I keep writing and rewriting this post. Not knowing exactly what to say or how to say it. One year ago today, Jodie and I got to be a part of something that holds a huge honor. A day a family experienced the joy of new birth and of saying goodbye, all in the same day. Joy and grief, laughter and tears.
Which reminds me of those words Pamela said at our first meeting HERE when we said how amazing and courageous and full of joy she was, even though she was facing what no parent should ever have to face… the fact that she wouldn’t be taking her baby home. She said she had determined that her baby would hear more laughter than tears while growing inside her, and it was so evident seeing her, Nolan, and big brother Ray all together.
There are so many more moments that solidified this family in our hearts forever, the lessons in grace they showcase walking down this path.
Allowing us to be part of such an intimate and personal time when they welcomed little Elijah Louis Meier at 1:23pm.
Filling the room with joy as they soaked in all 63 minutes of his life here on earth.
And introduced him to his big brother, Ray.
And shared very special family moments, including reading and singing.
And trying to squeeze in a lifetime of moments in the very brief time they had.
They showed that during the most difficult and heart-wrenching time imaginable, that you can have joy and peace knowing they will all be together again with baby Elijah and that he will not be forgotten.
We will never forget.
And we want the world and our blog readers to show the Meiers that Elijah will never be forgotten. We are asking not only for you to leave comments here for Pamela & Nolan, but to take it even a step further. Please consider a donation in Elijah’s honor today or tomorrow or the next day and beyond. The Meiers themselves are selecting toys today that they would have bought for Elijah celebrating his first birthday and donating them to Marine Toys For Tots Foundation (which is fitting since today is the Marine Corps birthday as well!), so will you join with them in either dropping of toys at a location or making an online donation in Elijah’s name HERE. Or pick a charity of your choice and donate in Elijah’s name and join with us all in never forgetting!
What an amazing story! I want to say something to your family…but I am having trouble putting my thoughts into words. My favorite Bible verse for you…. I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me. Php 4:13 I can think of NO better way to honor your little angle!!!!
This story touched my heart on so many levels & 11.10.09 will be a day I remember! Gods gifts are very precious in every way, shape & form. No matter how long we are privileged to have these gifts here with us on earth our children touch & change our lives forever & for the better!
To the Meiers family & baby Elijah – thanks for reminding me that life is precious!
With Love, Lindsay
As I sit here in tears my heart goes out to this beautiful family!! Thank you so much for sharing such as precious time in their lives. As a Mommy this makes me very thankful for my 2 healthy girls and I have such admiration for the strenght of this family. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys during this time in your life. May God give you the strenght you need to get through and the peace of knowing that sweet baby Elijah is laying in the arms of Jesus right now!
Jodie & Kim, this is just a wonderful post! When I met you last year at the hospital I just knew how lucky Pamela & Nolan were to have you there! You captured these moments so well, it makes the reader feel like they were in that room too. Thank you both so much for everything you did for my cousin Pamela and her family!!! Elijah will always be in so many hearts:)
This family astounds me. Their character speaks to all of us. Thank you for capturing their story and sharing it.
They’re a precious, delightful family. I’m honored that I was able to meet them. Thank you again for that opportunity, ladies. Many blessings to you, Pam, Nolan, and Ray.
Pamela and Nolan – your story is amazing. It touched me deeply, so deeply, one year ago and it is touching me again today. Thank you for showing incredible faith and sharing that with all of us. I squeeze my boys extra hard today because I realize how blessed I am. You are blessed, too, and our Lord is pleased with you, good and faithful servants. My prayers continue for you this day and the days to come…
Loved reading your story adn your sentimnets. We have a similar story with our daughter who lived for 5days that we cherished so much. We spent those days squeezing in a lifetime of memories and photogrpahs. We also donate toys in her memory every year for her birthday but we take them to the kids at Cardinal Glennon. I am sorry for your loss but glad that you got those 63 minutes and all those joyful memories that you focus on. Happy Birthday to Elijah!
I’m so sorry for the loss of Elijah. My prayers and best wishes are with his family. Your bravery makes me want to cry. To the photographers — your pictures are gorgeous, as always, and this lovely family shines. I will definitely donate some toys this season in honor of baby Elijah. 🙂
You guys are an amazing family and what a beautiful, fitting post. Elijah will never be forgotten and even though we didn’t get to know him for very long, I just have a feeling that his soul is a beautiful one.
I remember this story from last year and meeting sweet Pamela at the Fresh Moms class. Pamela, Nolan and Ray there are no words for the love and loss for your sweet Elijah. There are words for your story bravery, courage, love, joy, heartbreak, restoration. Thank you for sharing your lives with all of us. Your son will be remembered.
Amazing family, amazing love, even more amazing God! Thank you Jesus for bringing this family and their story into my lives. I feel honored and privileged to know them and share in this precious journey with them. God’s peace and joy. Just think-Elijah is running around with Jesus today!!!
A wonderful way to celebrate Elijzh’s life. He will always be remembered. Love to you all.
Elijah’s Fresh Art picture is in a frame Pamela found for us that is so appropriate. It says – It is not how long a star shines but the brightness of its light. We treasure that short time with him and the pictures we have of him. Jodie and Kim thanks for this beautiful tribute to Elijah!
I can’t even wrap my heart & mind around such a painful, unimaginable loss. Elijah is a beautiful baby boy & I’m grateful his Mommy, Daddy, and big brother have these photos to remember his sweet little face.
You guys… this family is amazing. Pamela has changed my heart forever since the day she said that her baby would hear more laughter than tears while standing in a parking lot after her maternity session, tears stinging both mine and Kim’s eyes. CHANGED ME. She said I can always cry later. And it’s so true. I think of Elijah more than you know. When my kids are driving me crazy I know Pamela would give anything to be frustrated at Elijah so I calm down or when I’m so tired my patience is gone I think of her and know I can always sleep later. It was beyond an honor to be there on the day of Elijah’s birth and I want to thank you and Nolan for letting us be a tiny part of his story. Love Jodie
I cried last year and did again this year. May you find comfort in the memories that you have of Elijah. Crazy how our memory is God given, without the memories there would be no pain, but in that pain brings joy and their life lives on forever.
Jodie and Kim–what a wonderful, heartfelt post as we all remember Elijah. He will forever be in our hearts and mind. I am so grateful for the 63 minutes Pamela, Nolan, and Ray had with Elijah and the memories they will carry with them forever….
Thank you Jodie. You and this family inspire me to change how I view a photo.
Elijah was so lucky to have such a wonderful family to join and such love in his short time here on earth. I know God picked the right family for him and I know he is watching down from heaven right now, I am sure being entertained by his big brother and all his antics. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and the lovely post.
Thanks Jodie and Kim, I remember the first time Pamela told me about you both, she had such excitement in her voice, she seemed to know already that you were meant to be on the journey with them. Elijah has left such a legacy in his short time here and touchd so many people. Pamela and Nolan are amazing in so many ways. We love Elijah, Ray and Pamela so much. Thanks for all the wonderful photo memories and tribute on Elijah’s 1st birthday.
My last comment I did have Nolan in there also when saying who we loved, sorry, I should have proofread!!! We love Nolan as well!!!!!
Thank you so much everyone for your sweet sentiments. We had a great day, just the three of us, celebrating his birth. Thank you for your continued love and support.