Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Lord Gives and the Lord Takes Away

It is with overwhelming sadness that i write today. Ryan Lynn Clifford passed away early this morning. She was only 6 months old. Words can't begin to describe the excruciating pain that Michelle and I both feel. We spent hours at the hospital this morning trying to say goodbye. They basically had to make us go after almost 7 hours of holding her. It's so incredibly hard when you know that this is the last time you will ever hold your baby again. Please pray for us In this extremely difficult time. We will use the blog to provide everyone with updates on funeral arrangements. God Bless, Jared

And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21 ESV)

16 comments:

  1. There truly aren't words to express how sorry I am for your loss. I have been following your blog for a few months now and your love for your baby girl was so evident. I know it was a long, hard road for her and for you, and while you rejoice in the fact that she is with her Creator, you long to have her with you. I know that many people are blessed by having known Ryan and your faith and testimony will continue to bless others. I will be in prayer for you and your entire family.

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  2. Dr. Sawyer's office staff is grieving with you and praying for you.

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  3. Dearest Jared and Michelle,
    Your friends from Prescott grieve with you, dear, dear Jared and Michelle. Please know how much we care for you all. This poem I have loved for many years and I pray it's truth will be of some comfort to you. The Traveler. Ryan has put on invisibility. Dear Lord, we cannot see but this we know, although the road ascends and passes from our sight that there will be no night...that You will take her gently by the hand and lead her on along the road of life that never ends. And now Ryan has found it is not death, but dawn. We do not doubt that You, dear Lord, are there as here...and we know that You will hold her dear. Amen and amen and amen.

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  4. Jared and Michelle, We are so sorry for your loss. God will be by your side though this. Stay stong in your faith and know he is always with you. There are no words at a time like this so just know that we are praying for you both.
    God bless you,
    Sonny Perkins and family

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  5. I just came across your blog today & read it from the beginning. Thanks for sharing your faith so openly...Ryan's life has made more of an impact on lives in her short 6 months than many have been able to do in years. I'm so sorry for your loss and thankful you have Christ to comfort you during this time. Praying for your family.

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  6. We are very sorry for your loss. Know that Ryan is suffering no more and is at peace. We are praying God will heal your broken hearts. Thinking of you both at this time.
    Love Tim and Kristen Studtmann

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  7. Jared & Michelle, I am so incredibly sorry that little Ryan has passed away. You have all been asked to endure so much and have done so with grace and I know you will continue to do so. She was a special little girl because she had special and amazing parents. She taught us all in the short time she was here. I know that families are forever. You will always be hers and she will always be yours. I am grateful to have been a very small part of her story. Thank you for the example you provide. You are in my prayers, as always.

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  8. Oh my heart hurts. I cannot imagine the road y'all are on on right now. I'm so so sorry. You guys ARE incredible parents - stronger than I've ever been in my whole entire life. I think of you guys all the time and watch those sweet videos of Ryan. I hope those bring you sweet memories in the days and years to come. Love you both and wish I could be there.

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  10. Michelle and Jared, my facebook friends from Indiana, Maryland, Kansas, Texas, Illinois and Arizona made comments that I thought you'd like to read. I am posting them for you below:

    I am so sad to hear that. I will be praying for the family to find peace and strength. My heart goes out to all that were touched by this little girl. I'm sure she is adorable with her angel wings.

    My heart is broken Sherree. I do not know any of these people but I have followed this baby's struggle for life on your posts. It was so sudden. I read your last post and it seemed positive. We do not know why God took this child but we can rest assured it was best. As He has His own plan. But no words will take away the pain the family has at this time. I know all of those who are close will lend a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen.

    Praying for all who were touched by her Spirit. Grateful we were blessed by hearing of her journey.

    Sherree, thank you for sharing. My heart aches for Michelle and Jared. I'm glad you all have shared the news, I will continue to pray for them. ♥(this is from Karrie Thomas)

    God be with you during this time. Michelle was so special to me,, so sorry for your loss...(this is from Kay Clark)

    Sherree, I have followed your posts about "Baby Ryan" for months. I was so relieved to know that she was home and doing well and then today...I felt like I was punched in the stomach to learn of her death! To say that I'm sorry would be an understatement. We all know that she is wrapped in God's loving arms. God bless her family and God bless you for being such a good friend...

    Praying for them in this painful journey.

    Sherree, please convey to Jared and Michelle people in Texas are praying for them. So sorry for their loss.

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  11. From me, I'm sending my love.
    Sherree

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  12. Jared and Michelle...words cannot express how sorry I am to hear about your loss, nor can they change the outcome of God's decision. Know that you are being prayed for by so many people whom you have welcomed into your lives through this blog. Your faith has shown through so strongly during these last 6-months...I do not know if I could be so strong.

    Keep the Faith my friend.
    John Metzger

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  13. My heart breaks with you, I Can only imagine your pain of the loss of this precious little. You have fought the good fight of faith, It's time for both of you to rest now, I pray God's healing and comfort,and one day soon you will all be together again whole and perfect where there is no more sorrow no more tears.. Ryan's fighting spirit has touch and inspired so many people toward faith in God just in her little short life. Jared & Michelle may you find comfort,rest and peace in your precious memmories in the weeks to come. Aunt Joy

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  14. Michelle & Jared~
    I am so sorry to hear of Ryan's passing. Your strength and faith in God has been inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I hope you are able to find comfort in each other & in knowing that Ryan is safe with our Heavenly Father, waiting for you to join her, so you can all continue your journey together. We will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
    ~The Christie Family

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  15. Dear Jared & Michelle,
    My heart dropped when I saw your post. Tears fill my eyes & though we only met briefly my sorrow with you is as a sister. May the Lord continue to be your strength when you have no more & comfort in your brokenness. May you be surrounded with much love. I feel so blessed to know you. Much love to you in Christ.
    Jody, Jean-Paul & Eliana
    "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall he comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:3-10

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