Well, we did not manage to post on Eliot's birthday. We fought to celebrate, and feel we were able to do so.
When accurately remembered, there is so much to be thankful for. But heartache often manages to eclipse the whole. Therein, lies the battle. Attempting to push aside the pain, to relish the joy. That battle continues.
We wanted to be sure to issue an ongoing invitation to folks who want to contact us. Feel free. We have greatly enjoyed hearing from those who have experienced Trisomy 18 or something similar and are here for anyone who may need a resource or just an ear. That invitation is open to anyone, whether you have walked a similar road or not (matthewlyle@yahoo.com).
We will update with information or any new blog that comes about.
I will end this blog with words originally spoken at his funeral:
We encourage you today to not forget Eliot. To not forget whatever his sweet life taught you. Please go & do that which has been stirred in you through his life. And we look forward to hearing of the ripples he has made in eternity.
Matt & Ginny Mooney
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
99 BalloonsEliot |
|
||
85 comments:
Matt & Ginny -
May God continue to richly bless you beyond belief! You are GREAT parents and I know in my heart that other children will have the privilage of knowing you as mommy and daddy just as sweet Eliot did!
Thank you for your honesty and for allowing us to only begin to know a piece of you and your sweet boy!
Much prayer will continue to come from Texas......
Lisa Hartsfield
Arlington, TX
johhartsfield@aol.com
May the Lord bless you and keep you, Matt and Ginny. You have allowed yourself to be well-used through the hardest of times. I know Eliot is so proud of you and God has been beautifully glorified through your honesty and willingness to share. My life has been forever blessed...a new light lit in my soul, a fresh appreciation for the wonder of my children, because of you.
Matt and Ginny,
God blessings on both of you! I have no connection or experience in Trisomy 18, but you have been such an inspiration to me simply as a brother and sister in Christ. I will remember your sweet Eliot. But I will mostly remember your raw honesty through the journey of his painful loss. You have marked my soul.
Because of you, I have a fresh perspective on the little life growing in me and so look forward to celebrating him with others as a reflection of Our Father.
Love,
Andi
I have been reading your blog for some time, but have never commented. I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your sweet Eliot with all of us. It has been a joy to read about him.
Blessings...
Matt and Ginny~
Eliot's life has rippled out already and touched so many.
I will miss your entries, Matt, as you honestly walked through this in front of all of us you've never met.
May the Lord continue to carry you and your sweet wife daily, reminding you of His presence and His purpose for your lives.
God's blessings
On His Adventure~
Thank you both for sharing and being so honest. I have been a reader since Elliot was born and I will miss the blog and how it challenges me in my walk with Christ. Your words have reminded me to look to the Lord always and to embrace the challenges life brings.
We will be having our first baby in two months and we will cherish whatever time God gives us with him.
I don't ever think Elliot's story will leave me. You'll be prayed for!
WOW - life changing - thanks for this journey - for sharing it and for being so honest. I pray God continues to heal, to shine through both your strengths and your brokeness and most of all I pray that in some small measure you can know how your story here has changed many everywhere. Sunshine
God's sweetest blessings on both of you as you continue to celebrate and remember Eliot's amazing life.
I look forward to meeting you in eternity someday; you are both heroes, and your own words throughout this blog have already made many, many ripples. Thank you, Matt and Ginny. I'll miss hearing your words of honesty and wisdom.
thank you
Ginny and Matt,
Thank you for letting us see a glimpse of God's amazing power and grace. You are so precious! Eliot's story has been a devotional for me - a reminder to praise, give thanks, and humble myself for the things that I have so often been too busy to notice or take so for granted- You and Ginny have been good and faithful servants and such powerful witnesses of the power of faith and love. Ginny,there was a song in a children's musical we sang that said "Drop a pebble in the water watch the circles grow. That's the way when we love each other everyone will know." What a pebble you, Matt,and Eliot have been! May God continue to use you both and bless you. Love and prayers, Mrs. Olivia
I love you guys, please call us when you are in Russellville, or even just passing through, we'll treat you to a whatta, or a stoby, or even some of Michelle's roasted pasta prima-vera. Keep us in your prayers, and we will do the same for you. I can't help believing our kids are already great friends.
