These are some of the encouraging emails and blog posts that were sent and received during the two months Jack shared in our lives and afterwards for continued support.
I would like to thank everyone for their words of comfort and healing during these challenging months.
God bless you and your families.
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| July 2009 | December 29, 2009 |
July 25 at 10:50pm
Katy
I hope you enjoy your days off. We're headed to the lake tomorrow if the weather permits, we mostly snorkel and float. The lake we go to is a man made lake so it's not as nasty as most of them, it has a pretty bluish green tint but it's not kid friendly because in most places it is a drop off from the rocks edge which is also the shore so there is no wading. Gaige is a good swimmer so he loves it, there’s a rock we swim out to and jump off. When we snorkel we bring crackers to feed the fish and they go crazy. I enjoy it, I'm pretty simple in that manor. I like to take in what God gave us on every level.
While I was pregnant the ladies I was working with and myself had started Beth Moore's Believe God Study and I wasn't able to finish it due to the blood clot slowing me down, so I looked online and found her video studies. I really like her way of thinking.
The most helpful author for me at this time is Nancy Gutherie, she's gone through so much and has written several books. I am reading “Hearing Jesus Speak Into Your Sorrow” and also her devotional called “Hope.” She had a baby girl that was born with Zellweger Syndrome. The baby’s name was Hope and she died after six months. Discovering they were both carriers of the gene, her husband decided to have a vasectomy and a couple of years afterward she was pregnant again. The doctors were able to test the baby for the disease while she was carrying him and it tested positive. They decided against terminating the pregnancy and they had a boy and he died just a little bit sooner than their daughter. She is strong and I am inspired by her faith. You should check her out sometime, I would highly recommend her devotional to anyone that has lost someone they love not just a child.
Well I will not hold you up too long, God bless, talk to you soon.
Angi
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July 23 at 2:55am
Hi Angi,
I'm glad that you got to have a get-away. I bet it was well deserved! What all did you do on the lake? I'm just starting a stretch of 8 nights off from work, I think it will be very refreshing.
I will have to check out those other Beth Moore books, she is so insightful. The Daniel study is unique because it comes with videos where she teaches, that's my favorite part.
Ha, that cracks me up about Gaige. I don't know what I'll do when my little brother Jack goes through that. He's just 10 and still talks and acts like a little kid... but i think it will all sneak up on me. I really have little to say though the boring life of a night nurse :)
Talk to you soon Angi.
Katy
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July 19 at 8:08pm
Hello Katy,
We finally got a chance to have a little get away, not to far, just Lake Tenkiller, it was so needed, we were gone for four great days I'm already wanting to go back. It was the first time I have really gotten a chance to just sit and absorb things. I don't sleep much because it's hard to stop thinking about everything but l will admit during those hours of unrest God seems His clearest to me.
On another note about Beth Moore, thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and please continue as often as you like. I'm not familiar with that particular study on Daniel but I know the story and I agree, I'll have to go back and reread it again with your perspective as well.
There is about half dozen books I want of Beth Moore's.. David: A Man After God's Own Heart and The Beloved Disciple are at the top of my list. David, John and of course Jesus Himself have been my strongest companions through all this.. ah, and we can't forget Job, he is well known to me but I don't think Beth Moore has written a book on him.
You asked about Gaige in an earlier message, he is doing well.. going through puberty. That should say it all!
Talk to you more in depth soon.
Angi
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July 14 at 3:30pm
Angi,
I love to hear about your sweet Jack (anytime). Your memories of him on his website are so moving. I learned something today in a Bible study of Daniel that gave me such a clear picture of your Jack. It comes in Daniel chapter 3 when Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Daniel's closest friends) are to be thrown into the fire of Nebuchadnezzar. This study talks about the 3 different paths we have when faced with the fires of this life. In the first we can be delivered FROM the fire and while by God's grace we avoid the pain... our faith may still be weak. In the second we can be delivered THROUGH the fire, where we fight and fight and come through with a victory here on earth. Here our faith is hopefully refined for greatness. However, in the third path is where I see Jack (and you), that he was delivered BY the fire into the arms of God. Jack's faith was more than refined it was perfected.
This Bible study has such powerful messages about how we can live our lives, and the one last Tuesday was about what ultimate healing could look like, being perfected. To be honest, growing up, dying was never talked about as being a healing. And working in the PI, I see more variations of coping than I thought existed. But none has been more powerful than seeing a glimpse of yours through facebook and Jack's website. It has taught me so much, at what may be a critical time for me to learn it.
It brings me so much hope and joy to hear you speak of Jack as being fully healed and having fulfilled his purpose. I believe you. He fought every day of his life and was perfected in 58 days... not many have that testimony. Or they do as infants, but their families don't see it. You see it though, and I admire that.
Something incredible too is that Beth Moore, who wrote this Daniel study, referenced the exact verse that you did in Hebrews when she talked about being delivered by the fire... maybe you've heard this study and I'm telling you nothing new, but I couldn't help but share it with you.
