Lindsay's Blog

Update On Baby Micah

2009-11-04T20:39:00.002-05:00

I got an update about and hour ago about Micah. Here is the update; His surgeon just came to talk with Jay and Susanne. Everything went well!!! They did both the hole in the heart, as well as the pulmonary artery. His heart rhythm isn't what it should be, so he is on a small pacemaker. They will wean him off of that as is appropriate, and take him off once he doesn't need it anymore. He may have to go back in 6 wks for some sort of treatment, not sure what that will be. Praise God for good news!!! Please continue to pray that his recovery will go well!

Thanks for praying for this family today. Please continue to pray for them in the next few hours as well as into tomorrow. If I hear anything more I will update. I know that they will appreciate all the prayers they can get.

Thanks again and we love you all!!

Pray For Baby Micah

2009-11-03T11:54:00.003-05:00

Our friends from church Susanne and Jason Kelsall and their son Micah (3 months old) are in Boston today doing his pre-op testing. He will be having open heart surgery tomorrow morning. I don't know the time yet but I am asking that you join us in praying for Micah, his parents Jason, Susanne, as well as the doctors, nurses, and all the other people who will be attending to him tomorrow. Our nurse Moira from 8 south told me that she will look for them tomorrow and try and get on there team. How awesome would that be if she was his nurse. I will update tomorrow when I hear any kind of news on him. Jon and I are planning on going to see him sometime in the next few days. They need our prayers as well as the 3 other kids they have who will be at home.
This hits me in so many ways. I just went and looked back and read when we did all this a year ago. We know all the emotions they are going through even today and especially tomorrow. I never would have thought then that I would be sitting here today with out Lindsay. But God sure knew that she wouldn't be here. God has brought us through so much and he has never left our sides. If we didn't have him by our side I don't think I could have made it this far. But I am here because of God's love for me and for all of you who prayed us through this time in our lives. So as you go about your day today please remember this family in your prayers. As you tuck your little ones into bed tonight hold them a little closer for awhile. When I put Tanner to bed every night we always pray for our nurses, all the babies and kids on 8 south, and all the other heart babies we have been following. And I always end by asking God to give Lindsay lots of hugs and kisses and tell her how much we love and miss her.

Urgent Prayers Needed

2009-10-15T11:51:00.003-04:00

I just checked Lindsay Dean's blog and she had to take a helicopter ride to the hospital. She has a high fever and possiable signs of rejection. Please pray for her and for her family. You can check on her blog which is under our heart family on the right.

Lord we ask that you be with Lindsay right now. Help her to pull through what ever her little body is going through. Be with her family as they are with her and fill them with the peace that only you can give them. We thank you for all that Lindsay has made it through and what a special little girl she is. In your name, Amen

Vacation 2009

2009-10-14T16:40:00.003-04:00

We recently went on vacation to Gordonsville, VA and had lots of fun. We sure missed Lindsay and wished she was with us to enjoy all the fun we had. We took tons of pictures and made lots of memories. We would like to share them with you.

10-2-09

I am sorry that I haven't been writing as often as I would like to. Life is busy these days with a baby and an almost 5 year old. I will write again in a few days as I have a lot on my mind to share. We are wanting to start another round of Lindsay Baskets soon. So if you are interested in helping again please let me know. We found out than an Explore Girls Group in PA will be helping us this time. They will do this as there special project for the year. I have added another name to our heart family list. Please pray for Jessica who is struggling and could use our prayers. We also have a family from church whose little boy Micah will be having open heart surgery at Children's Hospital Boston on November 4, 2009. We are hoping to get to visit them while they are there. I will keep you updated on little Micah. So far he is doing well and gaining lots of weight which is hard for a heart baby to do.
We hope you are all enjoying this beautiful fall weather we are having. The colors here in New England are so beautiful. I wonder what they look like from heaven and if only we could get a glimpse.

Love to each and everyone of you,
Jon, Laura, Tanner, Case

Lindsay Basket Movie

2009-10-09T10:55:00.003-04:00

Click this link to view the video!!

