Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Braden Thomas Stansel
Wanted to update everyone on Braden. Braden returned to our loving heavenly father at about 2:45 this morning. We were able to hold him during his last moments. How special that was for us. He is a perfect angel. We are so grateful for the 2 weeks we did get to spend with him. We are so emotionally drained and exhausted. This has been so hard for us to lose 3 of our children within two weeks. I am confident that we will see Braden, Kaitlyn, and Dallin again one day. We will be reunited as a family and what a reunion it will be! God lives I know with out a doubt He does. We do not understand a lot of times why He does some of the things He does, but He loves each one of us. When one door closes another one always opens. I am eternally grateful for the knowledge I have that death isn't the end. Life goes beyond the grave. All these three little ones needed was a body. I would not know how to handle all that has happened to Thomas and I if we didn't know that we would see and raise our children that we lost again one day.
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Your faith is so incredibly strong. I am so sorry for your loss. You are always in our prayers. Families are Forever!!!
ReplyDeleteI got chills as I read your post. I'm glad your faith is so strong at times like this. You're probably right. All they needed was a body. I think about all the spirits that are NOT getting bodies these days, and it's wonderful that your little three were able to get one. You are amazing and a hero for doing that for them!...really. You are in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteAmanda and Thomas,
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss. You are in our constant prayers. Know that your family is so loved by the ward and by our Heavenly Father.
You are such wonderful examples of faith.
I am so sorry for your losses. I know you don't know me, but I can't help but weep with you. I am praying for your babies and your family. I know you are all in Heavenly Father's hands.
ReplyDeleteI am so very, very sorry for your loss! Thank you for sharing your sweet family with the world. And thank you for sharing your religious faith that we share, your knowledge of the Gospel and Heavenly Father. To be selfless enough to share this message and the truthfullness of the Gospel with all is truly a blessing to the world. You continue in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, so very sorry. Sending more prayers to you all.
ReplyDeleteYou are in my thoughts and prayers!!
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for a while now and I just wanted to express how sorry I am for your loss. I, like you, look forward to the day when I will get to raise my twin sons, Parker and Tanner, who were stillborn at 35 weeks. I pray Heavenly Father will give you both strentgh and understanding during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteAmanda and Thomas my heart is broken, I am so sorry for one more loss. Each day you impress me with your strong faith. Thank you for sharing these moments with the ones who care about you. Both of you are excellent parents and gave these children a body and a loving family. You did (and are doing) your part exemplary. It is sad for us that their mission here was so short, but we know Braden and his siblings are fine right now. May God be with you and give you strength to endure this difficult period. You continue to be in my prayers. You are in my heart and I love all of you.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I am so sorry. I don't know what to say but please know we are thinking of you and praying for you continually.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh how my heart aches.....I am so sorry to hear about Brayden. My prayers are with your family and your children in heaven. God has a plan for all....some plans are not what nobody wants but God knows why. It is an unfortunate thing but you will see your little precious angels again one day....in your dreams in your thoughts and through pictures. I would love to meet you guys...may god bless you and the many trials and tribulations that are ahead. Jennifer
ReplyDeleteI've been following your progess with the babies and I was hoping little Braden would come through. I am so sorry :(. I had premie twins but we never went through all that you guys are going through right now, I can only imagine the pain.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to all of you,
((HUGS))
Donna
oh my gosh. I'm so sorry for your losses. I can't imagine what you both are going through, but I am SO thankful that you have such faith in our Lord. It is hard to understand why things happen the way they do, but I know that God will be glorified in it. Praying for you precious girls and for you both.
ReplyDeleteUnder His Mercy,
Jenny
You are great examples and all of your children are so lucky to have you as parents. You are continually in our prayers. Isn't it wonderful that we have such knowledge. I don't think life would be worth it without it. Heavenly Father loves you and I can tell his spirit is with you.
ReplyDeleteI was so sad to hear of your loss of sweet little Braden. I am glad you were able to spend time with him and hold him. What precious spirits you were given to provide them bodies.
