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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Help Wanted

This afternoon they are taking Jace off the ventilator.  He is being taken for a test right now to confirm that his brain is no longer alive.  This is the hardest thing I can ever imagine going through, and I don't know what else to do but take life one minute at a time.

Jesus raised Lazurus from the dead.  I wouldn't mind if Jace jumped up on the exam table and yelled "Guh Mornin!" like he used to.

I know it feels awkward when people are grieving.  My best friend Andrea's mother died and I have listened to her tell me what hurt and what she appreciated in the days after her mom died.

For those of you who don't know what to do I am going to give you a present we don't often get.  I am going to tell you.

1.  Acknowledge our pain. Don't act like nothing happened. 

2.  Don't say God needed him or that God took us from him.  A murderer took him from us.

3.  Write, call, send an email, a facebook, or a comment.  Tell us you care and you're thinking about us.  So many people have done this for us, and it has meant so much.  Some people I consider my good friends though have not said a word, and that kind of hurts.

4.  Sit Shiva with us.  This is a Jewish custom in which people just come and sit with the family for a seven day mourning period.  You don't have to talk, just be with us.  (If we have never met you, this will be weird - just sit with us in your heart)

5.  After the shock and intensity has worn off.  Two weeks from now - remember us and that we are hurting and be there for us then too.  Excuse us if we are emotional or grumpy.

6.  Remember Jace and stand up for children like him. 

7.  Pray for us.  I don't know how we will ever be ok again.  I don't know how, but I know we will.

131 comments:

  1. I'm sitting with you invisible, I'm praying for your strength, I'm thinking about you and your family. I'm so sorry that you are going through this.

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  2. No words can express what you are going through or the sorrow I feel for you and your family. You will be in my prayers and we won't forget you or your family.

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  3. I went to school with you at East Central many years ago and though we were not good friends I always thought you were a sweet and kind person. My heart is breaking for you and your family and I want you to know you are all in my prayers

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  4. We weep beside you and beg for God's mercy and God's justice. In these dark hours we struggle to hold onto Him who makes all things new.

    Much Peace, Much Love. Jeff and Kellie Gentry

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  5. From the East Central Class of 98 our prayers are with you and your family.

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  6. You and all of yours are in my thoughts constantly. I pray for you all.

    The observance of Sitting Shiva can be a blessing to the mourners and a mitzvah for those who join them. I pray you will find this to be true.

    Thank you for your foresight in giving guidelines for the hard "what do I say?" times. You and yours are greatly loved and respected. I pray that you feel the love of the Lord in the arms of his people.

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  7. I am sitting Shiva with you...may God hold your broken hearts...I am so very sorry and I know this is not enough...

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  8. This blog has reached me in The Woodlands, Texas via Facebook. I don't know you or your family but I pray for you, Jace and your family. May god be with you and justice be served.

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  9. I too am praying for Jace and your family. I know that Jace will be in God's playground surrounded by love and peace. May the memories of this sweet child give you and your family comfort and strength. God bless you and your family!

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  10. We are here, thinking, praying. Please let me know if we can do anything.

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  11. I will continue to pray for your family daily and every time God lays you on my heart.

    I pray for peace and strength during this difficult time, that you are able to find comfort in the midst of the pain and that Jace's spirit will live forever in the hearts of everyone who's been touched by this little boy's amazing testimony in his short life.

    In his 3 years of life he's stored up more riches in heaven than most people will every dream of achieving.

    God bless.

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  12. I heard about your story all the way in Terre Haute, IN. We are praying for you. I am thanking God that He knows what you need and thanking Him that He will provide it in the proper time. We are praying for you to experience that amazing peace that surpasses all our human understanding.

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  13. Sending love, thoughts, prayers, hugs, peace, everything I can muster your way... I am so sorry for Jace's little life that was much too short. I will await more updates and hope you keep this blog updated as things continue to happen with memorials, investigations, etc. Jace is an amazing little boy...and he is so very loved by so so many people including me. Tears fill my eyes as I type.. Know I'm praying... Love you...

    Jackie

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  14. We have no connection other than being children of God, but after reading your blogs I am alongside you, praying and asking God why. I pray that you would have strength and grace and healing in your hearts. I could only think, reading Jace's story, that he knew love and happiness because of YOU, because you took him in. I was reminded of what Christ said in the book of Matthew (28:35-40):

    35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

    37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

    40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

    Thank you.

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  15. I have just began to read this story via FB and I don't know what has happened today, but this was definitely not God's doing. Yes He is in control but He gives humans a free will to be the vile wicked ungodly people they choose to be. Which in turns affects good innocent people like little Jace. No matter what happens today, if God allows Jace to enter heaven today or leaves him here you must keep your faith. God can and does make all things work for good to those who love Him. If Jace enters heaven today you will never have to worry about his future and he will be waiting there for you. My prayers are with you today.

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  16. I just read your post and thought of this..I posted about a month after we lost our daughter..just trade the She for He's..still praying for you, Jace and your entire family.. this is truly an undescribable pain and so many words meant to comfort, only sting the heart..

