To our family and friends:
I cannot begin to tell you how amazing our son was on earth and how amazing I am certain he is in heaven. This will probably take a few messages throughout the week(s) to express as we only begin to really process our joy and grief. "Little" Charlie was born perfect and beautiful... he was born with expressive eyes that looked for mommy, daddy and Hannah when we were talking, he was born with such strength as he fought for every breath for over 2 days, he was born with peace that he truly demonstrated as his sister sang to him, he was born with great love as he was able to touch so many without even knowing them, our son was truly a blessing and a gift that I cannot thank God enough for.
I will start with his birth... When I went into the hospital bright and early Monday morning, I was excited but also fearful... I was afraid that he wouldn't be born breathing and we had modified our birth plan to try and give him life, I was afraid that he would be so deformed that he couldn't live outside the womb and to be honest I had a little more than fear when it came to the C-section as I have many allergies to pain medication. All of these were groundless fears and God answered our prayers, our C-section was "easy" and I was able to focus all of my attention on "Daddy" Charlie and "Little Charlie. I wasn't quite sure of the moment of his birth but heard the nurse announce 7:47 and waited for one of the longest moments in my life, time seemed to stop as we waited, before I heard the beautiful cries of our son from across the room. The relief I felt was greater than anything I'd felt before. He had a lot to say and needed no additional help to say it. He was quickly measured with Daddy taping every second and put into my arms. He was perfect! We were then taken to our room for recovery and his baptism.
We cannot thank the team at Baylor Frisco Hospital enough, they were the most compassionate and loving of people - they understood our wishes, respected our family, and loved our son.
I will post pictures shortly so all can meet him, we are also planning a memorial service for Wednesday (1/6/10) at Christ Church at 4 pm for those who wish to attend and celebrate his life. We will know more details on Monday.
I will finish his story, but please understand that it takes time.
We love all of you and know that we couldn't have done this without your prayers, support and love.
Thank you ~ The Deebs
Alise, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you and your family are feeling. My brother and his wife had their first baby born after only 26 weeks. Born on Dec 20 and he passed away 6 days later. This was 2 years agao. So Little Charlie can play with my nephew Tylor. My prayors are with you and your family through this tough time. He is in a great place. Be thankful you had 2 days and 3 hours with him.
Posted by: Melissa Bergey | 01/10/2010 at 03:47 PM
Alise,
My heart is full of such admiration and compassion for you and your family as you shared your experience with all of us!! You are one of the strongest and most amazing women I know, and I am so proud of you! I am so glad that you and your family were blessed with the opportunity to bond with Little Charlie before the Angels sent him back home to be with our Heavenly Father! While Charlie was only with us for a short time, this precious little guy has made an impact on all of our lives. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and your family. May God continue to Bless You and watch over all of you! All my love, Vicki
Posted by: Vicki Engler | 01/06/2010 at 12:24 PM
I am beyond impressed with the strength you and your family have had over the past months and mostly in this past week. I would only hope that faced with such an unimaginable situation that I could have the tiniest of your strength and grace. I am at peace knowing you had an opportunity to meet his little soul and peace knowing he is with God now looking down on you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Heather Vandergriff (Atl, Ga) | 01/06/2010 at 11:59 AM
Did you ever see a star being born?
Did you ever look up into the nighttime sky, and see a blue-white flash of brilliance in the void where there was nothing before, and when you blinked, it wasn’t there anymore?
Did you keep looking up, hoping it would return? Did you finally resign yourself to the fact that your mortal eyes were lucky enough to catch it the one time you did? Did you carry off with you the quiet joy of knowing that no matter what else happened you’d been witness to a miracle?
Some people are like that too.
Sending love, support and prayers your way.
Posted by: Tashonda Burt | 01/05/2010 at 07:49 PM
I am so sorry to hear of your families loss, but it is Heaven's gain. His life, even as brief as it was, has touched so many.
Gret
LaQuinta Inn and Suites, Alexandria, LA
Posted by: Gretchen Twickler | 01/04/2010 at 03:30 PM
With the sadness I feel, also comes the joy of knowing that you had those precious moments with little Charlie. He is truly a little angel watching over his family now. Love to you, Charlie , Hannah and all your family.
Posted by: Lina Palumbo | 01/04/2010 at 03:15 PM
Alise,
God's presence through this miracle just gives us more reason to believe in his love, and supernatural power that impact our lives in ways unknown to us. I wish I could be there for the memorial service. Please know that you are all lifted up. Love Ya Bev
Posted by: Beverly | 01/04/2010 at 10:45 AM
Alise, Charlie and Hannah
Thank you for sharing your family’s amazing strength and faith. Thanks for sharing your photos you all looks so happy. I am so happy you were blessed with being able to hold him and have the two days with him. Loved the photo of Hannah sleeping with her baby brother and that you all were surrounded with your family and friends. Wish I was there to give you hug. You have showed so muc love and strength through this very difficult time. Love you Max
Posted by: Max Dee | 01/02/2010 at 11:12 PM
We so admire how your family has responded with such grace and love to a precious gift...and let us all bear witness to your gracious example. We look forward to seeing you Wednesday to celebrate Little Charlie's life.
Posted by: Leslie | 01/02/2010 at 10:26 AM
Peace be with you all.
Posted by: Becki Girouard | 01/01/2010 at 09:52 PM
I am amazed by your family's strength and can't thank you enough for sharing your Little Charlie and his story with us. I wish I had met him - I certainly felt as if I knew him. I will see you Wednesday.
Posted by: Tiffany and Bart | 01/01/2010 at 08:46 PM
Thank you so much for sharing everything. I loved looking at the pictures I went through them several times. You are so amazing and strong. What a year 2009 was for you! It is an honor to say I know you...
Posted by: Laura Lovelady | 01/01/2010 at 04:10 PM
What a beautiful child! And that is a great picture of big sister and little brother! Isn't it just like God to give you so much more...Thank you for sharing in this most joyous and saddest of times. So many were touched. Thoughts and prayers, always...and his story will never be finished.
Posted by: Katie Donley | 01/01/2010 at 02:27 PM
Dawn, My heart breaks for you and your family, every post that I have read I have cried for you. I am glad that you were blessed to have 2 days and 3 hours with Little Charlie and to know that he is in the arms of Jesus. You have such a wonderful family and support system and my thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Posted by: Sheryl Null | 01/01/2010 at 11:55 AM