ReplyDeleteMany prayers to help you get through this difficult time.
We are so very sorry. I admire your strength and faith. Our prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking you two. You have endured so much pain and sadness so far but glimpes of hope will soon be shining into your life. You have suffered enough, nothing more can happen. Although it is very hard, I encourage to take comfort in the babies that really do need you now;it certainly be an uphill battle, but depend on strenghth to see you through. One day you will be telling your little ones about thier brave brothers and sister that is gone. Please know that there are many people who are saddened for you.
ReplyDeleteIm so so sorry for your loss, holding them while they pass is very very hard too, i held my smallest tripet when she was 2 weeks old while she passed - it was the 1st day i ever got to hold her - and the day she opened her eyes. I know too one day i will see her again -they are angels now watching over you and your other children. 9 days in heaven is an excellent book - tells you where little babies go after there time on earth. very good. My prayers are with you both and your children
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Your faith is an example to us all. What a blessing to know you will see your precious children again, even when their time on earth is so short. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteAmanda & Thomas - I have been following your blog since I read about you in the Desert News a few weeks ago. As a mother of multiples I was automatically drawn to your story and you have been in my thoughts and prayers every day since. I have cried with you these past two weeks as you have had to say goodbye to your little ones. To say that I am sorry about the loss of your little Braden is an understatement. My heart breaks for you. But the knowledge of eternal families also brings me peace on your behalf. Please know that there are so many people throughout the world that love you all and are thinking of you at this difficult time. Even in these difficult times try to take a moment to sit back and feel of our Saviors love for you because he is right next to you, holding you through this. Best of luck and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as well.
ReplyDeleteI've been following your blog and I am so sorry for your losses. Thankful that you will be reunited with your sweet little ones someday--forever. ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteI felt very strongly after we lost our son, Conner, that all he needed was a body, just like you mentioned in this post. He was so perfect. Even though his body was too tiny to stay here, I felt that he was so perfect that he didn't need to experience all the trials that we do. Families are Forever. That is the only thing that got me through the loss of our Conner. I know that your hearts are still breaking. I am so sorry that you have to be separated from your sweet angels for now. I'm sure that the ache that comes from missing them is overwhelming. I am so sorry. Just keep reminding yourselves of what you already know. You're children our yours forever. Your family is eternal. You will make it through this. Lots of love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteMichelle from Eagle Mountain
You don't know me, but I too have been following your family's story since reading about it in the Deseret News. I am so sorry for the loss of your 3 little ones. The loss of Braden has made me weep with you. I can't imagine what you are going through and I am so glad that you have the gospel. May the Lord continue to watch over you as he blesses your family through your trials.
ReplyDeleteWe too have you in our prayers each night. You are such a wonderful example of love. We admire you so much for your choice and faith in bringing these beautiful little children into the world and into a family that will forever love them.
ReplyDeleteWendi and Jeff Cummings
It's not fair. I am so, so sorry. We know God has a plan for those sweet angels of yours... and that he does for you too, but it doesn't always make it any easier to bare. I wish I could ease your burden... how great your load must be. Your family is always in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteI think it is fair to say that all of us who have been following your stories and praying for you are also crying with you today as you mourn the loss of your sweet boy.
ReplyDeleteIt is my prayer that the girls remain strong and continuw fighting and that you are able to see them grow to be strong, beautiful and healthy.
Thoughts and Prayers from Canada
I'm so sorry. I'm praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteMandy Campbell in PA
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your baby boy but you are absolutely right they are perfect souls. I can't even imagine losing Three of my kids In two weeks. you are always in my thoughts and prayers. I know everything will be okay for you. thank you for sharing your journey with us.
ReplyDeleteya'll gonna have to take lotta time after all this, not only to mourn but also post-partum, thomas gotta man up cause it gonna take lotta patience as your wife processes all this stuff, 2-3 years, hang in there, gonna get rough...