    PLEASE, don't ask me if I'm over it yet.
    I'll never be over it.
    PLEASE, don't tell me she's in a better place.
    She isn't here with me.
    PLEASE, don't say at least she isn't suffering.
    I haven't come to terms with why she had to suffer at all.
    PLEASE, don't tell me you know how I feel,
    Unless you have lost a child.
    PLEASE, don't ask me if I feel better.
    Bereavement isn't a condition that clears up.
    PLEASE, don't tell me at least you had her for so many days, weeks, months.
    What year, month or day would you choose for your child to die?
    PLEASE, don't tell me God never gives us more than we can bear. I know this and believe this..its still hard.
    PLEASE, just say you are sorry.
    PLEASE, just say you remember my child, if you do.
    PLEASE, just let me talk about my child.
    PLEASE, mention my child's name.
    PLEASE, just let me cry.

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  17. My heart breaks with yours for this precious little life.

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  18. Standing along side of you on this journey. Praying that the Lord above is gentle with your heart. My prayers are with you. I am so sorry you have to go through this, just seems so unfair.

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  19. Jen,

    Thank you so much for sharing that.

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  20. Praying over your overwhelming grief, your understandable anger, praying for the peace that transcends all human understanding and also praying for justice. My husband is part of the BA police department and they do not take these matters lightly, we will pray and pray that God's will be done here.

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  21. Stacey,
    We do not know eachother, but your story and Jace's life have touched my heart. I am led to write to you. I have spent the last 10 years of my life fighting for the children and I will continue this fight with my last dollar and my dying breath. I too have a personal stake, though not nearly as greivous and tragic as yours. I don't know how you will get through this horror either, but Jace knew. He told you the other day and you wrote it in your blog...remember you wrote...
    ("A couple of weeks ago, Jace was at my house, and I started crying. I said, "Jace I'm sad I don't live with you anymore. What will make me feel better?" I was hoping for a hug. Jace answered confidently, "Jesus." )
    Honor his memory, dear one, by remembering his answer to this darkest situation you could possibly have to endure. Know that God did NOT take Jace from you. That is not what God does. A monster stole Jace's life and God will comfort you and help you through this. Please keep my email address parts@sundownertractor.com and if I can ever help you in any way, do not hesitate to email me. At that time I will give you my phone number and other contact information that I cant put on a computer so you can reach me anytime you need someone to talk to. You and Jace and your whole family remain in my prayers and in my heart.

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  22. Praying. I found this blog through FB. You're in my prayers.
    I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm glad you had the love of Jace for 3 years. I'm sorry it was only 3 years.

    My prayers for that peace that passes all understanding will be with you until your brain can begin to process what is going on, and then that peace will help you to come to terms. I am praying that as you go through the grieving process, that you're allowed to by those around you and that the grieving process brings you closer to the heart of God.

    Some day .... you will run through the mansion singing veggie tales with your beloved Jace.

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  23. I'm blubbering like a baby right now. I'm so so so so sad that this happened. You are all in my heart and in my prayers. I have never met you, but I love you all just the same. I'm so sorry you lost your baby. I'm looking at my 3 year old as I'm typing this and just crying my eyes out. That poor baby, he was just so new. I hope that whoever did this to him gets what's coming to them. The world has lost such a precious little boy.

    You are all in my heart forever.
    Randi

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  24. Stacey - I will continue to pray for you. For Jace. For Leslie. For the rest of your family and for all of the people Jace has touched in his short life. You have touched so many of us in your life and my heart aches for you and the pain you are going through now.

    I do know someone in the DA's office and will see if I can find his information. I will email his contact information to you as soon as I find it. - Dayna

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  25. I do not know your family, but I related to the Embrey's. I want you to know that I am praying not only for Jace, but for you. And I will continue to pray for as long as you need it.
    Parents aren't supposed to outlive their children. And while I don't know the pain you are feeling, I do feel for you. I live in Tulsa if you ever need anything. Just ask Erin.

    Wanda Kenton

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  26. blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted.

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  27. Grieving with you..crying with you..sitting with you....a sister in Christ...

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  28. I first read about Jace on a friends Facebook and ever since I cant stop thinking about him and your family. We pray for you several times a day and will keep praying! Lord be with you through these hard times!

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  29. Stacey, we love you and your family so much. You are one of the bravest people I know and thanks for writing these thoughts as many of us don't know what the right thing to do is. I would gladly come sit with you and be silent or cry or whatever you need. Jace is a precious little boy and I adored him as did my son Ty. We were looking at Leslie's FB page last night to check on things and Ty was in my lap and said "There's Jace!". I will be lifting you all up continually in prayer and I can't imagine your pain although I hurt and ache for you. We are here for you, just let us know of any need and we'll make sure we meet it! We love you!

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  30. My heart reaches out to you and sits next to yours in this time of grieving. Know that you are surrounded by love - the love of family and friends and the love of strangers whose hearts you have touched by your blog.

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  31. I probably will never meet you, but I will try to follow all those things you have listed. I will sit with you and I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers, and I pray that the person who did this gets what he/she deserves. May God bless you all an d be with you in your time of need. It is ok to be emotional and grumpy and I am sorry your good friends haven't saiid anything, but rmeember those of us who have children are with you in spirit and mind. Children are a blessing from God and something evil took your Jace from you. I pray that Jace gets the justice he deserves....

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  32. I have never met any of you but Jace has been near my heat since we learned of his situation.

    i am currently doing an experement with my kids where we are raising butterflies from the beginning as an egg to the end when we release them as full Painted Lady butterflies.

