Friday, February 22, 2008

Thank you to everyone who has been reading and praying. Again, I don't know the words....Kristy and Howard had a little more than a half an hour with Asher and it seems to us that they were able to have their time with him go the way that they wanted it to go- everyone at the hospital went out of their way to make things right, many people got to hold Asher and love him. Ben and Luke are at home being well cared for by two great people and Ben seems to be feeling better. I know that Kristy and Howard appreciate all of your prayers and support.

80 comments:

Erin said...

I am praying that God will be your strength, comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of precious Asher. I know that he will be faithful to sustain you.

Erin in Pittsburgh

The Adoption Of William said...

I am so glad that you guys had special time with precious Angel Asher. We will be praying several times a day that the Lord's mighty arms hold's your family tight and that HE gives you peace.

Sending much Love,

Jen

Anonymous said...

I am praying for all of you---I can't imagine the pain but I do know that your trust is in God and He will give you peace. You are a beautiful family!!

Anonymous said...

Bless his little heart and yours. Thinking of you all at this stressful time.
Barbara

Unknown said...

My heart breaks for what you have all been through as a family. I'm sure Asher's short life on this earth was a beautiful time of love for you all. May God comfort you at this difficult time and may the fact that Asher is now with his brother bring you some peace. They know how deeply you love them both.You continue to be lifted up in prayer. Susan

TheOilHippie said...

Lots of prayers for peace for your family. Angel Asher is one loved little fellow and I know he and Issac will forever watch over your family. I am saddened by all that you have endured and I am amazed by your strength and the love that surrounds you.

M. said...

Kristy and Howard,

There are no words to convey how deeply sorry I feel. Our family will be lifting yours up in prayer for God's comfort, hope and peace for your family. You will be in our thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss of Asher. I know you wanted more time with him.

I guess the only thing to say is that Heaven received another angel tonight.

You remain in our prayers.

Karen from TN

Kenzie said...

Kristy, Howard, Luke, Ben and family-

Please know that our prayers continue to be with you as you held your precious Asher for a short time before leaving to be with Jesus. I know this is so difficult right now, but I also pray that the Lord fills your hearts with tremendous love and peace in this deep valley you are in. Oh, how I remember being in that hospital room hold our sweet Maddox one month ago tomorrow. I know that Asher and Maddox are together with the Lord... as a friend told me, He is the ONE person that could love our child more than we could.
SO much love and continued prayers,
Kenzie

Kim said...

Oh-I am so sorry. Tonight, as I tucked my 4 year old daughter in, I asked her to pray for baby Happy because he was very sick and may go to Heaven. I found it beautiful and simple that she said,"God, all that matters is that his family loves Happy-alot,and nothin' else matters."
I am thankful you all had Happy and can love him forever. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Kim

Laughing Momma said...

Knowing only that the Lord is near you and sustaining you, keeps me from completely losing it. May you be surprised by HIS joy, and blessed beyond measure at the precious little time you had with Asher...truely the "Happiest" boy on earth to have been born into the waitin, lovin arms of such a God glorifying family. May you have strength through this journey.

Much love, and prayers.

April

Psalm 34:18
The Lord binds up the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Renee' said...

Words are not enough. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that you feel God's presence and peace even in the midst of your overwhelming grief.

Anonymous said...

I'm so thankful that your time with him was so precious and that the boys got to meet their brother. I imagine that there is great rejoicing in Heaven as Isaac welcomes his brother Asher. May you feel God's loving arms around you as you grieve your loss.

Praying for peace and comfort for your family.

Laurie in Ca. said...

Kristy and Howard,

I will be praying without ceasing for your hearts. I am so sorry that Asher "Happy" could not stay with you here. He got his little wings so soon. I pray the time you had with him filled your broken hearts. Please know that you will be in my prayers day and night for a very long time. My heart is broken for you.

Love you, Laurie in Ca.

Christa said...