I will certainly let everyone up at work know, I know they will enjoy hearing how you are doing. I have tried the Spanish route myself and come up empty handed. I could always do the book work in school, but speaking it was not something remotely natural for me. I do have Rosetta Stone though, a generous gift from Santa, but I haven't made much of a dent in it. Maybe while Chrysta is gone I'll challenge myself to learn as much as her. That is very neat about the missionaries that you met. I had no idea there was football in Turkey. Very hard to imagine. When I went to Africa there was certainly futbol... but no football. I wish we all just called soccer "football" and our football something use cool. Just one of those things I guess :)
Well, I'm going to catch a quick nap before work tonight, have a great week Angi. Keep in touch.
Katy
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July 12, 2009 at 1:37am
Katy
God forever amazes me. How people can miss out on being effected by God's will is beyond me. I believe Jack lived a full life because he lived the life God intended for him. We still have people let us know how Jack effected theirs lives or how they became closer to God during his healing process. And that's the life I want, just to know that one person will become closer to God because of my life would be enough to make it all worth it.
That's exciting to hear about Chrysta's up coming trip, I've tried to teach myself Spanish before, without success. I could do the translation but getting the sentence structure was about impossible for me. So I got bored :( We've recently met two couples that are missions in Turkey, one of the couples are working on their seventh year. Both the husbands teach, one teaches the English language and the other is actually a football coach at one of the universities which blows my mind because when I think of Turkey I sure don't think of football and we're not talking soccer either. lol.. it was amusing. As for you.. you already know God has you exactly where He wants you.
And about the gift, it really comforts me to know you guys still think about us and Jack. It seems like here everyone has moved on which is fine but no one likes for me to talk about him, a few of our friends with babies don't talk to us anymore which I don't take personal, I understand that it makes them uncomfortable. I also know in time they will come around. So it's nice to be able to talk about Jack with you. You know the moment I found out about his heart condition, I didn't allow myself to worry like I normally would have. I told everyone Jack was going to be just fine that this event was just part of the testimony God had planned for him. I still believe that, it's just told through my eyes, how God healed my son. God bless you Katy and let everyone up there know I have the whole PICU in my prayers.
Angi
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. -Hebrews 12:1-2
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July 12 at 8:56am
Angi,
You amaze me. The more that I get to hear your heart, (unfortunately) the more bummed I am that I didn't take the time to get to know you when you were just down the hall, but more importantly the more grateful I am to know now. It's encouraging to see how aware you are of God's gifts. I mean, I believe, like you, that He does shape us with every circumstance, and it's done with loving and pure intentions.. and on our end it's just up to us to see it. I know I still have so much more to learn about that. How's Gaige doing?
We're doing ok. It's been really busy though, summers can be tough and frustrating. Well, the surprise that we're going to send you may be a little more delayed. It's been here for you for many weeks, but we're waiting on one more thing now. Keep an eye out though :) No more trips yet for me, Chrysta is going to Ecuador for 8 weeks coming up to study Spanish though. I hope that she gets to spend time with some of our dear friends from our trip in March. I don't know what the future holds for me though... just trying to figure it out one day at a time.
Thank you for your sweet spirit Angi. Talk to you soon.
| June 2009 | December 29, 2009 |
June 16 at 11:55pm
Stephanie
By the way, did Mended Little Hearts contact you? If they did, did you get the little red rubber bracelets? Angi and I have one from Jack that we still wear everyday.
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June 16 at 11:51pm
Stephanie
Angi and I are so very happy that Ben pulled through. I am so sorry that you had to go through this, and it must have been especially hard for you, knowing all the ins and outs of what could go on and did or did not. Praise God that He saved your baby. Even though you of course would rather have had your baby healthy from the beginning, don't you feel so blessed? Isn't he such a little miracle?
Jack was our blessing for the 58 days he was with us, and he was a miracle all of those days. And we were also blessed, in turn, with nurses that were concerned and continue to care. Thank you for all of your thoughts and everything you and the staff did for us.
God bless ya Stephanie. We will pray for your own continued recovery from the pregnancy, as well as for Ben's.
Tony and Angi
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June 14 at 11:09am
Tony
I thought a lot about you and your family especially over the last two months. I almost didn't message you because I know that it is probably a sore subject. I had a little boy in April. The day after he was born he started doing really bad but they couldn't figure out what was wrong. So he was transferred to EOPC @ 7 pm and doing better but at 11 pm I got a phone call from the Neonatologist that he was critical. His lungs had gotten bad which caused him to have a hole in his heart. He got placed on an oscillator and they got the stuff around to put him on ecmo. I had a total meltdown. You guys are so strong. I have a whole new respect for parents up there. It was the most emotionally draining thing that I have been through. Luckily he pulled through and we were only in there for 3 weeks. I just wanted to let you guys know that you have got to be some of the strongest people that I know.
Stephanie
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| May 2009 | December 29, 2009 |
May 16 at 12:21pm
Tony, that's wonderful! I'm glad to hear that the option is still on the table, and I'm really glad Angi ‘s so talented at photography (and web design)! It's nice to have somewhere to funnel all of that energy!!
We are getting closer to our US visit, so I miss everybody more now than I did in the first 6 months! :-) It will be in early July, after we've hit the Strawbridge side of the family and Kansas City!
Have a great weekend!
Stacy
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May 18 at 9:37am
What a relief! Praise God!
Rebecca
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May 15 at 11:42am
It's fantastic news. God is good and amazing.