Movies

Prayers For Miss Shanyah's Family

2009-09-10T20:38:00.003-04:00

It is with a very heavy heart that I ask you to pray for another heart family. Little Miss Shanyah who we have listed here in our heart family has flown to Jesus. She passed away on Sept 4, 2009. We were able to meet her mom Alicia and give little Shanyah a basket. My heart aches for all these families who have lost there little ones. I know that God has a plan for all these people and sometimes it is hard to see that plan now. I hope that Lindsay was there to welcome her into heaven and that Lindsay will now have a new friend to play with.

Thank you for continuing to pray for us as well as the many other heart babies. Keep praying for them as well as the doctors and nurses.

A Family In Need Of Prayer

2009-09-08T14:25:00.003-04:00

My Dad sent me an email this monring of a family who comes to Keswick who is in need of our pryaers. Brett and Tracey Zimmerman's little boy Ezra who was born on June 17,2009 passed away on Sunday Sept 6. Please join us in praying for this family. As I sat and feed Case a few minutes ago I began to pray for this family. The pain of losing a child is so hard and we know all to well what they are going through. My Mom told me on the phone today that she was praying for this family and an image popped into her head. It was of Lindsay sitting on Jesus lap reaching out for baby Ezra then Lindsay held him in her arms and cuddled him. WOW!!! What an awesome image that was and how true it is. I could picture in my mind the same thing after she told me about it. I am sure that Lindsay will take such good care of Baby Ezra just like he was her brother.

Lord, We ask that you surround the Zimmerman family today with peace. Hold them in your ever loving arms and be with them. Thank you for your promise that one day soon we will be renited with Lindsay and with Ezra. Thanks for joining us in praying for the Zimmerman family!

Coming Soon

2009-08-31T11:51:00.002-04:00

I am so sorry I haven't posted anything in a long time. I will try and write something in the next day or to. I just wanted to let you all know that we are doing good and enjoying our newest family member. Between feeding Case, changing his diapers and all the other motherly things through out the day I haven't been good about keeping up my thoughts. I will get this updated very soon I promise. We hope you all have had a great summer with your families. Thanks for continuing to check Lindsay's blog and for praying for our family.

The picture I posted is an oil painting that Judy Dickinson painted for us. We have it hanging in our bedroom.

Lindsay Dean Is Home!

2009-07-16T15:09:00.004-04:00

I just wanted to let you all know that Lindsay Dean went home from the hospital today. I can only imagine how happy her family is today as they finally bring her home. Please pray for them as they adjust to this new time with her. God has brought little Miss Lindsay through so much. She is truly a miracle. Check out her blog for more updates and pictures of the little cutie.

Case Is A Month Old!!

2009-07-13T10:15:00.004-04:00

Today Case is a month old already. It seems like he took so long wanting to come into the world and it's been a month since he has been here already. He is a growing boy and has been a very good baby. At his last check up he was 11 lbs 9 oz and was 23 inches long. He was been pretty much sleeping through the night now which has been nice. He has just started to really focus on our faces and will give us a few smiles to. Seeing him smile can brighten my day in a instant. Tanner has been great with him and will often during the day talk to him or just check on him. They are going to be best buds when Case gets older. Tanner will often talk about the things he is going to teach Case.

I was rocking Case the other day and really thinking and missing Lindsay. I often will talk to Case about his big sister and how much she loves him. I miss her so much lately and especially with Case being here now. She would be his little mother I am sure and she would take good care of him. I am sure she is watching his every move from heaven. Lately I sit and think back to a year ago and still wonder why God needed her more. If we could just have another day with her, another chance to hold her, see her smile, and watch her with Case. Then I remember that God knew this was going to happen and nothing can change that. I look forward to when Case gets older to telling him all about her and showing him all the pictures and videos we have of her. Even though he will never know her (which breaks my heart) I want him to know how special she was and is to all of us. I hope the same thing for all of Lindsay's cousin's as well.
Thanks for continuing to pray for all our heart baby friends. Lindsay Dean is doing great and getting better everyday. Keep praying for all of them.

