Thursday, August 21, 2008

The End

Joseph died today at around 2:00 in our house. We rushed home this morning not knowing if we were going to make it home before it happened, but we made it in time for most of the family to see him one last time. He passed in our bed and was not in any pain at all.

We don't have any plans yet for the funeral, but will let you know later. Thanks to all for your many prayers. Sweet Joseph is now at peace.

275 comments:

Audrey said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

So very very sorry. It's so difficult to comprehend. Lots of love, Suzanne Kennedy

twiceasnice said...

My heart is hurting for you both and your girl. What a special boy and now in God's arms. We prayed for him and your family since the very beginning of this journey. I am a single mom of twins, my husband passed away when I was 17 weeks pregnant. Know that so many are praying for all of you all over the country. Hugs from Austin, Texas....jennifer

Cindy said...

I am so very sorry! We wish you peace during this difficult time.

Chipper said...

Praise God for Joseph's peace and the end to his pain and frustration. Again, my heart breaks for you all. Our prayers are always with you.

Sara said...

I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Anonymous said...

Mourning and grieving with you. Thankful that Joseph is not suffering and is home with Jesus.

- Ange

Anonymous said...

You don't know me but I've been following your blog for the past few months. Joseph was a dear boy and is now with Jesus. We are so very sorry for your loss and will continue praying...much love.

Anonymous said...

So sorry. That doesn't even begin to cover it. We're aching and praying for you. Praying for energy and peace and the undeniable presence of the Lord in the difficult days ahead. Sarah (Hendersonville)

Audrey said...

Oh sweet Spirit send peace

Anonymous said...

We are so very sorry and truly grieving with you all. We prayed so hard for Lynn & Will to make it there. We are praying and crying out to God on your behalf. Praise God that Joseph is finally fully healed and whole. We love you guys.

David Crowder's song, "Never Let Go" has been playing in my mind nonstop since last night. He will never let go...

courtney said...

Praying God's perfect peace and comfort.

Christy said...

I can not begin to comprehend this loss and grief. It leaves me almost paralized to even consider. I'm so, so sorry. (What pale words)

carriehayes said...

i am grieving with you. i am so sorry.

Q's NEWS said...

There are no words.....just know I am praying for you all. I'm so sorry.

Love from WV,
Susan

Sarah Partain said...

Thank you for the update, in the midst of all that is happening. May God give you great peace and comfort.

Melissa P. said...

i am so very sorry. continuing to pray for you all.

John and Sue Burch said...

Psalm 62: 1-2, 5-8 have been tremendous encouragement to me in times of grief and loss. Cry out to Him who knows you well. I am crying and grieving with you all and rejoicing for Joseph that he is with the Lord, in His loving arms. John and Sue Burch

Sissy Kimbrell said...

Praying and grieving with you and your family. Peace of Christ be with you and surround you.
Brandon, Sissy and Mac Kimbrell

Anonymous said...

Like so many, I never had the oppotunity to meet Joseph. I used to work with Bill at ICON and have been following Joseph's courageous battle since he told me about the diagnosis. I am truly heartbroken for all of you, but know that Joseph is finally at peace. I came across the following poem a few years ago and found it comforting:

The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright sea shells on the sand;
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land;
The music stops and yet it echos on in sweet refrains;
For every joy that passes something beautiful remains.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the unfathomable pain that you are experiencing today...reading the post last night kept me up much of the night last night and I have prayed all day today, and have solicited prayer from many others.I asked the Lord what to pray for, and among the obvious - no pain, family and friends surrounding him, I kept thinking of the passage in 2 Samuel 12:15-23, where David is fasting and praying for his sick child. After the child dies, he makes a statement to his servants that "I shall go to him..." David had a certain peace and assurance that he would see his son again and the passage seems to indicate that that knowledge brought him a lot of comfort. I am praying that the same knowledge and assurance is yours today...as well as the peace that would come with it. I love you guys and am thankful, as I'm sure you are, that Joseph is no longer in pain and is running to the arms of the Savior we all love. He is undoubtedly already joining in the praise choruses and dancing...I'm praying for peace, comfort, wisdom as you translate this for Holly...and praying that God will tell me what else to pray. I am so lost in the absolute grief of this...

Our family said...

we are so sorry. we are lifting you all up right now.
nathaniel & rebekah

Cobblestones said...