I just want to copy what Val said. Asher and Isaac are together now, and someday you will have a beautiful reunion. That's the awesome promise we have in Jesus. I will be praying for peace for you and your boys.

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for you all. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. How I wish you all could have had more time with your precious boy. Hugs to you all.

UNC NICU RN

Unknown said...

May you feel God's loving arms wrapped so tightly around you....praying without ceasing.

Anonymous said...

...praying for you, all of you...

Angela in central Ohio

Anonymous said...

Kristy & Howard,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. My Mother-n-law shared this poem with me and I just thought I would share it with you, too. I hope you enjoy it and it brings you peace.

Dedicated to the tiniest angels,
who rest in the Father's arms.

An angel once lay beneath my heart,
A promise of life to come;
My little babe, was resting there,
Yet, would not follow me home.

My tiny, precious angel,
Had plans unknown to all,
For my Angel heard the voice of God,
And hastened to His call.

My Angel flew on fragile wings,
Into the Father's arms;
To slumber there in peaceful rest,
Untouched by earthly harms.

So slumber there my precious child,
Till I can come to you;
I'll keep you here, deep in my heart,
Till my journey on earth is through.

~~2001 Allison Chambers Coxsey

Anonymous said...

Be still. When answers He does not impart, forever you can trust His heart. Asher. What a perfect name for a much loved baby.

Jenny said...

Sending our love to you right now...

Madelyn's Mommy said...

My family is praying for you! We are lifting you up with love tonight.


The Whitley Family

Anonymous said...

As a mother of a little angel, I pray that you find peace where there is emptiness. Knowing my Hayden is always with me and in a better place makes the hard days easier. Asher will always be your angel watching over you.
Shannon www.thecraverfamily.blogspot.com

The Pittsburgh Hites said...

Kristy and Howard,
Thank you for sharing Asher with us today, he was beautiful and perfect in every way. Greg and I are honored to have gotten the chance to meet him, to spend time with him, and to see the love that surrounded your whole family.
Today was a day that i will remember my whole life, a day that you shared your angel with us.
We are still praying, and will be here all weekend to surround you with our love.
I love that you, in your own way, kept his name Happy. He will forever be that in my heart, a happy blessing we were all lucky enough to meet.
All our love,
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family, that you will be surrounded by the strength of friends and family as you weather this storm. May He hold you tight and allow you to rest peacefully.
Lori, a reader in VA

AK Angel said...

"The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior; He is my shield and my saving strength..." (Psalm 18:2) Sending angel hugs and prayers from Alaska... and praying for His peace, which passes all understanding, fill your hearts and your souls...

Alicia said...

Praying....

Jane said...

still praying...

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Much love and prayer to you all... I know Asher is beautiful.

Hilary said...

My heart breaks for you. Oddly though my first thought was that of Isaac being delighted to meet his little brother in heaven and have his best friend and playmate with him. I know that in know way makes your loss good or right or anything less than devastating. I have no words. Jesus, send your peace that utterly surpasses our understanding to Asher's precious family.

Court said...

We are praying for you in Houston tonight ~ for peace, strength, and comfort as you grieve. But also are so thankful that you did have some precious time with Asher before he was reunited with His Heavenly daddy. May God grant you every comfort that only He can in the days and weeks and months to come.

Dawn said...

I am saying a prayer for your family and the strength that God had graced you with. ALL children are a blessing and a gift. I have such respect for you all and for your faith. I too live 2 hrs from Pittsburgh and have made that trip many times. ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Angie said...

There are no words sufficient, but I hope right now you feel the love and prayers of the body of Christ surrounding you. You are loved, even by those who have never met you.

Anonymous said...

What a lucky little boy Asher is to have such wonderful parents! He was given the gift of many weeks being nurtured, talked to, and loved. Babies can feel love like that! You gave Asher the special gift of going from loving arms straight into the arms of someone even MORE loving! Jesus, please help heal this family and hold them tightly as they grieve.
Blessings, prayers, and hugs to your family.
-Katie

Kim (marygracesummons.blogspot.com) said...