Happy One Month Birthday Case! Daddy, Mommy, Tanner, and Lindsay are so happy to have you apart of our family. We love you very much and we look forward to watching you grow. Thank you Lord for this healthy baby boy you have given to us!

Please Pray

2009-07-03T18:54:00.004-04:00

We would like you to please pray for Baby Elijah's family tonight. I just learned that he passed away at 2 a.m. this morning. We met Elijah and his mom Laurie when we went and delivered the baskets. His care page site is on the right hand side with our other heart baby friends. Please lift them up in prayer tonight.

Long And Over Due!

2009-06-20T09:47:00.008-04:00

I am very sorry for taking so long to write a new post. Life here in the Groen house hold has changed a bit. As most of you know Case William Groen entered the world a week ago today. He weighed in at 10lbs 2oz and was 22in long. Jon and I were shocked at how big he was but happy to have a healthy baby. Tanner was so excited that he got a baby brother. We should have listened to him from the beginning because he told us the whole 9 months it was a boy. Next time we will be sure and listen. Tanner is a proud big brother and has been a big help. He likes to check on him when he cries and he likes pushing him around in his bouncy seat.

Last Sunday was also Lindsay's 3rd birthday. Our family and friends headed to Boston in the rain while Jon and I stayed back in the hospital with Case. When they got to Boston the rain stopped and they all had tons of fun. We are so thankful for each and every person that went even though Jon and I couldn't be there. Our hearts were with them and thanks to Brian Bitler who kept us updated with pictures on face book. Jon and I spent time together with Case and shedding a few tears and just reflecting on Lindsay's life. As I was sitting in my hospital bed I would close my eyes and I was picturing in my mind her coming into the hospital room to see her new baby brother. I know that she would have loved on him so much and been his little Mommy. When we came home my sister Julie, Emma, Ethan, my cousin Megan, Zach, and my Mom were all at our house. Emma gave Jon and I a glimpse of what Lindsay would have been like with Case. She was in love with him and couldn't get enough of him. Thanks Emma for giving Uncle Jon and I that small glimpse of Lindsay.

We can't thank you all enough for all your prayers during these past 9 months. Case is a true blessing from God to our family. Thanks for praying for every one's safety as they came to Boston. A huge thank you to Big Brother Tanner, Dad and Mom Welte, Zach, Dad and Mom Groen, Julie and Garrett, Emma, Ethan, Brian Bitler, Megan Goodrich, Jodi, Amber, Kaylynn, Morgan Decker, for walking in Lindsay's memory. We love you all very much and can't thank you enough for all the money you each raised and for helping us make Lindsay's birthday so special.

Here's The Scoop And Prayers Needed

2009-06-11T07:32:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my doctor's appointment which went well. Today I am going for an ultrasound at 10:15 to check the amniotic fluid around the baby. Then when that is done I will head over to the hospital for a stress test. If I don't go into labor on my own this weekend they will induce me on Monday morning. I have to be at the hospital at 7:00 a.m. The doctor said that I can go to the walk on Sunday which I am thankful for. Please keep us in your prayers today as we have these test done. Please know that the doctor isn't having these test done because there is something wrong. I am almost a week from my due date and this is all normal.

To top all of this stressful stuff going on, my parents left at 3:30 a.m. this morning to head NH. I just got an email that they are broken down on 84 in Waterbury, CT :). They are waiting for AAA to arrive to get them to a mechanic. I just talked with them and they are on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Please pray that it will be any easy fix and that it won't cost them a lot of money.

I will update later today when we know more news on baby and my parents. I have been reminded this morning that God is in control. It seems like we are getting hit from every which way right now. But I know that He is going to bring us through what ever comes our way today. Pray for peace for our family, safety for the baby, every one's stress level.

Thanks for holding us up in prayer today!!