My entire being is aching for you. May God's grace, peace and mercy overwhelm you today and in the days to come.

Love,
Antonia

The Dogs said...

Praying for you and your families and will continue to pray through this next season of life.

Rob said...

I am so sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for your family. God is good all the time. All the time, God is good.

Rob Bradsher

Jiggs said...

... no words ... just love and thoughts and prayers ...

Shannon said...

Loving you and praying for you.

Anonymous said...

I wish we could do something to take away the sorrow and pain. We are so very sorry and are praying for you guys.

Love,
Chas and Catherine Morris

Anonymous said...

Gillian Allen & Holly
We are just so sorry. Fortunately I'll be able to be with really soon. Words are no comfort. We love you and we love Joseph.
All our love Ann Ben & the boys

Anonymous said...

love you lots. May peace reign in your household today.

Carolyn & Dave

Anonymous said...

We are praying and grieving.

Love,
Rob and Sara

Anonymous said...

I am crying with you all and praying for peace and understanding. May God Bless you on this day -- just as you have blessed so many others thru your son's life and story. Sincerely,
Ann Armistead Moore

Erika said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I have followed your blog for quite a while now and have kept you all in my prayers. I pray the Lord's comforting presence is known to you.
Hugs & lots of prayers,
Erika

Unknown said...

you and your family will continue to be in my prayers...Joseph is now happier than any of us can imagine!

--julie green

Anonymous said...

Just know that Joseph is in heaven running and playing and no longer hurting. Your family is our thoughts and prayers. I am amazed by your by strength. God bless you and your family. Stephanie Lowry Goddard

Our Family said...

We are grieving with you today and are grateful that he was (and is) at peace. May that same peace spill over to you in the coming weeks and beyond.

You are all in our prayers.

Annabanana said...

We're so very sorry, so glad so thankful that he made it home, that family was there to hold you, that you made it home. How good a gift that you all had one last birthday together. Grace and peace be with you. While the prayers and stories of how Joseph has brought so many others closer to their Maker can do nothing to put your sweet baby back in your arms, we pray that the love and hope in those words would bring restoration to your weary hearts.

Anonymous said...

Please know that countless people across this nation are praying for you and your family. That God will give you peace and the strength to get through this horrible loss. We will never forget what a special gift Joseph was to this world.

Household6 said...

You have been in my thoughts and prayers all day...I will continue to pray for your family...

Anonymous said...

I can't believe it. I'm so sorry, Gil and Allen. May the Lord in his mighty strength and deep wells of grace be all over you right now and the years to come.

I just have to say this - death is the enemy of our Lord. Paul calls it "the last great enemy of Christ." I believe that in this, God is in a raging fury over the loss of your beautiful son, even while he is sovereign over it all. We love you so much.

-scott cunningham

Anonymous said...

praying that you will be surrounded with Truth in the midst of this. That Jesus will wrap you in his arms as He has Joseph. I don't know you, but I'm Ruthanne Szenasi's sister, and she has continually kept me updated about your son's status. I'm so sorry.

Anonymous said...

I have been following Joseph's journey and praying for you all, I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray you will feel the the love, peace and mercy that only God can give. I will continue to lift you all up in the days and weeks ahead.

Love from friends in Shreveport, La.

Anonymous said...

praying for you and your family.
nicole eaton

Anonymous said...

love you and dying on the inside.
beth

Ame... said...

I am so very sorry. Your family is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so very saddened to hear this. I prayed that he would make it home and that all the family could tell him good-bye. Sweet, precious boy. Miles and I are both sitting here crying and WIllow is obviously confused but trying to comfort us by saying, "its o-tay, he'll come out soon". It doesn't feel 'soon' to me but the only comfort I feel is that you will spend eternity with him and knowing that that day will come. We were just talking about Joseph sitting in Jesus' lap and being held by his savior. He has touched so many.

love, paige

Anonymous said...

so very very sorry

Hutchie said...

Allen and Gillian, I am so sorry. I cannot imagine how you are feeling and pray that God will comfort you both and grant you peace. Katheryn Humber

So Blessed said...

With my heartfelt sympathy and prayers...

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms”.

Deut. 33:27

Phil Mobley said...

I love your family so much. I will pray.

Meg said...

I am so sorry to hear this news, but trust that God's plan is perfect. I will not stop praying for your family.
-Meg Bloomer

Jeremy & Elizabeth said...

