I am sure you are feeling the same as I am...What can I do? Well the only thing I can think of is prayer and words of inspirations. Lilly has already changed so many lives in the short time she was here on this earth.
I created this blog so that you can tell your story, say your prayer or write words of encouragement. Although I never met Lilly in person, I saw pictures and immediatly knew the sweet spirit she has. Pray for Richard and Jennifer that God may flood them with peace, healing and hope.
There is also a Memorial Fund setup in Lilly's honor:
Westminister Presbyterian Church
2525 Wimberly Road
Amarillo, TX 79109
Att: Lilly Memorial Fund
68 comments:
Jennifer and Richard,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for you many times a day b/c we know that the only thing that can sustain you is the love and peace our Father brings. We hope you are feeling the prayers from all the people that are praying for you b/c there are many people doing so that don't even know you but have been touched by your situation. Praise be to the King for giving you such a blessing in Lilly for 3 1/2 months...what a gift she was to your life and will always be.
-The Billington's
Richard & Jennifer and Family
Our heart goes out to you all...our hearts are broken and know it is hard to put in words how we feel for you. Please know we are praying for you...We love you both so much...We pray for comfort from our Father and healing. What a precious little angel. God Bless you Love David and Robin Timmons
Richard & Jennifer,
Just wanted to let you know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope that you both can find comfort in knowing she is with God. We will continue to pray for all of you and I hope you know you will be in our daily thoughts and prayers. I can't even imagin what you are feeling. I pray that as the days go by you will find the peace you need.
Take Care,
Kevin, Tessa(Hancock), Kenton, and Keylee Bradford
Jennifer and Richard,
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your family. Just know that in your time of need (for support, a listening ear, a bite to eat, a hug, silliness, quiet, etc) there are so many people that are here and ready to provide.
We love you!
Kmc
Jennifer and Richard,
She was a precious baby. Words cannot expess our sorrow for you and yours. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Love,
The Rogers (Jimmy & April)
As a mother of precious baby girls, my heart is breaking for you today. As the Spirit brings you to mind, I will uphold you all in prayer to the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.
I heard your tragic news through a line of friends, then realized that I knew Jennifer. (This is Jennifer Meeks from AHS). My heart breaks for the pain you are going through right now, but I rejoice in knowing that you have the peace of knowing the promises and love of our heavenly father. As a mom, I know there are so many areas of motherhood that we simply cannot function in without His power living through us. So from that perspective, know that I am praying for you as a fellow Mom who is weak herself, but through Him am made perfectly strong. That is my prayer for you...that our Father would give you HIS strengh, HIS comfort, HIS peace, for He alone can walk us through these trials. Lilly is a beautiful little girl, and it is obvious the Lord is already using her short life in some incredible ways! You're in our prayers...
You don't know me. But I heard through a friend about your sweet baby and have been lifting your family up to the throne room of God every time my mind rests on your situation. Our first daughter went to be with Jesus when she was just shy of 4 months (SIDS). I know this is the hardest thing you will ever face. It doesn't make sense and it isn't fair. But, He is our strength. And he promises to make ALL things beautiful. And by that, He means ALL things. Hold on to that promise. He also promises to turn our mourning into dancing. And He will. Someday. Just remind yourselves of those truths and know that you are being prayed for and cried with. And talk about her just as often as you want to. Remember her beautiful smile and sing her favorite songs. You were given a gift that will forever be with you!
We are praying for you and your family without ceasing. May God wrap his arms around you and hold you tightly! Our hearts are overwhelmingly heavy and we will continue to lift you up.
Randy and Melissa Tivis
(Heather and Micah Ladds parents)
Richard and Jennifer,
We can't imagine what you are going through. But we wanted to let you know that we are lifting you up in prayer every day. May God comfort you both in a supernatural way. May he give you peace that passes all understanding. Know that you will see her someday and she will teach you about heaven as you have taught her about earth.
-Kristin and Jarrod Babbitt
Richard & Jennifer,
I don't know what else to say other than we love you guys and we're praying for you. May the love and peace of God blanket you during this time and the years to come.
Jeremy & Lindsay Self
(Don & Joyce Cameron's daughter)
Jennifer and Richard,
You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. As a mother I cannot possibly imagine what you are going through, but we want you to know that we love you and we are here for you. We are lifting you both up to the Lord and we know that He will give you comfort. Lilly was truely a gift from God and we will cherish the time she was here on earth.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
God Bless You,
Greg, Susanna and Kailey Blanchard
I had to let you know again, that I am continuing to pray for you and your family! I have been praying constantly for three days now...and will continue to do so! I pray you can fill God holding you tightly in the palm of His hand! Lilly is the sweetest Angel I have ever seen!