Jammie
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May 14 at 11:41pm
Thank you, Stacy. You flatter me. :) But I will let you know that Angi did everything for that site design-wise, as well as all the pictures and the video. She's so talented. She has been really strong, working through all these pictures. I don't think I could do it. It's hard enough going to work and seeing other people's babies, much less looking at Jack's pictures all the time.
Thank you for your continued prayers. We've been struggling a bit lately, which I'm sure is completely normal. But we did get some awesome news today. Angi’s hematologist ordered a massive amount of tests on Angi's blood to find out if there are any conditions that could have contributed to Jack's disease. (Seriously, it was like 15 vials of blood. I thought she was going to deflate.) Every one of them came back normal, neutral, or negative for any problems or deficiencies. We're super excited. The doctor told Angi to stay active and have another baby if we're up to it. We're still praying about it.
Anyway, God bless ya. Thank you again for your prayers. And I hope you and Matt are doing allright on the other side of the world. :) I'm sure you guys get homesick, but we're thinking about you.
-Tony
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May 14 at 1:08pm
Hi, Tony! I'm so sorry it took so long to read this!
As I was reading all of the notes to Jack, I was balling my eyes out, but it was the sweetest memorial I've ever seen!!!
You have grown into such a mature young man, and I ache for you, Angi and Gaige, but you sound so strong! I'm proud of the man you've become, and I'm really glad you shared the website with me!
I'll talk to you soon, and I'm still praying for you guys!!
Love,
Stacy
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May 14 at 9:44pm
Great news Angi.
Larry
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May 14 at 7:31pm
That is wonderful news!!!!! :0)
Rainy
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May 14 at 6:19pm
Thank you Jesus!
Chrysta
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May 14 at 6:15pm
That’s the best news I've heard all year!!!! I am so happy for ya, love ya.... ;-)
Jennifer Y.
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May 14 at 5:58pm
I know I feel like someone said "here you can have your life back now"
Angi
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May 14 at 5:33pm
That is such great news!!!
Celima
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May 14, 2009
I’m so excited!!! Blood test results show no genetic blood clotting disorder, the doctor ran 14 different tests and all results were negative!! Praise God and thanks again for all your prayers.
Angi
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May 14, 2009
Hi, Tony! I'm so sorry it took so long to read this! As I was reading all of the notes to Jack, I was balling my eyes out, but it was the sweetest memorial I've ever seen!!! You have grown into such a mature young man, and I ache for you, Angi and Gaige, but you sound so strong! I'm proud of the man you've become, and I'm really glad you shared the website with me!
I'll talk to you soon, and I'm still praying for you guys!!
Love,
Stacy
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May 14, 2009
Hello Steve,
My name is Angi, I am baby Jack's mom and I wanted to thank you for all your prayers. The continued support that we have received through prayer is what allows us to get out of bed everyday and continue in a life that's hard to understand. God bless you and your family and may you continue to be bold in God's word.
Angi
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May 12, 2009
Thanks for sending the info and the website address. It's very nice,
soothing, beautiful pics of Jack. Wishing you peace and strength for all
days.
God's love to you both and to Gaige,
Melinda
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May 7, 2009
Through prayer God allowed us to be comforted in knowing our son was going to be healed and he would be coming home, and through prayer our family was able to stay positive about Jack's outcome no matter what the doctors would tell us. Everyone knows that those prayers were answered, my son went home and began his eternal life with Christ. And while he was here he was able to experience the laughter and the happiness through the people around him. We worked our hardest to make sure Jack only felt our joy while he was healing and not our sorrow. And that is something that only God could do in our time of need. So I thank everyone who prayed for us and I thank especially all the doctors and nurses who were not afraid to speak God's word with us. God Bless You all!!!
Angi
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May 3 at 1:33pm
I really like how that is worded. All things really do work together for the good for those who love God. We know that His ways and purposes are perfect, and even though we don't understand, we can rest assured in that.
Rebecca
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May 2, 2009
Oh Tony, I am so sorry for your loss. I had no idea. Hope you guys are doing ok. If there is anything you need, let me know. I will keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers.
Maye Lynn
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| April 2009 pt. 2 | December 29, 2009 |
April 30 at 8:21pm
Hi Angi, I have tried to send this email several times....I really tried to leave a message on Jack's site, but I can never find the right words. I will always remember Jack! From the first night he came to PICU, I felt drawn to him. I looked forward to going to work to see how he was doing. I loved my conversations with Jack, encouraging him to fight strong and praying with him, feeling his little hand wrapped around my finger when I was doing his treatments, and just praying so hard for him to win his battle! I know he fought all he could and ultimately God did heal him in, I know he is in no pain and looking down on you guys and smiling that quirky smile of his! Gaige and Jack were blessed with such awesome parents! I continue to pray for all of you that you may find peace and comfort in the most difficult times! God Bless you and take care!
Celima
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April 28, 2009
Natalie,
The singer is Plumb and it's off the album Blink, I don't think you will care too much for her older albums but once she had babies she mellowed out a bit. The album this song is off of is one she actually wrote for her children. All the songs are slower and meant to help the babies sleep. I call it Jack's lullabies, I always had that one and some classical music playing. On Jack's website you can hear a few other songs of hers as well Jammie had told me you wanted to sing Held by Natalie Grant at Jack's memorial, I would have loved that but I completely understand how hard it would have been.
