008
Daughter of the King wrote:

God Bless you and yours for being such great AMERICANS…it is a FAMILY thing..for sure…I will be praying for you and yours…
Deby

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On January 18, 2008
Becky K. wrote:

My thoughts are with you on this day.
How hard this must be but how proud you surely are of your husband!
I hold you, and other military families as our modern day heroes…thanks for the sacrifice!
Becky K.

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On January 18, 2008
Elise wrote:

I’ve just prayed for you, and will continue to do so when you come to mind. God bless you- may He uphold you and strengthen you beyond comprehension these next thirteen months!

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On January 18, 2008
Jana wrote:

Been praying and will continue to pray for you, my friend….::hugs::

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On January 18, 2008
Mel's Mom wrote:

Oh, Ashleigh…More prayers than you know arise for you and your dear family. Thank YOU, and YOUR HUBBY, and YOUR FAMILY for making our country great. Your testimony and witness is a blessing!

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On January 18, 2008
Ginger wrote:

Ashleigh,
I read these comments and I wonder how can I express to this sweet lady (I don’t even know but so grateful I stumbled on her blog one day) how this post was so touching to my heart. The simple truth is I can’t. I can promise you though your whole family is in my prayers.
Ginger

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On January 18, 2008
Lara wrote:

Oh Ashleigh!
Tears sprang to my eyes the instant I saw this post! I knew it was coming, but it still hit me. It brings back such fresh memories of my fiance (now husband)’s last deployment.

My heart is with you, dear one and your little ones at this time! You and your family are in my prayers!

Lara
(Just up the 5 from you if you ever need anything!)

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On January 18, 2008
C.A. Worcester wrote:

Dear Ashleigh,

What a beautiful picture of you and your husband. I am going to print it off and put you up on our fridge so we can be reminded of you both and your sweet boys throughout the day.

Been in the place you are right now twice. I probably can’t offer you any thing you haven’t already heard or thought of yourself a thousand times…….you’ll all be in our daily thoughts and prayers.

Blessings and Shalom Ashleigh. Hugs too!

C.A. Worcester

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On January 18, 2008
Katie wrote:

Oh, Ashleigh. My eyes are filling up even as I look at this picture.
May God’s strength and peace absolutely BLANKET your family during this time.
(((hug)))

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On January 18, 2008
Anonymous wrote:

Asheligh,
Remember that His grace abounds in the hard times and that “His strength is made perfect in weakness.” Jesus will be with you, living in your house, helping with the children, holding your hand, while your Beloved is gone. You will never be truly alone. He loves you so very very much; I do, too. You know where to find me if you ever need anything.

“In acceptance lieth peace, O my heart be still. Let thy restless worries cease, and accept His will. Though this test be not thy choice, it is His, therefore rejoice!” — Mountains of Spices (a book you once lent me to read, even though it wasn’t on “The List”; and I am so thankful I read it. :)

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On January 18, 2008
Kate wrote:

Military wives and family have my utmost respect ( not to mention the soldier!!!!) What a sacrifice.
Here’s a fellow American saying thankyou!

I’ll be praying for you, I cannot imagine…

Hugs! Katie

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On January 18, 2008
william-hildebrandt wrote:

Ashleigh, I am praying for you and your little family. When my husband was active duty military we survived three deployments…I understand what you are feeling right now! Like you, I had two little ones to keep me busy and that was a blessing. How wonderful so many are praying for you.
Linda

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On January 18, 2008
Anonymous wrote:

Praying for you all !!!!!!!!!!!!

hugs,
Jodi

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On January 18, 2008
Jodi wrote:

Ashleigh ~ Praying for you and John and your Little Men. It’s been 20 years since my hubby served overseas on a remote assignment, but one does not forget. Hugs to you, dear one!

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On January 18, 2008
Josh and Sarah wrote:

Ash,
You, John and our precious nephews are in our prayers. Thank you for the sacrifice you are making. When John became a marine it was peacetime–I never thought I’d see him go to war, and when we went to war I dreaded him “joining” in b/c it would be so hard to say goodbye, but I can’t imagine how hard this is for you. I’m sorry!! I respect and love you so much!!! God will get you through and if you need somewhere else to visit, remember–Alabama is always open!!
Sarah and Josh

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On January 18, 2008
Julie Fink wrote:

Your picture brings back so many memories . . . memories of feeling so sad . . . memories of needing God so badly . . . memories of so many tears and a time when God drew so close to me to dry up those tears. May God comfort and strengthen you in a very special way over the next 13 months.