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.

Praise you Jesus for this little boy's life, the many lives he will continue to touch, and for what I can only fathom was a beautiful homecoming.

Praying God's comfort, healing and peace for you in this next season of life.

Thank you so much for the updates- please continue to let us know how we can pray for you.

Love and prayers,
The Owens
Houston, TX

Anonymous said...

So very sorry for you all. Special prayers for Holly and you both Gill/Allen. Breaks my heart. Much love and peace during this impossible time. I am glad the handsome boy not in pain and at peace. Let me know if anything I can do. Love, Jody

Unknown said...

I so very very sorry for your loss--I am praying for you and your family. The only comfort right now is that Joseph is whole again, completely healed.
Suzanne Bechman

Sally said...

Praying for you and your family.
Love, Sally & Wes

Anita J. said...

I am so sorry. We are praying for you.

Randi said...

I love you all and am so very, very sorry. I will continue to pray.
Love in Christ,
Randi Booth

Anonymous said...

Our family is so extremely sorry for your loss - more than I could ever possibly express in words. Our hearts ache for you and we are in prayer for God's comfort and peace for your family.

Susan said...

My heart is aching for your family. Praying for peace and comfort and for healing. What a special boy. Thank you for sharing his and your story.

Anonymous said...

Words can't express how much we're hurting for you and with you. We're praying that God brings you comfort and peace.

Anonymous said...

May God's peace comfort you and may you know that Joseph has touched so many lives in his 4 short years here on this earth. We will be praying for you guys and the whole family.

Carey Heid and family

Mike Tant said...

Our hearts are breaking for you. We pray that you feel the God of all comfort close to you these next few days. With our love, Mike & Dianne Tant

Anonymous said...

"God is God and I am not. I can only see a part of the picture He's painting. God is God and I am man, so I may not understand it all. For only God is God."

Those words from another man who recently lost a child (Steven Curtis Chapman) will never take your pain away, but may keep you from feeling like you have to "understand" everything that has happened. Joseph is at peace, but I know your hearts are at a terrible state of unrest right now. May the God who holds all of the answers and is holding Joseph right now hold you in the palm of his hand. Many prayers going up for you.

Anonymous said...

we are overwhelmed with sadness. i am so sorry.

lindsey and andy harman

Anonymous said...

Heaven is only sweeter now because of precious Joseph. We hurt so much for your loss, but we know that God is faithful and will see you through these difficult times. What wonderful parents you are! Joseph was so blessed!! Heaven is the only place where he could be happier. May God comfort you as only He can. Love and prayers, Roxanna & Mike Mobley

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry.I love you all so much. Joseph has taken a piece of all of us with him up to heaven.

notes of em said...

We prayed that he would make it home for all to love on, and say goodbye.
we are wrapped in sorrow for you all, and cant even fathom how your feeling.
we love you all, and your sweet Joseph who we know we will meet in heaven, whole, fresh and new.
love,
Drew and Em

Anonymous said...

My heart is broken for you and your entire family.
I am lifting you up in prayer.

In sorrow,
Abbie

Nancy said...

I am a friend of S-J in Lexington and have been reading your every blog entry. We have prayed for your whole family throughout this season and will continue. I have inadequate vocabulary to express my sympathy but I trust the Holy Spirit will intercede for me to our sovereign God who "gathers His lambs in His arms and carries them close to his heart." Grace and peace,
Nancy Brown

Anonymous said...

You are thought of and prayed for constantly. I am so sorry to hear this news. May the Lord of comfort be with you.

Anonymous said...

I've been following your story and I just wanted to day that I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the words, thoughts and prayers from those out in Cyberland give you peace.

Anonymous said...

Oh, my goodness. We are just gutted. Crying out to God on your behalf and for peace, above all. Lifting you all up SO high....Love, Lesli Douglass

Anonymous said...

I am so so sorry. I am also so very thankful for Jesus...because we know who He is, we know that He is loving on Joseph right now.

Lauren Sheehan
Memphis

Amy Lafayett said...

Grieving with you all and yet rejoicing that Joseph is completely healed. Continuing to pray for all of you.

Jennifer said...

Praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you guys. Praise God for his life!
-Brubakers

Anonymous said...

I'm am so, so sorry for your family. God bless you all.

