Final Susannah Joy Maxwell Update
It is with broken, grieving hearts that we need to let you know that our Father’s plans for Susannah were much different than ours. Having spent the past three days loving and cherishing every moment with our little girl today we said a final goodbye as her life gently slipped from her.
God is faithful even in the hard times. I must say that I never had a desire to learn that. However, He who didn’t spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all also has a plan for Susannah, Melanie and my life.
Even though this has been far and away the most challenging, yet also sweetest, time of our lives God took our little Susannah from us in a most gentle way. My heart’s deep concern was that I would have to make some very difficult decisions regarding her care. I did not have to and am so grateful. The Lord had His hand on her little body and it was apparent the entire day that she was not long with us.
Please continue to pray for us as we make this difficult transition. In particular for Melanie as her body is still going through recovery.
Thank you to everyone for their love and support. Little Susannah had such an immeasurable prayer covering.
We love our little Susannah and thank you for doing the same.
Nathan
March 24th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Nathan and Melanie:
I am so sorry. As I sit here with tears in my eyes thinking about all you have gone through and will continue to go through, I can’t even imagine. The key word here is Through…God is taking you THROUGH this. You will reach the other side, He is with you and will not leave you ever. God is still sits on the throne. I will continue to uplift you both and the rest of your family in prayer daily as I know many others are also doing. Please take comfort in knowing how many people out here really care.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Dear Maxwell Family,
We don’t even know what to say. We are heart broken. Ours tears are with you. We will be praying for you in the days ahead. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Sincerely,
John 14:27 Brent
Peace I leave with you, my peace I
give unto you: not as the world giveth
give I unto you. Let not your heart be
troubled, neither let it be afraid.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
I will continue to pray for all of you.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Lord bless you and we will continue to pray for comfort, healing and peace.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I am so sorry. Your family remains in my prayers. Thank you for trusting God in front of all of us.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Though you don’t know me I wanted to let you know my family has been praying for you all day and will continue to do so. God Bless you,
March 24th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
So, so sorry. Don’t know what to say. Bless you.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
No words, just tears and prayers for you and your family.
Carla
March 24th, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Our lives have been touched by Susannah Joy. God Is faithful. Seeing the precious gift of Susannah’s life has caused us to hug our own children a little more, reminding us that life comes from God and they are truly His. We look forward to meeting your precious little daughter one day in Heaven and will continue to lift you all (Melanie in particular) up in prayer. Praying 2 Cor. 1:3-4.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
We will still be praying for you!
March 24th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Nathan and Melanie,
We truly mourn with you. We are truly sorry. My husband and I have been praying for you and will continue to. Our hearts go out to you. We love you guys.
Praise God that you didn’t have to make that difficult decision. He is truly good.
God bless you
Grace and peace,
Kim
March 24th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
I am so very sorry you that you all are going through this. I have been praying for you all week. I will continue to do so. May God bless you during this time.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
We are so sorry for your families loss. We will be praying for you all.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
The Lord is your shepherd. He will lead you through the valley of the shadow of death. He will keep you in His loving care. I am so sorry for your loss.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Our hearts are grieved for you and Melanie.
We will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer.
We love you guys and are thankful for your ministry.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
I can’t even begin to tell you how sad we are for you, but happy that little Susannah is safe in the arms of Jesus. We’ll be praying constantly for the healing of your hearts.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
My heart breaks for you. I know the pain of saying good bye to a little one. Praying that you will find comfort in the days you got to spend with Susannah Joy. May God bring you peace and healing. Praying for Melanie as her body recovers.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
My heartfelt sympathy goes to you, your wife and family. I am glad you felt God’s hand upon you all, knowing that Susannah is His. I will pray for you all in the days to come, and yes, especially for Melanie as she recovers from childbirth.
Heartfelt sympathy,
Alysia
March 24th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Praying for you all during this time. May the Lord comfort you with the comfort that only He can give.
Nahum 1:7–The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, he knoweth them that trust in him.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
With deepest sympathy, I am praying for God’s comfort and peace for you and Melanie and the rest of your family.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Although, I’m so happy to know that Susannah’s with the Lord right now, my heart aches for your loss tonight! I know that He has made her complete in every way and we know His will is perfect in all things, but sometimes knowing something in your mind, doesn’t keep your heart from hurting. As since the moment we met, you both will continue to be in our prayers as you heal…
March 24th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Nathan,
My heart breaks for you both. Now that you’re parents you know how much your Father loves you and He will continue to care for your little angel until one day you can see her again. Your faith is amazing and I pray it will carry you throgh. There are no words…I’m so, so sorry.
God bless,
Keri and Jim
March 24th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
We are grieving with you and for you. We also suffered the loss of a daughter who was premature and definitely understand the rollercoaster of emotions you are feeling now.
We will continue to pray for you and Melanie. May God be your ever present help and comfort. We know you have the strength of faith to stay steadfastly fixed on Him, but also understand the difficult days you will be facing.