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On January 18, 2008
Sara wrote:

I’m praying for you guys.

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On January 18, 2008
Robin wrote:

What a beautiful and meaningful picture. It says it all.
I will be praying for you Ashleigh, even though we don’t know each other. I am just so grateful for what your family does for our country. An incredible sacrifice.

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On January 18, 2008
College Gal wrote:

Hi Ashleigh, I’m Haus Frau’s daughter. I am so sorry about your hubby going away. All of you will be in my prayers.
God bless you!
Isaiah 58:11

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On January 18, 2008
Patty wrote:

Hi Asleigh,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I pray you feel the comfort of God’s arms surrounding you the next 13 months. I will be praying for you,the boys and for John.
Blessings, Patty

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On January 18, 2008
Angry White Guy wrote:

You and your family are in my prayers…

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On January 18, 2008
PamelaK wrote:

I have so much respect and gratitude for you all, Ashleigh. You, your boys, and your husband will be in my prayers.
PamelaK

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On January 18, 2008
Rhonda wrote:

I just want to say how thankful I am for all of our military. My dad was a Navy man and my stepdad was in the Air Force. I grew up military. I married an Army man (though he got out before we got married). You and your family will be in my prayers.

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On January 18, 2008
Anonymous wrote:

Praying!! (And that’s such a sweet picture!)

Morgan

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On January 18, 2008
Melanie wrote:

Praying for all of you and speaking up for the wonderful, honorable work our soldiers are doing over there. God Bless you and your dear family.

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On January 19, 2008
HsKubes wrote:

My beloved has been away over 12 months now and I cannot imagine doing this without the Lord. Praise God for His grace and strength. Praying for you, your beloved, and your family.

~ Christina

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace,
whose mind is stayed on thee:
because he trusteth in thee.
Trust ye in the LORD for ever:
for in the LORD JEHOVAH
is everlasting strength:”
~ Isaiah 26:3-4

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On January 19, 2008
Katya wrote:

Oh, Ashleigh…
My heart quails just imagining what it would be like to face this reality of your man being gone for so long. You are so strong. There is nothing really to say that will make it better. I just want you to know that we are very grateful for what John is doing. And my heart aches for you. I will pray earnestly for you; that you will be given grace and strength to face each new day, that the Lord would be your protector and guide, that you will have much wisdom in parenting your treasures, that your and John’s hearts will continue to be knit together…growing closer to one another and closer to Christ, even across the miles.
So much love in Christ,
Katie Rose S.

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On January 19, 2008
Steve wrote:

Ash & little guys

My girls and I will be praying for you. We knew this day was coming, it is now past…look forward to the homecoming; much like we look for our Savior to come back for us.
Love you,
S V C S & L

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On January 19, 2008
Ruth wrote:

Hugs! I can’t imagine going through life as you will be for the next year. Praying for you!

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On January 19, 2008
Rose wrote:

I thank you so much for your willing sacrifice. I will be praying for you!

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On January 19, 2008
Deb wrote:

You don’t know me but we are family through Jesus. I am from Kansas City, Missouri, a cop’s wife and momma of a teenage daughter and a preteen son. I have been so blessed with the gift that the Lord gave you with your writings. I just wanted u to know that my heart hurts for you. Tears were shed when I saw your pic and the headline. Just know that I am will be at the foot of the throne, bringing you and your hubbie and your babies before the Lord often. With my much love and blessings….. Debbie S. McClure

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On January 19, 2008
Claire wrote:

I will certainly say a prayer for both of you and your children for protection, strength and for a peace that surpasses all earthly understanding.

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On January 19, 2008
~Sarah Joy~ wrote:

Ash,

Such a heart wrenching photo! have never met you but feel as if you were an old friend. I ‘met’ you through YLCF and have enjoyed keeping us with you through your blog. Just wanted to know that I am also praying for you! Keep your eyes on the Lord and take life one day at a time. : )
hugs, Sarah

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On January 19, 2008
Free In Christ wrote:

That picture says a thousand words. Thank you to you and your family for the sacrifice you make for our country. Your family will be in my prayers.