Prayers For A Few Things

2009-06-08T18:15:00.004-04:00

I am sure you were all hoping this post would be an announcement about Baby Groen. We are still awaiting his or her arrival which I hope is soon. I keep thinking I am over a week late but I am only a day.

I am writing to ask you all to be praying for a few things this week. First of all would be Baby and that I will have a safe delivery and that the baby will be healthy. We are ready when the baby is ready. If I don't go by Wed I do have a doctor's appointment at 3:00. My doctor said we would talk then about what will happen next. I really don't want to wait until Wed. I keep reminding myself that God is in control and he already knows the day this baby will be born.

Second is for the walk that is this Sunday. Please pray that the weather will be beautiful and that everyone that is coming from NJ will get here safe. We are all really excited about the walk and being together to celebrate Lindsay's birthday. Thanks to all of you who have supported us and our fellow walk members. So far we have raised $3,080.00.

We will post something as soon as things start to happen with the baby. Thanks for praying us through the pregnancy this far! We love you all :)

Update On Lindsay Dean

2009-06-05T18:36:00.003-04:00

Lindsay came through her surgery at about 6:41 a.m. She is doing well and is resting. They had a little problem with her blood pressure this afternoon but it looks like they have it under control now.

Thanks so much for praying for this special family. Keep praying for her as well as the family who lost a loved one. But what a great gift they have given to Lindsay.

In case you are wondering, Baby Groen has not arrived yet :(. Please be praying that it will be soon. I am ready anytime this baby is.

Please Be Praying For Lindsay Dean

2009-06-04T18:10:00.006-04:00

I just checked Lindsay's blog a few minutes ago and she is finally getting her new heart. We are so excited for her and her family. She has been waiting for this heart for a long time and tonight is her night. I would encourage you to keep checking her blog and pray for the entire team that will be working on her as well as her parents and family. Please also pray for the donor family that has given this little girl a perfect heart as I am sure they are hurting. I will try and update when I hear something new. I know she has lots of angels up in heaven cheering for her. This family has become special to us in so many ways.

Lord, we ask you to be with all the people involved with Lindsay's surgery that you will guide their hands as they put this perfect heart in. We pray for Susie and JR as they wait for more good news. Comfort them and surround them with peace that only you can give them. We also ask that you be with Lindsay and that her little body will accept this new heart that she has been given. Be with the donor family now as they have lost a loved one. Comfort them and hold them close as they go through this difficult time. We give you all the praise and look forward to seeing what you have in store for Lindsay and her family. In Jesus name Amen.

A Time To Remember

2009-05-30T09:10:00.003-04:00

On Thursday May 28, 2009 Jon, Tanner, Dad and Mom Groen and I made a trip to Children's Hospital for a Time To Remember service that they have every year. It's a service that the hospital does and families come who have lost a child over the years. The staff read poems, little stories, as well as sing and provide music. At the end they do a flower service. This is where all the families that are there walk to the front of the auditorium and say who they are there in memory of and place a rose in big vases. This part of the service is beautiful and as I sat there watching all the families come forward I got to thinking that everyone of us there has at some point in time lost a child. I am glad the hospital does this every year and I hope that we can keep going every year. After the service they have a big reception with lots of good food. We were able to see some doctor's and nurses that we haven't seen in a year. One of the nurses came up to us after and thanked us for the baskets. She said that the families that got them were thrilled and so thankful that we thought of there child and them. She also said that while she was on her shift she went through the basket and pulled some stuff out of it and used it right away. When the parents came in the next morning the baby wasn't wrapped in the hospital blanket but the blanket from the basket and the socks. Jon and I were thrilled hearing this. We then decided to head over to the hospital to see one of our other favorite nurses Joanna. We then went over to 8 east to see if nurse Lauren was there. She was there and it was so good to see her again. It was neat to hear her share that she thinks of Lindsay all the time when she is working. We stood with her for a long time talking about Lindsay and I found myself missing her so much more. I think because such a big part of her is still there and that she is still being remembered by people. My hope and prayer is that she will be remembered for years to come and that her life will continue to bless other people's lives.