Oh how my heart aches for you and how I cry for you - for so many reasons. As I sit here I can come up with nothing that will come close to comforting you. I've typed out a thousand things and there's nothing. Just know that I am praying for you and that God has been glorified through Asher, Isaac and your entire family.
With love and continued prayers,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Asking Jesus to draw near to you and bind up your hearts tonight.

All of your boys are beautiful and have such wonderful names.

You are loved and upheld in prayer!

Maren said...

I love the name you choose for your sweet baby boy...ASHER! How perfect! He is so blessed that you chose to give him a body here on earth! I am glad you got some time with him and that your boys got to meet him. I am thinking of you and your family and praying that you feel Gods love wrapped around you.

Maren (KY)

JuJu - said...

sending love and hugs

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog since the beginning of January and have never had the words to post... As a mother of 3 little boys I cant imagine the pain of losing one let alone two beautiful boys ... I hope you got to enjoy every minute of that precious little boy, holding him and memorizing his every part... and I will say a special prayer tonight that Asher is safe , healthy and whole in Gods arms now and that your family has the strength to get through this together. I know that God has a plan for everyone and though that may not lessen the pain you feel - I hope it may bring you some comfort- I cant wait to see the pictures of Little Asher and I think you picked a wonderful name for him

Anonymous said...

Praying for God's grace and strength. I am so thankful that the Asher was able to have time with mom and dad..and family. God bless you through this journey. Praying faithfully for all of you.

God's Grace Be With You...

Trisha
San Diego,Ca

Anonymous said...

My prayer is this...Lord, I lift up the Bolte family to you tonight. They are seeking your words and wisdom on this day. Father, I pray that you continue to be a presence in their life each day forward and I also pray that you are there with them, walking beside each of them, every step of the way during this difficult time. Happy is definetly in a better place than we are right now. Father, I just ask that you be with his brothers and parents during their sorrowful time and Lord, please reassure them that they can always seek your guidance in both good times and bad. Father, I pray that their prayers were answered today (in anyway they were presented to you) and that they feel peace with their thoughts and decisions. Loving through your Son, Amen

Anonymous said...

Praying for peace and comfort. What a blessing Asher "Happy" has been to so many in his short time here. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Tina, KCMO

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog through another. I cannot imagine the pain you must be experiencing now - you have our heartfelt prayers and support. I am so thankful that you were able to spend time with Asher and pray that you find solace in knowing that he is with the Lord.

Blessings and Peace,

Rachel

Anonymous said...

Glory Baby, you slipped away as fast as we could say baby
You were growing, what happened Dear,
You disappeared on us Baby
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we're home with you

But we miss you every day
Miss you in every way
But we know there's a day when we will hold you
And you'll kiss our tears away
When we're home to stay
Can't wait for that day when we will see you
Baby, let sweet Jesus hold you till mom and dad can hold you
You'll just have heaven before we do

Sweet little Baby, it's hard to understand it cause we're hurting
But there is healing
We know we're stronger people through the growing and in knowing
All things work together for our good
God works his purposes just like He said He would

I can't imagine Heaven's lullibies
And what they must sould like
But I will rest in knowing
Heaven is your home and it's all you'll ever know

(Glory Baby by Watermark, ALL THINGS NEW)

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

I am so glad that you had some time with little Asher, and that you were able to hold him and love him. We only had our first son with us for 15 short minutes, but those precious minutes made us parents for the first time, and we wouldn't have missed them for the world. I know the pain is raw, and your arms will feel so empty right now, but your memories of your time spent with little Asher will sustain you in days and weeks to come. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
With much love,
Alison in Cardiff, UK.

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Touched by your loss but also knowing that God is right there with you through this difficult time and only He can bring you comfort and give you the strength to face each day....His mercies are new every morning and He is faithful...