Thanks for letting us share your journey, and for helping us relive our own in a constructive way.
God will requite you for your kindness and honesty.
May Joy be found all along your path, and follow fast after you in all your ways.
Terrill
Matt and Ginny, Your story has touched me more than I can even tell you. God bless you and what comes next. A quote always comes to mind when I visit your site: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." What you've been through, I can't even imagine... But your stregnth has been incredible to watch. I'm sure Eliot is looking down from heaven knowing he had the best parents EVER!! Love and blessings and joy to you both. Jeanette
ildapMatt and Ginny,
I can not imagine the last year of your life. I can only say that I thank you both for sharing your sweet son, Eliot, with us that are strangers to you and your family.
Matt you have a wonderful gift of writing and I have enjoyed, however mostly cried, and "lurked" on your blog for sometime now. I actually read your blog, and it moved me so much that I wrote about it in my blog. How God has used yall as vessels to portrait his story is so magnifcent.
As I mentioned earlier, I am unworthy to comment on your blog, but I wanted you to know that Eliot, FOREVER, changed my life.
I can not thank you enough for showing us how to live our life for Christ through each and every struggle.
I will miss your blog as I check it regularly. However, I am hoping to someday order some beads from Ginny the time is right.
Again, many thanks to you three for everything. I thank God that I "lurked" onto your page, it was a truly life changing experience!
In Christ,
Karen Bratcher
May God bless you both - even the same God who this moment holds Elliot in His arms.
I don't even have the right words to say. How my heart breaks for your loss. My wife and I recently brought a little boy into this life and he is 5 months and 21 lbs. I can only say that your video and story have inspired me even more to value every moment I have with my son and family as well. I will work hard to honor Eliot by raising my own son with a sound spiritual base, honor, character and integrity.
I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this moving experience. No words could be correct or right to even approach assuage your loss I only can thank you and let you know your loss of Eliot has further inspired me. So your little man has indeed touched another life!
Sincerely,
Jay Moore
Dallas, TX
Thanks, Matt. Thanks so much, Matt and Ginny. -=db=-
(You may not know, but I dedicated my new blog to Elliot.)
Missing your thoughts already... but will not forget you, or eliot. Eliot's name is spoken whenever I speak my own parenting story to struggling parents in pain. Something changed for me forever just knowing about his celebrated and loved life. Every day is precious.
Thank you Matt & Ginny.
I have followed Eliot's journey for about 18 months now. He has touched me in ways I never thought a tiny little boy I never met could. Thank You for sharing your and his life with me, God Bless!
Thank you Ginny & Matt, for sharing your beautiful son with us.
I saw his video diary on youtube and it reduced me to tears.
How proud you must be of your little fighter. What a handsome little man.
God bless
I let our daughter watch Eliot's video. She wrote the message below:
i wont you two have a girl to: elyit from:allie i am 7
Time heals, faith helps!
Matt and Ginny - Today was the first day I had heard about your sweet little man, Eliot. I just spent the better part of my afternoon reading every post on this blog. God is doing amazing things through your family and through Eliots short, but obviously very special, life. Thank you for touching my heart and for being wonderful examples of continual trust and faith in God. He is truly in control. God bless you!
Matt & Ginny,
I had seen the video about Eliot some time ago, but had not gone back through all the archives and read everything until today. Wow. It's hard to even put into words what my thoughts and feelings are. I guess I first want to say thank you, especially for your honesty. Thanks for sharing the ups and downs of life with and without Eliot in a way that could touch the lives of so many people.
I especially appreciated your post about longing for heaven.
I pray that the future holds untold blessings for you in ways that cannot be imagined at this point in time.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hi, Matt and Ginny. Call me Andromeda, for an amazing woman who will always be with me. I came here through an unusual link- a site that annoys me.
But my pastor showed 99 Balloons last sunday and it really touched me, as well as changed my views on abortion from pro choice to pro life.
It made me believe that no life is an accident, as I used to believe that my life was. You are great parents, and it made me realise that I, too, have been blessed with wonderful parents that helped me battle with 2 severe mental illnesses, 14 suicide attempts, and a serious, almost fatal, eating disorder.
