Newsletter

For those of you who get our ministry newsletter in the mail, this will be a repeat, but I thought I'd post the letter I wrote to our ministry partners. I talk a little about Payton, and since most of you did not have the chance to meet her, I thought it would be good to put it on the blog as well. It'll be a few days 'til the next post as Aaron and I will be attending a staff training time and then men's/women's conferences. I'll bring back the report :).
Yesterday was one month since she died. It was a harder day. I miss her so very much sometimes. Life goes on, but for me the re-entry is a little slower. I'm so grateful for the friends, the church, and the life God has given us - great people that add so much joy to life. But there's still the loss of such a wonderful little person that can't be replaced :).
Here's the letter:

Dear Ministry Partners,

As many of you are aware, at about 8:30 a.m. on October 6, our sweet, baby girl went home to Jesus. She received the heart transplant she needed but rejected the new heart. We want to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and support so many of you have shown us. Thank you, first of all, for praying. We know it was not for a lack of faith or prayer that the Lord decided to take her home. Thank you, also, for so many cards and expressions of sympathy and encouragement as well as such kind gifts toward a memorial for Payton. We’re currently praying about what to do as a memorial for her and will let you know when we’ve come to a decision. We’re grateful for you, our ministry partners. Thanks for standing with us during this time and as we ease back into our life and work.

Aaron and I are doing okay. We always miss Payton, and sometimes it hurts more than others. She had a long road in front of her filled with doctors appointments, surgeries, and therapy. We’re grateful she’s been spared from that struggle, but we still miss having her with us. She was such a beautiful baby who endured so much, and from what some of the hospital staff told us, she was so strong and patient through all of it. We realize most of you did not have the opportunity to meet Payton so we’d like to share a little of her life and personality with you. She was a good baby who only cried when she was uncomfortable. She loved to be held or to be in her bouncy seat. When we put her to bed at night she would cuddle down and either play with her hands for a little bit or go right to sleep. Then she had to sleep with her arms outside the blanket; if they weren’t she’d push the blanket down until her arms were free. Before she went back into the hospital in August, she was trying to find her thumb, and when she was happy, she’d kick her legs and move her arms. She was beginning to engage with people more and smile. Initially she hated her baths, but she was starting to get used to them. However, she always loved being naked. It was always so sweet to pick her up in the morning and take her out to the family room. She just looked up at us and seemed ready to start the day. Mornings were her happiest times. She was a sweet, sweet baby who was dearly loved by her family. Aaron and I were so proud of her and how strong she was throughout all of this.

The Lord has taught us so much through Payton. He has again shown himself as Faithful and Provider through the ways that He abundantly, abundantly met our needs. Throughout her short life we saw so many ways that He protected us, provided for us, and stayed close to us, not only financially but through the people He brought across our path. We have again been reminded of how precious life is and how much God values life. Each day is a gift. We have seen the power of prayer and the bond that exists between fellow followers of Christ, whether we knew them or not. We have seen, through no effort of our own, the Lord take a small baby girl and point so many back to Himself through her life. And we have seen with hard circumstances and deep pain the Lord bring forth so much beauty.

Again, thank you so much for your love and support. We look forward to continuing to update you on what the Lord is doing at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire.

With Jesus’ Love,

Aaron and Heather