We also want to thank everyone for all the prayers on May 16. We sure felt them all day long. We had a very nice day at home and being together as a family. We let balloons go at 1:00 and then had a BBQ and ate outside in the warm sunshine. We played games and we planted a few things in memory of Lindsay. My parents and Jon's parents joined us for the day which was nice. I still can't believe that it's only been a year. Some days it feels like this all happened yesterday and some days it feels like more than a year. But not a day goes by that she isn't thought of and missed like crazy. I am sorry that I haven't updated in a while but life here has been really busy. Jon has been busy working and trying to get our master bedroom done before the baby comes. He is almost done and hopefully we will be able to move in soon. We are getting really excited about Baby Groen's arrival especially me :). Please keep praying that he or she will come safely and healthy as well as a safe delivery. Also that this baby will come soon and in enough time that I get to be apart of the walk. Speaking of the walk we have 19 people on our team. We have raised over $3,000.00 so far which is awesome. Hopefully this week I will get the t shirts to a place that will add her picture to our walk shirts. We are all looking forward to June 14 as we get to celebrate Lindsay's birthday as well as give back to such an awesome hospital. Thanks to all of you who have supported our team so far.

Well that about wraps up what has been happening here in NH. We ask that you continue to pray for all the babies and kids on 8 south. I would especially ask you to pray for Shanyah who is on 8 south right now. Her parents have been told there is nothing more they can do for her little heart. They have some big decisions to make soon and they need our prayers. We were able to meet Shanyah's mom the day we delivered the baskets. Keep checking back for updates on Baby Groen's arrival.

If you haven't scrolled down to the bottom in a while we are over 70,000 people who have checked the blog since April of last year!!!

A Day To Remember

2009-05-14T13:53:00.004-04:00

We are fast approaching Lindsay's one year in heaven. These past few days for me have been filled with crying and smiling as I look back over this past year. I seem to be missing her even more as this week goes on and just longing to hold her in my arms. Tomorrow will mark the day when we were preparing for her to have the Berlin heart put in and looking forward to moving along with her recovery. But little did we know then that God had even bigger plans for her and that He would totally heal her from all the pain and give her that brand new heart. As I look back I wish sometimes that I could have changed God's plan and all the what ifs that we go through. I know now that we did everything we could have done for Lindsay and that God just needed her more in heaven with him.

My parents will be heading here to NH tomorrow morning to spend the weekend with us. I know this weekend will be sad and I am sure lots of tears will be shed together. But we can all rejoice knowing that we will one day get to see her again and hold her. We can look back and remember all the happy times we had with her and enjoy being together. We have been thinking about what to do on this one year of her being in heaven and I think that we might get a tree or bush and plant in her memory. If you would like to do something on Saturday in memory of Lindsay please do so. Even if it's baking cookies or letting balloons go, planting flowers, what ever you feel led to do we would encourage you to something. If you decide to do something please take pictures and email them to us. We would love to see what you did in her memory. We again say Thank You to all of you who have been following her blog for a year now. I am shocked every time I see the numbers on the bottom of the blog go up. We will never know until we get to heaven how many lives she has changed and how many lives she has touched. Please don't be afraid to share your stories with us. We love talking about Lindsay and we would love to hear your story.

Please be praying for the rest of our family who won't be here with us this weekend. They need your prayers as much as we do. I also have added a few more names of heart babies for you to pray for and check there blogs. The new ones I added are at Children's Hospital Boston right now. I don't know if any of you had been following Baby Kayleigh story since I added her blog. She passed away this week so her family needs your prayers as well.

Lindsay Bear, Daddy, Mommy, and Tanner miss you so much and we love you more than you know.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T08:06:00.007-04:00

Mother's Day last year will always be so special to me. To have to spend Mother's Day in the hospital with your child isn't really fun. But for me it was a special day because Lindsay decided to open her eyes and say Mommy. I can remember being filled with so much joy and now I hold that memory close to my heart. I have to admit that I really just wanted today to pass by and not even think about it. In fact as I write this Tanner and I are in a hotel in Boston that Jon surprised me with. I don't know what the day will be like until Jon gets off the plane from D.C where he has been since Wed. I know this day won't go by with out thinking of Lindsay.