Linda said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. Your son is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Mary Collins said...

I am so so sorry. I'm aching with you guys... and praying God reveals His mercies to you.

MeghanM said...

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I pray that you find comfort in the knowledge that Joseph is in a place that is so wonderful that we cannot even comprehend it. I know you will miss him terribly and may God be with you during this difficult time and always.

katie said...

may jesus' peace and grace and mercy WASH over your sweet family right now. im speechless and breaking for you. i will be praying for you in the coming hours and days and months and years. jesus is working in the unseen. you all are so loved! you are on my heart and mind constantly.

Anonymous said...

We will always remember Joe. We love you guys. We'll be here when you're ready...

Anonymous said...

So sorry for the pain and loss you are bearing. But thanks be to God because Joseph is now experiencing the victory won for us through Jesus Christ. May you find comfort in 1 Corinthians 15. You are in our prayers.
We have been following your blog.

Gigi said...

"We will keep praying for your whole family and we love you so much!" Geniese and Tom Gilman and family send these thoughts and prayers and want you to know we will so miss your sweet Joseph here on earth but look forward to seeing him again. We are friends of the Gilmans and have been praying for Joseph. We are so very sorry! Gigi and Carl Sanders
" And so we will be with the Lord forever" I Thes 4:17

Finding Joy said...

I'm a blog-follower as well...prayers of peace and comfort are heading to our mighty God from Iowa.

Anonymous said...

My heart is just broken for all of you. I am so very sorry. Just happened upon your blog a few months ago, and everyday would take a moment to check in and pray for your sweet family. From loss of my own I know there are no word that help or ease the pain. But from loss of my own I pray that the unfailing love of your Heavenly Father will give you all a comfort and peace beyond words. May you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that all you have said you believe---It is true. He is calm in the storm, comfort beyond understanding, loving beyond measure and faithful to ALL He has said. Will continue to pray for all of you. Just so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful son.

Anonymous said...

May you feel God's loving arms wrapped tightly around you and know sweet Joseph is sitting in Jesus' lap right now! I know every time you will see a little car or take a trip to Target, he will be with you sending you a little sign from heaven that he is happy and at home. You have lots of folks that love you and I've appreciated you sharing your hearts- you truly have been a witness to Christ throughout this most difficult time in your life. Praying for your family, your peace and comfort.
Mandy LeMay

Andy said...

I can't tell you how sorry I am to learn this news. I have been following your blog and news of Joe for awhile now and have been praying for your whole family. My heart grieves with you and I pray the Lord will give you peace during this unimaginable time.

-Andy Patton

Heather said...

I am a friend of Ashley's and wanted to say that your family have been in my prayers ever since I heard about sweet Joseph. I am praying that God comforts your family in the coming days and every day after. May you feel His loving arms around you. Praying for you in TX.

zusjames said...

Joseph must be dancing in heaven right now! It's raining here.

Anonymous said...

praying throughout this very difficult end...and bittersweet beginning in your lives.

love and tears,
josh, keely & salem

Anonymous said...

Allen & Gillian,
So sad to hear, but at least Joe is now at peace. My thoughts are with you all and holly. I'm glad joe got to spend his last days at home with his family, toys, and fun things.

-Amit K

Matthew Pearson said...

We are so deeply sorry for you. Words can't express it. I can't even comprehend it. May God grant comfort and peace. ~the Pearsons

Anonymous said...

gillian allen holly and all the family, we are so sad to hear the news that joseph has passed away. our hearts go out to you in your loss. all our love ingrid james and all the family. may he rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

Allen and Gillian,
We are so very sorry. I can just imagine Chip coming to greet Joseph! We care for you all so much and we are always here for you.

We pray that you are feeling that peace that passeth all understanding right now and in the days to come.
Much love,
Ann and Terry

Anonymous said...

Allen and Gillian,
We are so very sorry. I can just imagine Chip coming to greet Joseph! We care for you all so much and we are always here for you.

We pray that you are feeling that peace that passeth all understanding right now and in the days to come.
Much love,
Ann and Terry

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry and my heart hurts for you all. I am lifting you all up in my prayers. We have all been praying for Joseph and we have felt close to you all through the blog, pictures and videos. Thank you for letting us know Joseph through this blog.
Cousin Laura, Mike, Cade & Jenna

Anonymous said...