The love you showed Eliot touched me and gave me hope and joy, and faith in God.
Thank you for sharing your amazing and touching story. May God bless you!
Hi. I found your blog from Open Skies. I saw your video about two months ago. It was very touching. I just found out now you have this blog.
May God fill you both with great peace and surround Elliot with everlasting peace and may you both, God-willing, see Elliot again some day.
God Bless.
Dear Matt and Ginny, I have contemplated posting a comment here many times and have always left this screen as it just never seemed right to send my words. Today, I watched your video again and today I will finally send it. My daughter was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome and early in life faced airway and breathing issues, she is hearing impaired, has various facial differences including underdeveloped ears. She will soon be 6 and we have a son who is nearly 3. I can not express the feelings I have when I watch you with your son. The bond you shared and still share is incredible to watch. You found a way to celebrate a life and took every blessed day like it was your only day with him. God chose wonderful parents to guide Eliot through his journey. It seems that the lesson he came to learn on his journey to earth was all about "love". In 99 days he learned and taught many the true meaning of TRUE love. That is quite an achievement. He has obviously done a wonderful job, as the message continues to be passed and shared through your video. As a family, you opened up and showed the world your happiness, pain and vulnerability as humans. And through all of that, the qualities of angels came through as well. Three incredible angels with a lesson about life and love. Thank you for your wonderful gift. Tamara Byers
Matt & Ginny,
I don't even know what to write because there are no words to describe how I feel after reading your entire blog in one hour. A girl in my bible study- Julie Curtis- asked me if I knew you guys after we talked about certain things. She told me about Eliot's story and your blog. I never got around to write down the address but today I was sent a link to a blog of a couple here in Nashville (who is a friend of a friend- Booth) and your blog was listed. Without even knowing what "99 Balloons" was, I clicked on your blog. I had just told James about your story and then could not believe I just happen to come across it. My favorite photo is the one where both of you are looking up as the balloons are flying in the sky. Just amazing- no words can even come close to describe how it gives me a glipse of the joys of eternity. Thank you for sharing your story. And, it is so good to know how we can pray for both of you. Keep in touch.
-The Trones
Matt & Ginny
You are truly the best example of what parents should be. I thank you for sharing Eliot's story and your life with me. You three have touched my heart and soul so much I can't describe the feelings. You have made me realize as a parent that I cannot take my time or the health of my children for granted. I am forever grateful for your story and I can't wait to meet you three in Heaven!! You will forever be in my prayers!
I watched your video of precious Eliot several months ago after coming to it through Conor and Boothe Farley's blogs. As I watched the video my 6 year old daughter, Brooke, came by my side at the end. I realized she was crying and she asked about Eliot. I talked to her about what had happened to Eliot and explained how the Farleys were going through the same things with their sweet Copeland - who was yet to be born. Every night without fail she has asked me to pray for Eliot and Copeland. Her prayer for Eliot is always that God will take great care of him until you are able to be with him again. I just wanted you to know that, although we do not personally know you, you and Eliot are in the prayers of a six year old girl and her family in Thompsons Station, Tennessee.
Michele Burns
Ironically enough, as your blog has come to a close, I just stumbled upon it. I heard about it through a friend of a friend and am so thankful I did. I've only read a few posts and am already amazed at your story. It's incredible how God uses other believers (especially those whom I have never met) to encourage me greatly. I really can't explain it, but I love what you have said here and am thankful for your story. Thanks be to God, the Father of all mercy.
--Courtney from Tennessee
THE MOST TOUCHING VIDEO I HAVE WATCH I'M SO PROUD OF ELIOT'S MOTHER AND FATHER.GOD BLESSED THEM WITH ONE LITTLE HERO MY PRAYE'S AND BLESSING TO THE FAMILY.
I am not sure if you will ever read this because you don't really blog on here anymore, but I still wanted to write. As I sat watching the video of your son, tears streamed down my eyes. It touched me with how you recorded his brief life, and how everyday you celebrated that he was still living. He was one cute boy. I pray that as it reaches the one year of you precious sons death, that the Lord will give you stength to get through it. That he will give you strength to get through each day. I will continue to pray for you and your wife. Thank you for sharing your story, and encouriging me with you trust in our Savior.