Richard and Jennifer,
Please know that so many people are praying for you in this tragic time. While we have never met - I am lifting you guys up to the Father and asking that He hold your hearts close during this incredibly trying time.
Psalm 55:16-17
"But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice."
Your Heavenly Father is right by your side and He truly knows your pain. Please know that you all will continue to be in our prayers.
Jason, Kimberly, & Julianne Hall
Jennifer and Richard, though we have never met, I am weeping for your loss. I am so thankful that you are clearly surrounded by a loving community and upheld by a compassionate God. I pray that God will give you peace, healing, and strength and I praise Him for the blessing of such a beautiful and precious baby girl.
"But Jesus called for them, saying, 'Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'"
Luke 18:16
Megan
Richard, Jennifer, & Family,
Although we can not begin to imagine what you all are going through, we want you to know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope God wraps you all in his arms and helps you through this difficult time. We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious little angel Lilly.
Love & God Bless You Always,
Casey, Carli, & Coda Podzemny
Jennifer, Richard & Family...
I've never met you before, but I heard about your beautiful daughter through Susanna Blanchard. I want you to know that the both of you are in my prayers and thoughts. During this time of such sorrow and grief, cling to each other as husband and wife and know that you have each other to lean on with your Higher Power. This must be the most difficult thing to ever have to endure, but know that Heavenly Father's plan is sometimes not our plan. Love and blessings to your family always.
Celeste Pavlik
Jennifer and Richard,
You and your family are in my prayers. If you need anything just let Susanna B. know and our group will come to the rescue. I hope that in your healing you will look to God and he will guide your heart in the right direction.
Jennifer and Richard,
I haven't stopped thinking about the two of you since Tuesday. My heart is broken that your precious little girl had to be taken from you. I wanted to let you know I am praying for you both in every spare moment I have.
Love,
Kristin Meyer
Jennifer, Richard, and family-
A friend told me about your precious angel and I wanted to let you know that you will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
I know there are no words that can take away the pain that you are feeling, but I hope some of the prayers you are receiving will help to comfort your souls.
Many hugs and prayers,
The Hall Family
Richard and Jennifer,
We can't even imagine what you are going through. We want to let you know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for the loss of your precious angel.
Casey, Lisa and Hunter Weiss
Jennifer and Richard,
We heard about your loss from my cousin Celeste. We too lost our little guy Aaron. We are so sorry for the pain you are going through. Please remember that our Heavenly Father loves you very much and he loves Lilly. When Aaron died 11 years ago, I thought the pain would never end. It gets manageable with time. We will keep your family in our prayers.
The Parrish's
Richard and Jennifer,
We will be praying for you every day. Our hearts ache for you and your wonderful family. We pray you find peace and that you find comfort in God's Word and His unfailing love. We love you,
Micah and Heather Ladd
We loved Lilly so much! She was such a precious baby, with the most incredible parents. We love you guys and will be here for you and whatever you need. We will think about Lilly everyday and pray for you guys until we too get to be with Lilly in heaven.
Jennifer and Richard,
We are continually praying for you and thinking about you and your family. Know that your family will always be in our prayers.
Keenan and Tiffany Hooker
Jennifer and Richard,
You do not know me, but my family has been praying for you. Susanna Blanchard sent us an email asking us to pray for you and your family. We love you and we are praying that our Holy Father brings you comfort and peace.
God Bless You,
The McEldridge Family
Jennifer,
We are praying for you right now. We cannot even begin to understand what you are going through. We have faith that God will get you through these difficult times. Although we have never met Susanna Blanchard tearfully told us about your precious daughter Lilly. We are heartbroken for you and your family. We will continue to pray. If there is any way we can help please let Susanna know and we will be there for you.
-Janet McManus
Richard and Jennifer,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Susanna told us about your beautiful daughter and we just want you to know we are thinking of you and if you need anything to let us know.
Keith, Sara and James Helson
Precious Lilly is one of the most beautiful little girls we have ever seen. Our hearts ache for you and we are praying for you daily. We will think of Lilly daily and always picture those big beautiful blue eyes. May God bless you with Peace, Hope and Healing.
Love Tracy & Misti McWhorter
Although I don't know your family, I have been praying since Tuesday. I will continue to pray, and grieve with you as a mother. I pray that God will be present and real to your family right now and in the days to come, and I know He will.
Richard, Jennifer and Family,
My heart broke whenever we heard the news about your beautiful angel Lilly. I can't not even begin to imagine what you all are going through. We will pray for strength and understanding for you all during this time.