As far as prayer goes, it's my heart that hurts the most, there's a void there where my child should be. I know he's better and I wouldn't dream of taking the bliss he is experiencing away from him. But that “I'm still here on earth and he’s not” side of me needs something. I carried him for nine months... nine long months and all I wanted was to hold him in my arms.
I remember saying that so many times to the nurses when I would have to go to the hospital twice every week to have tests done. They would always say "I bet your ready for this to be over with" and all I could say is that "I just want to hold him, to actually have him in my arms" and they would giggle and say "soon enough." The day I had Jack, there was a room full of people and I had only gotten to hold him for a short while and then they took him to do his stats and to clean him up and then everyone else held him and then offered to give him back. I said "no that's okay you go ahead" and all I was thinking, was how I would have forever to hold him. I got to hold Jack for maybe 10 minutes, I would give anything to have that day back. So please pray that I will have no regrets or bitterness develop in my heart.
As for my body, I don't ever know where to begin, my clots are gone but the pain has stayed. The pain itself wasn't caused by the clots, it was caused by the damage the clots did. It had destroyed the capillaries in the main artery of my leg which promotes the circulation, so the blood just kinda pools in my foot due to the blood flow from my heart not being as strong as it needs to be to pull it back up. It was doing a little better but I have had to be off the blood thinners for the past 2 weeks with 1 week to go so I can be tested for Factor V Leiden, which is the family gene passed down that causes clots. So at this time it looks like a big marshmallow. The other thing is my arthritis in the same leg, it is awful. I think if I had one or the other in that leg I could get by but both problems in one leg is just overwhelming. I know God will only allow me to suffer what He feels is needed to condition me for His will to be done. So I will be patient and expectant of our prayers to be answered in the way He sees fit.
I also wanted to share with you another bit of information. An old high school friend of mine had been staying in Tulsa during Jack's journey (that's what I call it) and we were able to catch up and she had told me that her little girl, Skylar, had been diagnosed with lymphoid cancer, she is only 11 and has undergone more than her fair share of chemo, we were able share our prayers between Jack and Sky before God, and she called today to let me know that Skylar was now in full remission of the cancer, praise God!!
I look forward to seeing you soon
Love you
Angi
When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
Job 23:9-10
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April 27, 2009
Angi-
You are in my thoughts and prayers always. Thanks for the website. It is beautiful. The boys loved the pictures. Who is the singer that provides the music on the website? You had that song at the memorial service too. Her voice is beautiful! How are you doing? How is your health? Let me know how I can pray for you. I'll let you know the next time I'm in Muskogee. I would love to see you. My mom is going to be at Muskogee May 9-11. I know she would love to see you. Please know I'm just a phone call or an email away.
Love,
Natalie
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April 27 at 10:22am
We will pray for you and Angie. God bless you guys.
Melony
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Monday, April 27, 2009 - 10:10 AM
What Jack did for me was remind me that God did exist. Not that I didn't think that he didn't exist but throughout the whole 58 days of Jack's life I do not believe I've ever felt God's presence as strong as I had my entire life in the 58 days that Jack lived. What happened is that I just quit listening and through all of the prayers and conversations with God my ears are WIDE open now.
It has also taught me to not worry about the trivial things that my kids do that irritate me and that EVERY DAY is PRECIOUS!!!! I love you guys and you are all still in my prayers, :P
Give me a shout if you need anything!
Jennifer Y.
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April 26, 2009
Natalie,
I wanted to thank you for the gifts and prayers, the devotional you gave me is perfect for any kind of struggles we go through in this life, I would highly recommend it to anyone. I had sent you the info on Jack's website so maybe your boys could have a little closure and a visual of Jack. You’re welcome to pass it on to anyone that had prayed and continues to pray for my family. I have started a memory page, were anyone can share their experience with God through Jack’s healing.. When it gets so far along they give me the option to create a book and I look forward to seeing how it turns out. I had already started a journal on all my memories with Jack but now I will begin writing them there, I will continue to keep in touch.
Angi
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Sunday, April 26, 2009 - 1:47 PM
Although I did not get the honor of meeting him, through you and Tony I knew him and think of him often.
Rainy
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April 26, 2009
C.
You can come visit me anytime you'd like… it doesn't matter what mood I'm in. If I'm sad we'll be sad together and if I'm happy we'll be happy together. And my house is pretty much clean all the time because cleaning is the only thing that makes me feel better. So whenever is good for you, I would like to hear about your experience, right now I don't know what I feel except complete and utter fear on the Lord, I know He will do things exactly how He wants because He is Sovereign. I realized a long time ago my life was not my own, that I was a child of God and He would do whatever it took to condition me for His will. It's just been such a painful journey, and I need to stop and breath and He won't let me do so, sometimes I choke but I continue to obey. I've also been reading one of the best devotional, It's called Streams in the Desert. Today I discovered Job 23 NIV and it says every single thing I feel. I thought the fear I was feeling about God was almost sinful, it wasn't the usual fear, mine is deep in my soul but to know Job felt that same fear comforted me. Anyway I'm not much of a phone person so don't worry about chatting there. I email more now than usual and facebook is how I've really kept in touch with most of the people I meet in Tulsa.
