Wednesday, September 05, 2007

A Month Gone By...

One month ago today, the world changed as a precious little boy stepped from this mortal life into the eternal presence of Almighty God. Not a day goes by where we don't miss our sweet Isaac, look at his many pictures, & ache to hold him again. At times, kissing his cheek on the photograph, imagining his soft skin. We miss our Isaac. We miss his bright, loving eyes. We miss his funny expressions. We miss his little puckers & his enormous yawns. We miss holding him for hours in our arms.

But oh, what peace is found in knowing he now stands with Jesus, face-to-face, worshipping ever at His throne! No tubes, no needles, no meds, no wounds. Perfect & complete, our son is home with his heavenly Father who loves him more than anyone could ever imagine. No surgeon's knife will ever cut him again, no tests will ever need to be run on him. He can simply be the precious boy he was created to be, laughing with joy in heaven evermore.

This past month has been filled with grief & peace, the closing of a chapter as life's pen begins the next. We cherish the twenty-four weeks we had with our sweet boy. What a gift! With all of his health problems & abnormalities, its truly a miracle that he even lived past a day old. Thank You for the time with him, God! In looking back over our journey with Isaac, so many memories & lessons flood the mind. One in particular was the day we had to rush him to UNC for dehydration. Isaac slept the whole ride there, so I pulled out my Bible to hopes of finding some encouragement during this frustrating turn of events. I landed on Exodus 25, where God instructs Moses to take up a heavy offering to build the tabernacle. As the chapter progresses, it lists the things to be given in the offering. What an extravagant list of items! And I got to wondering...where did the Israelites get such valuables (porpoise skins?) when they've been wandering in the wilderness for years and slaves for generations before that?! If you look back to Exodus 12, we see how God enabled the Israelites to plunder the Egyptians when they were released from Egypt. Everything of worth & value that they had, God Himself had provided! In chapter 25, God recognizes that this offering will take sacrifice, offering up things that they want to hold onto most. But ultimately, even the most precious of items came from God anyway. Even by having this hard offering taken up from the Israelites for the tabernacle, God showed His love as He wanted to dwell with them! And that morning in the car, God comforted me saying, "I know that this journey is hard for you & that you love your son so very much. I know how hard this is to trust what is most precious to you in My hands. But he is My child, My gift to you. I am not ignorant of how hard this is for you & will carry you through whatever the road may bring. I love Isaac & I love you. Trust Me." What an impression that ride made on my heart. And it was just two days later when we got news that Isaac's heart was not growing & his time here could be much shorter than we'd hoped. Two weeks later, he was home with Jesus.

While this road has been hard, God has never left our side. He has always provided exactly what we've needed to get through. Yes, we miss our son...more than words can say. But he ultimately was from God & we were so fortunate to be stewards of this precious gift for 24 weeks. What a blessing!


"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.
-Philippians 3:20-21

56 comments:

anita said...

So proud of you... Your faithfulness and ministry to others during this time will be rewarded!

Love y'all!

Anonymous said...

What amazing perspective. I thank the Lord for how HE has spoken to your hearts and how HE has spoken through you to the hearts of the many who read this blog. We love you and are still praying for HIS hand of grace and comfort on you.
c&v

Unknown said...

th eboth of you are just amazing! i hope my faith can be like yours! i can not believe it has been a month. we still pray for you every night to help the both of you through this hard time. you will never know how many people you have touched! i still cry when i look at the pictures and watch the video. he was such a sweet boy and u r right he is in a wounderful place. HEAVEN! we love you guys the browns from MA

Anonymous said...

Thank you dear Patience and Jordan for this update. For so long I checked Isaac’s blog daily for updates on his progress. I still check it daily in hopes of hearing how you two are doing. You both are constantly in my prayers.
The night Isaac left this world for heaven I dreamed of him running and playing in a field full of flowers. He was chasing millions of beautiful butterflies. For a while in my dream I thought I was dreaming of my nephew, David, who is 2 years old. Then I realized, no, this is Isaac. How happy and beautiful he was as he ran and tried to catch the butterflies. He would giggle so sweetly.
The next morning when I got up and looked out the window, I was so very surprised to see what looked like hundreds of butterflies fluttering around my front window. With the drought, I have no flowers left there, so I don't know what drew them there other than God sent them as a confirmation to my dream.
Later that afternoon when in another room of the house, I saw a moving shadow on the wall across the room from the picture window. The shadow was a large butterfly. When I turned to look for it, it flew away.
Maybe these were coincidences, but I believe it was God giving me a very clear message that Isaac was indeed chasing butterflies.
Thanks for letting me share this dream with you. And thank you for other precious memories I have of the three Leinos.
Love,
Patty