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On January 20, 2008
Elizabeth wrote:

Aww … so soon? I really had no idea! Ashleigh, I just want you to know that I am praying for you … all. *Hug!*

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On January 20, 2008
Pamela wrote:

Thank You for making the sacrifice for our freedom, We love you guys and will be praying! I can’t even imagine your grief and how hard it is gonna be!
Love, The Knouf’s

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On January 21, 2008
Erin wrote:

:(

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On January 21, 2008
Megan wrote:

Ashleigh, (it’s me again!)- God has placed you so deeply on my heart over the last few days. I know we don’t “know” eachother (!) but I feel like I do! Our lives have so many similarities, being a 20-something Christian mama of two boys 16-months-apart, and both plopped down in the same part of the world here– I was driving through your town yesterday and just felt moved to pray continuously. You are not alone ever, not for one moment, not for one breath. I know you know that, and hear that probably often, but I *pray* that you can *feel* God’s arms wrapped around you, and know beyond a shadow of doubt that He has your beloved in his arms as well. I can’t even imagine how difficult it is. As I go about my day-to-day, with my babies, you are placed in my heart so heavily.

Please please let me know if I can do anything for you. I would still love to get our kids together at the park or Sea World or something, &/or go to church with you some time- but also, if you need help with any of the ordinary things, I’m serious, I’m here. (I know it’s hard doing it ALL without a break… so I would be glad to help out, maybe run some errands for or with you. CostCo, BabiesRUs, TraderJoe, & PostOffice trips are always a challenge to squeeze-in, with all the other errands that you need to try to fit in a normal day with two babies, between naptimes & feeding times!)

Anyways, God has absolutely made me one of your prayer warriors- as you have no idea how often my heart is moved to say a prayer for you! What a blessing that you have so many people lifting you up as you are going through this– that was cool to log-on and see 64 comments!

I’m not sure how close your family is, but if you need anything any time, call me. 310-365-6007
RNMeg@cox.net
-Megan

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On January 21, 2008
Karen wrote:

I’m a new reader of your blog (found you through Morgan). My thoughts and prayers are with you -thank you both (and your little men) for your sacrifice!

My brother-in-law is in Kuwait right now but only for 4 months. My sister is alone, 10 hours away from our family. Now when I’m praying for her and my b-i-l (often!) I’ll be praying for you, too.

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On January 21, 2008
Laura wrote:

Dearest Ashleigh,

I am a regular “reader” on YLCF, and linked to your blog from there. I have been watching your blog for some time… you have the sweetest little family, and you have been an inspiration to me! Of course, I love coming here because my girly dream has always been to marry a soldier:-) (that’s only if the Lord wills:-).

I so feel for you at this time! I have been thinking about you a lot, and will keep you in my prayers! I have printed out your picture as well, and will keep it where I can see it often!

Like Shari said, I am “with” you in Washington- only 3 states above you!:-)

Much love and prayers,
Laura

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On January 21, 2008
Jessica wrote:

Bless your heart. I thank your husband for bravely serving his country and protecting us all here at home. I can’t imagine what it must be like for you. God bless!!!

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On January 22, 2008
mirandaalyson wrote:

Thank you for the sacrifice you and your family are making. I will be praying for you often.

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On January 22, 2008
sonreignsranch wrote:

For days I have been praying for God to guide my words of comfort… and the right words seem to evade me. Frank & I ran into your dad last night- it was so good to see him. We told him we are praying praying praying for all of you guys. We do miss all of your family so much! As a wife of a marine I would say- Lean on Christ alone for all your needs and then let anyone else step in to help. Remember you are NOT alone. Not ever. in Zepheniah it says that God sings a song over you- can you imagine? The God of the universe singing a song over you! He does. And he sings another one over John, and Troy, and Merritt! Each as individual as you are. God is in control. IF you need ANYTHING, let us know. We will continue to pray for John and for your family!
<><
Jennifer & Frank
& the 5 munchkaroo’s

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On January 22, 2008
Joyful Days wrote:

Adding my prayers.

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On January 23, 2008
David M wrote:

Ashleigh,

Mel sent me over to send my prayers your way. They have worked for her at times so I’m willingly adding you to my prayer list. Keep up the hope and enver stop believing.

David M
Editor: The Thunder Run

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On January 23, 2008
Jen wrote:

May His grace be sufficient, His joy be your strength, and His perfect peace pass all your understanding. You and yours are in my prayers.
God bless you.
~Jen

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On January 29, 2008
Diane @ A Watered Garden wrote:

I also have been moved to tears…my heart and prayers are with you and yours. Prayers for God’s peace and strength, Diane

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On February 1, 2008
Julane wrote:

I know this is slightly belated, but I just thought I’d let you know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. I was in Amsterdam when you posted this, and just got on here tonight for the first time since returning to the States. I can’t imagine what it must be like. I’m praying…

Love you!
Julane

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And so… He’s Gone

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