Sending our love, love, love!! Laurie Branum

Anonymous said...

We grieve with you. You are in our prayers and we love you all very much.

William and Jaime

Trae said...

No words.....praying.

Anonymous said...

I just learned of your journey today. As I read your blog entries I prayed for your son and your journey. When faced with a task such as yours I remember what a friend with breast cancer said "God will only give me what I can handle, so he must think a lot of me right now!"
Our prayers are with you, our God is with you, our hearts are breaking with you
The Roys of Jackson, TN

Anonymous said...

We are so very sorry! We are praying God's comfort for you during this incredibly difficult time. We love you!
Eric and Emily Porter

read2kds said...

Rejoicing that Joseph is now in heaven, but my mother's heart aches that he is no longer here with you. Praying for you during this unimaginable grief.

Amy in NC

Allison Parker said...

my heart is broken for you now. I cannot even begin to fathom what this must be like for you. praying that you will feel God's presence in this..
love & prayers,
allison

UKNat said...

I am truly and deeply so sorry for the loss of you sweet, sweet son. Praying for you and all those who love Joseph. God's peace be with you. Natalie

Anonymous said...

So inexpressibly sad for your loss. Praying for the peace that passes all understanding to encompass your family.

Anonymous said...

Our hearts go out to you. We are so deeply sorry for your loss.

All our love and prayers.

Holly and Storme

breaking free said...

I accessed your blog as Carrie Hayes had posted to pray for your family. Just today I was listening to a song by Natalie Grant called "Our Hope Endures" which has been a comfort to me in the recent passing of my father. I pray that God will allow your Hope in Him to endure through this time. Rest on Jesus, Rest on your family!

Brooke said...

So sad with you even though I can barely comprehend your pain. We love you and are glad that Joseph is in such a sweet place with no more sickness. May the holy spirit flood your hearts and give you peace and strength.

Love, The Adams

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Ann Woods and I will continue to pray for peace for all of you.

Anonymous said...

Our hearts go out to you- we are so deeply sorry for your loss.

All our love and prayers

Holly and Storme

Anonymous said...

We love you all and are grieving here. Joseph was a very special boy...we will miss him dearly.
love, the shells

Anonymous said...

we are grieving with you.

Joey and katie Pensak
Friends of Matt and Jennifer

Anonymous said...

My heart is broken for you guys! I am so sorry and I will continue to pray for you and the family! I love you so much!

XOXO,
Orlagh

Doubly Blessed said...

I am so sorry for your loss, but rejoicing that Joseph is with his heavenly father and no longer suffering. Peace and comfort to your dear family.

amanda said...

I don't even know what to write except to say that I love you and we are lifting you up in our prayers. We also have many, many friends and family who are also praying for the peace that passes understanding. My heart breaks with you...

Amanda Milton Sims

Anonymous said...

Our hearts go out to you.We are so deeply sorry for your loss.

All our love and prayers

Holly and Storme

Anonymous said...

I wish there was something we could do to serve you in this difficult time, please let us know if there is anything at all we can do. We will continue to pray, words are so insufficient for this. We are so, so sorry and pray that each moment God will provide everything that you need. Love, Christy and Greg Wright

Anonymous said...

Our hearts break for you. You are in our prayers.
Josh & Heather

Courtney said...

I love you guys!

-Courtney S.

Masha said...

Dear Gillian and Alen
i am so so sorry about Joseph...I just want you guys to know that i love u guys so much and that im praying for you...i hope to see you soon...
love masha

Anonymous said...

No words can express the loss you must be feeling with Joseph's passing. No words can comfort you at this time. So very sorry you and Joseph had to suffer so much. You are all in our thoughts all the time.

Erin said...

Blessings to you and your family, and especially to Joseph. I wish you all peace during this incomprehensibly difficult and devastating time.

Gwen said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained another AWESOME little angel! Fly free, sweet Joseph, fly free!

Love,
Gwen

Sharon Harrison said...

I am so sorry about sweet Joseph. I lost my precious mom to a glioblastoma 4 years ago. I am saying a prayer to ask God to direct her to sweet Joseph in Heaven and to love on him (she was a wonderful Nana to my kids). I know you don't know me but I have certainly counted it a privilege to pray for you guys for the past few months.

Heather said...

I read your blog with every entry and pray for you though I have never commented. I hope you will know that your family is in our prayers.

