Our hearts hang heavy as we look to each other for the strength to compose this entry. We decided that the only way we can write this post is to curl up together in the hospital bed and reflect on the last 72 hours. The past four days have been an experience in life like no other. We have never felt more joy, fear, elation, sadness or sorrow.
Last night, a little bit after 10 pm, Dan and I were at Sophia's side, holding her precious little hands as she took her last breaths. Her poor little heart could not function the way it needed to, even with the help of her pacemaker. Sophia left this world as she came into it, surrounded by the most loving people in the world, her family. Sophia's big brother Jack, her grandparents and nearly all of her aunts and uncles were there to say goodbye to her. It was truly a beautiful moment as everyone was able to hold and kiss her for the first and last time.
We feel truly blessed that God gave us 1 day with her. We will forever treasure the first time that we looked in her beautiful eyes and held her sweet little hands. We are also truly grateful for all that Sophia taught us. Her life is a reminder that no matter how long or short it is, it is truly a gift.
Sophie, we miss you so much and cannot wait until we can see you and hold you again. A day will not go by that we will not think of you and how much we love you. You are forever in our hearts, you are our angel. We love you Sophia.
Love,
Alli, Dan, Jack and Rufus
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39 comments:
You are beautiful, loving and amazing parents of two children...my heart is so very heavy and pained for all of you. You are loved and supported by so many...please know that I am praying for you and sending you a piece of my heart and sending whatever strength you need. May God bless you....
Diane Belisle
Alli, Dan, and Jack
Baby Sophia was a gift from God - the most beautiful little girl, with an imperfect heart. She has touched us all and melted our hearts. We love you so much.
With lots of love and heavy hearts,
Auntie Alissa & Uncle Barnaby
My heart is breaking for you. I can't even find words to write right now so I'll just tell you that I am praying for you all and consider Sophia a wonderful teacher, just like her mommmy-in her short time she taught the lesson that life is precious and to never take it for granted. God bless you all! Amanda Oster
Alli, Dan & Jack,
What a beautiful tribute to your precious Sophia. I would do anything to relieve just a sliver of your pain but have been so inspired by your strength and grace during this heartbreaking time. Just as you are so lucky to have known her for such a finite amount of time, she is equally blessed to have two amazing parents who fought so hard and love her so.
Sophia will always be in our hearts and our precious angel.
Love you so much,
Mike, Katy, Lily & Henri
Alli, Dan, and Jack,
From the beginning of this journey, you have impressed us with your strength. You did everything you could for Baby Sophia and never once gave up hope. You have taught us more than you will ever know, and we will be better parents because of you. We prayed and prayed that one day we would be able to see Sophie and to hold her. God answered our prayers and gave us that gift...even if it was for such a short time. Beautiful, Baby Sophia will be in our hearts forever. We were blessed to have this little miracle in our lives. We love you.
~Angie, Kyle, and Sammy
Little Sophia was here for such a short time but left a very big imprint on all of our hearts that will last a lifetime. She was a gift from god and thank you for sharing her with us while she was here. We love you and will continue to pray for you all through this time. She is a beautiful angel watching over you.
lots of Love
Voigt, krista, Ashley,V4 & Mallory
I am so sad to hear about Baby Sophia. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Patty Gold
Alli, Dan, and Jack,
Reading your entries on this blog, throughout this journey, has been an amazing experience and insight into how incredibly giving, loving, and strong you all have been. Thank you for sharing your journey and your beautiful baby girl with us all. I wish I could have met her, and my heart aches, wishing she could have stayed with us--with you--longer. You are in my prayers and I am close by if there's anything you might need. Love, Jessica Hoida
Dear Alli, Dan,& Jack
I wish we had the words to express how deeply touched we have been throughout Sophia's journey and the deep sorrow we feel for you today. The strength and love of your family is remarkable. We are thinking of you and wish you continued strength and love.
Love, Peggy & Justin
Dear Dan, Alli and Jack,
Baby Sophia-here for such a short time but forever loved and cherished. All who know you Dan and Alli will think of your strength, committment and love for your daughter and family. I feel blessed to know you and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Tears that her time with you was short and joy that she is now in God's loving hands.
Jean
Tears again! Alli and Dan - the two of you are incredibly amazing to have the courage to face the past few months, let alone what you are facing today. Our prayers are with you today and always. Know that Sophia is now in God's hands and is His little angel in Heaven.
God Bless you and God Bless Sophia!
Love - Tori and Karl
Alli, Dan, and Jack,
I am so sorry that your time with Sophia was not longer. She was a special baby girl who has touched so many. I know I am a different and better mother, daughter, and person just for having known of her and the journey the four of you have taken. Please know that we will continue to keep you all in prayer. Thank you for sharing Sophia with us. Love, Michelle Dunn
So sorry to hear Sophia wasn't able to be with you longer but I know you couldn't have loved her more no matter how long you had. I'm glad you have each other and support of family and friends during this difficult time.
Liz
Alli, Dan and Jack,
Sending you prayers of comfort at this difficult time. Take strength from each other and your faith. Sophia will always be your little angel. Janet Benner
Alli, Dan, and Jack
I am so, truly, sorry to hear about baby Sophia. She was such a blessing and was blessed with the most wonderful family. I cannot even fathom the pain that you are going through, and I wish I could take even a little piece of it away. Please know that you are all in our prayers and we wish you strength and comfort in this difficult time.