God bless you both.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I am so sorry to read this news. My heartfelt sympathy to you, Melanie and your family. I am thankful that you did not have to make difficult decisions regarding Susannah’s care. Your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Amy
March 24th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
I will continue to pray for your family. This is very close to my heart as I have been in a similar situation. May God continue to bless you and keep you.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
To the Maxwell family
May GOD give you strength and peace…I am so sad no words can describe how I feel at this moment. My prayers to all of you.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Dear Melanie and Nathan,
You have been in our prayers since we received the prayer request. Our love and prayers go out to you especially at this time. Our Susan Stacy died while being born in 1997, so we can sympathize with what your are going through. May our dear Lord be with you in a very special way, enfolding you in His love.
In Christ,
Carol (and Robert)
March 24th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Your family has touched me and my family in many ways……we are praying for all of you……we looked forward to the day we can meet in the clouds with the ones we love.
The JOY of the Lord is our strength!!
Many blessings and God’s peace…
Sara
March 24th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
I am so sorry for your loss- Little Susannah Joy is now with her Heavenly Father- how wonderful is that? I pray that God will continue to give you the grace to continue on and that you will feel HIS precious arms and strength around you. You and Melanie are such a testimony to all who know you- We love you so much! To God be the glory.
Grow in HIS Grace.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Dear Nathan, Melanie, and both of your families,
Please know that we are praying for all of you several times throughout each day. We appreciate so much your taking the time to keep us updated even though you don’t know us personally.
We all are so saddened by this news and yet very thankful that God did give you some time to hold little Susannah before He took her to be with Him.
We will continue to pray for you, that God will comfort you through His Spirit, His Word, and His church.
In Christ,
March 24th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
I am so sorry for all of you. I know how intense the pain is, and how at the same time how sweet the grace of God is. My heart is broken for you. You will stay in my prayers. Thank you for allowing us to share this burden with you by constantly going before the throne of grace on your behalf. I wish there was more I could say or do to comfort you. But words completely fail to convey my empathy for you right now.
With sincerest sympathy and fervent prayers for you!
March 24th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
You have been and will continue to be in my prayers, and I am so sorry for your loss.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Nathan & Melanie- We are so so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you in this very difficult time. However, what a wonderful thing that she will be watching you as you are so boldly and faithfully running your race on earth and waiting for you in Heaven where you get to spend all of eternity together! You will be in our prayers.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Oh! My heart is breaking for you! Father, please comfort the entire Maxwell family at this time.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
>Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
>Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
>2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Dear Nathan and Melanie,
Words can never express the sorrow I am feeling for you now. I must say I am not sorry for Susannah who is with Jesus at this moment. But I know how much you wanted her and prayed for her and loved her, and for that, I am so so very sorry that she is not with you. Oh, I am sorry. You all were on my heart all day and I have been checking for updates. This was my last check before bed. He has you in the palm of His hands. God bless you and your family. We are upholding you in prayer. I am very thankful that you did not have to make those decisions.
Weeping with you,
Tina
March 24th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
When our son died, the funeral home gave us a beautiful keepsake with a poem on it that I still cherish:
“Little angels”
“When God calls little children to dwell with Him above,
We mortals sometimes 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 know 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.
In loving memory of Susannah Joy Maxwell
March 24th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
As I sit here weeping with you and aching for what you must be feeling, this verse comes to mind:
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle:
are they not in thy book? PSALM 56:8 KJV
Did you know that God stores your tears in a bottle? He is storing up all these tears in a bottle. He catches every single one of them! And, some day, when we see Him face to face, He will wipe every single tear from our eyes! And, you will see little Susannah again!!! We grieve, but not as the world does, because we have a hope in Christ! This is not the end of the story — you will see your little girl again and be together forever!
My heart aches for you, all of you….thank you for allowing us to peek into your lives and share this precious time that you’ve had with Susannah during Melanie’s pregnancy, the birth, and the past few days. It was a blessing for us to get to share in her short life. Thank you for the privilege of standing with you and joining you in prayer before the Throne of Grace! It has been a honor to join our faith, our tears, and our hearts with yours.
Our prayers for you will continue…
March 24th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
You are so right that the Lord did not spare His own Son but His plan was for the rest of us to be SAVED through His death and resurrection!
His plan for Susannah is so much larger than we could ever imagine.
My heart is broken and my prayers are fervent for you…Thank you for allowing us to walk along side of you in love and prayer.
March 24th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I am so so sorry! You are all in my prayers.
March 24th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
We have no words to express our feelings and thoughts for you all during this time. But do know that we will continue to touch the throne of God — He has the words, He has the comfort that you need … and He will be there every tiny step of the way.
From Tonganoxie
March 24th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I’m so thankful you were able to hold that sweet beautiful child in your arms, even for just a whisper of a moment in time. We are so very very sorry. We will continue to pray for you all. And for your dear wife as she faces the next few weeks. May she walk closely to her Lord as He comforts her during this time.