Angi
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April 26, 2009
Angi,
I haven’t called you because I know the first few months are the toughest. I would like to come and see you. We can talk about what you’re feeling or the weather. It is up to you. I would like to talk to you about my experience as well. How God saw me through it. I will never be pushy so just email me back when you are ready to have visitors. Just remember you will see Jack again. I have always envisioned a rocking chair and me rocking my babies in heaven. Knowing I would see them again was the only thing that got me through. Sorry I don’t mean to go on and on. Just know I will cry with you, be angry with you, and have hope with you. I will be praying.
Love,
C.
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April 26, 2009
Oh Angi, I can't believe this. I will say a prayer for you and your family. You're a beautiful person and the Lord does work in mysterious ways. I believe the Lord is looking out for me, I can feel it. It's times like these when I think of how much life needs to be cherished. I have no idea what it's like to be you, but I do know that you have so much strength it's truly inspiring. I look up to you Angi. May Christ continue to bless us.
M.
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April 26 at 4:21pm
I would like to make a little request from you, I have set up a memorial website for Jack, http://jack-isaac-voigt.last-memories.com, and it has a memories page where you can write you memories of Jack. I would be so honored and so pleased if you could take the extra time to write any of the memories you have of Jack or just ways he's touch your life through another.
Thank you so much, you have no idea how much it means to me to keep this child alive though our memories.
Angi
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April 24 at 8:58am
Of course :)
I really do mean that though, so often when you all would be in the sleep room, I'd come in with Chrysta... we are kind of good friends :) and I would read the scriptures on Jack's wall, it was so encouraging and so unique. I wish every child's room looked like yours. Please know that you are in many many of our prayers back at the hospital. Take care.
Katy
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April 24 at 1:52am
Katy
I remember you telling me about your brother because it was the same age difference my older son and jack would've been in age. It's been hard but I appreciate your encouragement and that's exactly what the words you have spoken to me have been just at the right time. Thank you again and God bless you as well.
Angi
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April 23 at 4:50pm
Angi,
You probably don't remember me, but I'm a nurse on nights in the PICU. I think the only time that I got to talk to you was when I was with Chrysta and I told you that I have a little brother named Jack who's 13 years younger than me. But I wanted to tell you that even though I didn't spend much time with you, I appreciate you so much. Your faith was and continues to be such a blessing to each of us. I hope you're doing ok. Take care and God bless you. I pray that you feel Him every single day. Bye.
Katy
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April 21 at 10:37pm
YA’LL WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS!!!
Amanda
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April 20 at 11:28pm
I was looking for the right verse to put here, hoping that God would lead me to a verse that would comfort. I spent 20 minutes or so and finally felt I found the right one... 2 Corinthians 12:9. Then, I realized it was already referenced by someone else... Guess it was the right one.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Rebecca
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April 19, 2009
"We will continue to keep you in our thoughts, Angi. :)"
Tricia
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April 19 at 9:39am
Prayers to all of you. Your healing wonderfully, we are not perfect beings, with God's grace we can concour all things. Keeps your eyes on him and look forward to the little things in life that come every day and before you know it you will be able to concentrate on the sweet memories and the pain will fade.
Elisa
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April 18 at 5:18pm
You all are in my prayers... God is always faithful. I'm so glad that you are finding strength in each other and drawing closer to each other. I thought of 2 Cor. 12:9 when I was thinking of you today...
Stephanie
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009 5:35 PM
Hello Shelly,
I do remember you and it's nice to hear from you again. Thank you so much for your prayers, they mean so much to my family. We have prayed for Jack's healing and God delivered on those prayers on April 2 at 6:18 pm. Jack has received the ultimate healing through Christ our Lord. He will never again feel pain or have another surgery. I only ask that you celebrate my son's eternal life with us. He was a brave and strong child and never has a child made a mother more proud than he. God has given me what every mother wants for her child and that is for him to receive eternal life with Chris
| April 2009 pt. 1 | December 29, 2009 |
April 6, 2009
Little Angels
When God calls little children to dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometime question the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with the death of one small child
Who does so much to make our world
seem wonderful and mild.
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to his fold,
So he picks a rosebud
before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them
and so He takes but few
To make the land of heaven
more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult
still somehow we must try,
The saddest word mankind knows
will always be "Goodbye."
So when a little child departs,
we who are left behind
Must realize God loves children,
Angels are hard to find.
Poem from a friend
Larry
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Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 11:53am
The power of one.
Many of you know me as a fun-loving, laughing, and sometimes serious type of guy. I can tell a joke at the drop of a hat. My humor has always been my strong point thanks to my family and friends. People in my life who let me be me no matter how silly or even stupid I got. This week though my laughing stopped for a time due to something that has changed around me.
Many of you haven't had the pleasure of meeting my friends Tony and Angi Voigt. We've known each other for going on about 5 years of so. We worked at Blockbuster Video for sometime with each other. Tony is just a fun-loving guy who loves his videos games and his OSU Cowboys. I'm a OU fan so we have always ripped on each other about that but all in good fun. A great guy to have by your side and truly a nicer guy you wouldn't find. Angi is just as fun-loving as Tony. Angi and I have a friendship that is unique for the fact we could say anything to each other and not offend each other. Angi has a beautiful spirit and anyone would be lucky to have her as a friend. Actually that goes for both of them.