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan,

As your son has left a huge testimony, what a testimony you two are becoming and have been. By your faith, God is growing me and others.
We know ultimately he was your son, but in a way a lot of us prayed for him just like it was our child too. Like it was our child growing through tests and our child going through surgeries. So the journey you walked, we weren't too far behind.
I can't believe it has been a month, how time passes by. It feels like just yesterday Isaac passed into the Arms of Love.
But in that month, I learned truly what God means when He says He owns everything under Heaven. Everything we have are blessings that should not be taken for granted, and we should send praises to God for everything we have.
How Good our Father's grace is. How great His blessings and how faithful is His love. Isaac's memory and testimony will be remembered forever and so will the testimony of Patience and Jordan who still chose to serve the Lord faithfully after their most loved possession, their heart, passed into God's arms.
Thank-you for sharing your story with the world! You guys are ausome :-)

Christal

Amy said...

I cannot imagine what sorrow your hearts must feel. But, our God is great, and He is carrying you through this difficult time. We continue to pray for you both. Thank you for sharing your story with us and letting us witness what miracles God is doing. You all have touched so many lives. God has used you and will continue to use you both for some amazing things. I can't wait to see what He has in store for you two.

Anonymous said...

thank you sooo much for sharing with us. we have been thinking about you guys. i just thought you would be good, but it does my heart to hear from you.. and to see how God worked in this time is great. we love you, Shawn & Julie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your update, as we all know that it is a hard time, but only time will heal your pain. Your words of love for your son and God are so touching, I just wish if I ever was faced with such trying times, that I can be as strong as you and your family. God Bless
~Kathleen, Alaska

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

Dear Patience and Jordan,
Thanks for touching base again - we've been thinking of you so much, and hoping that you and your families were holding up ok.
Your continuing faith and perspective is truly wonderful, and even when you are writing of such heartbreaking circumstances, your words and faith lift our hearts.
We remember you every day, and Charlie still speaks of Baby Isaac. He told us the other day that his big brother Will is playing football with Baby Isaac on the beach in Heaven - 'and they're both all better now'. How right he is. (Well maybe not about the football!)
Praying for continued strenth for you both, and sending you our love and support. We're only an email away if we can ever do anything.
With love,
Alison, Pete and Charlie x

Anonymous said...

I can not begin to tell you how much you both have inspired me, I know that was not your purposed...you are just parents, with a strong love for your son and a strong faith in God. You have made me realize just exactly how precious life is and each day is such an amazing gift from God. My son has gone through two open heart surgeries, 2 other surgeries, and is about to go through 2 more surgeries and he is just 1 year old last month...but I am so happy and proud of him...I am scared, sure, but I know, because of you both and Isaac, that my son is always loved and watched over by God and that no matter what happens, God is in control. Thank you both. As others have said, I check your blog very often still, checking to see how you both are doing...looking at another picture of Isaac...I cried when I watched the tribute of photos....Isaac has touched me so deeply...thank you for sharing him with me. You are all in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Wow! You guys are amazing and such awesome role models for so many people. Not one day goes by that I dont think of Isaac. I have tons of pictures on my iPod of him that I look at everyday. I love you guys!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this story with us. I still continue to pray every day for you both. You both are my role models. We Love You.
God Bless,

Alli Tiner

gramkappy said...

patience and jordan- it was so good to hear from you guys. we are grieving with you over little isaac's homegoing and still praying for God to comfort you in your earthly loss of your precious little son.

Anonymous said...

Patience & Jordan,

Thank you for sharing this with us. You guys are always in my thoughts and prayers. I myself, always imagine little Isaac playing with my son Haniel up in Heaven in the presence of the Almighty! Your faith in God will pull you through this.

God Bless You!
Dianett

Anonymous said...

Jordan & Patience,
We love you so much.
~Brian, Kim, Becky, Sarah, Ian & Travis

Anonymous said...

i came across your blog while surfing through the internet. i too have a son suffering from a heart defect TOF/Pulmonary atresia. he turned one this year. your strength n faith have given me a lot of inspiration... your blog made me cry... i wish you both a lot of luck... your son will be in my prayers... may peace n happiness be with him...

Anonymous said...

