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Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts

We feel so loved and supported right now and would like to thank each and every one of you. Whether we know you or not we know we are in your thoughts. We told Aaron each and every day how loved he was and I know that he knew that. I know that all of you were praying for a different outcome in all of this, but obviously God had a different plan. There are moments when I am at peace with this and moments when I am not. As hard and upsetting as it was - I am not sure I will ever experience a more peaceful moment as I did when I sat there holding Aaron after they had all the tubes and wires off and before he actually passed. Yes, I did hold him the whole time - at first I didn't think I could but God gave me the strength and I am so happy that I did. Josh pointed out last night that the time they placed him in my arms was at 12:44 pm. Ironically, Aaron was born at 12:44 am - I don't think that was a coincidence. My brother-in-law pointed out to me that Aaron was in our lives for 33 days -and Jesus was on earth for 33 years - so Aaron was here one day for every year that Jesus was here on earth. We have also decided we will continue to post to this blog as part of our healing.

As for the funeral - I will say very generally that the funeral will be held on Tuesday at 1:00pm. Again, if you are reading this and want to be there please send an email to aky.funeral@gmail.com and let us know who you are, and we will send you the details.

Also, please know we would REALLY appreciate that in lieu of flowers any donations be sent to:
Bryn Mawr Hospital, NICU
130 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
In Honor of Aaron Young

They cared so much for Aaron as much as each and every one of us did. We know that is where Aaron can be remembered and honored forever. And we prefer not to have all the flowers at the church because - well we don't want it to look like a funeral :) Just like I told my mom yesterday - I'm not even wearing black - I am going to go buy the brightest prettiest dress I can find because I want to celebrate his life and life in general - feel free to follow my lead!

Love to all of you!

Comments

Anonymous said…
I want to be there, but work prevents it. I'll be there in spirit and I will be wearing something that honors Aaron that day. I admire your strength more than you will ever know. I love you.
Anonymous said…
God bless all of you. I'll be praying extra hard for you on Tuesday.

Marcie (The Witch Doctor aka Kitchen Witch)(DWLZ)
Julie said…
Your strength and courage in the face of the loss of Aaron is amazing, Nikki. Continued prayers for your family at this very sad time.

julie (joolz424 at dwlz)
Anonymous said…
I'll wear my brightest dress on Tuesday. All our prayers at 1 p.m. Pennsylvania time.

Bess, from DWLZ
Anonymous said…
You are so strong and amazing. I admire you. I really do. You have a wonderful attitude in such a dismal time. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
With many hugs,

Laura Long (Bethy0077 at DWLZ)
Anonymous said…
Dear Baby Aaron,

Ben and I wanted to get some flowers for the church service but since your wonderful mommy & daddy requested it we are going to make a donation in your name at the Bryn Mawr hospital instead.

And even though we never actually got to meet you WE BOTH love you very much!

Love, Drew & Ben
Anonymous said…
Nikki and Josh: You and Aaron are in my thoughts and prayers. Please email or call with directions to Aaron's service. Several of the nurses who cared for Aaron and had the pleasure of caring for you and your family love to participate in the rememberance of Aaron. I continue to pray for you and Josh.
Colleen Kessler
215-643-7727
Anonymous said…
You two are the most amazing people I know. Everything you did during this rough time was amazing... and you continue to be amazing today! Aaron truly had two of the best parents anyone could ask for. May God keep blessing you today and always!

I love you guys!

Tracey
XOXO
Anonymous said…
Oh Nikki... Craig and I bawled when we read your words to us. Curtis and Aaron. It is nice to know they have a friend with them.

I wish I understood what is happened to our little babies. Like you, I find peace in the oddest of times. I was hoping so much for things to be okay for you and Josh. I will be in touch in the future.
Anonymous said…
I'm in awe of your strength and courage during this most difficult of times.

Your belief in your faith is inspiring!!! Tuesday - I'll wear something really bright...and will be praying extra hard during the funeral time.....

~MANY MANY HUGS~

~Nadalie
(DEMIgirlie/DWLZ)
Anonymous said…
Nikki and Josh,
I cannot tell you enough how strong the both of you have been. Taking care of Aaron was a true blessing and seeing the love and support you gave him was truly amazing. Aaron has a special place in all of our hearts and always will. I hope to be able to make it Tues, but I am working that evening..so ill let you know. I know Aaron is looking down on all of us and smiling because he knows what joy he has brought to the lives of many. I will leave you with these lyrics:

Goodnight, my angel
Time to close your eyes
And save these questions for another day
I think I know what you've been asking me
I think you know what I've been trying to say
I promised I would never leave you
And you should always know
Wherever you may go
No matter where you are
I never will be far away