Moriah Freeman
from PA
My only mini-beef with the video is saying that Eliot lived for 99 days... he lived much longer than that... he lived everyday he grew and was loved in the womb. When you could feel him so close to your heart... when you cherished him as the little baby inside, held so tight.
My friends baby just died when she was 8 months pregnant. Her little girl did not live outside the womb... but she lived.
Matt and Ginny
May God Bless You and Keep You...as He is with Eliot..and with my little girl, Jessica Jean. Thank you for your strength, and wisdom. I know God is with you and yours, and I thank Him and you for allowing me to share in the miracle of Eliot.
Take care and prayers always,
Linda M Jones
I just watched Eliot's video on myspace. You two are such an inspiration. Words cannot describe the vibe people get after watching that video. Thank you for making a video jouornal, I'm sure it taught many parents and those of us who are not parents many lessons about parent-hood and committment.
Matt & Ginny...
We played the "99 Balloons" video from IgniterMedia for our church as an illustration to the Ecclesiastes series we're studying right now. What a story. What a blessing! Your family has richly blessed our congregation. Praise GOD!
I watched this, cried, and immediately thought of Salvifici Doloris... which, in my view, is the teaching that makes glorious sense of this! (Or rather your story is the rubber meeting the road of this teaching.)
``"...only in the mystery of the Incarnate Word does the mystery of man take on light. In fact..., Christ, the final Adam, by the revelation of the mystery of the Father and his love, fully reveals man to himself and makes his supreme calling clear". If these words refer to everything that concerns the mystery of man, then they certainly refer in a very special way to human suffering. Precisely at this point the "revealing of man to himself and making his supreme vocation clear" is particularly indispensable. It also happens as experience proves—that this can be particularly dramatic. But when it is completely accomplished and becomes the light of human life, it is particularly blessed. "Through Christ and in Christ, the riddles of sorrow and death grow meaningful". ''
I saw your video almost by accident posted on someones facebook page. I recently gave birth to a premature baby and spent a bit of time in the nicu, surely it was no comparison to the time you would have spent. However, as I watched your video, I saw my Jorga in Eliots eyes. The same innocent eyes I looked into under the incubator too many times! Your video brought me to tears! I applaud your courage in celebrating every moment with your son, it takes incredibly strong souls to pull through and make so much of the life eliot did get to live! Thank you for touching me and my family!
I just saw the video you made for Eliot on YouTube. It was beautiful.
Words are not enough.....Praying for strength, courage, and perseverance as you face each "tomorrow". His mercies are new every morning.
Matt and Ginny...
I was forwarded Eliot's story on youtube from a friend in Canada (I am in Texas). I have been so touched, humbled and brought to tears numerous times already just since beginning to read your blog. What a huge blessing your little son was and still is today. I thank you both for sharing his life with all of us. Your story has touched my heart and reminded me that God has so many ways to remind of us His presence! He is so prevalent in your little family and I am grateful that you decided to share it with us! May God bless and keep you both!
Much love and prayers from Jourdanton, Texas!
Shelby
shelliz2000@yahoo.com
I have watched your video more then once and I tear up each time. You were so blessed to have had this time with your son.You celebrated every moment with him. Thank you so much for sharing this, even though it must have been very hard on you. I think it shows us how lucky we are to have children no matter how long they are in our lives. I hope you are blessed with another child, not just for you but that child will be one of the luckiest children to have you. Love and best wishes Stacey Baker
Maine, stacey_27_00@yahoo.com
Matt & Ginny,
I happened to see your video on Friday. A paradox it was - I cried tears of the most overwhelming joy & the deepest sorrow all at the same time. Showed my husband who also cried and then shared it with everyone I know. Eliot's picture is now in our home, our minds and our hearts. He lives through your story to remind us to be better parents and make the most of every day with our 2 girls, one 3 years old & the other 3 months. I will continue to watch & share your video as a constant reminder to stop going so fast in this busy world and just spend time with one another.
I pray that you have continued strength for each other and this movement that you created that is currently touching hearts all over the world. The world needs your story and you were strong enough to share it when most would have crumbled. You're stronger than you think.
