Sunday, May 30, 2010

Our Little Angel in Heaven

Our dear Daniel went to heaven in the middle of the night. He put up such a good fight, but his little body just couldn't take it anymore. The Good Lord needed another angel.

We are sad, but we are so thankful. We are so thankful for every minute we had with Daniel and wouldn't give one minute of it back. He was (is) such a beautiful little soul and our lives are richer for having had him in it.

God DID have a plan when he sent us halfway across the world to bring Daniel home. It just wasn't the plan we expected. We are so thankful that he experienced the love of our family and friends. We are so thankful that he was baptized at St. Vincent Ferrer. Though his time with us was short, he touched us deeply and managed to touch many, many people along the way.
We can't thank everyone enough for the prayers, the love, the support. We prayed him right home to Jesus. Daniel is in the best of hands now.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your unwavering faith through this all has been amazing. As I have been reading your eloquent words the past weeks, I too have been touched and moved to pray often and much. Although we never could have imagined this sad outcome, we know Daniel is at peace and his grandma in heaven is holding him now. I am sure of that. Big Hugs.. Vanessa

Ana said...

Lisa, Jimmy and Madi,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are devastated that Daniel is no longer here with us all. We send our love and prayers. The meis and mommies will be in touch. 3Ds

Anonymous said...

Sometimes I think that this is a big bad world.. But then I think of your beautiful son, your steadfast commitment and all the love that surrounded your son from near and far, from your family, friends and strangers and know this world isn't so bad.. Daniel brought light to us all. God Bless. Nicki

Spring Transleau said...

I am deeply saddened by this news. Daniel was such a light to all he met. I only saw him a couple of times and didn't get to spend time with him. However, his light was so bright it was easy to see. I fell in love with him instantly. Lisa and Jimmy your faith is a bright light to all you meet. Lisa, you are a true Woman of Grace. May God Bless You and your family with many holy blessings we can't even imagine.
In Christ's Love, Spring

Carmen said...

Ami said it well, "mom he will always live in our hearts". Daniel you were extremely blessed to experience the joy of a beautiful family on earth but I believe that joy is nothing compared to the Joy you are experiencing today. High Five little Daniel - you are Home !!!

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for this great loss. I never met Daniel, but he really touched my heart. You sure gave him much happiness in his short time with you.

God bless all of you.

Love,

Claudia

Anonymous said...

Our hearts broke when we heard the news. We are so sorry for your loss, and we wish that we had had an opportunity to get to know Daniel. We are thinking of you.
Love,
The Morisons

Cindie Leonard said...

Your steadfast faith and love through this process has touched me deeply. Your journey has caused me to re-examine and renew my faith. Daniel's gorgeous exuberance will remain in a special place in my heart. I did not need to meet him personally. Daniel's light shines through -- even in pictures! Your story has touched thousands upon thousands of lives. I have felt privileged to view this love story. Thank you for opening your hearts to all. God has worked through your candor and generosity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Lisa, Jimmy, Madi,
Tears fall down my cheeks. I am sorry that Daniel didn't get to spend more time on Earth with your loving family. He is a lucky little angel to have the best Mommy, Daddy & sister.
May Jesus' Divine Love & Mercy continue to embrace you.
I know Stephen & Daniel are best of friends. God bless us all!
With much love & faith,
Dana
XO

Anonymous said...

Dear Lisa, Jimmy, and Madi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are truely an inspiration on the power of prayer and faith. Today at mass, the reading from St. Paul to the Romans (5:1-5) really touched me and I hope will give you comfort.
Therefore , since we have been julstified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained acccess by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. knowing affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
Thus today on Holy Trinity Sunday, may the Father, Son and Holy Spirit bring comfort to you and your family that Daniel is in the loving arms of our Lord.
God Bless, love Marjorie

Anonymous said...

We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. You will continue to be in our prayers and we are thinking of you. Daniel is so blessed to have had you in his life and we know you were blessed to have had him. May god continue to watch over your incredible loving family.
All our love,
Jaime & Brian Veccia

JT and Angie said...

Praying for your family and thankful for the time you had with your sweet boy Daniel.

Blessings to you all-
Angie Thomas

http://ourtreasureourheart.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim, Lisa, and Madi,
Just wanted to send my love to your family. I'm a grandma of a 2 year old boy and I know Pauline is the most blessed grandma in heaven to have little Daniel with her. The girls at your dental office have been praying for you and will continue as you mourn his loss.
Twyla

Wife of the Pres. said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your son Daniel. I have just spent an hour reading your blog to learn all about your beautiful son, your angel Daniel.

I came over from a link one of your travel group friends posted on her blog tonight. I am so very sorry for your loss.

I have a daughter who was adopted from China and also born with a special heart. I wish I had some grand words, but I don't. I do know our Father is holding you close as only He can. I pray He is your every comfort right now in this time of deep sadness.

In Christ,
Leslie
roomforatleastonemore (dot) wordpress (dot) com

Stefanie said...