Mom Welte ~ Happy Mother's Day to you!! You have been such a big support to us this past year and through out our lives. We Thank God for you everyday and for the way that you have taught us many lessons and helped us through the good and bad times. We are even more greateful that you spent 7 weeks with us in Boston living out of your suitcase to help us with Tanner and Lindsay. We love you very much Mom and may today you feel our love and especially Lindsay's love for you. You are the greatest Granny to all your little apples.

Mom Groen ~ Happy Mother's Day to you!!! Jon and I love you very much and can't Thank You enough for all the support you have given to us over this past year. We are greatful for all the times that you and Dad drove every night to come and visit Lindsay and to help with Tanner. We thank God for you and for the love that you have shown us each and every day. You are the greatest Grandma to all your grand kids and even to the 3 news ones who are just joining our family. May you be blessed today in a special way and know how much you are loved and how much Lindsay loved you.

I hope all of the Mom's in my life have a great Mother's day today. May God richly bless you all in a special way today!!

Keep checking back in the next few days about how the basket delivery went. We have lots to share and I know you are going to be blessed.

A Tanner Moment And Looking Back

2009-04-29T09:10:00.008-04:00

Yesterday afternoon Tanner and I headed out to Kohl's to find him some summer clothes. As I turned the van on I noticed that the low fuel light was on. I was a little scared to even head out because I wasn't sure how far we would get if we ran out of gas. I called Jon to get some reassurance that we wouldn't run out and he told me not to worry just go. So I got back in the van and said to Tanner well we better start praying and ask Jesus to some how help us get there without running out of gas. Tanner's response to me was," Don't worry Mom Lindsay already has it taken care of." I sort of chuckled and said what do you mean buddy. He then went on to say that Lindsay had already gone to Jesus and asked Him to help us get there. To hear him say this brought joy to my heart. So we headed out and I wasn't worried at all and just put my trust in Him. While we were driving we then started talking about what was happening this time last year with Lindsay. Then we talked about it being hot and that Lindsay was probably playing in a pool in heaven and having fun. I then told him how much I missed her and he shared how much he missed her to. My heart was sad for him but loving how we were sharing what we thought she was doing. Do you know that we made it to the gas station without any problems!!! I told Tanner when we got there that we needed to thank Jesus and Lindsay for helping us get there.

As I mentioned above today is the day that Lindsay had her bypass surgery. I remember being so scared but trusting that whatever the outcome was God was going to be with us. My sister Julie, Ethan and Brian Bitler surprised us all my showing up to be with us during surgery. I was so glad to have them there and especially glad to have Julie with us. We all were able to gather in bed space 9 around Lindsay and pray for her, Dr. Mayer, and all those that would be with her during surgery. We knew all of the risks going into it but we also knew that God was in control. It seemed like it took forever for them to be done. I can remember all of us being packed in the waiting room waiting and hoping for some good news. When Dr. Mayer walked in I could tell by the look in his face that he had news but not great news. She had lost a lot of blood but was in critical condition. He was afraid that she wouldn't make it through the night. They prepared Jon and I before we went back as to how she was going to look and to us she looked really good. By morning she was doing better and when Dr. Mayer came in that day he was in amazement that she was doing so good. But you know what that was just another one of Lindsay's mini miracles. I had prayed the whole time we were there that God would somehow heal her to the amazement of the doctor's and you know what she did. Even though his healing for her was in heaven he brought her through some tough times and kept them on there toes. For all those mini miracles we are grateful for and we cherish each and every one of them. As I have been sitting here writing this blog I can't help remember how Dad Welte had shared with us a song by the Gaither Vocal Band called Through. I think that we played this song after we had prayed over Lindsay. The words to this song are very powerful. I am going to add it here so you can listen to this song. You might want to grab a box of tissues before listening.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmKSY12hclQ