There are no words during time like these that can help but we know that God can and will hold you in his mighty arms and send those around you who can love you and be his arms to you in this time.

Praying for Cros said...

have thought about you all day....we are praying for you........meredith & family

Holly said...

our hearts are breaking with you guys...lots of prayers and love from the McClains...
holly

nicole said...

Allen and Gillian,

Our hearts broke when we read the report last night, and we are deeply saddened to hear the news this evening. The Lord's comfort and peace be yours.

Rowdy and Nicole Sneed

Jason said...

I love you guys.

Anonymous said...

So, so very sorry. How awesome for Joseph to be in His arms of love. I pray that you'll feel those same arms around you now. - Susan Masters

Emily said...

We are so so sorry to hear about Joseph. I just recently learned about his illness. Please know that we will be praying for you and your family walk with the Lord through this. God's grace is sufficient.
Love, Emily (Kerr) and Forrest Renner

Dee Dee said...

I'm so, so sorry.
You have been in my thoughts and prayers today, especially since I read yesterday's post. I can't believe he is gone already. I've been thinking how he was just walking around; how could the doctors have had such a diagnosis so quickly? And then it occurred to me that it was a blessing that he remained so active practically the whole time.
Our hearts are hurting along with yours. Praying to the One who holds Him.

Anonymous said...

I don't know you...just heard of your story through a message board.

As a parent though, my heart breaks for you. My prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Please know that people you do not even know deeply care and are lifting your entire family up in prayer. My daughter went to UT with your sister, Gil. I have a picture of your precious son sitting on Jesus knee...he loved the children so dearly. God be with you all. Annette

Anonymous said...

Joseph isn't sick or frustrated or disappointed anymore. He is happy and healthy again. I pray God will comfort you when you long to see him, hold him, smell him, touch him, hear him. You are amazing parents. We love you.

Dramalish said...

I'm sending you my prayers, along with my shared tears for your loss.
There are many things in this world I don't understand, and the loss of a sweet little soul like Joseph's is one of them.

Of course, Joseph is not lost at all, but rather found in the arms of his Father.

I'm still so very sorry for you loss.
-D.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thankful that Joseph was able to be at home with his family. Thank you for sharing him with so many--I just saw the two videos today, and I laughed and cried. I pray God's mercy and comfort and presence for you as you grieve.

Becca Patton Rollins

Anonymous said...

we will continue to pray for your strength. love each other and support one another. thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Erin (Chaney) and Thomas Cabell

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.

ChristinK said...

Praying for your precious family.

Palmisano family said...

My heart and prayers are with y'all! I've been praying for Joe for a long time (friends with SJ and the Nathaniels). I know his sweet spirit and precious memories will always remain! Thank you Jesus for Joseph's precious life everyday you gave! May the God of all comfort wrap you in His mighty arms!

Anna Tester said...

Sweet Peabodys, loving you as hard as we can from atlanta.

Gillian, today I was thinking about how Joseph use to run like crazy all around brookrun and how you could barely keep up with him with Holly in the sling on your back. Anyway, I would like to think that is what he is doing today running around on the playground in heaven. Take good care precious friend.

xxxooo

anna

Unknown said...

I am so sorry but even that doesn't describe it... You are in my prayers.

Stanton Stebbins said...

Praying for you and your family. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help, no matter how big or small.

With love,
Stanton (and the rest of the residents at Emory)

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry for the sadness and pain you are going through. You filled Joseph's life with such abundant, radiant love, which Jesus is continuing to lavish on him for eternity, as you will again, too. Our prayers for you will not stop.

Czarina said...

My heart is broken for all of you...I am a friend of Ashley's (Pearman) and was blessed to have had the chance to meet all of you -especially sweet Joseph - through this blog.

I will continue to pray for all of you in this very sad time.

Praise God that Joseph no longer feels any pain and that he is finally at peace.

All of you are in my prayers always.

Unknown said...

My heart breaks for you both of you. May God bless you both and give you comfort and strength.

All our love,
Richard and Claudia Wright

Mary Vagnoni said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Peabody Family,
We are so sorry for your incredible loss. I said to my wife yesterday after hearing an update from your sister, "Life is so strange and can be so unfair." She agreed but then commented on how much he was loved by your family and friends. And of course, the love he showered on all of you too. You will have all those moments forever. We never met him, but we felt like so many that we knew him, and we truly loved him. He made us laugh and he made us cry when we heard the news. Someone else said on this blog how Joseph left such a strong impact on others in his short time here. It is so true. Everyone who knew him is a better person because of witnessing the pure joy, determined spirit and great sense of humor this little boy radiated. Love, the Shims

Anonymous said...

