Friday, March 25, 2011

Perfect Peace

Sorry guys, E can't put the laptop computer on her lap yet. She is doing better in her recovery. This is A, the husband again. We had an abrupt start to our morning today. I was awakened by my in-laws bringing breakfast to our room. My father-in-law went down to see how Noah was doing. Shortly after he left he came back into the room to tell us we need to go down stairs as quick as we could. The phone rang in our room, and it was a RN from the NICU telling us that Noah was having difficulties and we needed to see him. In a rush, we got E out of bed and in a wheelchair to see Noah for the first time since the split second glance in the delivery room. 

When we got down there his heart rate was in the 190's. His oxygen saturation was in the 20's with 100% oxygen being supplied. His vitals were no longer stable at this point. I wanted Noah to be held by his mother. The nurses (who have been nothing short of wonderful) did their best and were able to get Noah in E's lap while he was on the vent. We had time together as a family. We shared a long prayer. After signing some papers, the neonatologist removed the vent from Noah's mouth. His mother was the only person in this world to hold him while he was alive. In perfect peace and a small grin on his face, Noah Red Austin passed from this life into the next. From a temporary life into an eternal life. From a flawed life into a perfect one. From a broken life into a complete one. Inexplicably, there is a certain peace that neither I nor E have felt since our 20 week appointment. Noah was at rest. Our souls were at rest. Noah was home. In the hours that followed, there was much prayer. Many hugs. Many tears. An abundance of family and love. 

We would like to thank everyone once again for all of the encouragement we have received. Albeit through facebook, the bump, the blog, cards, calls, texts, or hugs. Every bit of encouragement was not only appreciated, but also needed. There is not possibly any way to repay each of you for that. So we thank God for your help in this time of need. 

Now I would like to share a few random things about Noah. He was ticklish on the bottoms of his feet. Each time I touched the bottoms of his feet he immediately pulled them away. He had his mothers complexion. He had his mother's hair. He had his dad's nose. He had his dad's eyebrows (according to mom). And he had his dad's grin (once again according to his mom). He was with us in this world for 19 hours and 34 minutes. And he has already touched more lives than I ever could have dreamed. 

32 comments:

  1. aimee/mom of Troy (OI)March 25, 2011 at 2:16 PM

    I am so sad to hear this news! As I hoped and prayed vigilantly today that Noah would pull through. But sometimes the Lord has his own plans and we must except and now it was for the best! You and E are so amazingly strong, and I am so glad you have the Lord to walk this walk with you!! Please know that Noah's passing will hit his OI family almost as hard as it does you, but can't compare to what you must be feeling! We are grieving with you and want more than anything to just be there, embrace you and show how much Noah touched us all!!! May the Lord be with you through these days! I am very sorry for your loss but it is a blessing to know Noah is now healthy, pain free, break free
    and breathing on his own in the arms of the Lord! <3

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  2. While my heart is broken, for you and your family, my soul rejoicing for Noah. Safe in the arms of Jesus today. A perfect body..Praise the Lord, who redeems all things.

    Corin Sandlin

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  3. Rest in peace sweet baby boy.

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  4. I am praying for you and your family. This is a reality that I can not even begin to comprehend. I pray that you are granted peace in the knowledge that Noah is going to be with the Lord.
    Hugs to all of you through this difficult time. You are amazing parents and Noah is lucky to have you for his.

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  5. I am so sorry for your loss but ultimately your gain. I just asked my brother who is also an angel to look out for your Noah. Michele (OI Mommy)

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  6. Rest in Peace sweet baby Noah! Taken far too soon from those who loved him. My T&P are with your family!

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  7. Melissa (April Bump Board)March 25, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    I am so very sorry for your loss...I can't even find the right words to really try and console you. But I am so happy you got to see and hold your sweet Noah before he moved on to eternal life. You are such an amazing family whose strength is just miraculous. Wishing you as much peace and comfort as you can find, in family and each other, and know you have the most perfect guardian angel watching over you always.

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  8. I'm not sure what to say except that my heart is just broken over this. I feel sick inside thinking what you must be going through. You are in our prayers. Earlier this week, we lost our baby #3. Our babies are safe with Jesus. May He bring us all peace. God bless you guys. You have a truly incredible family.

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  9. I am saddened to hear another snowflake lost their battle with OI..You guys will always remain a part of our OI family..we want you guys there as a means of support for new parents coming into this journey...we thanks you guys so much for allowing us to be a part of this journey with you...You guys will remain in our prayers...HUGS guys...

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  10. I am in tears, but happy that you got to hold him, Erin and that you all are at peace. Noah is at peace now and will see you again someday. For now you have a beautiful angel to watch over you. May God be with you all.

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  11. My tears flow (again) as I read your blog A & E. I awoke this morning with tears and again this afternoon shed tears for your sweet little family. It just fills my heart so full with so many emotions. It is such a sweet blessing to know we have a very loving Heavenly Father who loves you all so much and who has securely embraced little Noah from your arms into His. Our prayers and thoughts are for your comfort at a time when words fail but out heart knows what is meant. Our prayers are dedicated to you that His peace, His love and His comfort will fill your hearts and carry you through this difficult time of earthly separation until the glorious day of reuniting

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  12. My eyes are filled with tears and a broken heart as I write you. I don't even know your family except through your posting on OIparent yet my I'm filled with so many emotion. I to have OI type 3/4 severe, and I feel like a piece of me went to heaven on the wings of Noah. My family prayers are for his peace and now can run free of pain. And may the short time you had with little Noah fill your heart for a life time. He may have left this earth but know his soul had touch many and the world was a better place with his presents.