Bobbie said...

praying for you but, rejoicing in the fact that a new life was born and that you had time to enjoy him.

Rachel said...

So glad that you were able to spend some precious time loving on sweet Asher. By the way his name is beautiful as I am sure he is. Praying God will comfort you as long to hold your precious baby. Until you are reunited with you boys may you have peace knowing that Asher and Issac are safe in the arms of their loving Heavenly Father.
Hugs and prayers
Rachel in PA

Anonymous said...

I have not words. But I am lifting you and your beautiful family up in prayer...

MARGARETE said...

I have to say I was up for quite awhile last night thinking of you and praying. I'm so glad you got to hold Asher and love him. I will keep praying for you for peace and understanding.
Love, Margarete

Melissa Dovel said...

Kristy,

I had a big long comment and just deleted it. I am going to pray on what I might say that would reach your hurting heart right now. I am very sorry for your pain- the Lord sews together relationships for a reason and sometimes a season- and well sisters just hurt for one another out of their bond.

I am praying on my knees for peace and any little thing that may bring you joy. I do praise Him for allowing you and your family to love on him and hold him for the time you did.

In Love,
Melissa

Anonymous said...

Dear Kristy & Howard,
Asher is a beautiful name. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry that your time with Asher was so short. Our family is lifting your family up in prayer.
Amy & family in Fairview, PA

Anonymous said...

Kristy,
Take care of yourself now, make sure you get plenty of rest. Your spirit is strong, but your body has gone though alot. Any help you need even months from now ask us from your Fed MOPS group. Tricia

Emily said...

I am praying for you as you face this new day with heavy hearts. I am praising God for Asher Bolte and asking Him to fill his family's hearts with peace and purpose today. Thank you for being faithful to the call, to praise Him in this storm, and to let us all know and fall in love with your boy before he left this world for grander things. I know my baby girl is so happy to see him this morning. :)

Rachel said...

your family is in our prayers.

Mandy said...

Praying for you as your face each new day. I am so sorry for your loss and wish there was something I could do to ease your pain. I know how you might be feeling and know that God is sufficient. Keep the faith.

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

So Blessed said...

My deepest sympathy goes out to you in the loss of your precious son. May our loving God fill you with His peace and comfort and sustain you as only He can. Many prayers are being lifted for your family during this most difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family and sending love to you all.

-Melissa in Colorado

Laughing Momma said...

after posting this on my blog, I wanted to share it with you.


God's Timing


Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

After yesterdays posting, I have been trying to figure out how to get back to the "always laughing" aspect of this blog. Then, this morning I went and read this passage. How AWESOME is our God that the mourning only lasts for a season and laughter will return.

While, we mourn Asher's short life here on earth, we can NOT forget that he is dancing even now, not only in the presence of the King, but also with his brother Isaac. And while the Bolte family stuggles to keep their head above water, they are trusting in our Lord to renew them every morning and to give them grace for the journey.

So, maybe today is not about "always laughing" but about laughing with those who laugh and grieving with those who grieve. I believe, we can weep with the Boltes and dance with Asher all at the same time. Our God is infinite and so is His grace.

Finally, I am reminded of a passage that I believe came from "Purpose Driven Life". ( Paraphrasing) We should hold tight to the truths we know when the road is easy and the burden is light. For a time will come when the darkness surrounds us and we struggle to even breathe. It is at these times that we should NOT doubt in the dark what we knew in the light. For truth is truth, no matter the circumstances.

Chrissy said...

The boy's name Asher \a-sher\ is pronounced ASH-er.

It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "happy".

Biblical: Asher, the eighth son of Jacob, was promised a life blessed with abundance.

Debbie said...

My heart is breaking for you, my prayers are with you. May God comfort you like no other can...

Debbie

Laurie in Ca. said...

