Monday, May 23, 2011

Empty, but Blessed

We have had so many emotions to process the past few days. Leaving the hospital Saturday morning, was one of the hardest moments we’ve experienced so far. It felt as though we were leaving all we had with Faith behind. I know that is far from the truth. But God was faithful to provide a sign that He was still with us, though she was not. As we got into the car, we turned on the radio, and the song “Blessings” came on. God’s timing is perfect!

I have to say that blessings have come from unexpected people and places the past few days. We have received so many emails, comments and phone calls, full of encouragement and prayers. It has really been a blessing to read how our our daughter has touched so many lives.

One of the greatest blessings has been my husband. He has been my ROCK. He really bore the brunt of all that happened on Thursday. He had the world on his shoulders. He was so great in the operating room, tending to me and Faith. He has been so wonderful to take such great care of me. I love him so much, and I am so thankful for the love he has shown me.

Faith’s obituary was in the paper yesterday and today. That was a surreal moment, to read about the life and death of our precious daughter. Here is what is says:

Faith Mackenzie Vaughn was born May 19, 2011 and passed from her Mother’s arms into the arms of Jesus just 42 minutes later. Though her life on earth was short, the impact she made will last a lifetime. Her story has been followed many people at www.sarabethandrob.blogspot.com. She is survived by her parents, Rob and SaraBeth Vaughn, her big brother Cade and big sister, SaraGrace, her maternal grandparents (Dexter and Sarajo O’Steen), her paternal grandmother (Sandy Mackney), her paternal grandfather (Andy Mackney), many aunts, uncles, great grandparents and friends.

A memorial service for Faith will take place Tuesday, May 24th at North Central Baptist Church. Visitation will be at 9:00 am and the service will take place at 10:00 am. Graveside service will follow at Newnansville Cemetary in Alachua. Donations can be made in Faith’s name to the Women’s Resource Center of Gainesville or the North Central Baptist Church Mission Fund.

Though our arms are empty, and our hearts our broken, we have been filled with love. Love of our Savior, love of family and friends, and a love for our daughter who has forever changed our lives.

13 comments:

catrinaisme said...

Faith is forever in our hearts! Thank the Lord that you have such a wonderful family support system, expecially Rob.
Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest.

Unknown said...

Love you guys. Saw your strong men at church yesterday...and I know mama was proud. See you soon ~

Missy Dougherty said...

Such a sweet family you guys are! Keep hugging Cade & SaraGrace as much as you can....that will get through all this! Always thinking & praying for you & wish you guys nothing but continued peace. Thanks for letting us share this w/you & allowing us to use your life as a testimony that God is so good & knows what's best for us. I would question that alot w/all the medical things we went through, then realized we could use it as a witness tool...you got that from day one! I'm so honored to know you two! Hugs~~

Robin said...

You are a blessing to others with everything you have been through and the strength you have had through it all. Everyone says things happen for a reason & we might not know why but God does have a plan and it's not only Faith that has taught us something here...you too SaraBeth have shown what true faith is and that's the perfect name for your little angel. They said a public prayer for you & your family last Weds and yesterday at church and put it in our family report to pray for you guys. Love you.

Brooke said...

Keep your head up and remember so many of us are still praying. Faith's time may have been short, but what a beautiful little blessing. It's amazing how something so small and intricate of God's most beautiful creation could have an impact on so many. God Bless!

Jana said...

SaraBeth You are such an inspiration to us all, Thank you so much for sharing your life and you little Angel with us. You have proven to me that there is a God and he is an awesome God. Because of you, my Faith in God is a little bit stronger. I wish you and Rob and Cade and SaraGrace peace and happiness with God's help anything is possible. May God Bless you and your family. I know your precious Little Angel is in good hands now. Thanks again for sharing your life with us all. God Bless you and your family..

From the Bumpy Road said...

We continue to keep you close in prayer. I imagine tomorrow will be hard, but may you be comforted by the love of family and friends and the knowledge that you will see your sweet girl again.

Anonymous said...

God Bless you and your family

Koqubert said...

I am truly inspired by your "Faith". May the Lord continue to be with you and give you peace!

Paca said...

SaraBeth, Rob, Cade and SaraGrace,
It was a real honor to be at Faith's celebration today. It was beautiful and a great message was heard by those in attendance.
We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.......
We know that God has you in His care....
Joe and Pascale

Connie said...

Today's Service was So Beautiful. You are so Blessed such a Wonderful Husband, Cade, Sara Grace,your Mom and Dad, sisters and friends but most of all The Lord Jesus Christ. Faith was so blessed as the Pastor said today you and Rob we the Special Parents that she was given to and Special is right. Thank you for allowing me on this journey. I have learned a lot as many I am sure have. Faith will forever be in our Hearts..Love to you all

Full Plate said...

Yesterday, you honored God and Faith with the most beautiful service. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this time.Praying for healing. Cade did a fantastic job yesterday!

Monica said...

Hi SaraBeth,

I have been keeping updated about you, your family and baby Faith through others and my Father-In-Law (who I recently found out was your Sunday school teacher :). Through my own current pregnancy and emotions running high, it has been extremely difficult for me to process your journey, but I have been so drawn to staying updated. I have been so touched by your strength and your precious baby's life.

I am very sorry for your loss. Faith has impacted so many lives and your family has forever changed mine through your strength, optimism, and trust in God.

I hope to see you sometime soon!
Love,
Monica (Cox) Prince