    They are currently in the cacoon stage and within the next 2 weeks will be ready to be released.

    We will be releasing them in Jace's name and honor.

    you are near to us in heart and soul

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  33. i stumbled across your blog thru facebook and i have been posting and updating as well hoping all the prayers would just comfort you a little bit. still hoping for a miracle, but just praying for your peace at this time....as you've talked about this precious baby, i know he is at peace. what a great impact you must've had on his life. i want to see justice for this little boy and i hope at least his story touches enough people, maybe it will save someone else's child. maybe a mother will get off meth because of his story. maybe a woman will get her children out of a dangerous situation because of his story. what an angel he already is. i will continue to pray for your family.

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  34. I think this is one of the hardest things a person will ever have to go through in life. Everyday since this horrible act was done I wake up and think of jace and his family. I pray that he will get through this and after reading what I read I want you all to know even though we will never meet, I will think of you all have you all in my hearts and I will grieve with you and pray justice is done. Jace is in my heart thoughts and prayers. I will forever hold this close to my heart and will keep reaching out to stop child abuse. May God bless you all and May he be with you in your time of need. I will be with you in mind,heart and spirt.

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  35. We do not know each other, but I am with you in spirit!!! Please keep us updated. My heart is with you and I would love to do anything thing I can for your family. Feel free to contact me if you need anything at all. Really- I truly mean it.
    amber.winters@gmail.com
    Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the broken hearted and heals those who are crushed in spirit

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  36. I can no longer fight back the tears as my heart breaks for this precious family who have gone through more than anything I could imagine. You have always been in my prayers and will continue to be. I Hope to be there soon to sit and help in any way possible. God's love and mine

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  37. I am so very sorry for your loss and for the turmoil your family must be going through dealing with the nearness of the cause.

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  38. draw a little comfort from knowing a throng of people you have never met are covering you in prayer. i cannot imagine your heartbreak - could barely read your posts through the tears... what a gift you gave this child, and what a gift he has been to you. the utter unfairness of it all is astounding. i will pray that your faith will somehow pull you through. i am so very, very sorry for your loss.

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  39. Every thought and prayer has been for Jace and you all since hearing of this. I will do whatever you all need done. I will sit in Shiva, I will continue to pray.

    Tammy Hein

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  40. I am an employee here in children's hospital I heard about your child yesterday then seen a post from a mutual friend last night about your sweet boy on facebook.. You will forever have your own little angel with you, I'm so sorry for you and your family have to go through this. I really hope that the heartless person that did this gets what they deserve.. My heart is with you and your family!

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  41. I am sorry that you and your family have to go through this. You are in my thoughts, prayers, and heart. Please do remember the memories that Jace brought to your life. Lifting prayers up for that beautiful baby.

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  42. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Why or how someone can ever hurt one of God's little ones, I will never understand. May God bless you and your family. Jace's story reminds me to be even more thankful for the wonderful 3 children God gave me. Thank you Jace for that reminder. My heart aches for you.

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  43. You don't know me, but Leslie was one of my son's AMAZING nurses during my son's NICU stay. I believe that Jace and Grant were in NI together, actually. I remember the day I saw her at Pottery Barn and she told me all about him (he was just getting ready to come home).....she was glowing! While we don't understand why this happened, or how anyone can be so horrible to a child, we need to remember just how much you and Leslie did for this sweet boy! God knew what he was doing when he gave Jace to you guys.....and I pray that God will find a way to give justice to this sweet, handsome little boy.


    1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
    where does my help come from?

    2 My help comes from the LORD,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

    3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;

    4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

    5 The LORD watches over you—
    the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

    6 the sun will not harm you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

    7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;

    8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

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  44. You don't know me and I don't know you, but I just wanted to say how sorry I am that you, your family, and especially Jace are going through this. My heart goes out to you and hurts for you.

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  45. Our heart is aching for you and your family. You are in our constant prayers. We don't know you, but we are sitting Shiva with you.

    Prayers are heading your way........

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  46. I keep thinking I can't possibly have any tears left - we've had several deaths in our family recently, but as you well know, there's no "getting used to it." Each death is another round. But I cry with you, and sit shiva with you as well.

    After our last loss, I wrote a small flood of tiny blog entries, and you might find them helpful in some small way:

    http://blog.scripturemenu.com/search/label/death

    I doubt most of them are anything you haven't already heard dozens of times, but hopefully they are platitude-free, which I know is what I always want when someone goes to Heaven. "They were just too good for this world so God took them to Heaven," my butt. I needed something that makes actual sense, not actual nonsense. If you need a little dose of that, feel free to spend a few minutes at my blog.

    Or feel free to sit still somewhere and cry. I'm crying with you.

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  47. My heart aches for you all. I cannot imagine going through what you are experiencing. I would just like to let you know that my heart and prayers are with you.

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  48. Oh Peggy you don't know how sorry I am to hear this news, thank you so much for keeping us posted in this time of grief. I'm still praying for you and your family. I wish that somehow there was more I could do. Know that if I could do more I would. I do know that God has his arms wrapped around all of you. I hope that you can find some small comfort in that. Please dear Lord, bring Jaces' killer to justice. Carol Wade

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  49. My heart aches so badly for the pain you are enduring right now. I pray for your continued belief, and ask God to carry you through this emotional time. Not just now, but 6 months, a year, 6 years from now when little things remind you of these past days. Don't focus on the anger and hurt, it will poison you. Focus instead on the wonderful memories you have of little Jace and picture that darling little smile. We are sitting with you now...as strangers we won't intrude on your grief, but our prayers and hugs are there if you need them. I would love to have five minutes with no witnesses with the menace that did this to an innocent little boy, but since I don't imagine that will happen, I pray that his deeds will not go unpunished. I know that even if he doesn't face immediate consequences, he will eventually face our Lord and have to answer for the bad deeds he has done. It won't go easy on him, and we all know there's a special place for scum like that.