Last year they got married and everyone was excited for them. They are that couple you say "they are meant for each other" and you believe it. Just imagine everyone's surprise when they announced they were going to have a baby. I think everyone was more nervous for Tony than Angi. Angi has a great young man already in her life. A son, Gaige, who truly is, in every sense of the word, a boy.
Jack was born earlier this year. I couldn't have been more excited for them. He sadly though was also a sick little boy. There was one constant in Angi and Tony's life that gave them hope, the love and power of God's hand. I consider myself a religious man and I am a Christian. Their devotion and belief was so strong that it started to give me strength. This precious gift from the heavens had more strength than any of us. The times I got to spoke with Angi about Jack her voice would just get that sound of joy and happiness that only a mother can have. The times I saw Tony you could just see the glow of a proud father all around him, they have been blessed with a precious gift.
Jack was called home. I never got to me this wonderful young man but thanks to all the updates I felt like I was part of his life. Even if was just from reading about him. The reason I call this the power of one is simply this reason...Jack brought so many people together that it’s really a miracle how many he touched. Tony and Angi were on the thoughts of everyone we work with and even at one time everyone who is employed at Arrowhead Mall in Muskogee. The strength of power of a child is incredible. The love and tenderness of God is just as great.
I wrote this in dedication to a young man whose life touched so many in the short time we were blessed to have him. I would ask that everyone who reads this please take a moment and say a little prayer for Angi, Tony, Gaige, and Jack. Then I would ask for any of you who have children, take a minute and give them a big hug and kiss. We don't know how long God planned for us to be on this Earth but we should appreciate it while we are here.
Thank you and God Bless.
Kelley
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April 5, 2009
I just wanted to tell you that our thoughts and prayers are with you. My heart is so heavy as we grieve with you. I also wanted to let you know what a blessing your emails have been. Thank you for sharing your heart because through the emails my family and I felt like we were a part of Jack's life. Your faith has been such an encouragement to others. Thank you for allowing us to walk through this time with you. I wanted to share a vision I had the other morning. You both were sitting in front of the store in Muskogee and people were lined up clear to Dillard’s. You were signing a book that you had written called Baby Jack. Then, I had a flash back of mom telling Tony that he would be the voice of Jack's testimony. In other words, keep the emails you have sent. You have such a gift with words. Again, we have been so encouraged by your faith. We have also learned so much from Jack and his will to fight. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God comfort you every moment of every day. Baby Jack will always be with us. Let us know when the Memorial service will be.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Natalie
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April 5 at 10:18am
Tony, I'm so sorry to hear this. I kept up through Becky's facebook page and would always keep my mom updated. There were lots of people praying for baby Jack. It just doesn't seem fair that things like this are dealt to such good people. I truly believe that God has a plan greater than we can imagine. We will continue to pray for peace and healing for your family.
Meagan
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April 4 at 10:13am
I wish I could hug you! I'm so sorry for you, Angi and Gaige! I'm praying for you...
Stacy
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April 4 at 11:58pm
May God bless you with abundant peace and comfort. Jack has touched hundreds in the short precious moments God blessed you with him. Your in our prayers.
Elisa
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April 4, 2009
I feel like I should say something but I don't have the words. Part of me wants to break but the other part told God I would accept His will in the matter. If there is anything you need from me, let me know. You guys have been like family to me for a while and though I never met Jack, I thought of him like family too. I would like to attend the service so please let me know when it is. I love you guys.
Aaron
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April 3 at 10:53pm
Love you all.
Jennifer Y.
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April 3, 2009 at 10:23
Thank you so much for your support!! We all prayed for Jack to be healed, and now he is healed. Please know that this is a celebration. I have learned time and again that the hardships we endure in life only make us appreciate the eternal life we are promised through Christ. So knowing that is the life my son is living now fills me completely with comfort. Can you only imagine the things he is experiencing at this time? It brings a whole knew meaning to that song for me.
Angi
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April 3 at 10:20pm
We prayed for Jack before and we will pray for you, Angie and Gaige now. I am so sorry to hear about the loss.
Shellie
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April 3, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Just celebrate our son's arrival in Jesus' arms. Thank you for all your prayers, God Bless You and your family.
Angi, Tony, Gaige and Baby Jack too!
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April 3 at 9:42pm
You are still in our thoughts and prayers.
Tara
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April 3 at 9:40pm
We r praying 4 u!!!
Jenna
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April 3 at 9:32pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Rainy
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April 3 at 9:22pm
As are we and others. Still praying for our kids.
Larry
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April 3, 2009
We are praying for you and your family to have all that you need to make it through this rough time in your life.
Nikki
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April 3, 2009
I just wanted to let you know that you are constantly on my mind and in my prayers. If you need anything just let me know. Blake and I will are happy to help in any way we can.