ReplyDeletei'm literally crying for you guys, though it is a great comfort to know life doesn't end here. i pray you'll continue to feel close to god and to your little ones. keep the faith!
ReplyDeleteI am so, so, so sorry for your loss of your sweet Braden. His fighting spirit will not be forgotten. I can't imagine the pain you must have in your hearts, facing the death of not 1, but 3 children. Praise God that death is not the end! You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, as will the rest of your family.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you both and my prayers are still with you that you will be able to take your 3 little ones home!!! I'm so glad that you have a testimony of forever families, as do I. My the Lord encircle you in His loving arms and give you the strength you need to make it through this.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry to hear about Braden! Your situation has made me realize that I haven't treasured my children as I should. Thank you for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent my heart aches over the passing of your sweet babies.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you and yours can find peace during this difficult time. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hopefully the rest of your family will remain together. I am so sorry for the loss of your 3 children. You truly are a strong couple, I would have already wilted under such pressure at this point.
ReplyDeleteThese three little ones are SO very special, especially to Heavenly Father. Just remember that. You're right, all they needed was a body, and they're going to be waiting for you. :) I'm so sorry to hear Braden has passed on. Please accept my condolences.
ReplyDeleteyou are in my prayers, terribly sorry to hear the loss of your second son. :(
ReplyDeletebe strong for your three precious girls!
my heart is breaking for you. you're in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeletea grandma
I was so sorry to read about your sweet little Braden. You continue to be such an example of faith. Our prayers are with you. May you feel the peace of our Heavenly Father's loving arms around you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about Braden. He was in my prayers yesterday. I pray that the little girls are growing stronger daily.
ReplyDeleteThomas & Amanda-
ReplyDeleteYou and your little ones have been in my thoughts and prayers SO much. I know Heavenly Father is there with his ever watchful eye and loving arms extended. I know he will continue to bless and strengthen you. There is no earthly sorrow that heaven can't heal. Hang in there.
Much Love,
The Halls (KW1)
Weston, Emily, Warren & Benjamin
I'm so sorry that Braden is no longer with us but so grateful to know that he is with Heavenly Father now and that families are forever! Your faith is incredible and I will continue to pray for your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about the loss of Braden. I will continue to pray for you guys and your little girls.
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry about Braden's passing. I lost my precious son Benjamin at 38 weeks, and it has been so hard. I can't even imagine saying goodbye to three of my children so soon after birth.
ReplyDeleteI pray that they may be very close to you as you continue to tend to the siblings, that you will feel their spirits near.
You will hold them again and be able to watch them grow up as you so long to do now! The Lord has felt your exact pain, and has made the compensating joy possible. One day all will be well with His covenant people.
I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about Braden's passing. What more can I say than what has already been said? It gives me such peace to know that in the next life I will raise the child I lost. It gives me so much happiness to know that my family will be together forever. My 4 year old (named Thomas) just gave a talk about that on sunday! He is just learning what that means. I will keep praying for you and Thomas, and for your 3 sweet little girls.
ReplyDeleteMay God carry you through this challenging time. My family is very sorry for the loss of your son.
ReplyDeleteAstrid
I love hearing your strong knowledge of God's plan and knowing that you'll be with your children again. My heart goes out to you and pray that you'll be comforted.
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to imagine the depth of your loss. God tests us in strange ways. My heartfelt condolences. Keep your faith strong, let God lead the way.
ReplyDeleteYour family is in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts ache for your loss but rejoice in the knowledge of eternal families.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for all of your losses. My heart aches for your loss of Braden.
ReplyDeleteI have felt so sad for you both since I got the text Thomas, I love you both and little Braden. Thomas I know someday you will play ball with your little guy and that he is watching you now from heaven cheering you on. I am going to the temple tomorrow and will put the girls names on the prayer roll and you too. It is so hard to understand everything, and I can't begin to understand how exhausted you must be right now, spiritually, emotionally and physically. I pray that the comforter will lift you up at this most difficult time.