March 24th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Susannah Joy. My family and I will continue to pray for you and Melanie. We pray that you feel the loving and strong arms of Our Lord wrapped around you during this most difficult time.
Dana in KY
March 24th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
Oh…I am so so sorry for your indescribable loss. I am thankful to the Lord for your testimony and also that He removed the burden of decision from your shoulders. “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul” Ps.54:4. May you hold tight to all you know in your hearts. May our Lord give you strength and comfort for each moment. May you all continually look to Him knowing that He loves you and cares for you. We will continue to offer many prayers on your behalf. With an aching heart in Christian love, Amy and family.
March 24th, 2007 at 9:20 pm
My heart breaks for both you and Melanie. May God grant you His peace, comfort and hope.
March 24th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
There is little that I can say to bring comfort at this time, but I do know a God whose grace is sufficient in times like these.
Now more than ever you must lean on Him. Rely on His Word. And He will get you through each passing day.
I will be lifting you and your family up in prayer. May God touch you only the way HE can.
~Kristi
March 24th, 2007 at 9:23 pm
Psalm 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Praying for the Lord’s comfort for you at this time.
In Christ,
Jason, RaShell, Hannah, Daniel, and Joshua
March 24th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Nathan,Melanie and Maxwell family!
I am truly grieved for your situtation. My heart just breaks for you. Knowing your faith in God you will be fine! I could quote scripture but you know it! Just know that my heart is sad for you and will pray for you! Praise God for salvation and the strength to handle this.
Letisha
March 24th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
So terribly sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
In Christ,
Karen
March 24th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
so very sad……….my prayers are with you all..
much love and respect,
Diane
March 24th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
My husband, Nathan, and I were heartbroken to just now read this latest update. I didn’t know that my heart could hurt so much for someone that I have never met. We just stopped and joined together in lifting you and your families up before the throne. We prayed that the Lord would comfort you in His perfect way.
May His peace be your peace through this difficult time.
Angela & Nathan (NC)
March 24th, 2007 at 9:47 pm
I am terribly sorry for your loss. My heart grieves with you.
March 24th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
It is with great saddness that I read your latest update this evening. Saddness nothing compared to that you are going through. It is of great comfort to know that Father God has been with all of you from the beginning of Susannah’s life….from the moment she was formed in your womb to the months growing inside, to the wonderful birth, to the days and hours she was with you to hold. Father God has been there all this time, to take her in His arms and protect her during those days after birth and especially He cradled her when He took her personally to Heaven. She was constantly surrounded by warmth and love not only earthly but Heavenly. She will be able to tell you all about it when you see her one day. As your days continue now, rest in Father God and let your tears of grief be the gift that they are meant to be from Him. Close your eyes and feel the warmth of His arms around you, your husband and family as He comforts you as no one else can. I pray that Father God would bless you in the days to come with a physical healing and a soothing balm for your nerves, senses, emotions. Your sharing of your life with Susannah with myself and others has been a beautiful testimony to Susannah and to God. Thank you so much for your inspiration and courage in the face of the unimaginable. Love and God Bless, Melissa D. SC
March 24th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
Nathan, Melanie, and all-
I did not know about your sweet little one until today. I cry reading your messages and seeing your family picture. I know that God is your comfort. I will pray for you. God is our refuge and strength - a very present help in trouble.
Please know that there are many that have experienced your sadness with you and will continue to uphold you in prayer.
Karen in SC
March 24th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
I’m so sorry. I have been praying for you. Thank you, God, for sparing you in making a decision for your daughter. I will continue to hold you in prayer.
March 24th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss! May God comfort you in ways you could never have imagined. Continuing to pray for all of you at this difficult time!!
March 24th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Dear Nathan and Melanie,
I’m dreadfully sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Susannah. I will be praying for your peace and comfort in the days ahead.
With love and sympathy,
Yvette
March 24th, 2007 at 10:04 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your whole family will be in our prayers.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Melanie & Nathan,
Our hearts are sadden at hearing about Susannah,and we pray God will walk with you and comfort you during this time. We can’t imagine what you are going through, but we will contine you to lift you both up to our Heavenly Father in the days ahead as you may find strength, healing, and comfort in Him!
Aaron & Glenda
March 24th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
May the Lord comfort you and your families as only He can. I can’t put to words the sorrow we feel right now, but know that we will continue to pray for you and your families.
T
March 24th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
We are praying that your hearts may be comforted. She truly was a little blessing who has touched so many lives.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:12 pm
I’m so very, very sorry. Tears are flowing as I type. I can only imagine the loss you must be feeling. I am grateful to God for the time you had with your precious Susannah. That must be such a treasure.
We lost a baby over a year ago. I was only 2 months pregnant. We still miss our little one. I like to think that she & Susannah are in Heaven playing with Jesus and waiting for us all to be reunited one day.
Please know we are praying for you every day.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:13 pm
Melanie & Nathan,
Our hearts are grieving with you, and you will be prayed for so much. We really do hurt with you guys. Ps. 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” We look forward to that day when we’ll get to meet your precious Susannah Joy. We love you.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Nathan and Melanie, my dear brother and sister in Christ, I was made aware of the birth of your sweet little girl and my husband and I have been praying for you.