I'm praying for you to be blessed again with the second most blessed child in the world when you are both ready.
Take Care and God Bless.
Christina
Winnipeg, Canada
freedom.07@hotmail.com
October 28th, 2007
Matt and Ginny...
I do not have kids of my own... quite to young... but I saw your vidoe on myyearbook and could not help but put it on my profile... I am so glad ya'll decided to share your story and allow us to get an insight into the wonderful time you had with Eliot... I very much enjoyed the movie... and I will be reading evry single thing I can on this site... good luck in the future and may God bless you... Yes god does taketh away but also puts something equally as great back into our lifes... I hope ya'll the best and may God watch over your family.. I am so glad I saw that video.... it was absolutely wonderful to watch!! your family will always be in my prayers. GOD BLESS!!
With Love...
Meghan Hotalen
Sussex, NJ
Meg62189@yahoo.com
I thank you for sharing this with the world. What a touching story. My heart really goes out to you and your family. You are so brave to show this and to share it with the world. I guess what a way to grieve when you can share it with others.
I hope your trial won't prevent you from having another child? You seem such loving parents. So nice to even see the father getting involved in taking care of the baby.
I've shared your story with my distribution list and I'm sure that all of them will be touch by your story and we will all send you plenty of love, and inner peace in this grieving time.
Nancy Hurst, Montreal, Qc CANADA
Matt & Ginny,
Somehow God brought me to your video at a moment when I needed to see his faithfullness and blessings. I cried through your video, it was such a beautiful and loving tribute to your son. We have been praying home 2 little girls from an orphanage for over 3 years, and sometimes I feel my faith is not enough to get them here. It hurts so much to wait for them even though we know that God has blessed us each step of the way. Thank you for reminding me of God's tiny blessings, of his abiliity to work miracles, and of a parent's love that never ends... we continue to wait and pray faithfully for the day our blessings come home!
May God bless you and heal your hurt as you reach out and share this beautiful message with the world.
Stefanie www.AdoptionHonduras.com
Hi there... I saw the 99 Balloons video posted on a friend's blog, and your story really touched me. I am not a religious person, but at times like this I wish I was. Last summer when I was in the Dominican on a humanitarian trip, a little baby, Danica, passed away froma UTI, and hearing Eliot's story brought back memories of how I felt when she died. It just doesn't seem fair.
But in both cases, their memory is living on an is inspiring people (like me).
Thank you.
Nikki
Linked to your video from an e-friend on thedailyplate.com - thank you for sharing. I plan on passing on the amazing story of your son's life to every single person I know. I think everybody can learn something from Eliot.
Melinda
Indianapolis
12/2/07
In a way, joy and pain are inseparable in this life. The pain that we know we will feel when we lose a loved one is part of the joy we feel when we still have them. Conversely, the joy we feel when we still have them is part of the pain when they are gone.
The glory of the Gospel of Christ is that, one day, we will experience joy without pain. May God bless you and bring peace to your souls.
i don't even know if you guys check this anymore...but...God works in His ways....
i just read your whole story, after reading a few other Trisomy-18 blogs and i just want to tell you that i have been moved.
i have been moved by that 6 lb boy that never spoke a word, and i have been moved by the parents that were soft and fallible and loving and brilliant enough to bring this unknown into their lives.
i was raised a Christian who found, through higher education, that spirituality was something for books and ideas and cultural necessity...AND i have never been more miserable in my life without Christ.
there was nothing, I MEAN NOTHING, that could restore my faith. i forced myself to go to church, i forced myself to read the Bible,i prayed for something, anything, to point me back to Jesus.
now, just so you know, i am not a parent, i am not married, i have not idea what's going on in my life... but i was pointed to your site just by clicking away on the old computer...and i found Eliot. i found you.....
and i guess what i'm trying to tell you is that i managed to find what i was looking for.
Eliot was here for a very amazing reason, and you are amazing for bringing him here.
i am touched, i am glorious and i am saved.
bless you and thank you for your little boy. we will dance and sing in streets of gold.
prayers always.
Oops...I accidentally posted on a 2006 entry. Sorry for the duplicate posting!