Love and Prayers,
Neil, Brandy(Robinson), and Brecken Hall
I don't know your family, but my heart is breaking for you. Susanna Blanchard told us about your little angel Lilly and I have been praying for you many times throughout the day. I hope that with time comes peace for you and your family.
All my best,
Holly Irvin
Although I don't know you personally, I have been praying for you non-stop since Tuesday. I live in Houston and found out about Lilly from a friend of a friend of yours. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that God will give you strength and peace each day. Lilly was precious - she was absolutely beautiful! I am so glad you have such amazing pictures of her. May God wrap you in his arms and shower you with blessings. - Michele
Richard and Jennifer,
You both are in my prayers constantly all throughout each day..I can't imagine the grief that you are experiencing but I know our Father does know, as He lost His Son as well. Therefore, I know that He can comfort you like no human can and so I am praying that he wraps His arms tightly arounds you and holds you each moment. Our entire ABF (Martin/Pearson) is grieving for you and praying for you...May the Lord be your strength...
-Jenny and Trent Worsham
My heart goes out to your family. You are all in my prayers.
Thomas Family,
I've never met you, but strangely I keep finding connections to you; my dear friend Amy, your sister Chelsi. Through all of the heart ache of this week I have thought many times about your precious baby girl. My heart goes out to you. Know that you are being lifted up in prayer by so many people. May God comfort you during this time.
In Him,
Christy Koenig (Grace Bible Church, College Station)
You do not know me. I have heard through a friend. I wanted you to know that I will be praying for you guys today and for many days to come. We will pray for God's peace to comfort you and for you to rest under His wing. I am so sorry for you loss.
Prayerfully, Ashley Nelson
Although you do not know me my family has been praying for you all week. I truely believe that God will get you through this. My friend Susanna told me about your family and my heart goes out to you. Susanna has spoken so highly of you and of your little princess Lilly. I hope that each day gets better and better. And please know you have so many people that care about you!
God Speed,
Jenny and Taylor Gross
League City, Texas
Richard and Jennifer,
You don't know me personally, but I have kept up with your family for several months through your close friends. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. It is amazing how far news of your trial has spread and know that everyone has lifted prayers above! God bless and bring you strength!
Richard and Jennifer,
Please know how sorry we are for you incredible loss. We will pray that in time, you may find some peace. We will pray that peace finds you. The shortest verse of the Bible reads simply, "Jesus wept." I am certain He is weeping for you now, as are we. May all the angels, and now Lilly too, hold you close in the days to come. Our thoughts and prayers are never far from you.
Always, Todd, Cristin and Dax Betzen
I am amazing at how many people are praying for you. God will get you through this difficult time and will keep Lilly safe with him. When Susanna called me and asked me to pray I was so sad to hear your news-she mentioned that you are a Christian family and that gave me comfort knowing that you will rely on God to get you through this. We are here for you and we support you.
Rylie, Cathy and Ben Stickens
Mobile, AL
What a precious little girl. My prayers and thoughts have been with you since I ran across your story yesterday while reading a friend's blog. Praying that God would sustain you during this horrible trial you're going through. I wish I could describe in words the extent to which so many strangers are hurting for you guys during this time.
Jennifer and Richard,
I am so sorry to hear about your little angel Lilly. My heart is so heavy for the loss of your precious daughter. I want you both to know that your that you are in my thoughts and heavily in my prayers. Know that you both are so special that the Lord chose you to be the parents of his adorable child. He will take such good care of her until you meet again. I know that she has already touched so many lives of people that you don't even know. Keep your head up and continue to look to the Lord for your strength to get through each day. He is there to comfort you during this rough time in your lives. She will always be a part of your life. May you find peace and understanding in your Savior.
-Kendra(Cotgreave)Brashears
You don't know me, but your daughter has inspired to me treasure each day and remember how blessed I am. Lily has reminded me how precious our time with loved ones is. I have been cherishing my daughter more b/c of Lily. I have wept for you and I am praying for God to strengthen you during this time.
My God Bless You and watch over you. He will give you peace.
Laurie Hatchers
(Susanna Blanchard told me about your website)
San Diego, CA
Jennifer and Richard,
I was very sad when I heard about your loss. I didn't even know Lily but she has made an impact on my life. In these times the only place to truly find comfort is in God's arms. Also, you both may find yourself getting angry at God. Know he understands this but has an amazing plan for the both of you. Find comfort in the fact that as you cry because of the pain, Jesus is crying right there with you trying to take the pain away. Richard, I was young when I knew you, but you have always been an inspiration to me. You are both in my prayers.