Two and a half years ago we were faced with losing our sweet Katherine Makenna. We know what it is to grieve the loss of your daughter and your dreams. We can also testify that God is faithful and that He will hold you close to Himself as you grieve.
Our prayers remain with you.
In Christ,
Don and Ronette
March 24th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Nathan, and Melanie,
I am saddened by Susannahs passing, yet I rejoice with you that she is with her Heavenly Father! I am thankful that you did not have to make difficult decisions. Our God is so gracious, and mericful.
May the time you spent with Susannah stay forever in your hearts, and may you remember that she will be with you always.
In Him,
Sheri
March 24th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
I am so sorry.
Your family will remain in our prayers.
God hold you and Bless you.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Nathan and Melanie,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for you right now. I just wept as I read your entry. What awesome hope we have in Christ, knowing that Susannah is in the Lord’s arms, and knowing you will see her again someday! Thank you for letting us be a part of your life through this, and through Melanie’s pregnancy as well. You have no idea how much you have blessed our family. There will be many tears in the morning when I share this with the children. We have all been fervently praying for you all, and will continue to do so. I know what it is like to go into the hospital pregnant and come home broken hearted - my prayers will focus on Melanie as my heart just aches. God is so good to bring Susannah into His presence in His own way. We are so thankful you did not have to make such an unimaginable decision regarding Susannah’s care. We will be praying for you all.
Stephanie and family
March 24th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Oh my goodness, this is so heartbreaking. I will keep you in my prayers.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Praying through tears. Our hearts are breaking for you, even as we know that God is good all the time and His way is perfect…Thank you for your testimony - The Lord was certainly glorified in your response to this trial.
We will be praying for Melanie as she recovers, and for both of you and your extended families during this difficult season.
Kevin, Kristina, and family
March 24th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
I’m so sorry for the loss of your little Susannah Joy. As you walk through the grief and pain, I pray that our Father will hold you up, and that you will know Him in new ways.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Our family continues to life your family to the Lord during this time.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
We love you, we pray for you, and we are with you.
Leland, Jennifer, & Molly
March 24th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
We sorrow with you and yet we do rejoice knowing we will some day meet your precious little one. In the meantime, our Lord will take good care of her as He cradles her in His loving arms. And He will take care of you, as well, as He promised - “I will never leave you or forsake you”.
We are praying for you,
Jim and Lois (Jonathan and Kelly’s parents)
March 24th, 2007 at 10:32 pm
May God hold you close to his heart in this time of your deep pain and difficult loss. Although I don’t know you personally, my heart aches for you in your time of grieving for Susannah Joy. As I have read about your experience, tears have poured down my face. I cannot even imagine the incomprehensible sorrow you must feel, but I am thankful you are finding solace in your deep faith and trust in God. You have been shining examples of followers of our Lord throughout this difficult time.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
My heart is just breaking for you and Melanie. I sit here typing through my tears and wanting you to know you will continue to be in our prayers. What a heartbreakingly difficult road you and Melanie have had to walk during this time, but I know it was also a joyful time, spending those precious days with your beautiful Susannah Joy. What a sweet and precious blessing! As you walk through these difficult times, may the Lord keep you in His arms and comfort you. Your faith has been amazing and something that has really blessed me by watching. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
March 24th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
I am just crying, seeing the precious pictures and reading your last post. I don’t even know what to say. I will continue to pray for all of you.
Love in Christ,
Roan
March 24th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Bless you, Nathan and Melanie. You remain in my prayers–
March 24th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
My heart goes out to you as you grieve for your precious daughter. Indeed, God is faithful and my prayer is that He will hold you in the palm of His hand.
Barb
March 24th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
my prayers and thoughts have been with you all day. I even spoke to my family as to what you are going through as you have been on my mind all day.
My heart is with you at this time and I am so sorry for your loss, lifting you up in prayers.
May you be blessed and know that others are feeling your pain along with you.
God bless you and comfort you greatly.
March 24th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
May the Lord comfort you with His peace at the loss of your precious, darling daughter. I am so thankful that you didn’t have to make this difficult decision. God bless you and the entire family.
March 24th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Maxwell Family,
Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. We too, lost a
precious little one. We printed this story on the handout at our son’s
funeral:
The Lamb Story
There is a story of sweetness and beauty which flashes its light upon every couple who has lost a little one; this is a story concerning a custom in the Alps. In the summer time, when the grass in the lower valleys dries up and withers, the shepherds seek to lead their sheep up the winding, thorny, and stony pathway. The sheep are reluctant to take the hardships; so they turn back and will not follow very far. The shepherds make repeated attempts, but the timid sheep turn back. Finally, a shepherd reaches into the flock and takes a little lamb and places it under his arm, and them he reaches in and takes up another lamb and places it under the other arm. Then he starts out up the precipitous pathway; soon the mother sheep start to follow, and afterward the entire flock. They ascend the tortuous trail to green pastures.
