Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Raina's Journey

Raina's infectious laughter, capacity to love, kind spirit and adorable face conspired at every turn to carve out an ever larger home inside our hearts.  She was the great joy of our lives.  We will miss her.

Our hearts are broken, but we are determined to celebrate the life of our little girl.

Posted by at

38 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    Beautiful. Gorgeous. Thank you for sharing these sweet memories. It is so clear that Raina brought an enormous amount of love to your life, and that is enduring. Sending you love and peace.

    Caroline

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lauren TothOctober 19, 2011 at 3:47 PM

    Your strength, courage and grace are so apparent in these photos. Raina’s spirit and spunk are a testament to your endless love for her. She lives on in all of us fortunate enough to have been witness to this demonstration of the greatest love for a child. We thank you for sharing Raina with us and we are grateful for the privilege to celebrate her life with you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 6:05 PM

    This was so beautiful. I laughed and cried. I have been following your blog from the beginning and while I don't know you I admire your strength and courage. She was so beautiful and has touched so many. I prayed for your family all the time and will continue to do so. God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  4. MariahOctober 19, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    It is evident that Raina was much loved.
    Thank you for sharing these photos of your beautiful, spunky liitle girl. I have followed your blog from the beginning and am terribly sad that she is gone.
    Thank you for sharing Raina's (and your), journey with us, and I hope that you can find a little comfort in the thought that even perfect strangers fell in love with your little girl.

    ReplyDelete
  5. StephanieOctober 19, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Absolutely beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JenniferOctober 19, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful, amazing Raina with all of us. She has taught me so much, and will forever be in my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  7. MeaganOctober 19, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    I echo the sentiment of the other "strangers". I have never met your family and I too have followed and prayed for you from the beginning. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sean O'NeillOctober 19, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    Heartbroken, but we are certainly celebrating her beautiful life. I am sure she is already dancing in heaven! XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    As always, a beautiful star with a most entrancing sense of wonder. Thank you for sharing and reminding me to make every day count.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    What a moving video of Raina and that beautiful smile. Thank you for sharing. I will miss her deaply anf remember all the special times at the center that we were blessed to have with her.

    Love Martine

    ReplyDelete
  11. Erin GaengOctober 19, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    I as well have followed your blog from the beginning- and have been forever changed by a little girl I have never met. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life- and know that Raina, even in her short time here has touched the lives of so many.... Celebrate her life, what a beautiful little girl she was..... she will forever live on in your memory, and in mine.

    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  12. jaimeOctober 19, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    Im crying & smiling & laughing & fighting this tug-of-war in my soul that cannot comprehend this. So happy to hear her scratchy super-belly laugh and wish i got to meet her, hug her, rub her back or smell her feet. thank you for posting this & know that she is thought of constantly... xo's

    jaime siskosky

    ReplyDelete
  13. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Our hearts are hurting for you at this time of devastating loss. What a beautiful video tribute to Raina and her precious life. The love you shared with one another simply radiates! Our deepest sympathy to you and Courtney. Randall and Claudia Groh

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 11:56 PM

    It's hard to believe how much a single baby could be loved... yet you never cease to amaze us in showing us how much more love Raina could bring on herself - and with good reason! She was and is an amazing girl and we are thankful to have had the opportunity to have had time with her. The video was beautiful, and we laughed as our tears fell. Throughout her journey, Raina was surrounded by the faces of loved ones and for that we are grateful. Those same faces are there for you, always. People always talk about making their mark on the world; Raina certainly made hers. -Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousOctober 20, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Wow..What a Beautiful and Brave little girl you have. May god Bless her.
    ~Dania

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousOctober 20, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    When somebody dies, a cloud turns into
    an angel, and flies up to tell God
    to put another flower on a pillow.
    A bird gives the message back to
    the world, and sings a silent prayer
    that makes the rain cry. People dis-
    appear, but they never really go away.
    The spirits up there put the sun to
    bed, wake up grass, and spin the
    earth in dizzy circles. Sometimes you
    can see them dancing in a cloud during
    the day-time, when they're supposed
    to be sleeping. They paint the rain-
    bows and also the sunsets and make
    waves splash and tug at the tide.
    They toss shooting stars and listen to
    wishes. And when they sing wind-
    songs, they whisper to us, don't
    miss me too much. The view is nice
    and I'm doing just fine.
    - Ashley
    ~Dania

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousOctober 20, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    This is so beautiful. My heart is broken for you and I am filled with tears, but also touched by the love that is so evident between you and Raina. What a special, sweet, adorable and amazing little girl! She has touched my heart. My love and deepest sympathy to your family. -Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  18. LauraOctober 20, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Our hearts are heavy. What a beautiful tribute. Raina will be missed. Thank you for sharing these memories. Love, Laura and Dave Green