There are no words. But know that our love and prayers are with you all. Kevin and Wendy Twit

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. You don't know me but I have been keeping Joseph in my prayer chain. I found your blog from Ethan Powell's site. My prayers are for your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for your family tonight.

Wifeof1Momof4 said...

Thank you for journaling Joseph's journey and being VERY transparent even today. Praying for peace for you all now.

To live with Jesus .. to live with Jesus.

Mary Vagnoni said...

Just devastated by the news. Praying that your strong faith and family will carry you through this difficult time. Talked to many of your cousins and aunts and uncles in Ireland today and they send their love and prayers.
with deepest sympathy
from Aunt Mary, Uncle Philip and cousins Orlagh, Valera and Anna

Anonymous said...

We love you guys and we are so sad for your loss. It's hard to believe. We are praying that Jesus attends to your tremendous hurt and heartache. May His Grace be Sufficient!

Doyles said...

We are so sorry. May you feel the arms of the Lord around you. We are praying for you.

Ryan and Lindsey Doyle

RickB said...

Our prayers continue for you all as you go through this difficult journey. We hope you can feel the love of God that surrounds you on all sides.
With our love and constant prayers,
Rick and Nancy Barr

Anonymous said...

My heart grieves for your loss... please know that many of us are praying for you.

Ashli Avis
Memphis, TN

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

I'm so sorry. I'm glad you made it home. My heart is with you all in the coming days, weeks, months...

Anonymous said...

Our friends Emily and Michael told us about your blog, and we only just caught the last two. There really are no words, just tears and prayers for you. We will continue to pray for your family.
Love in Christ-
Amy Stanfield

Anonymous said...

brokenhearted for you all. our love and prayers will continue.
the mccurdys

Will said...

gillian & allen,
thank you for opening your hearts with us through this blog. we grieve with y'all and pray the Lord grips you ever so tightly-- that His presence & peace would be known like you've never experienced before. we're praying for you both & holly too!
much love,
katie & will ireland

Anonymous said...

We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our every thought and prayer. May God bless you with peace and comfort during such a difficult time.

Joey and Lauren Northern

The Johnson Kids said...

Praying for God to comfort all of you in this time where there are even no words or tears that can describe your heartache and sadness.

Emily, Monty, Mac, and Alice said...

Allen and Gillian,

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for your entire family and that peace will soon come....as well as the days to come. Your blog has been such a testimony to us. Joseph was so blessed to have yall as parents. We are glad he is no longer in pain and now rests in heaven.

Love,

Emily (Peace) and Monty Herring

Anonymous said...

I am so, so sorry. There is nothing I can say. I'm praying for all of you and holding you all in my heart.
Love,
Sarah

Buddy Buds and Friends! said...

My heart is overcome with this news. I am comforted that Joseph has come to the end of this struggle to rest in the arms of Jesus. I am praying that God will give you the strength and surround you with love.
Kelly Lathem

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your son. I can't even imagine how you feel. My thuoghts and prayers are with you all. May God be with you.
Amanda Shove.... Memphis, TN

Anonymous said...

We are grieving deeply with you and are praying for the strength to make it during this difficult time. Love - Chris and Melissa Cooper

Anonymous said...

As I sit here staring at this computer, with so many tears in my eyes that I can't even type, I am thinking of you and your sweet family--not even knowing you, but feeling as though as I do because of your generosity in sharing your journey. May you feel the blessings of peace and comfort that Joseph has asked Jesus to send to his dear mom and dad and sweet little sister. Peace and prayers--from Texas

Sara said...

We are so very very sorry. Praying that God wraps you up in his loving arms.

Anonymous said...

Peabody's, i am so very sorry about jospeh. he is home with his lord now and happy, God has a reason for everything, and i believe that this has a reason. our best wishes to your family,

hannah witt
intown community church/school

Anonymous said...

peabody's, i am so very sorry about joseph. he was a precious boy and he is now home with his father and happy. God has a reason for everything and i believe that there is a reason for this. my best wishes to you and your family.

hannah witt

Anonymous said...

praying and thinking of you all...

