Healed for Eternity

 In our prior posts, you may have read about Gavin's roommate, Leah Anne.  She was perfectly healed and called to heaven, Sunday October 11th, just 3 days after we visited her and her mother at U of M.  She spent more than half of her life in the hospital.  Her parents gave her life when doctors wanted to end it before she was even born.  God knew Shane and Deb would give her life, maybe other wouldn't have. We are so saddened by the loss of her and for the hurt that her parents, siblings, Aunt Melba and family are going through. Shane, Deb, Hanna, Troy and Aunt Melba are in our thoughts and prayers constantly and will always be in our hearts.

Leah Anne Ayers

Born of with a broken heart, March 22, 2010 & October 11, 2010 she is healed completely.

 On our last visit with Leah, Gavin fell asleep in my arms and Deb and I thought it 

would be nice to get a picture of the two of them. She lowered the side rail and I held him in her bed. 

Deb said, "Wait!" Here I am, all worried about Leah's connections, Deb said it would be fine and she flipped up Leah's pacifier handle and said, "Now they match"

Sweet Leah was only with us for a short while, however she touched so many of our hearts. The hospital staff that was her second family and our family. She had such a beautiful smile. It was in Gods plan to bring her into all of our lives. I feel so privileged to have known her. God has worked miracles with her. When Deb was pregnant, the doctors wanted her to end the baby's life, but they said, NO, God will provide. The doctors said that babies in her condition do not live and Leah did! Leah smiled, laughed, loved and hugged her family and everyone that met her. Maybe she didn't physically hug but she touched all of our hearts in a very special and unforgettable way.  God's grace was with her and her family. 

Justin and I attended the visitation last Friday.  We drove about 2.5 hours to their town and all I could think about was how many times they drove that very same route, adding another hour from their house to the hospital. The route was all country road, beautiful, speed limit 35-55. I can't even imagine having to drive that while worrying about my baby. God Bless you guys and I pray that he heals your pain, comforts your hearts and dries your tears! I just have to say that I ache for them. There is a bond here that is indescribable. I love that family and that little girl, she was so beautiful, SHE STILL IS! She was ALWAYS be beautiful. She will ALWAYS BE!

We saw a rainbow forming just as left.  I know it is hard to make out but it's there. (camera phone)

Rainbows are known to be signs of Hope. This wasn't a very good picture.At first I wasn't sure if I should even post this or send it to Deb but then when I think about it, Hope isn't always easy. We want answers to questions that aren't easily answered and then we don't want to except the ones we are given.  Leah was given to us only for a short while. What she did for us and why she was taken so soon may not be clear right now in fact, it may never be clear but we have Faith and we know she is with God and she has no tubes, needs no medications or monitors, she is HEALED. 

The Aikey's love you Leah Anne, we will always be here for your family and You and Gavin will see each another again and there will be no tubes or monitors, nothing artificial, 
just Joy and Laughter!