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  50. I love you, and my thoughts are with you constantly. I will be here. I will listen. I will let you feel whatever you need to feel.

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  51. Stacey, I'm so so deeply sorry that you and Jace and your whole family are going through this. I once again wish we lived closer. I would come sit with you in person and just hold your hand. I've cried with you, though you didn't know, many times these last few days. I'm crying now. I'm still praying for all of you.

    Mary

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  52. God bless your family! You are in my thoughts and prayers. One of my husband's friends is dealing with a similar situation. May nothing but blessing and grace be with you and your family through this trying time.

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  53. I never met Jace but I feel like I have known him forever and I love him so much. My niece, Kristin, is Leslie's best friend. My heart is breaking but I am still praying that God will completely heal Jace physically here on earth. I know that they are taking him off life support today (maybe even as I type this) but I am still praying. (Look what he did for Lazarus!!) "I believe. Help my unbelief." If God allows him to stay, it will be a miracle; and "all who see it will believe". But if He welcomes him into Heaven, it will still have been a miracle. The outpouring of prayers and love from family, friends, AND strangers has been overwhelming. God is AMAZING! I love you and pray that no matter what the outcome, you will that God has His arms around you.

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  54. You and your family are in my thoughts, prayers and heart. Know that people around the world are holding you in their hearts even if they are not there to hold you in their arms.

    God bless Jace.

    Em

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  55. i will sit with you in my mind and heart but only for jace for you are the lying untrustworthy heart in this darkened day and the justice shall be served to the one commited the crime but the accused shall not suffer through his days becuz of the horrid accusations. but otherwise may god be with you in the evening and the morning for forever.

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  56. I work at Saint Francis and heard about precious little Jace through a mutual friend on FB. My hear breaks for him and all of the people who love him. I care about my patients like they were my family and I know the staff at the Children's Hospital do too. I pray for all of our patients daily and will continue to say an extra one...a constant one...for little Jace.

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  57. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the coming weeks. I have gone through the pain of not only losing a child, but also having to make that horrible decision to turn off the machines. I wish I had been able to help our friends know what to do at that time. I don't know you, but I feel you have great strength and faith and these will carry you through this time.

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  58. Please know that I am praying for you and will continue to pray...

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  59. My heart breaks for you. I am praying for you and your family and for the days, weeks, and years to come. Gob Bless you and Little Jace.

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  60. I have been praying for your family and your little Jace since one of my friends on Facebook brought the request. My heart hurts for you; You will have some rough times ahead, but I truly believe in my heart that What Gods brings you to, then he can and will get you through it. Trust in him, and lean on all of those that love your family so much. Your family is ever present in thoughts all the time now; just know that I will continue to pray for you. I can tell by your post that you are full of faith and that will help you through this time. God Bless your family, may you find the strength in the Lord.

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  61. I only met your sister Leslie once a long time ago because she worked with my daughter Hannah. Hearing about this tragedy and reading what you have posted here along with what Leslie has posted on Facebook has been absolutely heartbreaking. I have posted the updates asking for prayer for your family and Jace. The only thing that I can say is so many people including strangers are praying for your family. It is difficult to understand why such things happen but I do know that God is holding your family in His arms. In the days ahead it will be rough but God will never give up loving you and holding you. My heart aches for your family. If there is anything that we can do for you and your family please let us know.
    Melissa Smith

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  62. Leslie is one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life. She deserves all the happiness in the world, not this devastation. My heart has broken a million times over this atrocity and I have cried tears of anguish, confusion, and anger over the course of the days since the incident happened.
    Leslie-you are not a failure! You are one of the best mothers I have ever known! You were there for Jace and believed in him when no one else did! You chose Jace-and he chose you! You have been his saving grace since your first moment together! Never forget that!!
    In this time, this moment, all I can say is that Jace was an amazing little boy...his laugh and smile was infectious! I remember the first time I met him, I was at Carrabbas and this beautiful little boy kept making eyes at me from a table next to my booth. He kept grinning and looking away shyly. And that's when I jokingly said "He's in love with me, I can tell!" You laughed and responded "He's a regular Don Juan." and that's when we recognized each other and Jace forever changed my life when you told me his story.
    Jace will be loved and missed, that is for sure. I will sit Shiva with you every day. I will cook, clean, take pets, babysit for others that need to see you or help, whatever is within my power as you work your way through this hard and trying time.
    All my love,
    Joy

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  63. I love your rules, especially number 5. When my dad died, after the funeral, everyone else's lives went back to normal and I just wanted to scream "Did you forget?!" And I'm adding for you Rule 8: Don't ever EVER say "I understand your pain" or "I understand" because most likely, you don't. (This drove me crazy!) Aww Stacey....I know it's so hard to let him go, I screamed for my dad to come back, but at the same time, I wanted my dad healed and happy again. I'll be praying for you and just know that I won't forget. I wish I was closer - I'd come sit with you and hold your hand.
    ~Edie

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  64. I have been very touched by your story of Jace and the love that you have for this child. He is beautiful....Your family will be in my heart and I will stand viligant for his life. May God's love hold you during this time.