Patience, before Isaac was born I had a dream/vision of him standing before C3, giving his testimony and singing before the Lord, as I have seen you and Jordan do, week after week. After he went home to be with Jesus, God gave me a new vision of him standing face to face with Jesus, his Savior, giving his testimony and singing before him. Everytime I think of you and Jordan and pray for you, I see Isaac singing before Jesus and giving testimony of your love and faithfulness. I wish with all of my heart that you never had to walk this journey. But I have to say thank you that you have shared it with us, both the joy and the sorrow. You have been a blessing to so many. Melanie

Julie Miles said...

Patience and Jordan,

You two are still in my prayers daily. Every morning as I sit and eat breakfast at the RMH and look out at the Butterfly Garden, I think of the pictures you shared of being out there with Isaac on Memorial Day. I can't even begin to imagine the mixture of feelings of grief and peace you've experienced in the past month.

With Ethan not even being a month old yet, it already feels like we've been here at UNC for much longer and can't imagine how you did it, being here for over 4 months. Thanks for your diligent faith and perseverence and endurance you've displayed through your blog, it's been so inspirational and encouraging to me and Dan!

Julie & Dan Miles

PEDS ICU RN said...

I have to say I feel like Isaac has touched so many of our lives each in a different way. I feel I have learned to look at life just a little bit different following Isaac from his blog to his hospital admissions, I admire the strength and courage you family has. We miss Isaac so much as well and like you are glad to know he is free from all test and surgery. You guys are a true inspiration, stay strong..

Julie Nickerson said...

I miss Isaac and I never met him! Your words of faithfulness are SO encouraging! We think and pray for you two often.
-Julie and Seth Nickerson

Anonymous said...

Please know that I am thinking of you. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that Isaac touched out and reached the world in 24 weeks. What a testiomony to share. I hope you can find comfort in the thousands of people who care about you and who come to C3 in part because of your story. Thank you for sharing your talent and Isaac's story. I am so glad that I stayed for the service last week. Scott's message was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much again.

Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Dear Patience & Jordan,

Your lives have inspired so many - hundreds of lives have been touched by one tiny baby & his faithful parents. Last night at C3 I watched the two of you singing for the glory of the Lord with great joy & I was blessed all over again. Thank you for sharing with all of us again. Yours is a story for all people for all time!
In love,
Vickie Buss

Anonymous said...

I read your blog post that Isaac had gone to be with Jesus as the sun warmed me through the window of my hotel room in San Diego. It took some time for it to really sink in, but as I lay on the floor of my room I wept tears of joy for your sweet son. I then went for a run like I do every day after I work out at the gym. However, this run was very different for me. With my iPod blaring and so many thoughts and emotions flowing in my head, I ran with a fervor directly related to Isaac. I thought of how this tiny baby (that I had never even met in person) brought me to my knees more in the last few months than I had ever been before. I thought of you guys and your example that blew me away on a daily basis. But above all I thought of how amazingly close my heart had been drawn to God's heart through Isaac. This little wonder that had come into this world and brought down the Kingdom of Heaven with him in a mighty and real way. As I reached the top of a tall hill in the Gas Lamp District in San Diego I could look over most of this beautiful city. As beautiful as San Diego is I thought of how beautiful a sight Isaac must be seeing. I thought of how he is smiling and worshiping as Christ smiles right back to him and tells Isaac "well done" Appropriately a local band from Chapel Hill named Roman Candle was playing through my iPod and these lyrics came through in this moment...

" we don't belong to this world, now that I belong to you "

Thank you both so much for sharing your experience, and your son's life with so many.

Josh

ps - thank you so much for inviting my wife and Alanna to Isaacs service/dinner. I wanted to be there more than anything. I think we may try and come out to C3 one of these days to say "hey" ;)

Jane said...

Thank you for the verse from Philippians. Most of us need reminded of our true citizenship to help keep us grounded in what is truly important in life.

I thank God for Isaac. It is through your blog that I have "met" many wonderful fellow citizens.

You guys are always in my prayers. My prayer is that God will comfort you in this very difficult chapter of your lives.

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan,
When I read your blog, I forget how young you both are. You have shown more growth in your walk with God than many of us do in a life time. Patience, in time, you should consider sharing your story with more than just those who read your blog, you should write a book. There are many parents going through similar situations or who will go through what you and Jordan and Isaac endured. You can offer such comfort and teach others how to hold on to God's word and be faithful unto Him. God bless you both. God has wonderful things in store for you and Isaac will be waiting for you in heaven with our precious Jesus.
In Christ's love,
Rick & Shelia

Anonymous said...