Y'all don't know me, but my aunt sent me a link to your 99 balloons video. Someone sent it to her. What a wonderful tribute Eliot. My husband and I had a son in July 2005 who was born with kidney failure. He lived for 13 months. He went to be with Jesus in August 2006. We live in Starkville, Mississippi and our son, Austin, was in the hospital in Birmingham, AL a large majority of his life. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that your video made me cry. Several outfits that Eliot wore in the video were outfits that my son had! Eliot and Austin are now special angels in heaven running and playing with perfect bodies. Thanks for sharing your video with others.
Kelli Anthony
beautiful...
Matt & Ginny,
I'm thinking about you this Christmas and hoping it is filled with peace.
Matt and Ginny,
A friend just sent me the info for you blog. My brother and his wife just had some tests that showed that their child (their first) has Edwards. They are devastated. Would you pray for them? They are having more tests next week.
I have so enjoyed your blog (through many tears). I so appreciate how you celebrated little Eliot's life! What a gift from the Lord to be able to have great joy as you parented, not knowing how long he would live. As I showed my husband, he asked, "How do you go to work each day, knowing he could die?" Your faces show such joy, not sadness.
I hope one day I can share this blog with my brother and sister-in-law, but it will come later.....depending on what the tests show.
Thank you for sharing your heart.
Becky in Arkansas (Go, Hogs!)
I don't know if this will be emailed to you or not, but our church used the 99 balloons video yesterday as a part of the celebration of the Sanctity of Life.
Having seen it several times before, I got my kleenex ready before it began. After it was over, I didn't see a dry eye in the sanctuary from my vantage point in the choir loft.
Thank you again for sharing Eliot's life with all of us. His work here is still not finished, and he is making an impact on numerous lives.
Praying for you today as I do every time God prompts me to do so.
Hello,
It is January 29, 2008. I followed Eliot's story back when it was unfolding. For some reason, I just cannot get this little boy out of my heart (and don't want to). Every couple months I anxiously click on the link hoping I will still find something there, and I watch the video and just cry.
I'm not even sure what all the crying is about. When Eliot first passed, it was sadness, for sure. But now, I think I cry at the beauty God brought out of your situation. I am in awe of your words, because it is so obvious (despite the talents I'm sure you have) that so often your thoughts were God's thoughts spoken through you.
Sometimes I even cry because I have three healthy kids who can drive me nuts; I realize the blessings, like chaos and squabbling and whining, I need to thank God for each and every day.
I hope and pray the two of your are doing well and continue to be blessed through the process of living life, probably still day by day. Eliot's story has, indeed, sent ripples into eternity!
I just watched your video on someone else's blog. What a testimony. I just wanted to come over here and say how much the video blessed me. May God bless you!!!
Dear Matt and Ginny;
I saw your story last night on Sky Angel. I was so deeply moved and Blessed as I saw how both of you loved and cherished that beautiful baby. He had a wonderful 99 days with the parents God chose for him and someday you will see him in Heaven when God shall wipe every tear from both your eyes and we see and understand God's magnificent purpose for all things. God Bless you both.
Frank Alcamo
Matt and Ginny-
Although it's been quite some time since the passing of your beautiful boy, his impact continues to be felt. What a wonderful family you are and what a lucky boy Elliot is to have you for eternity! A friend of mine recently gave birth to a little girl with Trisomy 18 who lived just a few hours. Your video montage and my friend's recent loss both reminded me how unbelievably blessed our family is to have Amy, who, to our knowledge, is currently the oldest living person with Trisomy 18. She will turn 22 this year.
If Heaven is made up of beautiful souls like Eliot's and his mother and father's, I will surely be undeserving and humbled to be there. May God bless you as he did Job: many times over.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR JOURNEY WITH ELIOT. I ADMIRE YOUR STRENGTH AND LOVE AND WE KNOW ELIOT IS IN A BETTER PLACE. WE WILL ALL JOIN HIM ONE DAY. HE WAS BLESSED TO HAVE YOU FOR A MOTHER AND FATHER. I KNOW HE WILL BE WITH YOU ALWAYS, GOD'S LOVE AND MINE, PHYLLIS
I AM A 69YR.YOUNG GRANDMA.