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  65. Praying that God's peace will envelope you and Jace.

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  66. This is the first time I've read about your little boy, I don't know what happened but I can tell he is a very lucky little angle to be blessed by so many people.

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  67. Your family is in my prayers - I am so sorry for your loss. May Jace rest in peace.

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  68. We've never met. I heard about you and Jace through friends on Facebook. God love you. I'm praying for you, and I'm praying for justice. I wish I could do more.

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  69. I am praying for you in Urbandale, your little guy is a blessing and will always be special to everyone in this town.

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  70. Thinking of all the family with love and prayers and thankful for all the precious time you were able to spend with Jace. May those memories continue to bring you comfort in the difficult days ahead.

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  71. thinking of you, big warm hugs during this time

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  72. This will be by far the hardest thing you ever do and it will stay with you forever. Having gone through the loss of a child myself recently I know of what I speak. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that you can make it through the days, months and years ahead. God Bless.

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  73. My prayers are with you and your family for comfort, peace, and continued faith during this unimaginable time.

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  74. I am so very very sorry for your loss. :( My heart is broken you guys!

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  75. You don't know me, but a friend of mine posted your blog and asked for prayers. Know that people you do not know all over the country are thinking of you and your family and that you are all in our prayers.

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  76. I am soooo very sorry for your family and Jace. I am sorry someone chose to take his innocent life. I nearly lost my child 3 years ago and many days thought I was going to be sitting where you are. This brings back the deep, gutteral, unimaginable pain in my heart and body. There is nothing to say except I'm sorry, I know you won't forget him and neither will I. May God be with you and give you strength. With all my love.

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  77. You don't know me, and I don't know you, but this story has reached Lubbock, TX, and I'm grieving with you. I can't imagine the pain you're going through. I'm so sorry that this has happened. Y'all have been in my prayers the last few days, and I continue to pray.

    Love,
    Lubbock

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  78. This story has also reached me through Facebook... this is heart wrenching. I will continue praying for your family and for little Jace! I pray that justice is served.

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  79. I grieve with you and will sit invisibly along side of you. My precious daughter, although older than your little Jace was murdered, too. She left behind two children who will never really know their mommy. That person also took the life that was growing inside her and I grieve for a grandchild I never knew. You will get through this. It takes God and love and faith and friends, but you will get through. No, life will never be the same again. But holding on day after day gets you through. I'm so sorry this happened to your family or for anyone who has had a child taken at the hands of another. I believe the angels weep too at the loss of a child.

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  80. Sorry for this terrible loss you & your family are going through. I dont know you but this has reached us here in Southern California. Prayers are with you guys!

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  81. I with sit with you in spirit and in faith...Jace was a sweet little guy. Leslie also worked in the NICU when my son Matthew was there. I did not even realize until Aunt B(Peggy) told me she also went to our church. SHe told me about Jace and their amazing story. I remember when Jace and Matthew were able to be prayed for together during our baby day service and I remember when they began attending the preschool at Christview. I remeber his joy and his laughter. I remember the last day of the school year, listening to him laugh and make animal sounds with Hannah on the floor in his class room. He was so happy! I will keep that imagine in my mind when I think of him and of this horrific tragedy. He deserved more and you all deserved more. You all have my love, prayers and support as well as that from my entire family.---the Juarez Family and the Porter Family

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  82. My heart is wrenching for you. I have been praying and sharing your story with my friends and they have been sharing it with their friends since Monday when I saw it on Facebook. I cannot imagine your pain. Just know how many people are thinking and praying for you and your family.

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  83. God be with the Burgess family. My heart is breaking in to small pieces. Jace's wonderful smile, his big beautiful eyes and his heart breaking charm will be remembered forever in our hearts. God bless Leslie, Stacy, Grandma and Papa for their deep devotion to a precious little man. Burgess love healed Jace. Now we must seek justice for jace. Leslie, Stacy Grandma and Papa we love you so very much. Luv prayers strength and bears hugs to you all.

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  84. Hilary Haines-DevlinJune 16, 2010 at 3:38 PM

    Stacey,
    I am praying peace for your family. I have followed your story with jace since the beginning and was proud to know someone as loving and giving was taking this child to take care of and raise. Although we have not spoken in quite a while I am here if you need anything. In the meantime I continue to pray for you. Jace was God's miracle.
    Love and prayers,
    Hilary

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  85. I don't know you and I don't even know how the person who asked me to pray knows you, but my heart aches desperately for you. As one who has lost a child through much less extraordinary means, I appreciate your boldness to explain what you do and don't need to hear. Jace was a beautiful little boy! I know that just because of how you describe his meaningfulness in your life. I am sorry and I pray the Lord be with you strongly.

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  86. Mi Sheberakh

    Avoteinu: Avraham, Yitzhak, v'Yaakov,

    v'Imoteinu: Sarah, Rivka, Rachel v'Leah,

    Hu yivarekh virapei

    et haholeh/haholah Jace bat Leslie

    HaKadosh Barukh Hu

    yimalei rahamim alav/aleha,

    l'hahalimo/l'hahlimah,

    u-l'rap'oto/u-l'rap'otah,

    l'hahaziko/l'hazikah,

    u-l'hay-oto/u-l'hay-otah.