Your perspective is so inspiring, our time on earth here is just the prep for eternity!

Know that you all are being lifted in prayer by many...

The Greig Family said...

I found your blog through another China adoption board and just read through the entire story about Daniel. What a precious little guy. He seemed like quite a fighter. I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. Words are hard to find in times like these. Just know that there are many people out there praying for you and hoping that God will see your family through this difficult time. How amazing that Daniel got to know the love of your family and you got to know the love from him. My family just experienced the loss of our little 2 year old girl over in China just weeks before we were to travel to bring her home. I know it's not quite the same, but the grief we felt so deeply has been lessened with knowing she is perfect now...in the arms of God.

I will continue to pray for your family. May God keep you tightly in His arms and help you through these very difficult days ahead.

The Greig Family said...

I found your blog through another China adoption board and just read through the entire story about Daniel. What a precious little guy. He seemed like quite a fighter. I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. Words are hard to find in times like these. Just know that there are many people out there praying for you and hoping that God will see your family through this difficult time. How amazing that Daniel got to know the love of your family and you got to know the love from him. My family just experienced the loss of our little 2 year old girl over in China just weeks before we were to travel to bring her home. I know it's not quite the same, but the grief we felt so deeply has been lessened with knowing she is perfect now...in the arms of God.

I will continue to pray for your family. May God keep you tightly in His arms and help you through these very difficult days ahead.

Sammy Pajammy said...

Lisa, Jim and Madi,
Your faith and love are unwavering and inspire us all. Daniel touched all of our lives and we are grateful for the lessons and love he showed us. As tears stream down our cheeks, we remind ourselves how precious life and the importance of living in the moment with our loved ones at all times. You and your family do this every day with grace, faith and a love that encourage us to do the same.

We continue to pray for peace and love for Daniel and for each of you. Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey and be the better for it. We love you all, Wendy, Ed and Samantha

Unknown said...

Lisa, Jim, and Madi,

I am truely sorry for the loss of your beautiful son Daniel.
We continue to pray for your family.

The Smiths
Michele,Art,Connor,Blake,and Laney

Anonymous said...

Lisa, Jimmy, Madi,
Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of Daniel's passing. He was so fortunate to have such love surrounding him- you all are very special. You are in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Danielle, John, Seth, and Noah Peterson

Beach Mama said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Daniel. He had such a wonderful spirit and was a true warrior! I know sometimes it is so hard to understand God's plan, Iand your faith is truly inspiring. My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.

Jewels of My Heart said...

I have just learned of your family... I am so sorry for your loss... I truly cannot imagine. Thank you for how you are glorifying the Lord... I know you and your precious son are touching the lives and hearts of many.
I am so thankful that you can find comfort in knowing that Daniel is with Jesus and one day he will be in his Mama's arms again....
I will be praying for God to give you His comfort and peace....
God bless you,
Daleea

Teri said...

Jimmy, Lisa & Madi: We were so very, very sorry and heartbroken to hear of Daniels passing. He was a very blessed little boy to be brought into the lifes of such wonderful people. You are an inspiration to all of us. God bless you and your family. Please know our hearts go out to you and your family and we will keep you in our prayers.

Rod & Teri Kuhn
(Billi McHugh's Sister)

Anonymous said...

Lisa, Jimmy and Madi,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Daniel. I was heartbroken when Billi called me. What a true blessing for Daniel to become part of your wonderful loving family who gave him the chance to feel love and the hope to be healed. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Even though I wasn't able to meet Daniel, you can't help to fall in love with that beautiful smile of his. Our prayers are with you! Hugs and kisses to your family. Love the Collers. (Rachelle, Ted, Jaida, and Chase... Billi's cousin)

Tamara Pilosi - Keith said...

Dear Lisa, Jim & Madi,

We are so sorry to hear about Daniel. Daniel may have had only a short time on this path but your love showed him the true meaning of family.

You & Jim are fantastic parents to both Madi & Daniel. Daniel shall forever be in your hearts as ours, too.

Lots of love to you, Jim and your beautiful daughter Madi who needs her parents more than ever before.

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Murphy family,
Tamara, Jim & Alexis
xoxo

Anonymous said...

What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

We miss you Daniel!!
Love,
The Bylows

Sumner Family Fun said...

I am so sorry for your loss! We have been praying for healing for your precious boy...and now he is in our healer's hands. You guys have been such a light...we will be praying for you all as you walk through the grief and loss. Many blessings to you and your family!
Dani (Carrie's sister-in-law)

Rachel said...

I am so sad to hear of your loss, my heart goes out to all of you. I was made aware of your blog from the chinaheart yahoo group as I am in the process of adopting a 2 yo with tricuspid atresia.
I can not imagine the loss you are feeling, but I rejoice in the fact that your son did not die an orphan, but knew the love of a family. I am praying for strength and comfort for you all.

Rachel

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathy to all of you. Daniel is now your angel in heaven and no longer in pain. May you continue to celebrate life with your daughter and continue to be strong.

In Prayer, Kim