Kristy and Howard,
Praying for you on this new day. I am so very sorry for this pain to be visiting you again and so soon after Isaac. My heart aches for you and what you must be going through. I do know that Isaac and Happy Ashton are together and perfect. I know your faith in the Lord will bring you through, but I know the hurt is deep. Asking Him to hold you up in His loving arms, the same arms that hold your boys, and keep you close during this time. I love you guys and will continue praying for peace and comfort for you.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

amanda said...

My Prayers and Thoughts are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Sadness swells within me for your dear family. My prayers are with you knowing that God will bathe your broken hearts with His peace, His strength, His healing in the days ahead. Deborah

Jesse said...

I know there are really no words to help in this time. I'm thankful you had some time with your sweet son, and I will continue to pray for your delicate hearts.

Anonymous said...

We are still praying for you and will continue to do so. I don't know what else to say, other than we love you and ARE praying for you. love, the Pamers

Anonymous said...

My heart breaks for you, Howard and your family.
I pray for God's peace and strength for all of you. May you find comfort in looking forward to a joyous reunion with Isaac and Asher one day.


With our deepest sympathy,
Chris, Amanda and Alex Card

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family often today! Praying that God fills you with peace and strength! I'm so sorry for your loss! My heart aches when I think about how you must be feeling. God bless you!

Anonymous said...

Kristy, Howard, Luke, and Benjamin
So many people have been touched by Asher's life. I mourn with you. If only I could take your grief from you for a few seconds and give you a tiny bit of relief...
Since that is not possible....know that you are loved and being prayed for.

Anonymous said...

You guys are still in our prayers, i pray that God gives your peace and strength to deal with the loss of Asher. God is faithful, even when we don't understand, and this we don't understand.

Rachael
(cafemom)

Devin said...

Kristy,

There aren't adequate words to say--just know that I am praying for you and your family. God is good, even when we don't understand.

I have shared this with many friends who have lost children, like myself, and I wanted to share it with you as well. There is a song by Ron Hamilton called "God is Good." It is an absolutely beautiful song, and one that I still, to this day, have a difficult time singing, but I believe in my heart that the words carry so much truth. The chorus to the song goes like this:

God is good
thru every trial and test
God is good
and I know His way is best
Even when I can not see
the purpose of His plan,
Still I understand
God is good.

Praying for you fervently,
Devin in Illinois

Jarboetwingles said...

There are an incredible number of people praying for you and loving your family. I think it took me 2 minutes to scroll to the end of the posts :) I am adding myself to the list of prayer warriors lifting you up to our mighty God!

Anonymous said...

Kristy and Howard - Your precious Asher is a beloved and special gift of God. I've been praying for the two of you as well as Ben and Luke as you welcomed Asher into your family. May God surround you with His comfort and peace. Blessings - Lynne B.

Anonymous said...

Kristy and Howard,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories that you shared with your precious angel, Asher.

Laurie in Ca. said...

Howard and Kristy,

I am beginning this new day with a heavy heart and prayers for you. Asking the Lord to give you grace and strength for each day and to carry you gently. I wish I could do something for you to ease this pain.
I hope that the many prayers of others will help to sustain the burden a little. No words can touch the pain you are in, only the Lord.

Love and Prayers,
Laurie in Ca.

Kenzie said...

Kristy, Howard and boys-

Praying for y'all this morning and several times a day over the past many days... I know this is a very difficult time! I know Asher was absolutely beautiful and through the heartache, you know he is with Jesus. Praying for your hearts and for renewed strength.

Loving and praying for you!
Kenzie

Anonymous said...

praying...may you all be surrounded and lifted up by those who love you at this difficult time, and all the tough moments to follow.

bennedeto said...

I think, and care about you both deeply. I know it's been awhile, but your both in my heart, always. I love you Sis and Coach Bolte. :)

LOVE,

RICO (yes, that one.)

Anonymous said...

Deepest condolences on the loss of your son, Asher.

Kim and Brian Garlick