61 Comments

  1. Heather @ Life Made LovelyJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:53 AM

    praying that God covers you in his sweet peace today. xoxo-heather

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  2. Lindsay ThomasJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    I bet they're pretty awesome. I mean, God has to be the best party planner, right? :) What a special day - praying for your family.

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  3. Me and My Pink MixerJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    Sending you a hug from Virginia. I'm sure God throws the best birthday parties ever!

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  4. LoveJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    spilling tears all over again for you & your journey with Joy. i always am so thankful when i read the part about that you were in community for those first days. of course you needed time alone to be deep in your grief, but also that someone could come play worship songs with you in your darkest hour? beautiful. also love all that Joy did. marriages restored & only knowing heaven? beautiful.

    praying peace and so much hope for you today. thank you for sharing some of Joy with us. i am a better mama and person because of it.

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  5. SarahJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    I bet the birthday parties in heaven are something more fabulous than we could even dream up!

    Thinking about you today.

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  6. LaunaJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    The last nine years have been the most spectacular party for her!! Hoping and praying you have a good day today and that you stay wrapped in his arms!

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  7. BethJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    i think in heaven, every time there is a birthday party, they say, "eat your hearts out, martha stewart & amy atlas!" but, that's just my theory.

    sending peace and hugs your way today! you are one tough woman!

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  8. Mari Bryant- MarksJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Happy Birthday sweet Joy! Can you imagine the wonder of cupcakes in Heaven? I feel if God went to the trouble to create cocoa beans then there must be chocolate in Heaven. I'll be praying for you today Julie. Lot's of peace and comfort.

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  9. Gina ThomasJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    heart strings are pulled by this post. blessings to you and i know that parties in heaven are full of angels. :)gina

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  10. Mommy2SophiaJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Many hugs and blessings to you today! xoxoxo Lisa

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  11. Kelly | Fabulous KJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    Why, they are fabulous, of course! Sending you lots of love and hugs today, friend!!

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  12. JenniferJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Happy Birthday sweet Joy! And a peace filled day to you...

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  13. jodi @ back40lifeJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    praying extra hugs & kisses for all of you today!

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  14. mel @ the larson lingoJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Happy Birthday Joy! Praying for you guys today as you remember & celebrate sweet Joy. Love you!

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    Thinking, praying and loving you today!

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  16. Joy FrameworksJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:40 AM

    What a blessing you and Joy have been to so many who have read your blog. I pray God will surround you in love and peace today, just as He's doing with Joy.

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  17. UnknownJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    julie, praying for you and your family today. thank you for sharing your life and your sweet JOY with all of us!

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  18. DrewBJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    Can't wait to celebrate with you today! Happy birthday, joy! You have touched the lives of so many!

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  19. Ben and TarynJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Julie, I am constantly uplifted by your blog and know that Joy's influence and your goodness have touched many people. Hope today is a good one.

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  20. Jessica JohnsonJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    Thinking of you, Julie. And extra thankful our Lord gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding. Hugs from up north... xxoo

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  21. Laurie JJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    precious. though my heart doesn't know what this kind of pain feels like, I think from one mom to another God will give me the words to pray for you today. Have a special celebration.....cause you know her and Jesus are!

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  22. TLFJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    {{HUGS}} to you!!

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  23. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    Sobbing uncontrollably as I read Joy's story again. You might be the strongest woman that I can think of. The road that you had to go down is one that God only chooses for those he knows can do it. What you went though is unimaginable and I am so sorry you had to endure that. Jpy is such a lucky little angel to have you as her Mommy, constantly reminding their sisters and the world of her, never forgetting her, for even a second. God Bless You, Julie. Have a wonderful day with your hubby and ALL of your sweet girls. Joy is looking down from heaven smiling and thanking you for making her feel so special today and every day.

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  24. Kyla ArmstrongJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    (((Hugs))) and prayers for sweet peace today for you and your family.

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  25. SeagersJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    Yesterday was the Sanctity of Life day...so precious to know that sweet Joy and so many others are with our Heavenly Father.

    xo
    Megan

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  26. Jen~ Lipstick and LaundryJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    Thinking about you Julie... Prayers for a JOY filled day...

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  27. Trisha LarsonJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Me too!