The great shepherd of the sheep, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, has reached into the flock, and He has picked our lamb. He did not do it to rob us, but to lead us out and upward. He has richer and greener pastures for us and He wants us to follow. Will you follow Him? You will if you catch a glimpse of Him. (Author Unknown)
God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we want Him to,
and although we cannot see this during difficult times, we trust His answer is always for our best.
Trusting Him and Lifting you in Prayer……
March 24th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Praying for you in this difficult time and that the Lord will bring comfort to your hearts. We will also pray the Lord will grant a smooth recovery for Melanie. I praise God that He sees the whole picture in these times and trials. May your faith be strengthened.
The Lord is holding you in the same gentle, tender, loving hands that held Susannah Joy (and still holding next to Him).
” Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22
Love in Christ,
Kevin and Kara
March 24th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
I have’nt posted here on the blog but keep up with it and I have been praying ferverantly for sweet Susannah Joy and the whole family. I mourn with your family, and will be praying for comfort and joy to return to you all. Soo very sorry for your loss. Our Father is faithful and will be with you during this difficult time.
Laura
March 24th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Nathan, Melanie, and your families:
Susannah has been a blessing to your lives, all of you, and has forever changed you. And she has forever changed anyone who has read your family blog and been touched by her existance. She didn’t need to spend much time here to consider her mission done. She’s a Maxwell alright.
Thank you for sharing her with so many people. You will see her again, and she will be in perfect health.
Praise God the He chose to allow her to be born and for you to see her and hold her. That gift is really something.
Bless you. I’m so, so sad for your entire family.
March 24th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
We were very greived to hear the news of your beautiful daughter’s passing, for we ourselves understand the loss of a child, but with Christ as our center we know that you both will go on, even though you will never forget your little one in the time that you were given with her. You both will continue to be in our prayers. May our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ keep you both in this time.
Kendrick & Zina (FL)
March 24th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
I am very sorry for your loss.
March 24th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
We have shed many tears for you all this week. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you even now. I know you both love and trust our Father; let me encourage you. When your spirits are crushed, sing to Him in worship. “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”.
March 24th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
We are sorry to hear of your great loss at this time and continue to pray for you throughout these difficult days. We ask that God would comfort and strengthen you all as you mourn for Susannah. May God be unto you, “your shield” and “exceedingly great reward” as Melanie recovers from the birth and you both are left with empty arms.
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”
March 24th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
I am at a loss. Having gone through the loss of our 4th child just a few months ago. I am weeping for you and praying that you will have the peace and comfort that we found afterwards.
Isa 49:4 But I said, “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD’S hand,and my reward is with my God.”
March 24th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
My prayer for you is peace.
Michelle
March 25th, 2007 at 12:16 am
God has blessed you with such deep and unending faith, I am so sorry for your loss. I am so grateful for your courage in sharing that your strength will support other Christian families who are suffering loss.
My husband and I met you both at the marriage retreat in Kansas City in November, and were able to share joy with you at our similarly expectant state. We lost the baby as well, Abigail Renea was born February 5th for too early. We are still grieving but take comfort in the Lord.
My husband leads us in prayer for your healing and love
Melissa and Zane
Oklahoma
March 25th, 2007 at 12:23 am
Nathan, Melanie & all of the Maxwells,
Our hearts ache for you. The loss of a child is so difficult but He will gently uphold you each moment as you go forward. We, too, know the ache of losing a little one. Our sweet Joshua David was born sleeping in 2003.
We will continue to pray for you all that even in your tears and heart ache that you will know His peace.
Oh, dear Maxwell Family we do love you,
Duane & Tricia
March 25th, 2007 at 12:36 am
You two are in my prayers. May you find comfort and strength in God’s amazing love and find rest in His grace through this very difficult time.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:37 am
Your testimony of faith and trust through all this has touched me and I know many others. May the Lord sustain you with His grace. Continuing to lift you up in prayer.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:47 am
Nathan and Melanie and the Maxwell family:
I have no idea what to say, I cannot even begin to imagine what you have been through. I am crying with you. I will continue to pray for both families. I am humbled by your faith. May God be with you always.
With deepest sympathy,
Karen (CanadianMom)
March 25th, 2007 at 1:20 am
A friend of mine linked to this and only now did I get to read about Susannah’s short life with you. No words can really soothe a grieving parent’s heart. Please know that I ache for you both. A friend of mine had a grandson who, like Susannah, never showed much in terms of consciousness, but… I know that little boy heard me and I know that every song I sang to him was a blessing to both him and me. That was two years ago and I still get tears typing about it.
You will see Susannah again. You have that promise. I will be praying for you, and my wife will as well. May God fill you with deep comfort and strength as you walk through this valley. Find shelter under Him.
“Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” (2 Cor 5:8 NLT)
March 25th, 2007 at 1:42 am
You don’t know me, but I’ve been praying for your Susannah for the past few days. God will carry you through this…keep trusting in His love!!