As the tears rolled down my cheek. I was comforted to know that Elliot was a miracle and blessed you guys with those 99 days. Please update and start a foundation under his name
Yesterday when I was picking my daughter up from Mother's Day Out, I noticed that she was wearing an Eliot necklace.
She told me that sometimes she has days when she needs Eliot with her. She never met him in person.
He has touched so many and burned his soul on our hearts. I hope peace has found you.
i just read the blog for the first time and saw the video. i am in dallas texas and have 2 young girls. i want you and your family to know that i have been blessed today by hearing your family's story. eliot will not be forgotten and he is continuing to enrich the lives of others long after he is gone. after reading your story i feel that i have had the opportunity to look directly in the face of the Lord. thank you.
praying-
ashly cothern
ashlycothern@yahoo.com
Thank you for the connecting the simple truths of my faith in Lord Jesus to my walk on this earth in a way that is unforgettable and forever moving. How honored you were and how blessed we are to watch the love and joy of Jesus shine through the tears , heartache and pain. With boldness, humilty and quiet work I pray we remember our blessings, callings and promises , that we know the Word and do not stop searching it, every day. Eliot is happy... May God ease any burden you carry.
Thank you your discipline to make the video.
...and the greatest of these is love...
I saw your video through the Igniter Media Group my friend referred me to. What a powerful testimony of life! May God continue to use you to share the love. I am richly blessed hearing about your story. Thank you.
I just found out about this site today. I want to thank you for sharing Eliot's story with the world. The ripple effect is amazing. God Bless you! Shine on little Eliot!!
My name is Paige. I'm 13 years old. i cried at your story, and at the video of eliot. what a sweet child he was! he is and always will be too! i think that God has a purpose in everyone's life and i believe eliot went to heaven because he was such an inspiration to the world. what a beautiful boy! i have never met you, and i never got to meet eliot, but i feel as tho i am very close to you all. May the Lord hear your pain, and richly bless you in EVERYTHING that you do in the years to come. you guys are in my prayers.
love you--
Paige.
paigesrandomblog.blogspot.com
Matt and Ginny
I watched Eliot's 99 Balloons video last night and after wiping many tears away, sent the link to everyone I know.
Eliot touched so many in the days he was here with you and he continues to do so now.
Thank you for sharing your son with us. Thank you for writing his story.
You and Ginny will be in my prayers.
Cheri
Springfield, IL
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. Eliot is beautiful. I use the word "is" because his beauty is unchanging.
I miscarried at almost 5 months three years ago. I thought I managed my pain, but through counseling, I have found that I did nothing of the sort. While I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone in the pain of losing a child, I am terribly sorry for the pain you must deal with. I will not use any of the typical cliches, just know that a loving mom in Texas feels your pain and I rejoice in the birth of your son, celebrate his life and grieve his passing.
Matt and Ginny-
I found your web page again in my list today. Praying for you now! I know you must miss Eliot.
I am linking your site to my blog in Hope that more people will learn about Eliot and see God's glory through your family!
Thank you for your sweet child and sharing his life with us. We have a son who was born with a heart defect, and share your feelings of each day is a gift. He is almost 11 months, and just came off full time oxygen. We feel so greatful every day for Alex, and the gift from God that he is to us. Thank you, and may the Lord bless you to be able to be with Elliot again. Jeff Homer, West Jordan UT alexjeffreyhomer.blogspot.com
MATT AND GINNY
IT IS 1:03 A.M.AND I'M HERE AT WORK AT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. I'M A NURSE IN THE NICU WHERE WE GET BABIES LIKE ELIOT. MY COUSIN IN CALIFORNIA SENT ME YOUR VIDEO ABOUT ELIOT AND IT HAS TOTALLY CHANGED MY VIEWS ON BABIES WITH TRISOMY 18 AND THEIR PARENTS. NOT THAT IT WAS BAD TO BEGIN WITH BUT YOUR STORY HAS GIVEN ME HOPE IN HUMANITY. I TOOK IT TO OUR MANAGER AND WE ARE GOING TO MAKE ALL OUR NURSES VIEW IT IN THE COMING MONTH. WE STAFF AROUND 300 NURSES. I THINK IT WILL HELP AND ENCOURAGE OUR NURSES AND I THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR STORY. I ALWAYS FELT MY MINISTRY FOR GOD WAS WORKING WITH THESE SICK BABIES AND ITS SO NICE TO GET AFFIRMED IN THAT BELIEF. THANKS SO MUCH AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME I LIVE IN LITTLE ROCK MY NUMBER IS 501-225-1178. THANKS SO MUCH SHEILA PILCHER
. . . thank you so much for being such an inspiration, for reminding me that god holds all in his hands, the joy and the grief . . . and as i sit here i'm not sure which is more beautiful, sweet eliot's face or the love and acceptance and willingness you both opened your hearts and minds to him with . . . thank you thank you . . . you are all in my prayers and well wishes . . .