    V'yishlah lo/lah bim-hera

    r'fuah shlemah,

    r'fu-at hanefesh u-r'fu-at hagoof,

    b'tokh sh'ar holei Yisrael v’holei yoshvei tevel,

    hashta ba'agalah u-vizman kariv,

    v'no-mar, Amen!

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  87. Prayers and thoughts of Jace and your family. May you feel comfort from the Lord in the hearts and hands of friends and family. We don't know you but got message from friend via FB. Love from, Family in South Carolina, my BF in Hawaii & my parents in Chicago, IL.

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  88. Peace and Gods grace to all. Can't stop crying at the injustice of it all. Bless your hearts. Jana ( Andrea Hipfners mom)

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  89. I too sit with you, we have never spoken nor met but you have my heart, my tears, and my love. I am reaching out to you and all of your family and especially your little Jace. May Jaces life be a reminder of how precious children are,and how we should cherish all the moments we have together. You and all your loved ones are in my prayers.

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  90. Oh my dear Stacey and Jace...
    I share Jace's birth date but was born several years before so this really touched me hard when I read this awful ordeal you are going through. I had a daughter who was born at 30 weeks and it is a miracle she is alive today. She was born early because I got beaten badly the night before. If she did not make it, her father (my ex) would have gone down for murder. So I can understand somewhat of what you are going through. I also have guardianship of my fourteen year old niece who face brutal abuse and neglect for five years and now suffers from a wide range of disabilities but God spared both my daughter and niece. My daughter is now 20 and the healthiest and most intelligent of five. Although my niece suffers from disabilities, she is growing into a beautiful young lady and in constant treatment. She will survive. I just pray that God lays His hands in Jace's life and spares him for the future of this world. I could not imagine your pain as you set helplessly waiting but remember no matter the outcome, God did have His reasons. No child deserves treatment of such as I too am a SW about ready to work with child welfare and some of the things I see are equally disturbing as you know. I will never understand what goes through a person's head to cause them to hurt the innocent ones, but I have to remind myself that it is part of God's greater plan all the time. I don't believe I could ever fathom such inhumane things as what has happened to Jace, but I have seen miracles and know if it is God's plan, that miracle will happen. Hold your head high and hold onto the good times and the miracles already in Jace's life and know that if he doesn't make, he will no longer be suffering and will be made perfect in Christ in the Heavenly places. That is what anyone who loses a loved one needs to hold onto in order to survive the days to come without them.
    With much love and lots of PRAYS!

    JEP

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  91. I dont know you or your family. I just saw this blog on facebook, but please know I shed many tears over this and I have prayed hard for your family. I am sooo sorry. As a mommy to 3 little boys ( 1 being the same age as Jace) this is just unimaginable. I am sooo sorry this had to happen to a precious soul. I will continue to pray for you. Much love

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  92. Stacey I have had you and your family in my thoughts so much in the last couple of days. I am sorry for all that you have been through and what will lie ahead for you. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and I will also pray for justice.

    mjpiper

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  93. No, no, no! This person will NOT get away with this! Justice and peace for sweet Jace. Again, I don't know you, but I will share this link with everyone I know. Prayers and love.

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  94. I got a link to this blog from a facebook friend. It was a gift, really. I have been praying for Jace and your family for days now. I am crying now as I type. I have 2 young children and I cannot imagine what your family and those who love jace are going through. What a precious gift from God you were blessed with. I pray for justice for Jace. I have been thinking about him alot through out the day. His life has touched me very profoundly. May God bless you for this blog. What a wonderful resource for support and prayer. I will remember this little boy I never met for the rest of my life. His story has really touched me. God bless you, and God bless Jace.

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  95. I don't know y'all, but I read about Jace and my heart goes out to you and your family. I have 2 little girls and I couldn't imagine going through anything like that. I will keep y'all in my prayers. Heather Chance

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  96. My prayers are with you but also his momma. I can't begin to imagine what she must be feeling at this moment, torn between rage, guilt and dispair. She needs to know that all the postings and prayers are for her too. I know that I would want to take matters into my own hands and kill the person that did this to Jace. However, I know that is not how God would have us handle this matter. I'm so sorry for all that has happened to your entire family. Know that your writings are an inspiration because of their honesty and raw emotions. I don't know you but I love you and your family and trust that God alone will walk you through this and bring justice to Jace.

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  97. I'm so sorry to hear your story. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  98. Stacey,

    You are, without a doubt, one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever had the pleasure of 'meeting.' I am in shock and filled with grief and sadness for what you and your family have been through. And filled with love for Jace- this sweet little innocent boy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, sweetie.

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  99. You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. The pain of losing a child is something that no one should have to go through. (((hugs))))

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  100. I am so sorry for this terrible tragedy. It breaks my heart. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

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  101. I heard about your story here in NJ. My heart is breaking for you and your family right now. I'm so very very sorry for your loss. I hope that the people in your life listen to your words and are there for you through your grief today, tomorrow and forever more.

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  102. Although we've never met, I, too, sit with you in faith and love. You and your family will continue to be in my family's prayers. May you have peace.

