Merry Christmas Prayer Warriors

Despite the emotional challenges of dealing with the loss of Chase, we managed to make this a pretty memorable holiday season for Barbara. She had a wonderful time at her birthday party and sleepover – we appreciate all the wonderful messages and outpouring of support.

The candle lighting service put on by The Compassionate Friends was incredibly moving – Carol attended and lit Chase’s baptismal candle while I took Barbara to see Lion King, since we got tickets from friends at the last minute. After reading the program, it was probably a good thing that Barbara didn’t attend the service – it was extremely emotional and heavy, but very therapeutic for all the parents who have lost children.

Barbara has put together a collection of her favorite pictures and memories of Chase into a photo album – it’s so special to flip through and stimulate conversations about some of the many happy times. She’s doing as well as we can hope for, despite having an extremely difficult year. She’s been participating in a weekly art therapy session that is enabling her to slowly express herself and adjust to the changes in her life. Although there have been many sad and disappointing experiences along the way, it’s great to see her remember the good times too and continue to make positive memories.

Thanks so much for all the cards and messages of love and support for our family. Carol did a much better job than I did at sending out Christmas cards this year – I just couldn’t get motivated. We’re trying to keep the faith and believe that many things will be better in the New Year! Thanks again and God Bless!!

John & Carol
Chase & Barbara Ann

Getting Through the Holidays without Chase

We’re doing our best to remain positive and get through this first holiday season without Chase. It’s been rather melancholy, as you can imagine. The sorts of activities that we would normally cherish are very hard to participate in without feeling the weight of our loss and grief. Nevertheless, we have so many happy and positive memories to fill our hearts, we just have to focus on them and lean upon our faith in knowing that Chase is our little angel in heaven.
This Sunday, December 9th there is going to be a candle lighting service held by The Compassionate Friends. The Worldwide Candle Lighting unites family and friends around the globe in lighting candles for one hour to honor and remember children who have died at any age from any cause. As candles are lit at 7 p.m. local time, hundreds of thousands of persons commemorate and honor children in a way that transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious, and political boundaries. You can find a location to participate in this service on their website at compassionatefriends.org We will be lighting Chase’s baptismal candle in his honor and we will also be remembering all the other children we’ve cross paths with during this journey over the past two years. We will be joining the service at Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo St. in Rochester.

On a positive note, we are celebrating Barbara’s 9th birthday today. She has planned a very memorable agenda, starting with an ice skating party for all of her classmates. Afterwards, she has invited the girls to come back to our house for a Hanna Montana party and some pampering (manicures, pedicures, make-up, HM wigs, etc.). She got a karaoke machine and the latest HM music for a mini-concert. Then she’ll be hosting movie night and sleepover… hopefully all will go as planned – pls keep us in your prayers. Barbara’s had a very difficult year and we’re trying to go all out for this to be a very special birthday for her and hopefully a wonderful holiday season that she can use to lift her spirits past all the grief and loss.

Thanks again to all of Chase’s Prayer Warriors for lifting our entire family up in prayer. We truly appreciate all the support.

God Bless!!
John & Carol
Barbara Ann and our Angel Chase