    ReplyDelete
  19. AnonymousOctober 21, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful little girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you both during this difficult time. It's evident she left you with many special memories that will never be forgotten. Best, Christine Roman

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousOctober 22, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    My heart is breaking for you both. I never had the wonderful pleasure of meeting your daughter, but feel like I had following your blog for the last 10 months. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with Raina and that sweet beautiful face. While I am relieved she is no longer in any pain, I hope the two of you can find some semblance of peace and strength during this time. Love – Nicole (Teller) Howes

    ReplyDelete
  21. sharonOctober 22, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Gd bless you, dear friends. With your strength and grace you and Raina have taught me so much about embracing the time we are given with those whom we love. My heart breaks with yours. In sympathy and love, Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jerry and DanOctober 22, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    As we see these pictures of her life, we see so much love here. Surrounding her. Surrounding you. She was loved. And she loved. Blessings to all. Jerry & Dan

    ReplyDelete
  23. ChadandAmandaOctober 25, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    what a lovely video, she was such a beautiful little girl with such wonderful smile. raina will be with us forever. thank you for sharing this.

    sending love from oregon,
    amanda armington

    ReplyDelete
  24. KimberlyOctober 26, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    watching this video for the hundredth time and thinking of you both. i am grateful to revisit sweet memories of R in these lovely photos.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Elizabeth DesireeOctober 27, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    Thank you for sharing the video. Aunt Kimberly has kept me up to date on Raina, and I was so sorry to hear the news. Words of comfort are useless. I just want you to know that I am sending love and strength to your family.

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousNovember 6, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Dear Jason & Courtney,

    My goodness. I have started to read your blog, and am bowled over: iIt was always very evident how much love Raina was surrounded by, but I never knew what an awesome life she led outside the hospital! You truly gave that baby a lifetime's worth of fun and love and experience.

    And, "my goodness" again! Congratulations on the little one on the way! What a special family she or he will be part of.

    We're still missing the sunshine Raina (and you two!) always brought to the unit. Please take good, good care of yourselves.

    Rosalyn (nurse from Children's Nat'l Med Ctr)

    ReplyDelete
  27. KimberlyNovember 11, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    thank goodness for this video and this blog in general. i get to see raina whenever i need a dose of utter cuteness. her photos are the ultimate demonstration of the statement 'the eyes are the windows to the soul'.

    ReplyDelete
  28. jaimeNovember 15, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    Definitely thinking of Raina often,, thinking of her expressions for instance, her 1000 yard stare, a personal favorite of mine,,, and hoping you are doing ok. She was such an enlightening person, i feel like her little self just screamed personality. She is in our thoughts... I wonder how you are often, I hope you do smile in her memory. She was a complete blessing, thinking of her alot lately as I can't believe a month has passed. Sending love,
    Jaime in MI

    ReplyDelete
  29. Lauren TothNovember 15, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    It is so comforting to know that I am not the only one who regularly stops in here to visit. Raina is on my mind and in my heart daily.

    My love to you all...

    ReplyDelete
  30. JenniferNovember 22, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    Stopping in for my little dose of Raina sunshine tonight. Thinking of you this holiday week. What a blessing you had in Raina. I am thankful this year that I was blessed with knowing her.

    ReplyDelete
  31. stevewoloNovember 30, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    Jason and Courtney,

    This video is an incredible inspiration and a wonderful glimpse into your lives and the life of precious Raina Virginia. Reading the comments from family, friends, nurses, and complete strangers is also a testament of your love and the profound way that Raina V touched people. The two of you and Raina are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Thank you for providing these cherished memories of a very precious little girl and for creating a permanent record that serves as a reminder to appreciate every single moment we have here in this world.

    All my love.

    -Steven

    ReplyDelete
  32. Lauren TothDecember 14, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Missing you, little one....today and every day. Remembering your sweet smile and the sparkle in your eye as we send love and strength to your mommy and daddy as they navigate this difficult time without you.

    ReplyDelete
  33. jaimeDecember 14, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    thinking of you today ,,,, saddened but hopeful that you are looking down on your loved ones. your in our thoughts , love Jaime

    ReplyDelete
  34. VictorDecember 22, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    Our thoughts are with you and your family

    ReplyDelete
  35. KimberlyJanuary 14, 2012 at 7:33 PM

    Thinking of all of you today and sending you love.

    ReplyDelete
  36. jaimeJanuary 14, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    me too! Raina you glow in our hearts everyday & today it's clear you're shining bright! much love, Jaime

    ReplyDelete
  37. LaurenAugust 20, 2012 at 11:48 PM

    You have been in my thoughts a lot lately so I swung by to watch your video and visit. It was good to see you and be in your company for a short while...you are in our hearts and minds always.

    ReplyDelete
  38. KimberlyAugust 5, 2014 at 5:47 PM

    This video has so many nice photos of Raina. I love to watch it. Missing her today and always.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)