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  103. I'm so sorry. No words are adequate. Praying for you and your family. We lost a child in an accident seven years ago. It has been a long and hard journey, but I can tell you HIS grace is sufficient. Trust Him. He will never leave you or forsake you.

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  104. Received this link from a teacher I had 17 years ago. My husband and I are praying for you, Your family and Jace here in Catoosa.

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  105. I don't know you or your family. My blog friend posted about your story and I decided to check out your blog. My heart is breaking and crying all at the same time. I am extremely sorry for your loss. The murdered needs to have the same thing done to him that he did to Jace. I'm so mad that someone could do this to such a beautiful child. I hope your family gets justice out of this. My strongest prayers are with you, Jace's mom and all of the family during this time.

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  106. I saw your blog on my friend Joy's FB wall and read Jace's story, it touched my heart so I had to write. I went through many of the same things you are experiencing 17 years ago. My heart goes out to you and your family. I was blessed my baby lived, his swelling went down before it was too late. The doctors told us at the time that he would be in a vegetative state the rest of his life, thank goodness they were wrong. But as you can imagine we have had a really hard climb. What I want tell you is to give your pain to God He will carry you through when you don't know if you can go on. Throughout our son's life we have had many obstacles and each time we have turned to God, He doesn't make everything go away but He carries us through and gives us comfort and guidance. Please know that your family and especially Jace are in our prayers, may He carry you through this terrible tragedy with love and tenderness. We also pray without ceasing that the people who do these evil things are healed adn that the vicious cycle of abuse that causes much of this harm be broken in our families. All our love to little Jace.
    Carrie

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  107. Jace gave you Jesus ~ when you were sad and asked what would make you happy? He knew. Those words will never leave your heart. He didn't want you to rely on Jace, he wanted you to rely on Jesus for JOY! From the mouth of babes...
    I know the pain of losing a nephew who was the love of my life. Just embrace the joy he bought to you life and thank God every second for the blessing of Jace. You'll never need the answer to the why's...You'll just always need the ONE who answers our heart's needs.
    Stacey, I love you and am sitting Shiva with you in my heart. The only words that need to be spoken should come from our Father, not from me.
    Gloria Newman

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  108. I know we don't know each other, but I'll be "sitting with you in my heart."

    I don't have any other words.

    Wishing you justice and eventually, peace.

    -Brooke

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  109. I've prayed and cried over this tragedy since you first sent word on Sunday. I've posted a message containing the link on my FB and I have shared the link with other friends as well.

    I love you, hon. Please know that I will be right here whenever you need a shoulder and I'll sit Shiv with you right here.

    *hugs you tightly... and I'm not gonna let go*

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  110. I am so sorry. Jace's life was cut short by an evil person and I pray that there will be swift justice. I can't imagine the pain that you are experiencing but will remember you and your family in my prayers every day. I know that Jace's story touched so many peoople and will forever change peoples lives,I pray tht you will take comfort in that. Remember that even Jesus is interceding in prayer for your behalf.
    Lisa Burkett Read

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  111. I learned of this through the Twific community, and I want to send you my love and prayers. You are in my heart. Thank you for sharing what Jace taught you about life and love.

    Liz aka Elizabethan

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  112. As GinnyW said, she posted this on her page, and it immediately touched me, her sister. I can not pretend to know your pain, nor would I ever want to. But I do pray that you have the everlasting love of Jace in your heart, and that justice and judgment will be brought upon the person responsible.

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  113. We are so sorry...

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  114. Love love love, prayers and strength your all's way! I will never forget your and Andrea's kind supportive words when Theron was born surprisingly and terrifyingly early. I want to echo your requests to others and emphasize the power of support, acknowledgement and just listening. Hugs and I look forward to wrapping my arms around you soon!

    Tami Elder
    (Erin Roberts mom)

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  115. I just wanted to share that more than 20 years ago, my 6 year old handicapped, very small brother was shake to death by a man who had a history of harming children. This man was a trusted friend of my mother's. She did not know his history. Adam died from brain and crushing injures. That man is now behind bars. There is a group called Parents of Murdered Children that has been most helpful to my family through the years. There is probably a chapter in your area. If you need to talk, this is a good place to find people who know the horror of what you are going through. My heart goes out to you and your family. I'm so sorry.

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  116. I acknowledge your pain and I am sitting with you in spirit tonight. I will continue to pray for you and your family as you make your way through what is now unthinkable. I will not forget Jace and I will stand up for children like him. Most of all, I will give you what you ask for; not what I think you need.

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  117. Christie deGraffenriedJune 16, 2010 at 8:03 PM

    Stacy!!! I love you and I'm so sorry!!! We will keep praying for u and your family!! I can't imagine what u are going through!! Like u said we work with this daily and never expect it to happen to us!! Hang in there girl, rely on God and this AMAZING support system!!! We Want to visit u and bring dinner if u and your family are up to it....I know it will be awhile. Just know everyone is here for u and praying!!

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  118. I found your blog thru a Facebook post. You have touched my heart. I pray for God's love and peace for you and your family and your precious boy. And for the police/DA/authorities to swiftly bring to justice the person responsible. I am so glad he had you to care for him when no one else did. You were a blessing to each other. it always amazes me how God works. I can't help but believe there is a special place in hell for those who harm children. You and your family, all of you, are in my prayers. sitting Shiva with you, one parent to another. I've never been in your shoes, and wish with all my heart, you weren't in your shoes right now either. I wish no parent ever had to endure the kind of pain that losing a child would bring. Since I can't wish away everything, I'll just keep you, and all parents dealing with the tragedy of losing a child, in my prayers. sending you love, strength, and peace.