In Jesus,
Ashley
March 25th, 2007 at 1:42 am
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
March 25th, 2007 at 3:34 am
May God give you consolation. I cannot imagine your sense of loss, but find strength in God’s promise. Your child is at peace in the Presence of the Almighty.
March 25th, 2007 at 4:24 am
Dear Nathan and Melanie,
Our hearts are so deeply saddened for you at this time and we want you to know that you are in our prayers.
In Christ,
(Charlotte, NC)
March 25th, 2007 at 4:32 am
Nathan, Melanie and the Maxwell family~
We grieve with you and for you and pray for God’s precious gift of peace, blessed assurance and comfort will be with you and will guide you in the days ahead and through this season of grief and tender hearts. We pray for you as you walk with the Saviour.
with our love and blessings, washington
March 25th, 2007 at 4:43 am
I am so sorry for your loss. So sorry. My heart is breaking for you. I pray that you will feel the arms of our Father around you and that you can rest in Him. Yes, rest in the Lord and His sovereignty. It is the only way through this massive heartache.
I lost a 2 year old daughter 2 years ago. There are truly no words.
March 25th, 2007 at 4:55 am
My heart is grieving with and for you as you are going through such a difficult time and so thankful that your faith is so strong, as I don’t know how anyone without Jesus could ever go through something like this. Praying for you both as well as your families as you grieve the loss of little Susannah, but as the same time rejoice in her homegoing to our Lord.
March 25th, 2007 at 5:39 am
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort surround you with His peace.
Praying for you in Virginia,
Mae
March 25th, 2007 at 5:58 am
Though we do not…….Susannah now has a full understanding of her purpose on this earth. She had a brief life. But God never creates a person without a purpose. She completely fullfilled hers. I always imagined that God would give me one child even to carry in the womb before His return because I knew that if I had one in the womb when He returned that that would be one more person spending the rest of eternity with the Lord. She now will never feel pain or sorrow. She will never shed a tear. She will only see happiness and joy. She will join with the choirs of Heaven in singing “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lamb” She now does not only have the understanding of a baby but the understanding that we will have when we finally meet our Maker. What a glorious day she is having.
Though the things that bring such joy in heaven can bring such sorrow on earth. But I pray (Php 4:7) “… the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
May God Bless.
March 25th, 2007 at 6:16 am
Praying for you all as you go thru these difficult times. Praising God that you have people surrounding you who love you. Continuing to lift you in prayer and that you feel God’s loving arms around you both.
March 25th, 2007 at 6:58 am
No words…just lifting you all up in prayer.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:11 am
Will continue to pray for God’s strength and comfort in the days ahead.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:12 am
May the God of all comfort keep you during this very sad time. Will keep praying for the both of you (especially Melanie). Thank you for sharing Baby Susannah Joy with us, her time was brief, but she touched so many people. Praying for all of you.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:15 am
Dear Nathan and Melanie,
We are so very sorry about the loss of your sweet daughter. May God hold you close during your time of grieving.
Colleen
March 25th, 2007 at 7:22 am
You are in our prayers. I have been thinking particularly of Melanie as her body is still recovering and aching for her newborn. We will continue to pray faithfully for all of the Maxwell family. May God comfort you as only He can.
Love, Kathy
Miami, Florida
March 25th, 2007 at 7:30 am
There are no words… we will continue to offer up our prayers for your peace, healing and comfort moment by moment. May you feel the healing arms of the Lord envelope you as you face this most difficult trial and may He grant you a peace that passes all understanding.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:33 am
Dear Nathan, Melanie, and the entire Maxwell Family:
We are so sorry for your loss. We know the painful path of a heart that longs for a child and the loss of that child. It is a hurt that cuts deep. But Jesus is ever so near and this kind of comfort can only be given with this kind of loss.
Our prayers are with you and will be for many days, weeks, and months to come. Your sweet Susannah gave many hope when Melanie got pregnant and now a reminder of just how sweet Heaven will be.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:36 am
Nathan and Melanie: May the God of Peace be with you, guide you, make your marriage even stronger, be a constant presence, heal you both physically and emotionally and give you rest. You are loved with the love of Christ by so many who have been following this saga. It is as if you are my own son and daughter in Christ. It is neat how Christ can lay upon my heart the needs of you dear ones even though we have never met. I am so, so sorry you have to walk this road. One day we will all have a heavenly reunion and we can praise God that the heavenly family is all together with the sting of death behind. I will rejoice in that day where I can meet Susanna, you all and my sweet daughter Emily.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:36 am
Dear Nathan and Melanie,
We are so very sorry for you both. May God comfort you during your time of grieving and may He give you strength. Our prayers are with you and continue to lift you and your entire family as well. We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of sweet Susannah Joy. May you feel God’s loving arms surrounding you all.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:45 am
Praying for your family.