-Allison Collier

Craig and Gwen said...

I feel miserable, confused and sad.
I love ya'll so much - and would love to hug you to pieces.
There was a thing at church tonite and they talked about the shortest verse in the bible
Jesus Wept...

I'm crying to.

Much love - would love to help in any way possible - Gwen

Anonymous said...

We began reading your blog a while ago and have been following Joseph's story. Our hearts ache for each of you, but rejoice that he is in Our Loving Father's arms. We just recently lost our nephew Liam from Trisomy 18. We feel certain that Liam and Joseph will look over all of us down here. God Bless you all during this time.

Kristen said...

So very, very sorry for your loss. My prayers have been with you since I heard of sweet Joseph and your beautiful family, and they will remain with you.

Kristen
Spring Hill, TN

Brea said...

We are completely heartbroken...grieving with you and praying for you.

-John, Brea and Brennan

Anonymous said...

We are so deeply sorry. Cannot comprehend this loss, but are praying and greiving for you and your dear family.

Liz & Scott Davenport

Heidi said...

Dear Gillian & family,
I am so deeply saddened and my heart hurts for you. Please know that I am lifting you up to our Heavenly Father and praying for His indescribable peace to surround you.

--Heidi

bella said...

We love you all and you are constantly in our prayers. What a blessing your son is to all of us...

Bella, Will, Olivia, and Aaron

Rebecca Harber said...

You don't know me but we have been praying for you and your family in our Connection group at Faith Baptist in Bartlett, TN. I will continue to lift your family up to our Lord for comfort as you go through this very difficult time. I'm at a loss for words. May the Lord bless you and comfort you.

Anonymous said...

Joseph is a beautiful boy and he was so very strong!! I am so sorry to hear that he died but rejoice that he is now with Jesus and dancing/singing in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are very much with your family during this extremely difficult time. My life has forever been changed by your son and by your family! I hope you can find some comfort in knowing how many people have been changed by your son's brave life!! I will pray for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Our hearts are with you. We were praying all day after getting SJ's text. We are thankful that he made it home and so sorry for your pain and loss. We will continue to pray for your days ahead.
Love,
Doug and Amber Hess

Anonymous said...

I'm so, so sorry to hear about Joseph. You all remain in all my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jen Campbell

Anonymous said...

I love you.
Lynn Gardner

Tracy said...

Praying for peace for you and your sweet family. No words can be written to send my love and concern. May his grace fill your hearts.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet son, Joseph. Please know that many at BA have been praying for you guys and we will continue to do so. In Christ, Brad Perry

jamieb said...

Praying for your family.

Bonathan Downunder said...

Allen & Gillian,
Are there words? I've been following the blog for a while now.

I pray that the Lord will comfort you with His presence and the hope He has given us in Jesus. I've found 1 Cor 15 helpful with grief.
With love,
Bonnie

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I first heard about Joseph while I was in a women's bible study with Ashley Pearman. I checked your blog every day for any updates. At least he won't have to suffer anymore. I can't even imagine what you are going through, but I know that God will give you the strength to make it through this.

Denise (Orange Park, FL)

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs from Alabama

Unknown said...

Gillian and Allen,

My heart has cried out to the Lord all day for you all. Precious Joseph is now in heaven whole and being held by Jesus. May God flood you with His comfort and hold you as you grieve. Our prayers continue for you.

Stephanie and Brian Tucker

alane said...

Rejoicing that Joseph is now cancer-free and with the Savior in heaven, but devastated and broken-hearted for you, his family left behind to miss him and long for the day when you will be reunited in heaven. Praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

Grieving with you. Thank you for sharing precious Joseph with those of us who never knew him but came to be so inspired by his valiant life. Your honesty and willingness to share has had a huge impact on so many of us.
I am so sorry for your pain.
I pray God will comfort you.

Julie Meyers said...

My love to you all. You are in my prayers.

EmSueDavis said...

Dear Peabody's,
Joseph and your family are loved by so many people. We are grieving with you. I just lift you up, lift you up. I don't have the words. I just won't stop praying.
Love,
Emily and the Davis's

Unknown said...

Heaven became a sweeter place today because of Joseph! We are continuing to pray for all of you... May you be blessed with comfort and peace from our heavenly father! David and Jane Williams