If you could say a pray today for my sister Julie today as she is having a hard time remembering last year being the last time she got to see Lindsay, I would greatly appreciate it and I know she would to. I also know that Garrett needs some prayer to as he struggles that he didn't come with Julie to see her. Julie and I have become even closer as sisters through all of this. We have cried many times over the phone, laughed, encouraged each other, and lifted one another up in prayer. Her daughter Emma and I have developed a special bond lately that has helped me through some hard days. Emma and Lindsay are the same age and were best friends. I miss seeing them play together when we go and visit. But Emma has showed all of us that she hasn't forgotten Ce~Ce (this is what she calls Lindsay). Julie, Jon and I love you very much and we pray that God will fill you with peace that only he can give. Garrett, We love you very much and I pray that you will always remember the happy times you had with Lindsay. May God fill you with peace when ever your heart is heavy and may he wrap his arms around you and give you comfort.

Please Pray For The Freeman Family

2009-04-25T22:04:00.003-04:00

I have just recently come across this family and there special little girl named Kayleigh. They are in need of our prayers as Kayleigh is not doing very well. When she was born she only weighed 1 pound 1 ounce. She is one of the smallest babies to have open heart surgery. They have just learned that she has some major brain damage and may not recover at all. Please pray along with us for this family as they make those hard decisions that none of us ever want to make. God is the only one who can heal her here on earth or heal her in heaven. I will add her link to the right but also here in this post.

Walk- A- Thon For Children's Hospital Boston

2009-04-18T09:40:00.005-04:00

Jon, Tanner, and I on June 14, 2009 will be participating in a walk-a-thon in memory of Lindsay and to help raise money for the hospital. Team Lindsay Bear has been started and so far we have 15 people on our team. We are so excited about this special day because it is also Lindsay's birthday. We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate her birthday by walking in her memory and giving back to the hospital. We are in need of some sponsors to help us raise money for the hospital. Each team member has to raise at least $150. We can raise more than that but this is what they would like you to raise. Praise the Lord as of yesterday morning I have met that goal. Jon has raised some money as well but isn't at the 150 mark yet as well as other members on our team. If you would like to sponsor us we would greatly appreciate anything you can give. I will add a link at the end of this post. The hospital has made it very easy for you to give right online. If you don't want to give online you can send a check to whoever you are sponsoring and make it out to Children's Hospital Boston and mail it to the team member you are giving to.

We are so excited about this event and I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do. We would also ask that you pray for this event and for each and every member of our team. We are also praying that Baby Groen will arrive before the walk. We are so thankful for each of them and their willingness to join us and help support the hospital. If anyone is interested in joining us in Boston and walking with us please let me know. You can either leave me a message here on the blog or email me at jonnlaura@hotmail.com. We would love to have more team members to join us.

Here is the link; http://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/walk/pfp/?TeamID=GL0040
You will have to copy and paste the link for it to work. This should take you to our team page. If you scroll down you will see team members names as well as what each person has raised so far. Then all you do is click on the person you want to sponsor. If you have any questions please email me.

11 Months

2009-04-16T10:03:00.003-04:00

Here we are once again at 11 months with out Lindsay. One month closer to the anniversary of her living with Jesus. As I look back on the things that we were going through a year ago to where we are now I am amazed at the peace and comfort that we have. God has been with us every step of the way and holding us in His arms. Yesterday was as you know the 15Th which is a day that will be forever in my mind. As you may remember that was the day that Lindsay went into cardiac arrest in my arms. I actually made it through the day only thinking about happy times with her and not going back and reliving every second of that day. I was able to share openly with Joy and Jodi at MOPS yesterday. When I was on my way home I got to thinking that we can sit and think back at all those hard times and dwell on them but nothing is going to change what the out come was. So why not just remember all the fun times, her smiles, laugh, hugs, and be thankful for all those times that God has given to us. We were at Joshua Harris church on Sunday and I went back and was reading my notes from his message. These are some points that I wrote down from his message that seem to be fitting for what we are going through: 1. God uses death and sufferings for His glory's. 2. In the face of death Jesus offers himself as the ultimate hope. One of the verses that I wrote down to look up later was John 11:25-26 which says; I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will LIVE, even though he dies;and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? I know for sure that I believe this. I know for me Easter was a hard day but also a day to rejoice. While I was in church singing I kept getting goose bumps thinking that Lindsay got to have the greatest Easter ever. One day we will get to see her again because Jesus died on the cross for you and for me. If you are reading this and don't know Jesus and all that he has done for you and for me, I encourage you to email me or talk with someone. Please don't let another day go by with out giving your life over to him.