March 25th, 2007 at 7:49 am
I have had you in my thoughts and prayers as you pass through this time. What a beautiful gift Susannah is, now safe in the everlasting arms of Jesus. Strength to you and the family as you trust in the Lord. Much love sent your way:-)
March 25th, 2007 at 8:00 am
I’m so sorry. I will be praying for you all.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:09 am
I’m so, so sorry! I will be praying for you in the days to come.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:22 am
Our family is praying for yours. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:50 am
Oh, words fail me. Our family will continue to lift you up in prayer. For physical recovery for Melanie and for strength and comfort for you all. I am so sorry for this deep, deep valley you are walking through, but rejoicing, as I know you are, that Susannah is with Jesus. How awesome that you can grieve with hope and assurance that one day you will be reunited with your precious daughter. You will remain in our prayers.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:54 am
We are very sad to hear this news and will continue in prayer for you as you learn patience in grief. Be patient with yourselves during this time. Know that you are loved and prayed for by many you’ve never met and even more so by your Father in heaven who is caring for you. The testimony of Christ shines brightly through your lives. He is surely using little Susannah to impact hearts and minds to turn toward Him. Thank you for sharing your precious one with us. Again, we will continue to pray.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Please accept my tears, sympathies, and prayers. Your faith, and Susannah’s brief life, are a true testimony to the love of God and our savior Jesus Christ. I hugged my son a little tighter tonight thinking of your precious daughter. It pains me so to think of the tough road you and Melanie have followed, but please know that while we do not know its purpose, there is one. The Lord is truly great! We rejoice, and mourn, with you.
March 25th, 2007 at 8:59 am
Dear Lord, I thank you that You were with Susannah each of her days here, and that You knew Your plans for her as You knit her together in her mother’s womb. We thank You that her passing was gentle.
We pray for Nathan and Melanie. For Your peace and strength for them, and Your grace in the days ahead. We thank You for the time that You gave them with their precious Susannah. We pray also for peace and comfort for the rest of Susannah’s family as well.
We thank You that through this Your children are glorifying You. We thank You for Nathan and Melanie’s faith and trust in You. Draw them closer to You through this.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I will continue to pray for you in the days ahead.
March 25th, 2007 at 9:02 am
May God comfort you with all mercies and blessings. Nathan and Melanie, the Lord has spoken to us all through you, that He is able to provide strength through difficult times. It is certain that those who work in the hospital saw Jesus in you as they provided care for Susannah. They see so much difficulty, yet in the midst of this, they must certainly be affected. Your testimony has blessed us all. We will certainly pray, especially for dear Melanie as she recovers. Thank you for generously sharing your daughter’s life and passing into the arms of Jesus Christ. (((((Nathan and Melanie))))))))
Camy
March 25th, 2007 at 9:09 am
None but God knows what has been lost. He alone knows the hidden hopes and dreams of each heart that loved her. He alone knows the sorrow that grips each one. When so much has been lost, He alone is our comfort, solace, hope and reason to meet each day.
As milestones of life pass, it will seem so unfair to not have this little one to mark them, but there is so much more to eternity than this. You will see other arms filled with what you longed for . . . others will learn to walk, to talk, to run and play. The tempter will whisper his bitterness and accusations and you will grieve and wonder the unanswerable questions. But God is faithful to fill your hearts and arms with things you could not have held without this loss.
For all that we crave, He wants better things for us. His love for all concerned is greater than our own. When it hurts too much for words, He knows. He understands. He grants comfort and peace that none else offers. Weep in His arms. Gaze steadfast into His face. See? He has wounds. He, too has suffered loss. He knows, and He will not forsake His own.
March 25th, 2007 at 9:11 am
We are so sorry. We have been praying for you and your precious family and will continue to do so. I praise the Lord for your testimony and allowing us to share your little Susannah.
Love and prayers,
March 25th, 2007 at 9:19 am
Our family will be praying for you as you go through this most difficult season in your lives. May the God of all comfort and strength lead you through this valley. And may you come out on the other side stronger and will more love for the Lord than you ever knew was possible. Always remember that Susannah is now safe in the arms of Jesus. God Bless
March 25th, 2007 at 9:33 am
I know that there are no words that I can say, so I pray for our heavenly father to wrap his arms around you all in a powerful and gracious way. I pray for His strength to be upon you in the days, weeks, and years ahead. I pray that your home may be filled with the blessing of many children in the years to come and that the memories of Susannah may always bring a warm delight unpon your lives! Oh how helpless I feel, but how great is our God in the depth of this valley you walk.
March 25th, 2007 at 9:58 am
So very sorry to hear your news,you have been in our thoughts and prays and we will continue to pray for the whole family.
March 25th, 2007 at 9:59 am
We are weeping with you and praying for you here. I know that God Himself is sustaining you. May He continue to do so, and may your faith continue to be so evident to the world around you!
March 25th, 2007 at 10:17 am
We are very sorry for your loss. You are all in our thougths and prayers.
March 25th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Words are so inadequate sometimes! I’m among those who don’t know you personally, and yet my heart is so broken for you. My deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. I’m so sorry for your loss, and pray that you are able to sense how near God is to you, “the brokenhearted.” I will pray for you often.