Love you guys,
Tara
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April 3, 2009
Angi, I can't even fathom what it is you are going through at this time. I will tell you once again that the woman you have grown to be is an admirable woman! I am so very thankful that God has blessed you with Tony. I can only imagine the turmoil and hardship that the past 2 months would have brought on most couples and it seems to me that the 2 of you have only grown stronger together as one and together in your faith. I want you to know that Jack was an angel from day one! Such a beautiful baby! He has touched my life forever and instilled in me the importance of bringing myself into the presence of the Lord daily. I will forever remember him. When you are ready, I would like to take you to lunch some Monday on my day off. We don't have to talk about anything, I think your presence and faith would breath life back into my hardened soul. You are precious and loved by many! God blessed me by allowing me to have you in my life! I love you all!
Whit!
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April 3, 2009
I am so very sorry! I love u all! My prayers r with u! Please let me know when the services r for this angel!!
Love,
Kris and the kids!
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April 3, 2009
I was told you guys needed a couple of days to be alone together and heal, and I assume you are getting tons of calls. That's why I am e-mailing instead. I hated not to call, because I was afraid you would think I didn't care enough to call. I just want you to know that my heart aches for you. I am without words. The only thing I can say is that you have direct access to the ultimate source of comfort: our Lord, Jesus. I know you know this, and I know that you have sought Him constantly these past 2 months. But, you need Him now more than ever. Don't try to do this alone. You have God first and family second. We would do anything to make this time easier for you. ANYTHING. Don't feel like you are a burden to us, because you aren't. For now, we will pray for you all, but please don't hesitate to call. I will call and make arrangements for you, clean house, do laundry, or pick Gaige up and let him hang out with us a while. Seriously, just ask.
With love and a broken heart,
B.
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April 3, 2009
Cindy
Thank you so very much for your prayers and support. We have asked Pastor McCracken and Steve to have it at BCC, probably on Friday. We'll talk to you soon, I would appreciate your help and input. And thank you for the offer of meals. That would be very helpful.
Angi and Tony
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April 3, 2009 1:15 PM
I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for your family and that God will massage your hearts during this time... love you guys! I'm so sorry for your loss.
Robin
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| March 2009 pt. 2 | December 29, 2009 |
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 11:05 PM
Angi the amount of strength that you have is amazing.... I know there is nothing I can say or do to really help... except pray. i want you to know i am praying my heart out for ur family and for lil jack to be strong. you know i live in Tulsa... and I’m here if you ever need anything at all.... don’t hesitate to ask..
Robin
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Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:39:07 PM
Will,
Your picture will be perfect in my son's baby book and as he gets older he can always look back on it and see how much he is loved. As for your choice in scriptures, they encourage strength and allow me to carry on everyday. I will share them with Tony and Gaige and I will read them over Jack Isaac so he can become a soldier of God just as yourself.
Angi, Tony, Gaige and Baby Jack
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March 31 at 9:28pm
We continue to pray for ya’ll & our FAITH stays strong!!!! He is a strong little boy & one day his testimony will be too.
Amanda
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March 31 at 6:51pm
We are praying for you all. I can't imagine what you are going thru, but I do know that it must be hard to see him like this. We will continue to pray for each of you and even your extended families.
Tara
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March 31 at 2:26pm
You guys are all in my prayers day and night!
Rainy
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March 29, 2009
Angi and Tony,
I am on the automatic daily email list of www.heartlight.org. Sunday the verse was one that reminds me of your situation and it spoke to me. I am here to pray and I sincerely pray that you will find strength in the many
folks that are lifting your family up on a daily basis.
VERSE:
For this reason I kneel before the Father.... I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
-- Ephesians 3:16-17
THOUGHT:
What's the greatest thing we can do to bless those we love in Christ Jesus? What is the most helpful thing we can do when a brother or sister in Christ or even a whole congregation of God's people, is facing a major challenge from the Evil One? What is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children or our parents as they seek to live for Jesus today? The apostle Paul just showed us. We can ask God to strengthen his people with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their inner being. Then we can let them know that we have prayed this for them, and that we will continue to pray it until their storm is past.
PRAYER:
Gracious God and Almighty Father, please bless Tony, Angi, Gaige and especially baby Jack Issac with your power and presence through the Holy Spirit. I will continue to do all I can to encourage and strengthen them, but I believe that they need your Spirit's power far more than anything I could do for them.
Thank you for hearing my prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.
Melinda
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| March 2009 pt. 1 | December 29, 2009 |
March 29 at 11:29am
We are still praying for you guys!!! If you need anything...please don't think twice about calling!!!
Kelley
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March 28 at 11:04pm
Still in our prayers. Need us to do anything? We are off Sunday. Give me a yell.
Larry
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March 28 at 8:13pm
We're all still praying. Thank you for all of the updates. Here's a (((((((((hug))))))))) for all of you.
Jennifer Y.
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March 27 at 9:49pm
We continue to keep you, Angie, Gaige, and of course Baby Jack in our prayers.
Tricia
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March 26 at 11:17pm
We joined a new church since our move to Muskogee, and we put Jack & ya’ll on the prayer list! Keep the FAITH, b-cause without FAITH we have nothing!!!
Amanda
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March 25 at 1:36pm
Praise God, my heart and prayers go out to you all. May God continue to bless you with unity and peace.