We love you both so much. You are an inspiration to us. I know God will continue to provide everything you need from day to day just as he does for us. Please let us know if you need anything at all.
Love
Kevin, Tammy, Savanna and Kaylee Jacquay

Anonymous said...

Oh Jordan and Patience,

My heart is still breaking for both of you and I pray for you most every day. As you know, our daughter's son, Ethan Miles, is still in the hospital and the doc's are trying to figure out why his stats drop when he sleeps. We are a month into our very similar journey. But I want you to know that you both have been SUCH an inspiration to Dan & Julie and our whole family - I know your grief must overwhelm you many times a day but your faith in God's wisdom and goodness has strengthened us as well as countless others. Thank you for your example.

Love,
Rhonda Garrett

Anonymous said...

It is so wonderful and comforting to see both of you on stage again at C3. I am sure that Isaac is singing in heaven and it is truly a beautiful sound, based on the voices of his parents....you're both in our thoughts and prayers each and every day - please know that lots of us admire your faith and ability to communicate so beautifully. I know you've said Isaac taught you both a lot, know that you've all done the same for many of us. (Patience - Jimmy was glad to get a hug last night)...
Sharon & Jimmy Jackson

Anonymous said...

You never cease to amaze and encourage us all. I watch as you sing....I get what you're saying. Your love for our God radiates from your faces. You and your family are our blessing from God.

The Trueloves

Anonymous said...

I found your blog because a friend was reading it on my computer... I then started checking in on the Leino family often... It was almost comforting to read your messages & your prayers after recently going through a miscarriage.

i am so sorry for your loss but so greatful for you both sharing your faith, you strength, your love for Christ, your love for your Son.

Cerebral Palsy with Carol said...

You two are so insprited to me by how much faith you have. Keep that faith, and everything will be ok. I lost a second cousin who had heart problem in January, and most of time I can Harliegh and Isacc playing and laughing togather. I never meet you, but I feel that I know you. God bless!

Gina Witcher / Runnermom4 said...

Patience and Jordan...

Your lives continue to teach me and grow me. As I watch you both at church, and see the peace that surpasses understanding I know that my God is able... is able to hold me and anyone through any situation. I have learned and grown so much and so deep. I respond so differently to things that would have, 5 months ago, really upset me or really stressed me out. I now repeat similar words so often that we heard you guys say. "Father this is what I want, but I just lay it at your feet and trust that you love me, and trust that you know what is best for me and your kingdom." Thank you for continuing to share your struggles and hurts.

My children still every breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime begin to pray for Isaac, and then hesitate and pray that his mommy and daddy won't be sad anymore.

We love you guys so much and are still hurting with you... walking this journey with you has truly changed my life forever.

magiemae24 said...

i am amazed at how strong you are in all of this you are truly glorious examples of what it means to how to trust in the Lord thru it all i know it is hard and i am not down playing that at all but to still be so passoniate for Jesus even in your grief is a testimony in it's self my sister lost her baby to cancer about a year and a half ago and at times almost lost her mind she was raised a christan but since has not been as strong and im not sure the word but while she still loves him she also is not happy with his choice i cant imagine that kind of pain though i will continue to pray for you for Gods comfort to surround you in those hardest of times
love
virginia

Anonymous said...

I have seen you both sing and praise God on stage and you look so sincere. I wondered how are they, really...I don't know that I could do that so soon...then today I read your blog and it is like an answer to my heart's question. You are real people with a very real pain but a very real relationsip with Jesus.

My 3 year old still prays for Isaac sometimes at night and I have to remind her he is in heaven with Jesus now and then we pray for Jordan and Patience that God will heal their hearts. Most of the time she then says "Who is Jordan?" and I say..."Isaac's daddy."

The Atkinson 6 said...

Hey guys,

Not this past weekend but the weekend before when you sang at church Patience, I started crying so hard and I looked at you and I felt that you looked at me, (I'm sure it's so hard to see people up there with all the lights, but it felt that we connected for a moment) saw me crying and gave me a smile and a look that said, "I know and it's okay".

I just wanted to say, Thank you.

Your voice always touches my soul, but that night (Saturday night 6:30) I really needed to feel His love and your voice just washed over me and I felt loved. Completely and unconditionally loved. I think everyone should feel that every now and then.

Anyway, you and Jordan constantly amaze and inspire me and my family. I will keep praying for continued faith and peace during your healing journey.