We also want to let all of you know that we were not able to deliver the baskets on the 14Th. We had to reschedule for May 6. We are looking forward to getting them there and blessing another family. We will be sure and take lots of pictures and update when we get back. Please continue to pray for all the heart babies and there families.

Baby Groen is also doing well. He or she is very active and moves around all the time. This is one of my favorite parts of being pregnant. I am going back to the doctor every two weeks now. We are hoping and praying that baby will come before June 14 so we can attend the walk in Boston. Please pray for a safe and healthy delivery. If you could also be praying for Jon who has been sick these past few days. He seems to be getting better but slowly. I know that he would greatly appreciate your prayers.

We again can't Thank You all enough for all your love, prayers, and support you have shown to our entire family. We love you all!!!

Happy Resurrection Day!

2009-04-12T09:08:00.003-04:00

Happy Resurrection Day!

Good morning to all of our friends and family. I checked the blog several times this morning to see if Laura had written. I did not want to write if she had already done so.

We want to thank all of our family and thousands of friends who have stood by Laura, Jon and Tanner since last April. The support, encouragement, love and prayers has been so overwhelming and humbling. As of this morning, Lindsay's blog was over 66,500.

The month of April and May are going to be very difficult for the kids as they relive through the challenges of last year with Lindsay's surgeries and homegoing. I know that they will appreciate your prayers and notes of encouragement.

I want to express my thanks for the folks at Dover Baptist Church and the MOPS group who have so faithfully stood by the kids. You have been a tremendous blessing to our family.

Today Lindsay is celebrating Easter with Jesus. We miss her so much, but she is with her Savior and enjoying the greatest Easter ever. I could not help but think of the words to this song this morning:

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Chorus

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he gives;

But greater still the calm assurance:

This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Chorus

Because He lives,

I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!
Chorus

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living,Just because He lives!

Praise the Lord -- He is risen!

With much love,

Bill and Jan Welte and Warren and Phyllis Groen

Looking Back

2009-04-06T17:02:00.004-04:00

Well today is another anniversary date for us to remember. This time last year Jon and I were in the emergency room waiting to find out if our baby was o.k. Little did we know that God had already taken this little one home to heaven with him. I was 10 weeks and the baby was only 7 weeks. I can remember sitting there speechless when the doctor told us the news. I was kind of processing it in my mind before he came in and knowing that now my focus was to be on Lindsay and what she was about to go through. Our hearts were sad but I couldn't wait to go and pick up the kids and just hug them especially Lindsay. After we picked them up we headed to our hotel in Boston to settle in for the night. Dad, Mom, Zach came to our room that night to spend some time with us. I was so tired by then that my Mom had to give Lindsay her bath with that surgical soap we were given. Poor Lindsay cried the whole time because it was rough. Granny did a great job of getting it done fast and then Lindsay was happy again. After they left we settled in for the night and dreading what was to come in the morning. Jon and I had to get up with Lindsay several times to change diapers that were runny. When I think back to this time my heart just aches. But we can't change what God had already planned. We can look back at those special times we had with her and rejoice that God gave us those moments.
I wasn't going to write today but this afternoon I felt I needed to. I think I will post again tomorrow if I can.
Just think that Lindsay got to meet her 2 siblings in heaven before we did. I know that she is taking care of them like a big sister would.