Alli, Dan and Jack,
Our heart breaks for you. Thank you for sharing this all. We will keep your whole family in my prayers.
Sarah, Matt, Xander and Elizabeth
Dear Alli & Dan,
My heart goes out to you. I know what a miracle Sophia was and she was so lucky to have such an amazing family to welcome her into the world. You are an inspiration to all of us and our prayers go up to God to give you comfort at this time. With love, Katie Itterman
Alli and Dan,
You are such an amazing couple. Sophia touched your lives in a very special way and she has been blessed to have such a loving family and two such wonderful parents.
Sue Rybak
Dan, Alli and Jack-
In only two days, it seems that Sophia has touched and changed so many lives and we know that she will continue to do so for a very long time. What a beauty! I am honored to have met her and held her...thank you for letting me share in your joy and sorrow. The two of you have set such a beautiful example to all of us on love and devotion- you both amaze us in so many ways! If there was a way we could shoulder your pain, we most certainly would!!
Sending you much courage, strength and love....
Colin, Betsy, Ainsley, Connor and Brendan Smyth
Alli, Dan, & Jack~
Written words cannot begin to express our sorrow today. Sophia's time was short, but in it she felt the love of two amazing parents, a big brother, and an incredible family. She has truly influenced our lives. Please know that we love and admire you, and call on us anytime if you need us.
Love,
Kim, Cory, and Tommy
Dan and Alli,
I have been so inspired by your strength, courage and grace. Sophia will always be a part of our lives, she is our angel. While her life was too short every second she was here was filled with love.
We love you all,
Missy & Steve
Tears roll down as I write this.....my heart aches for you and your family. You were such wonderful parents to your sweet little girl and we are all inspired by her. I know that our little girls are up in heaven watching down over us and keeping each other company until we get to see them again someday.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Taryn and Ryan Krumwiede
I am so sad to hear about precious baby Sophia. I am also amazed by your strength, commitment and love for her. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim Gretz
Alli and family -
I am so sorry to hear about your sweet baby Sophia. As a parent I cannot even imagine the grief you must feel. I am truly speechless to read the courage and strength of your postings. I pray for you to continue to find strength. May Sophia's memory forever live in your hearts and minds.
Mollie (Mohr) Dusha
You will be forever missed and always in our hearts, Sophia.
All our love,
Kathy, Rob, and Scarlet
Alli, Dan & Jack,
Reading your blog entries these past few months, I am amazed at the strength and love you have shown your Sophia. How precious that you were able to spend one day with your baby girl Sophia. Just know that my heart goes out to you and your entire family, I am thinking of you.
Amy Dorey
Alli, Dan, and Jack
I have been keeping up with your posts and am amazed by your strength. My thoughts are with your entire family.
Sue Marsden
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. My family's thoughts are with you during these difficult times. I am glad to hear that you got to spend every last possible moment by her side.
Andy Potter and Family
Dan & Family,
I cannot begin to imagine the rollercoaster you've ridden on, nor can I fathom how difficult this must be. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dave Miller & Family
Alli & Family- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You have been incredibly strong and brave and inspirational through all of this. I cannot stop thinking of you and pray that as time goes on your pain is eased as you learn that Sophia will look over your family for the rest of your lives as your guardian angel. May god & sophia give you strength to get through the rough times and smile through the happy times to come.
-Sonja Dean
Alli, Dan, Jake, and all the family
I work with Alli's mom at school. I have been following and praying for you and your family since your mom told me about what was going on. I have SO many thoughts going through my mind . . . you are an AMAZING family. Continue to hold each other tight and talk about your beautiful Sophia. She was so blessed to be born into your arms.
God bless and my prayers continue to be with you.
Lori Boettcher
I cannot imagine how heavy your hearts must feel right now. I hope through this difficult time you will be able to feel joy and smile though when you remember how beautiful your baby Sophia was and how much she loved you. She knew how hard you fought for her and she will always be a part of your life. May you find peace and healing in knowing that Sophia is in the hands of Jesus.
Blessings, Courtney Olson
*wiping away the tears*
oh alli and family ...
i just read of sophia's birth on fb ... and noticed your blog ...
so saddened by this news.
sending peace and comfort ... thinking of you.
jen (SLP grad friend)
Sophia is beautiful and the sweetest little angel! I'm so grateful that I got a chance to meet her! I will treasure that moment as she has touched my heart forever! Sophia and Jack are truly blessed with the most amazing & loving parents! I hope all the love and support continues to keep you strong! No words can replace the feelings and how heavy my heart is for you and we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers! Love, Mike, Clare & Nolan
Alli, Dan, and Jack:
We are so heartbroken for you. Yet, like all others who have commented, we continue to find your strength and poise incredible. We are here for whatever you need.
Love,
Erik and Melissa
Dan and Family - I am so sorry for your loss, your family's strength has been amazing and inspiring to read about. I know Sophia is in a better place , our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pete Liedtke and family
Dear Alli, Dan, Jack, and all the extended Lenmark/Thompson Family,
You are all so brave and courageous, words cannot even begin to express the admiration and respect I feel for you. This blog is truly a beautiful testament to how precious a gift life is. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, as is little baby Sophia. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Love and Prayers,
Kristin Larson (Front Desk at Clinic Sofia)
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