    You are 6 years ahead of me on this journey and it helps me to look ahead and see what grief and healing looks like as we travel this difficult path.

    Hugs to you and Happy birthday JOY!!!

    Trisha

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  28. Angie from Dear Spring GreenJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:07 AM

    Happy birthday to dear sweet Joy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. And I am sure those Heaven birthday parties are pretty awesome!

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  29. Preppy Pink CrocodileJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Just said a little prayer for y'all to continue to find peace. And I agree with Lindsay, God probably throws pretty amazing birthday parties!

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  30. KellyJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:20 AM

    Praying an extra heaping of God's many blessings on you today.

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  31. Heather L.January 24, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    I am thinking of you today, and wishing Joy the happiest of birthdays in Heaven. Many (((HUGS))) to you.

    I just found out today that I lost a baby (having a D&C on Wednesday), so I'm going to think that my little one might be at Joy's party today.

    Much love.

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  32. Bless by ToneJanuary 24, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    I bet they are JOYful
    Tone

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  33. The Mershawn'sJanuary 24, 2011 at 12:28 PM

    I've never left you a comment before...this time seemed right. Happy Birthday to your sweet baby girl. Praying for comfort & JOY for you all today. And maybe a special glimpse of what she's up to on her day...what a precious girl.

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  34. Marta @ Haus of GirlsJanuary 24, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    happy birthday Joy!
    because of you so many lives have been touched by your amazing caring Mommy!
    I hope you all have a perfect, special day together!

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  35. TerriJanuary 24, 2011 at 2:19 PM

    Wow, I have been checking out your blog periodically and never came across your "story". Your little Joy passed couple of weeks before my Jake did. He passed on 2-7-2002. I have tears in my eyes reading your story because your emotions and feelings are exactly what I felt. I lost Jake to undiagnosed vasa previa. It is the worst thing that I will ever go through. I also realized a couple of years later how much it changes me and some for the better. I feel for you and your family. Jake will be 9 this year and my only relief is knowing he will never experience pain, disappointment, or any other earthly thing that would make him sad or cry. I know he is in a better place. Trust me, I selfishly want him here, ALWAYS, I just know I can't have him so I feel better knowing he is in Heaven. God bless you and your family. Terri mom to angel ^i^ Jake (02-07-02)

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  36. StacieJanuary 24, 2011 at 2:23 PM

    I don't even know you but I am blessed by your raw honesty and beautiful written account of your journey. Thanks for being willing to share. I can only imagine the ways God has used you and will continue to use you.
    Happy Birthday to your Joy!
    Stacie

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  37. CeciliaJanuary 24, 2011 at 2:29 PM

    Happy Birthday, Joy!
    I'm also the Mama of a sweet babe in Heaven and I'm so glad we can grieve with hope. Thinking of you and your family today.

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  38. Heidi Jo the ArtistJanuary 24, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Thinking of you and your family especially today. :)

    "Maybe God has a bigger plan for me than I had for myself. Like this journey never ends. Like you were sent to me because I'm sick. To help me through all this. You're my angel." From my favorite movie of all time-"A Walk to Remember"

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  39. Heather | Cookie MondaysJanuary 24, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    definitely lots of cupcakes. happy birthday joy! xoxo

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  40. Heather @ Glitter and GlossJanuary 24, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Saying a prayer for you and Joy, my amazing friend!

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  41. JeannettJanuary 24, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    hugs from the gibson clan. we love you so.

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  42. alanna roseJanuary 24, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    So many prayers for you :)

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  43. TanyaJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    xoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  44. JennaJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    i just reread your story and again it brought me to tears. you. are. amazing. for telling your story, for sharing your heart, for touching so many others through your pain. and beyond that, you touch so many others through your candor, your humor and your craftymamaness and wih your toffee crack. ;)you are jesus with skin on for so many of us. sending hugs and prayers for you and your family today. :)

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  45. BrandiBJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    I've followed your blog blindly, not knowing you or your story, for a few months now via a friend. I just read your story, and Joy's, and sit hear with tears streaming down my face for your heartbreak but also with a smile for the blessings of all your added "Jae's". I pray that your tender heart feels God's peace today knowing that all of heaven is celebrating Joy! Thank you for opening your life to us.