Elisa
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March 25 at 9:11am
Everything is gonna be just fine! Our prayers will continue, and how blessed you must of been to see his eyes open. Keep in touch.
Amanda
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March 24 at 11:22pm
Oh Tony... I just got caught up on all of this. Jamie and I are praying.
Brad
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March 24 at 11:03pm
Love you all lots and we'll keep praying for Jack and your whole family too!
Darla C.
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March 24 at 11:56am
Tony, our prayers are with you today especially...we love you all
Marcy
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March 23 at 5:35pm
When I was pregnant with Gracie even verses about faith helped me. So... here are a few, MARK 9:23 - ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO HIM WHO HAS FAITH! Another verse is one that I read time after time to keep my spirits (faith) up. MATTHEW 17:14-21 it is telling about the seed of faith. Jesus says our faith in GOD is like a seed. Whenever put our faith into action, that is when we release it to GOD, it takes on a totally new nature. It takes on the nature of a miracle in the making. Hope to hear from ya’ll soon!!!
Amanda
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March 23 at 12:56am
I will definitely tell her hello. She's standing right here. Thank you for your prayers. It means a whole lot. :)
Tony Voigt
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March 22 at 8:48pm
Just wanted to let you know that we are all praying for all of you everyday and we can't wait to meet Jack and you of course. :) Tell Angi hello for me.
Rainy
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March 22 at 4:21am
Praying about it right now.
Aaron Morrison
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March 22 at 11:07pm
HERES A VERSE FOR JACK... ISAIAH 58:8 - Then your light shall break forth like the morning. Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you ; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Amanda
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March 20, 2009
Hi Tony, this is Marcy and Alan, we are praying for you...
love you.. and Bless your Family.
Marcy
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March 20 at 11:17pm
Hey, Tony, I don't know about you, but that song "Blessed Be the Name of the Lord" plays in my head all day every day for the last month and a half. The song means so much more to me now.
Rebecca
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March 15 at 7:50am
I just wanted to say that I am super glad to see how God is working in your family's life and you’re giving God the glory! Baby Jack is cute, he is in my prayers!
Darla N.
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March 15 at 11:31pm
We're here for you and Angi. Let Gaige know he is welcome to come hang out with us any time. We'd be glad to bring him to Tulsa when we can too. So glad you and Angi are staying strong.
Rebecca
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March 13, 2009
That Jack looks like someone you can't bring down. I know he's in the best hands.
James
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March 11 at 7:03pm
Glad to hear you guys are doing fine. I know that my words aren't much help, but my prayer is that when God sends a message directed at me, maybe it is something that will benefit you too. I am glad you guys are going to scripture for comfort and strength. It makes all the difference for me, as I'm sure it does for you too.
Rebecca
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March 11 at 4:23pm
Becky
I appreciate all the support you've been sending my way, and the emotions thrust upon you through this are heavy too. We are doing okay. Angi has taken to writing out a scripture daily to help her remember God is in control. We read Psalm 27 and 139 nearly daily. We've taken to a few others as well, like 18 and 131. Anyway. I love you very much and can't thank you enough for sending along updates to everyone regarding our status and where we're at. I posted some pics of when he was just born. I'm debating on whether or not to put current pics up. I don't think I will.. It's not natural for our minds to be able to accept a baby that looks the way Jack does right now. But I'm going to try to post a video pretty soon.
Tony
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March 11 at 12:36am
Hey, Tony. I am up late after reading your text, praying and reading. I have read Psalms 139 numerous times, but it spoke to me tonight in a different way. I thought I would share it with you. It talks, as you know, about how God knew us before we were born. He knit us together. Such an intimate idea. Every day was ordained for us before we were born. Then vs. 17 and 18 really hit me. "How precious concerning me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand." God's thoughts of us are countless, His love is limitless. How precious are God's thoughts of Jack! His love for him is unimaginable. We cannot comprehend it. Our love for Jack comes nowhere close. I am guilty of forgetting that and questioning why God doesn't care. The fact is, He does. We've got to trust God. Jack is His anyway. He is the one who created him and loved him first, before he was even conceived. God spoke to me through this passage. I hope it speaks to you too. I love you guys.
Rebecca
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March 11 at 6:52pm
Dallas
We're doing okay at the moment. We have our moments where we kinda break down, but usually not at the same time, and that's good. Jack is definitely a fighter. He looks great.. I'm going to try to post a video soon if we can figure out how to get it on here from Angi's camcorder. Thanks for the concern, Dallas.
Tony Voigt
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March 11 at 5:10pm
Hey, Tony
You're little Jack is a figher! Any news? Your pics of Jack are adorable, by the by. How are you and Angi holding up? Take care, and keep me posted.
Love to my okies. xo
Dallas
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March 4 at 10:24am
Hey man.... we are praying for you guys!!!
Steve
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| February 2009 | December 29, 2009 |
February 22 at 5:35pm
Hi Tony, Congrats on the birth of Jack!! Wow, it sounds like it's been rough for some time now. I remember there were difficulties this summer... I'm praying for you all. Thanks for the update.
Lindsay
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Feb 5, 2009 1:58 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your baby. I don't have your phone number any more, I hope you are hanging in there.
Love ya girl.
Rachella
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