I am so thankful for you and eliot and how God spoke to me through him. I have a christian women's blog that I have posted the video to. I don't know you but I love you. You are in my prayers.
Words cannot describe how your liitle son impacted me. Although I do not know your son, his life and the amazing journey he went through have given me hope. Hope and courage and strength and the desire to serve others. To appreciate life and the amazing world God has created. Thank you for your humility and dedication and love. I has made me so strong.
Megan (13)
My wife and I have a child who was born with Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of the lung (CCAM). The prognosis was poor, as the cystic mass was so large that it was encroaching on his little heart while in the womb. By God's Grace we received a miracle. Your story is both heartbreaking and encouraging. I can’t even imagine being in your shoes. As I watched your video I felt a huge twinge of guilt – “why them and not us?” But God’s plan, I guess, is different for everyone. The truth is we all face death and dying of loved ones at some point in our Earthly lives – sometimes seemingly much too soon. I wish and pray the best for you. I can't wait to meet your son Eliot someday! Thank you for sharing your story.
Matt & Ginny...
Your story of Eliot is truly a major blessing to both my wife and myself...
My wife suffered from Pre-Eclampsia during her 1st pregnancy and my daughter was born 12 Weeks premature via emergency cesarean.. She was 2 lbs and was in special care for 2months...
I sometimes wonder not only how she made it but that she is now also a perfect 8 year girl...
Your story made feel guilty of the times when I shout her when she misbehaves etc etc..
You BOTH are a major uplift to us and remind us of how lucky we are...Yet we BOTH feel your pain everytime we watch the 99 Balloons video...
Just to let you know Im goin to show your video of Eliot at my church this weekend as I feel much blessing will be imparted by what they watch....
Im from England in case you wondered...And many of my friends have watched Eliots story, so although we are thousands of miles away...your amazing faith and courage is making waves to our shores....
May The Lord give you both peace
and we will never forget little Eliot....
God Bless
G & L
England
CONGRATS! I have been so blessed thru your ability and willingness to share Eliot and your lives with us. You will be in my prayers.
Dear Matt and Ginny,
I lost a son, Colton, six days after birth from complications of Strep B!
I was in a very minor car accident during my 6 months. But like you I used every day of his life taking pictures and spending every moment with him. I applaud your creation of this video to show parents that all God's Children are gifts and should be treated that way! I know that having another child is a great blessing! I wish you all the best in your health and the baby, too.
Sincerely,
Cindy
Hi Matt and Ginny
I saw your video about Eliot on Youtube, a friend linked me because she knew my baby brother died of trisomy 13 when I was younger. My parents also decided to carry Ben Paul to term, even though they knew his chances weren't so good. He only lived 2 hours, but will always be my baby brother, even now, 19 years on. You guys are in my prayers, thank you for making Eliot's story known, I know every time I mention Ben somewhere public although I end up in tears I feel better for knowing that a couple more people know I have 2 brothers, not one.
You're both in my prayers, this is a long difficult grieving process that my family are still in, but I'm so glad to have heard your story, it really blessed me :)
Love,
Sarah
I have experienced the loss of my husband at a young age as well as both of my parents from unexpected accidents and illness. Your story touched me on so many levels.
What a beautiful example you are.
Thank you.
Thank you for your honesty and for allowing us to only begin to know a piece of you and your sweet boy!
home jobs india
WOW at first when i saw the video i saw how parents suffer and the video made me cry lot and its a very sad ending
Eliot's life effects me to this day...
Love, jo
Post a Comment