-Ryan Cotgreave
Jennifer and Richard,
We know there is nothing we could say or do to help with the ache your hearts are suffering. We are earnestly praying that God will meet the needs of your heart and give you the strenghth to make it through each day. Lilly has touched our lives in so many ways though we never met her. She has taught us to make the most of each day and never take one second for granted. We will coninually lift to our Lord.
Ashley and Kit Black
Richard & Jennifer,
No words can express our sympathy for you and your family. We pray that God will restore your hearts and bring you peaceful healing. "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust." -Psalm 91:2 May our thoughts and prayers be with you.
With love,
Marcus, Kelli(Strader), and Camden Glass
Jennifer and Richard,
We don't know each other, but I am sobbing for you. I have been through a similar tradegy 5 years ago. I could do nothing but collapse in God's arms for some time and still do over my sweet baby. There is no pain like losing a child. I pray for peace for you both, for a feeling of faithfulness from God, for a eternal perspective.
May the God Almighty, God of Peace and Deliverance hold you in His sweet arms . . . knowing that He is holding precious Lilly in His arms right now too. We are praying for you both and your families and friends, and know that our church in Lubbock is also praying. May these prayers be a constant shield of comfort for you. In Christ Jesus.
Jennifer-
It is 4:00 am Monday morning and I was laying here praying for you guys. I heard about Lilly and have cried and prayed for all of you all week. My eyes just popped open and God brought it to my attention that it is you. I just want you to know that I love you. And know that you guys are just surrounded by a hedge of thorns of prayer. We don't know why things like this happen or understand it but we do know that our Father is the One who will bring us through them. Just know that I am praying for you guys and your whole family. I love you all and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. God Bless you!
~Heather Stokes
I don't know you but Holly Green passed your story on to me. I just want to let you know that my heart and soul break every time I think of you and your precious loss. I also want you to know that I pray for you every time I think of you and I passed your story on to everyone I work with and know and asked for their prayers as well. You are truly embraced by God and I can only hope that you feel it during this hard time!
Ashley Kaleimamahu
Richard & Jennifer,
There are no words of comfort I could offer except to encourage you to hold on to the blessings your little angel gave you every single day. I love you, Bud, and your family will help you get through this. God bless.
Judy Colgan
Jennifer and Richard,
My heart aches for you. I wanted you to know that Lilly's short life has impacted so many lives including mine. I will live in every moment with more love because of her. I pray that you will feel the comfort of the Lord and know how loved you are.
Sharon
Jennifer and Richard
News of your little beauty has even traveled all the way to the midwest! She is so beautiful and will be remembered by all. Sometimes in times like these, it seems that the world just goes on but it does not, so many people loved and knew your little girl and she will never be forgotten!! She is still touching lives all the way from heaven and will continue to do so!
Sending our love and prayers!!
Megan and Amit Suri
Lillian Reese Thomas. I can’t imagine a more appropriate name. The Lilly is a symbol of innocence, purity, and beauty. Our sweet Lilly was the embodiment of all these things, especially beauty.
She had her Dad’s big blue eyes, and when she was excited she would open them so wide that you could see the whites of her eyes all the way around her little pupils. She loved taking in the world around her and absorbed it all like a sponge. Lilly had a perfect little nose, adorable dimples, and those pouty lips every woman longs for. She had hamhocks for thighs that you couldn’t help but pinch. One of her most lovable traits was the way she would cuddle and take naps on anyone willing to sit still long enough. She would noozle that little head right into your neck and make your heart melt. That little girl had us all wrapped around her finger.
All who knew Lilly knew that “Lilly loved life.” Her eyes would brighten and her face would light up when her daddy walked into the room. She loved her Daddy. And Daddy loved his Bops. She loved to watch sports with her Daddy and get all dressed up in her A&M gear to root on the Ags. Lilly loved taking baths and having Daddy count down and rocket ship her out of the water. Lilly loved her Mommy. Mommy and Lilly were all about comfort and cuddles. Lilly loved naps on Mommy’s chest and sofa Sundays in their sweats. Lilly liked her schedule, especially the mornings. She led a life of luxury…eating breakfast in bed most every morning, and then having her mommy dress her like the little diva she was. That kid was always a fashion statement. I think my favorite was the elf outfit at Christmas with the huge bow and the little green elf shoes the curled upwards at the toes. I almost felt sorry for her sometimes but she never really seemed to mind the silly outfits. She was just a “chill”, “roll with the flow” kind of baby. However, she wasn’t a big fan of the late evenings, and was known to morph into an alternate form of Lilly, lovingly known as “Jack Jack”. During those times, walking laps around the house with Daddy always made her feel better. Lilly loved being silly and making people laugh. She was so full of personality. Just like her Mommy, she had the ability to engage others and make them feel special the moment they came around her, and just like her Daddy, she was ornery and goofy as all get out. Lilly loved singing silly songs with Mommy and Daddy. One of her favorite songs to sing was Jesus Loves Me.