ReplyDeleteBonnnie
I was sorry to hear about Braden. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to learn of your loss. I honestly cried when I read it. May you look forward to a glorious reunion and charish the tender moments you had with Braden.
ReplyDeleteStansel Family,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for all of your losses. I too have lost children due to my cervix. Your faith and strength are an inspiration to my husband and I. Please know that you have a whole network of support out here, reach out to us if you need it. No one knows what you are going through but you and Thomas, lean on one another.
After I heard about Braden my mom told me that a year ago yesterday my mom's friends baby died and today he was born. It is amazing how many people have left you comments. I wish I could meet you and be your friend to help you
ReplyDeletethrough the good, the bad, and the ugly. I will keep praying for you and your family.
With Love,
Lindsey Johnson
Tom and Amanda, your strength of Spirit is an inspiration to all during this difficult time. Our family has you in our prayers and hope you continue to keep an eternal perspective.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys,
The Marzettas
These sweet babies sure are lucky to have such strong and faithful parents.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry to hear about Braden. Thankful that you were able to hold him...I bet that was so comforting to him in his last moments.
Hugs and prayers...
I will pray to the Heavenly father for your losses... I lost a child a week and a half ago to miscarriage. I can only imagine the terrible pain and sadness you must be feeling at the loss of three children... but I know that your angels are with the Lord and Savior for eternity.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your daughters, and your little angels in heaven!
My heart sank this morning when I checked in on your precious babies. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Braden. God Bless you. Sherri
ReplyDeleteMy heart is so sad for you. I am so inspired by your attitude. I am sure it is hard as you miss your three babies though. We will keep praying for your family!
ReplyDeleteHugs & Prayers,
Christina
I am so sorry for everything you are having to go through and your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. I know the NICU can be tough, my little one spent a while there too, and it's very exhausting. I will continue to follow your blog and pray for your family.
ReplyDeleteBraden's home! i am so glad you got to hold him... i held my little Trudy when she was still born. 34 years ago. it still means a lot! i'm wondering if these babies were sent to your eternal family to strengthen the testimonies of every one of us who have come to love them and you. i've said it before MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! precious babies
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but I have been following your story for a couple of weeks. I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful little boy, but what joy to know that those precious babies are yours for eternity. You, your husband and your sweet little babies are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for the loss of your sweet baby Braden.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for the knowledge of eternal families. Praying for peace, comfort and strength for you all.
Dear Thomas and Amanda,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know who I am, but I heard about your story in the church news. I am so sorry for the loss of your three little ones. I will pray for your other three girls to continue to be strengthened during their many struggles that they will go through. On April 19th- just four short months ago I gave birth to twins. I, like you, had them at 23 weeks, 17 weeks early. We had a son named, Ethan Ryan Hodges and a little girl, named Emily Jean Hodges. My husband and I were so excited to finally get a boy as we have two little girls, ages 4 and 2. However, our little boy also had a grade 4 brain hemorrhage and his lungs were not developed enough. He lived for 17 days, and passed away on May 6th. Everyday was such a blessing to be with him. Emily did a little better. She had the heart valve surgery and a grade 2 brain bleed, but other than that she did well. She was released from the hospital to our care just last Saturday. We are so glad she is finally home. And she is now 7 pounds. She is doing so well, there is so much hope for her to have a normal life. We strongly feel that Ethan's mission in this life was to get a body and help his sister down because she was scared to come down alone. We feel so blessed to be able to see and raise him in the next life.
I thank you for your strong testimony and strength as you go through this. I can't imagine losing three kids in just a short time, so my heart goes out to you. Like I said, our little Emily just came home, it was a long four months of traveling back and forth to Utah from Idaho and to see our little ones go through so much, but I have tried to remember the eternal perspective of it all. And I can see that you do too. Thank you for sharing your story with so many and for letting me share mine with you. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Sincerely,
Christy Hodges
(Pocatello Idaho)