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  46. just jonesJanuary 24, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    hi sweet julie
    Thinking of you today more than other days... praising God for the blessings that have come in the last nine years and
    eager to see Joy one day with you!

    "baby let sweet Jesus hold you 'till mom and dad can hold you, oh... you'll just have Heaven before we do..."

    love
    mc

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  47. CelesteJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Oh, she is no doubt having the best time. (I mean, come on. An angelic choir singing happy birthday? amazing!)... thinking of Joy, of you, your husband, and Joy's sisters today :)

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  48. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    How deeply I was touched as I read your story for the first time today. What an accomplishment of Joy, touching many more lives than any of us could ever hope to! Happy Birthday to a very special girl!

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  49. Kimmie @ Hello MessJanuary 24, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Happy birthday, sweet Joy! God works in mysterious ways...your journey through the darkest time in your life has brought SO many women strength. I found strength through you to share my story, and peace through Him to cope with the abundance of emotions that sharing my story has brought. January 24th and February 24th of every year are days spent thinking of our glory babies. Love you, sweet friend. <3

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  50. EmilyJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    Thank you for this. I am sure I'd read that post about Joy before... but it's so raw and new now. A friend of my very best friend had a stillborn baby last summer. The baby was even named after my friend (Anne Michelle). It's been six months now and even though I've never met her parents, I think of Anne Michelle every day. I know my friend Michelle so well to know how rough of a time it has been for her parents. We struggle to praise God in this, but he surely knows better than we do. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  51. raChJanuary 25, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    This post is amazing to me. I had a very similar thing happen to my little girl. Her first birthday is coming up in March and this post just gave me chills. I'm sure they have wonderful birthdays in heaven & I can't wait for my daughter to tell me how everyone of them went :] thank you so much for sharing.

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  52. KatJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Wow, I had never read your previous posts on sweet baby Joy, and I thank you so much for sharing it. I will be praying for you and your family today.

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  53. AngieJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    I am praying for you and your family this week! We have met briefly at church, and I learned about your precious baby Joy when it was mentioned during church one time. My husband and I also lost our oldest son, and it will be nine years this May - - May 16, 2002 to be exact. I love thinking about the celebrations up in heaven and we talk about it with our other kids.

    I pray that God wraps you in his arms as you remember your precious daughter.

    Best, Angie

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  54. Diana DoyleJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Thinking of your beautiful little girl Joy who should be here to celebrate her birthday!

    Our daughter Savannah died at the age of 4 and would now be 11. It haunts me all the time to wonder what she would be like now and what it is that 11 year old's like these days.....

    Sending a hug and love and strength to get through a special day.

    love
    Diana x

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  55. TerriJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    It is me again. I failed to tell you that I am sorry for your loss and yes, birthdays in heaven must be the best. I wish you lots of peace. Take care and thank you for sharing your story of precious Joy.

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  56. MattieJanuary 25, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    Hugs and Prayers from one bereaved mom to another.
    "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."
    John 16:22

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  57. penny lane designsJanuary 25, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Thinking of you today Julie. :) I ♥ Joy!

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  58. amy jupinJanuary 25, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    julie, this sweet little post choked me up and made me smile. your sweet angel and her story has touched my heart. i hope you all have a wonderful birthday celebration and that you feel peace today knowing that our God is so, so good. many hugs, friend.

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  59. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Thinking of you with all my heart.

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  60. Summers FamilyJanuary 25, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Happy birthday to your precious Joy. My heart ached reading your journey and the pain you and your family endured. Thank you for sharing your story. I was also inspired and humbled by you and your strength. I know Joy sees you each day and is so proud of her mother and the joy you bring to her sisters and to those around you.

    I have enjoyed reading your blog for a few months now and am thankful to know a bit more about you and the meaning behind your blog title. I was feeling particularly down this week - a little bit of self pity combined with lack of sleep and mommy worry so I appreciated reading and remembering how very blessed I am even during my toughest weeks. I am confident there will be more JOY in my day tomorrow.

    Thanks and God bless you~

    Nicole
    mom to Jack, Ben & Annabelle
    http://babygirlsummers.blogspot.com/

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  61. gophergirlJanuary 26, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Happy birthday to Joy. Ours would have been nine this year too. Thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

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