    Love and know that some day your family will be united again.

    Susan K

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  13. This story sure did touch my heart. I am Writing a book about OI, and Noah has really inspired me. One day, Osteogenesis Imperfecta is going to be as big as cancer, and we are going to find a cure, together. May we remember, Noah did not pass in vain. I am 15, and I have OI too. and I'm going to raise awareness of it, in honor of our snowflakes who have gone home with Jesus this past year. Eden, Will, Dani, and Noah. (you can look me up on facebook as Danielle D'Ambrosi or danni_lynn95@yahoo.com , and ask to join my group 'Osteogenesis Imperfecta "we have inbreakable spirits!")Rest In Peace baby Noah, Sweet Angel.

    One of your OI family members <3

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  14. I am crying both for Noah and for the beautiful way you have written about it. I hope you continue to feel peace.

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  15. Denise (april bump board)March 25, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Rest in peace Baby Noah. Please look down on your Mom and Dad and give them peace during this time. You are now their guardian angel.

    You and your family will be in my prayers tonight.

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  16. Praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing Noah with us and your journey

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  17. Holly/GHBEA (April Bump Board)March 25, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    My heart breaks for your family. I am sorry to hear the passing of baby Noah. I will keep your family in my thoughts.

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  18. I hurt so much for all of you. I know the pain of loosing a baby. I am so thankful that you seem so aware of the gift of having Noah and it will help you keep him close to your heart the rest of your lives.
    Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers...
    Tami Helms

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  19. I am filled with sadness for your loss. I can only imagine the pain you are feeling. My heart is breaking for you. While I am so sad, I know that Noah is at peace in Jesus arms! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! You all are truly a testament of what a strong faith in Christ can do.
    With Love,
    Megan Walvoord

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  20. I am so sorry for your loss, but Noah is with God now and that is the most comforting thing!! I love you guys and am continually praying for you!

    Whit F

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  21. I am so sorry for your loss, my heart is breaking for your family. I pray for peace and comfort for you all. I cannot imagine the pain that you are going through, but I will continue to pray for you.

    Love,
    Deena Ryan
    Mechanicsville, VA

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  22. Noah was beheld by his family on earth and tenderly held by his mother with a forever love that only a mother can feel. His brilliant smile from the womb is permanently engraved on our hearts and minds. Thank you for allowing all of us to be a part of this emotionally draining, yet temporary, journey in your lives. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” God and you have fulfilled this scripture today. As you enter a time of grief and healing from our merciful Father, please know our love and prayers also go with you and you are never alone. Jean Neal

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  23. As our hearts ache, our soul rejoices that Heaven has another angel in Noah Red. So many were touched by his short time here on earth, but he will live in our hearts forever. Thank you so much for sharing your courageous journey with us. Praying that you can find peace & comfort in knowing that he is home with God & free from pain & able to breathe. Theresa Sollars

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  24. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your story and Noah have touched my heart. Sweet Noah will be saving a place for you!

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  25. I am sorry for your time of sadness, but I am forever joyful for the strength you give to so many in your blameless words of peace and understating. ...my prayers are with you and your family- God Bless
    M.A.&A.A.

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  26. i am so sorry for your loss aaron. my prayers are with you and your family. your story about noah touch my heart. but he is a better place!!

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  27. Prayers and strength go out to your family. What a beautiful entry you wrote. Noah was so lucky to have you 2 as his parents.

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  28. This is Jeff. Heard about your family and little Noah through a Facebook friend. While I am very sad about your loss, I now know through your blog that Noah knows he is loved very much and is with our Lord.

    May God grant your family his peace which surpasses understanding and lend you his strength during this difficult time.

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  29. Michelle & PrestonMarch 26, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    I'm very saddened by your loss. Even though you held him for a little while, you will hold him in you hearts forever. I hope you're able to find peace. Our prayers are with your family.

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  30. I heard about little Noah through some wonderful brothers in Christ on facebook way down here in the Florida Everglades. We prayed that no matter what happen that God would be holding you in His loving arms. I believe that little Noah was a tiny glimps of the beauties of heaven. Theres a song called "Jesus'Rocking Chair" listen to it, its beautiful.

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  31. Noah's family,

    your peace in the midst of your grief is an inspiration. May the spirit of the Universe Maker continue to comfort you.

    He gives and takes away. He gives and takes away. Our hears must learn to say, "Blessed be his name."

    Currently I have a family member in hospice care, and I know that she will soon move onward to another destination point in her spiritual journey.

    May God bless this blog.

    Samuel (an OI support group leader)

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  32. I love you lil brother. I really don't know what to say. I wish I could make things better but I am powerless to do so. I have been thinking about you two a lot. I can't say "I know what you are going through" but I don't. Just know that I am here for you and praying for you. Steve

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