March 25th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I’m so very sorry. May God give you peace that passes all understanding & comfort you all.
March 25th, 2007 at 10:46 am
Grieving with you. Praying for you.
March 25th, 2007 at 11:00 am
I wanted you all to know how sorry we are for your huge loss. Our family has and will be praying faithfully for you all. Let God comfort you as no one else can.
March 25th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Dear Maxwell Family,
We’ll be praying for your entire family, and especially Nathan and Melanie, as you grieve. We’re so sorry for your loss.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. We will continue to lift you up in our prayers. What a hope we have in the Lord, that we do not have to face things alone. You all have and will continue to be such a blessing to many. May the Lord fill you with peace and certainty of his rule in our lives’. We love you in the Lord.
San Antonio, Tx
March 25th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
To the entire Maxwell family and Melanie’s family as well,
Our hearts are breaking with yours. Thank you for your beautiful testimony. Please be assured of our prayer for your family. You are loved with an everlasting love.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Just wanted you to know how sorry I am about the loss of your beautiful daughter. My children and I have been praying for her. I am so glad that she passed peacefully. Still praying for your family.
March 25th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Your Susannah has already touched the lives of many that you have never met. I am so sorry for your loss, and cannot begin to comprehend what you are feeling.
I pray for your continued comfort in the Lord, and the peace of knowing that you will hold that precious one in your arms again when you meet her in Heaven.
May God bless your family.
March 25th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
We, like most, don’t have the rught words to say. Just know that we are thinking and praying for you. We are grieving your loss and praying for your peace. We love you and are here if you need anything at all.
March 25th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Dear Maxwells,
Praying that the Lord will be your comfort and fill you all with His peace. May He walk this path beside you every step of the way. Even knowing that our little ones are in His care, the knowledge that He comes alongside us in our humanity to help us bear our grief is what enables us to carry such a load.
Praying for you from the UK, with love and prayers,
March 25th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
I am so sorry.
Thank you for sharing this difficult time with all of us readers. You have shown love and faithfulness to God and His plan throughout all of it.
Weeping with you…
March 25th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
I read your post with tears in my eyes. We will certainly pray for you. May the God of all Comfort be with you.
March 25th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
Our hearts are heavy for you in this great loss. We are so thankful you did not need to make those hard decisions and that you know that our God is so faithful and ever worthy of all our praise.
Chardon
March 25th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your precious loss…I will be praying for all of you as you receive the abundant cup of the Lord’s Peace. My heart does rejoice knowing your wonderful daughter dances at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ!
March 25th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Nathan and Melanie, I’m so very sorry for your lose. I understand completely that God’s will is sometimes hard to swallow. His ways are far above our ways and His thoughts far above ours. He loves you both dearly and He is with your sweet baby girl forever in Heaven and I know that you rejoice in the fact that you will see her again. I pray for your family often. Your family has been a great source of encouragement and strength and I trust they will do the same for you now and the days to come. May God strengthen you, comfort you, and give you peace that passes all understanding! His way is best and I will continue to pray for your family during this time. Thank you for ministering to others for so many years and I hope and pray you find comfort in the fact that your not alone and there are some of us that understand your pain completely. I too have overcame drastic life changing moments and I’m positive that as long as you keep your eyes on HIM, you will too. God Bless you and your family. Nathan don’t be scared of Melanie’s emotions and hold her tight with your love. She needs your leadership more now than ever before. Melanie don’t hide your pain, don’t be ashamed of the emotions that come and go. It’s natural and if you embrace the word of God and your husband, your heart will heal. The pain will go! The joy will come! May God show you His wisdom and give you understanding. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Karen C.
March 25th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Nathan and Melanie,
We will continue to pray for you. I keep thinking of those beautiful pictures of the three of you. I know that in the pain you are experiencing that you are also cherishing the brief time you were able to parent Susannah.
May God protect you and comfort you in this painful time.
Heather
March 25th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will continue to pray for Melanie’s full healing, and for the Lord to carry you through your time of grieving. We are so very grateful for the Lord’s tender mercy in how He took Susannah home.
With love in Christ,
Sarah, for all in the family
March 25th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I recently lost a precious baby as well, but under different circumstances. No matter how or at what age we lose a child it is not easy. I will be praying for the Lord to comfort you all. And for Melanie as she transitions…it is still so difficult for me to not being able to carry a baby in my arms or womb. God’s mercy and peace be upon you!
March 25th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
I’m so very sorry. How heartbreaking to lose any child, but especially your first and one you have prayed for so long. Yet, what a sweet blessing that you were able to hold and kiss baby Susannah. I pray for peace and renewed hope for you.
“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:8, 15
Hugs to all,
Georganne
March 25th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Words cannot express my sympathy for your loss. I will continue to pray for your whole family during this time.
March 25th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
My heart is broken for you. My prayers are with you all. May God’s peace that surpasses all human understanding