We love you both and realize how blessed and spoiled we are to have you on our worship team and as members of our church!

Are you ready for some more enchiladas? :)


Peace and Blessings,
Erika

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan~
What precious and God-honoring words you wrote...thank you for that update!
I think about your sweet Isaac who is home and what an inspiration your family has been to thousands.
We will keep you in our prayers daily...I know healing and grieving is a journey, but precious in it's own way. Thank you for your faithful testimonies and continued updates.
I was at UNC Children's Clinics with my daughter last week and wondered how you were doing. I don't think I'll ever step foot in that hospital again without remembering your family and what an impact you've had on my life, my faith and my role as a mommy. It is a true blessing to be an earthly parent. No matter how long or short their little lives are...they are miracles.
Hugs and prayers to you both...
Claire Adams <><
Raleigh, NC

Anonymous said...

You are such an inspiration to those of us that sit in the audience and blend in with the crowd. We know where your strength comes from and we know that He provides. May God abundantly Bless you.

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

Dear Patience and Jordan,
I just wanted to let you know that you are still in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Please know that we are sending you our love and support from across the pond, and praying that you are doing ok.
With our love,
Alison, Pete and Charlie xxx

Bart Saunders said...

My two friends in Colorado lost their baby within days of each other. One was a boy full-term and the other lost her forth and a tube this time. They find strength in knowing they are not the only ones who hurt and go back to the Father with their hearts weary and broken. I trust you will be blessed abundantly for all you have endured. You consistently give the Father glory and point others to Him. I pray you will have more children as you are able... you are beautiful people.

Nikki said...

It is amazing how every time we need uplifting, God brings us to His Word and speaks to us. And it's always exactly what we need to hear. May God continue to hold you close in his arms. Love you.

Lincoln Michael Carter said...

Thanks for sharing Isaac's story and your long journey! I received this blog from a friend, Terri King. We are both moms who have gone through a lot like you have! It was so awesome to read through your journey, and the whole time knowing that you looked to Christ for everything! Isaac is in heaven, but his story will continue to bless and bring others to their knees for many years to come! God be glorified! Here I am in California, reading your blog, crying, praying for you, and knowing that Isaac's life here on earth had great purpose!

In my prayers, Kristen Carter

Caitlyn said...

Sorry, I'm a little late in finding all this out, but as I told you all on my last day of taking care of him- God reached through little Issac and your family to touch those caring for him in such a real way. That doesn't happen very often, thank you for being willing vessels...

Mandy said...

What a miracle you experienced. I lost my sweet baby girl, Madeline, in June and know you pain. Thank you for sharing.

Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

Barbie @ Mamaology said...

Wow what a beautiful perspective you have. May the Lord bless you abundantly for your faith in Him!

Looking at the tribute of your son I couldn't help but smile, through my tears. Isaac was sooo VERY loved... that is clear in the pictures! You look like you were wonderful parents to him.

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan,
I am still praying for you and hoping that you are holding up. May Jesus wrap his arms around you and continue to give you His perfect peace. Lean on each other, love each other, embrace each other. Your love to each other and the love you showed your son are such an example of what I think of when someone says "true love." God's blessings to you both!
Katie

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

Dear Patience and Jordan,
Just dropping in to say hi, and to let you know that we are still thinking of you and praying for you. I know as the days go by it sometimes feels that everyone has forgotten and is busy getting on with their 'normal' life, while you are still battling to get to grips with your new 'normality'. It can be so hard, but I just wanted to say that we are still remembering you every day.
With love,
Alison, Pete and Charlie x

Anonymous said...

I also think of you and pray for you both still. May God continue to be with you! Thanks for your amazing testimony.

Anonymous said...

I still check the site often and think of you. Hope and pray that you are doing well! Still such a blessing re-replaying the tribute to Isaac! God bless ...

Sister-in-Christ
from EP Annapolis

Sonia said...

I'm still praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Thinking about the both of you. Hope everything is well for you.

Still praying..
-L

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I wonder how you are doing and I hope that you continue to feel God's loving arms around you. There are so many who care about you all and are still touched by your journey with sweet Isaac. Much love and prayers continue!!

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you. Hope and pray all is well with you.

Anonymous said...

Patience and Jordan,

Like so many others, just want to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep strong!!

I did see you guys in a picture on the C3 web page. You guys look pretty good!

God Bless You!

Dianett, Sam & Melo

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you ....

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you ....

Kristen said...

We're still praying for you guys! Is there a place we can stay updated on how you guys are doing?