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  119. Leslie ... you and your sister's faith has touched the hearts of so many. It's remarkable to see the outpouring of love on this blog and on facebook. I am not going to stop praying. I know it's not enough .... but you two really have been an inspiration to me this week.

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  120. My heart aches for you and your family. I heard this devistating story from my 'cousin' Joy and I'm heartbroken. As a mom with a 3 year old Jace also, your story touches me. I can't imagine your pain - and I'm sorry this happened. Jace will be with you - always. It will be difficult (to say the least) for a long time and you will think of him every second of every day, but he will be looking out for you. I'm sure of it. I'm so glad to know he has a mother who loves him every single minute he was with you - you chose to be his mother and from what is posted on here (and what Joy has said) you are a fantastic one. Never forget that....
    I, too, will be sending my prayers (from CO) and sitting with you in my heart.
    God bless you and God bless baby Jace.

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  121. May god be with you and your family and give you strength in the days ahead.
    The Lord will take care of the Murder!
    So Sorry.

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  122. So sorry about what you are going through. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  123. Stace, You are loved. Jace is loved. Leslie is loved. Strangely enough, even Jace's murderer is loved. Tragically, he allowed himself to be used by the enemy to take a son of God, who was marked for greatness in God's Kingdom... for the sake of his captivated soul, this man needs freedom and he needs Jesus!

    God is good. He cares for you. He has sent you a physical outpouring of love in the form of letters and notes from those whom you do not even KNOW to tell you, "I see your pain, I have rallied believers to support you in it. I have not forgotten you, nor have I forsaken you."

    As I write this, I am listening to a song by Jon Thurlow called, "Your Word", and I feel as if it is meant for you:

    When the shadows fall and night begins,
    I feel my heart growing faint
    So I will stir myself and meditate
    On the thing which gives me strength
    ...
    It's Your Word, it's precious to me
    Your Word, it's precious to me
    ...
    Though my enemies may all surround me
    You will, God, protect and hide me
    In the shadow of Your wings
    So I open my mouth and I breathe in deep
    That Your Word of Life may be in me
    To overcome the world
    ...
    When the shadows fall and night begins
    Lord, don't let me lose my way
    Be as a Lamp unto my feet
    And a light unto my path
    ... Jesus Your Word, is precious to me

    I love you Stace. Crying for you and sitting Shiva with you in my heart... I wish I could do it in person... Love, Rach

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  124. My heart goes out to you and your family. Your grief and lose has touched me and I will never forget Jace for as long as I live. If all you need is someone to sit with you in silence, then know that I am here sitting and praying for you.

    Nothing is harder than watching a love one lie helpless and you know that there is nothing you can do but pray. But I can't even imagine what your pain is like right now.

    I wish that I could help take away this pain or have something that helps heal your heart, however I know that nothing can do that but except maybe time.

    Just know that there are people who are thinking of you and your family. And that Jace will live on through you and your memories.

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  125. I am so sorry for your loss. The situation you are going through makes me both sad and angry. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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  126. You don't know me, but I know you through my sister - and I am praying dilligently for you during this specific time of deepest pain possible to feel. I know that horrific loss, as I,too, lost my son in a terrible accident. However, I cannot imagine the increased pain you feel by the way Jac was taken from you. Just know that across the country I care and I am praying for you continually. And just so you know, Jeff was waiting for Jac, and there are two precious little "J" angels waiting for us someday. God is good - cling to that promise. I do every day.

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  127. Stacy,
    Our family is hurting right beside you. Please know that we are here for you and the family. I think of the song you love Home Free today as Jace leaves us to meet with Jesus. He will be Home Free. We love you and I am so sorry we didn't get to see you at the hospital yesterday morning. With all our love and prayers, Angela King and Family

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  128. I've been seeing the updates on facebook, and my family, friends, and entire prayer network have been praying for your strength and justice for the person that did this. May God keep you strong....we are sitting with you in spirit.

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  129. Years ago, when my uncle suddenly died of a heart attack, people told his widow the same things - that God took him because He needed him in heaven with Him. It DID NOT comfort my aunt. Her thought was that "If God needs someone, He can just get His own, because he was the only one I had and *I* need him."

    I know there are things about how God works that we will never understand, but believing that He was the one to cause this does not jibe with the kind of loving Father we believe Him to be.

    And even if He were to "take" a child, why would he do it like this?! That makes no sense - That's like saying that the person who did this was just doing God's will.

    No, God did not cause this and it didn't even happen for a reason, but I do believe that good can come out of it. And I believe you will do whatever you can to make sure that happens.

    I am so sorry for your loss.

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  130. Not saying God took him, however, I am interpreting that sentence quite differently than some have here.

    If I was to say that God took him, my meaning wouldbe that God took his soul, his spirit up to Heaven, not that God "took" him from this earth. Indeed, the murderer did that.

    Sudden death, murder, is probably one of the hardest things to handle on earth. Wecan only pray with you, for you guys and know
    that
    over time, the pain will lessen. The memory will always be there, the experiences, the thoughts, but the pain will lessen, over time, long time.

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