Goodnight, my angel
Now it's time to sleep
And still so many things I want to say
Remember all the songs you sang for me
When we went sailing on an emerald bay
And like a boat out on the ocean
I'm rocking you to sleep
The water's dark and deep
Inside this ancient heart
You'll always be a part of me
- Billy Joel

Love and Hugs,
Nurse Heather
Anonymous said…
Dear Nikki:

You are probably wondering who this is, well it is Bobbi Jo a long time friend of Tracey. I beleive the last time I saw you was Tracey's wedding. I certainly recall many younger days of fun with you and your family. Your whole family has been a true blessing to my childhood. Tracey has been keeping me up to date and you have been in our prayers (all the way in Germany). I have spread the word of Aaron and when I had to share the news of his passing, there were many tears shed. I find many things remarkable, but I will have to say that you and Josh are amazing people, parents, and God's children. I love to look at the pictures of Aaron ecspecially the one of you guys holding him, that will be a picture that NEVER leaves your heart. I only wish I had 1/2 the strength that you and Josh posess. I know God will continue to bless your beautiful family and you will find even more strength in all this. I absolutly love you and your family and my prayers will continue.

In absolute amazement of your strength and courage,
Bobbi Jo

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Anonymous said…
To my children, what a touching entry this was to read. I love you both.

Grandma Pam
Anonymous said…
Nikki & Josh,
May God continue to strengthen you and give you peace. I love you both.

Roxie
Anonymous said…
Josh & Nikki,

Once again let me tell you there is a sadness in my heart because of this ordeal, but there is also much joy about the strength that you guys showed in the face of this adversity. The way that I feel now is that I pray to have even a 10th of the strength that you two have shown the last few weeks when Kristy, and I decide to become parents. You guys are amazing! We are so sorry that we can't make it on Tuesday, but we will wear the brightest clothes that we can find, and this kid will be getting the heartiest Irish send off I can muster for him.

Now it’s time to say good night
Good night sleep tight.
Now the sun turns out his light
Good night sleep tight.
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you.
Close your eyes and I’ll close mine
Good night sleep tight.
Now the moon begins to shine
Good night sleep.
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you.
Now it’s time to say good night
Good night sleep tight.
Now the sun turns out his light
Good night sleep tight.
Dream sweet dreams for me
Dream sweet dreams for you.
Good night good night everybody
Everybody everywhere.
Good night.
-Goodnight - The Beatles

We love you guys. Stay strong.

The Baughman Family!
Anonymous said…
Well Nikki and Josh I just read the blog (and the comments)and to steal a famous line that Nikki once wrote as a little girl, "I'm crying now."
Some tears of sadness, but mostly those tears of a parent (or uncle) who is so proud of their child (or their niece and her husband). What a testimony you have been for us.
When I think of Aaron I will always see the two of you smiling as you looked down on him, just as he is smiling down on the two of you now. Oh Nikki, that SMILE!
At first I thought "No way" but for you Aaron I am wearing yellow on Tuesday.
With Love and Immense Admiration,
Todd
Anonymous said…
You are both so amazingly strong and such faithful followers of Jesus Christ. I have no doubt that it was meant to be to have Aaron on this earth for 33 days. The love and bonds he brought to your family will never be broken or lost.

From one of my favorite Word FM songs - "There's only Grace, there's only Love, there's only Mercy and believe me it's enough. Your sins are gone without a trace, there's nothing left here, only GRACE."

May God continue to comfort you and give you strength - and I know he will bless you every day you spend on this earth. I love you guys!

Love, Kirstin
Anonymous said…
My name is Kim I am one of Stephanie and Toby's friends. Stephanie sent all of her friends a "prayer" request about a week ago. I just wanted to let you know that even though I don't know you, I have prayed for you all ... I am so sorry to hear this news ... I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I think your brother in Law hit the nail on the head ... Please remember that your little angel will be watching over you forever. I am amazed at your strength and I will continue to pray for your family!
Even the tiniest baby can tell when it is loved. He doubtless knew, in that pre-verbal way of knowing that infants have, that he had been received into a circle of warmth and love. May you draw strength and comfort from your friends, family and faith, in this time.

Brief is life but love is long.
-- Alfred Lord Tennyson

Where there is sorrow, there is holy ground.
--Oscar Wilde

This is the Hour of Lead--
Remembered, if outlived,
As Freezing persons recollect the Snow-- First-- Chill--then Stupor--then the letting go--
-- Emily Dickinson
Anonymous said…
please continue to update us and let us know how you are holding up.
Anonymous said…
Nicole and Josh,
Im so sorry but I cannot make it to the funeral tommorrow due to my work schedule. I send all my love with you and your families. Please check your mailbox for a special note Im sending your way.
Lots of Love,
Nurse Heather

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