... a heavy heart

Last night we got a very sad phone call! Little JR (Joshua Ruel Lipat) died at the age of 9! We've known the Lipat family since we moved here to South Carolina. They have been a part of our lives for 3 wonderful years! The Lipats are a solid Christian Family and are raising beautiful and respectful kids! The boys always LOVED sitting next to JR at church and spending time together whenever they could! JR died of a severe asthma attack on Tuesday evening - July 15th.

JR with his family - Luz (Mom), Ruel (Dad), Ivy & Rachel (sisters)

Ryan & JR

We were just getting home from a SWIM MEET & pulling into our driveway around 10:15pm when Dale got the phone call from our friend Jay that little JR had passed away! I was in complete shock and chills came over me! I tried to call Luz (the mom) - but no one answered... I wasn't surprised - I'm sure their phone was ringing OFF the hook! At around 11pm Rachel (the youngest daughter) called me from her cellphone crying asking us to come to the hospital to be with her and her family. Without hesitation - all the kids (minus baby Mia who was with my parents) we headed to the hospital.

I am 38 years old and that was MY FIRST time to walk into a hospital room and witness death in front of my eyes! My kids witnessed it now at their young age and I know that was a lot for them to handle! It also gave us the opportunity to talk about death and about life and how precious it is! We talked about how JR was always so thoughtful and loving! His sweet character and wonderful friendship! We all hugged... we cried... we prayed! My heart felt so heavy...

This afternoon I found Morgan laying down on the bed - real quiet and so I asked him how he was doing after everything that happened last night! Morgan turned to me and looked at me with tears filled in his eyes he said, "Mommy, I just wish I could see him one more time" I about lost it! Losing a friend at such a young age... at any age - is tough! Imagine what his sisters must be feeling... his parents... his entire family!

Let's keep the LIPATS in our prayers as this is a very difficult time for them!

Daniella's 7th B'day Party - (JR is by Ryan)

... vacation Bible School

... at Morgan's 9th B'day Party last year 2007

I asked Morgan what he would want to say to JR if he had a chance to see him again - Morgan said, "I'd thank him for being MY FRIEND"

WE LOVE YOU, JR! Thank you for being such a good friend and being such a beautiful example to all those that you came to know! We are so blessed to have had you in our lives! Rest In Peace...