Let us honor Lilly today by remembering and celebrating the fact that Jesus does love her and she belongs to Him, just as the song says- “little ones to him belong, they are weak but he is strong”. At this time of weakness for us, let us remember the simple yet powerful truth of Lilly’s favorite song- that when we are weak, He is strong.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:28-29: “Consider the lilies of the field, and how they grow; they toil not…And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed as one of these.” Jesus uses the “lilies of the field” as an example of God’s promise to man: that despite the hard times, God will always be there to protect his people. In view of this love, let us put our hope in God. And may His love compel us to love each other in the way Richard and Jennifer loved Lilly: even beyond the farthest star.
Love, Aunt Chelsi
Jennifer and Richard,
There are no words that we as humans can say to comfort hearts experiencing such a great loss, so I will just leave with you these words from Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." May God strengthen you now and continue to uphold you during this time. My prayers remain with you and your family.
Gloria H
Jennifer and Richard ~
What a testimony to both of you and a wonderful remembrance of Lilly this blog has become. This is such a difficult time for both of you, for your families, and for those who love you. Words seem so trite and insignificant right now. Please know that you are both loved and that someday we will see with clarity God's plan in all of this ~ even though that seems impossible to fathom right now with broken hearts.
I'm praying for you and keeping your family in my thoughts each day!
Love you ~
Crystal
Jennifer and Richard,
How do I put the words on this paper that will give you comfort and tell you what is in my heart? There are no words! I pray to God and ask for peace and strength for you both. I wish that for you. I thank God for giving precious Lily to such wonderful, loving parents and grandparents. Lily got so much love in her short life and was so blessed to have you as her parents as you were to have Lily as your daughter. Little Lily has touched so many people in her short life, people that only knew of her but loved her. My thoughts and prayers go out to you hourly for peace and strength through this time of loss. Blessings, Susan Bovenzi
Jennifer and Richard -
We are neighbors down the street from Jennifer's parents. You have been on our hearts and minds for many days, and you will continue to be so. I know God will hold you all tight during this time. I lost my identical twin sister 32 years ago to SIDS. We still think of her every day. My heart breaks for you. I know God heals the broken hearted and we are going to be praying for you all.
-The Blackstens
Our hearts are so sad for you. Please know that you are being prayed for today, but also in the days to come.
I heard about your loss through my friend Susanna (Derlein) Blanchard. We have been praying for you and thinking of you. May God give you peace and comfort.
Erika Mosrow
Baton Rouge, LA
Jennifer and Richard,
I think about you often and Pray that God would wrap his comforting arms around you and bring you peace. My heart is full of sadness. We wish we could have met Miss Lilly - the pictures of her are beautiful!
Love, Sarah, Austin, and Londyn Eidson
I am a stranger, but I was directed to Lilly's Pad through an accquaintance. I have a daughter named Lily too and feel compelled to write you with chills in my heart. I am crying with you over your loss of your precious Lilly. I am praying that you find strength, comfort and a sense of peace each day. I hope you feel a caring warmth of prayer from all over the country as a result of you sharing the life of your beautiful baby girl and your amazing family. May God bless you and Lilly today and for eternity.
Lacey from Indiana
Jennifer and Richard,
Mandi and Sam are in our bible study at church and we have been and will continue to pray for you and your family in this difficult time. We are touched by the words that you share about Lilly as you give her to the Lord. You will be in our thoughts often.
God bless
Chris and Melanie
Richard and Jennifer,
I am so sorry for your loss, Please know that you are in our thoughts and MOST of all Prayers. I know that this is the most difficult time but, please know that your support system is much larger than you realized. We are all praying for you to help you cope with this tragedy. I will pray the prayers you need come to you at the right time.
We Love YOU and God Bless you Both,
Lindsay Underhill
I just ran across your blog...how my heart breaks for you. I will keep you in our prayers!!!
Jennifer and Richard,
Even though we are strangers, we heard your story and our hearts break for you. You and your family are in our prayers. We can see the love and support your family and friends have for you - may that comfort give you strength.
In God's Grace,
Kristy & John - NJ
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