She had a seizure last night and her brain swelled very rapidly this morning due to bacterial meningitis that had spread to her spinal fluid. She did not have any brain function and the machines were keeping her alive. We sang "Blessed Be Your Name" and let her go this evening. She was surrounded by family, many of whom got to hold her. Cameron gave her lots of goodbye kisses and held her hand. I held her body for a long time. I am thankful to have given birth to this sweet miracle and to have held her as she drifted off into the eternity of heaven.
She is no longer suffering and is experiencing wonder upon wonder in the presence of God. Our hearts are broken, but the Lord is carrying us. Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue to pray for our family. Only by His grace can we walk.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
We have never met, but my family goes to church with Kelley and Jennifer. We are so sad for your loss. You are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteChad and Michelle Womble
Joel and Kerry - we love you. We weep with you. We thank God for the beautiful gifts and blessings he gave to you and many others through Joella Grace and through your sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving in the midst of great suffering. We are praying for God's tender love to wrap you around with His presence, even as Joella knows Him now face to face.
ReplyDeleteMark and Faith
Kerry and Joel: We are so thankful for your strong faith and testimony as only He can see you through something like this. We will miss your sweet daughter so much and we are grieving for you. Our prayers will be continually with you in the next few days and weeks. His grace is sufficient. Love you both much.
ReplyDeleteRick and Darlene
Joel and Kerry; This is heartbreaking news as we had so much hope that Joella would get through this. We continue our prayers directed to you and your families through this very trying time. Tonight there will be tears from Heaven. We love you all and will be here for you.
ReplyDeleteKerry and Joel - I am so sad to read this. I have been praying for all of you and will continue to pray for your family. You have such sweet and encouraging faith. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteI only met Joella once, but have often thought of her and her sweet spirit. I pray you will have some peace knowing she is with Jesus. I will continue to pray in the difficult days and weeks to come.
ReplyDeleteKerry and Joel,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for what you are going through. I was praying she would be healed--I can't believe everything went so fast. I remember holding her and playing with her a year and a half ago. I would never have imagined she would be anything but healthy. I am so very sorry. However, I'm so glad she is pain-free and safe in Jesus' arms now.
I will continue to pray for you all. My wing at college is also wrestling in prayer for you.
LOVE YOU!
-Lindsey
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We have never met but we also go to church with Kelley and Jennifer. God bless you and thank you for your witness as you walk with your Lord through this heartrending time. We prayed for Joella tonight as a family before we heard the news. I pray that your hearts be comforted by our great God!
ReplyDeleteJoel, Kerry and Cameron, I am so sorry to hear about Joella. She was such a joyful little girl and was loved so much. My heart is breaking for all of you. We have been thinking about all of you most of the day and will continue to pray for your family.
ReplyDeleteKitty and Virgil Miller
Joel and Kerry-
ReplyDeleteWe grieve, rejoice and praise with you. Although we could not be there with you in person tonight, our group prayed with you, and rejoiced for the joy Joella brought to all of us.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
WE pray for the peace that passes all understanding. We love you so much.
Shawn, Beth and Isaac Walker
Joel & Kerri
ReplyDeleteI can not begin to imagine what you are going through. I'm so very sorry for the loss of your precious little girl. I dont think there are any words that would do justice to give you comfort, so I will continue to lift your whole family up in prayer.
Joel & Kerry - We can't even begin to comprehend what you're going through right now. Through it all, though, you've been a wondrous example of trust in Christ. We have been, and will continue to be, praying for you.
ReplyDeleteAs Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Those of us remaining behind have faith, hope and love. Joella is now without need for faith or hope, as she is fully enveloped in His Love.
--Kelley & Jennifer
Joel and Kerry,
ReplyDeleteThough we haven't met, please know that we weep with you from afar, and we are lifting you and your entire family up in prayer. Through the unspeakable suffering, we pray that much grace will come. Your faith shines out like a bright light, and your suffering speaks of an even greater, stronger love, one that death itself can not quench. May God comfort you with every spiritual blessing during this time! We join you in lifting up hearts of thanksgiving for the gifts of your precious daughter and son, and we are thankful to know that Joella is smiling down on us all at this very moment. Blessed be His Name indeed!
Joel, Kerry, and Cameron,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for you. Joella will be so very missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. May God wrap you in His love. May you find peace in His warm embrace. With all our love and sympathy,
The Griffin Family
Dear Kerry and Joel,
ReplyDeleteI watched you grow up, Kerry, from a little girl and now see you face something as a young adult that many never have to face. A grief that is unfathomable by most. And yet, I see your solid dependence on your Creator God who knows all the pain and suffering you feel right now. You are surrounded by the body of Christ who loves you and cares for you. Our prayers are deep and God's love and grace abounds.What a joy and blessing to have been gifted with such a precious one...Joella.
We prayed for you all with Sarah's parents at lunch today, then grieved and prayed for you again with our small group tonight. The Lord gives and takes away, and even if it's through tears, anger, and questioning, we'll continue to say with you "blessed be the Name of the Lord." We love you - know you have people standing with you and praying for you in California... Mike & Sarah
ReplyDeleteJoel & Kerry,
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry...my heart is breaking for you tonight. Praying that God would comfort you as only He can.
With love & prayers,
Heather Wickham
Joel and Kerry,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are broken with yours tonight. We have wept and prayed multiple times, with our Bible Study group and as a family. But amidst our sorrow, we know that God is faithful and all knowing, and that Joella is now at peace with her Heavenly Father. Your testimony through this has been such an encouragement to us. Our prayer is that God will sustain and encourage you, and that you will know His love in an unfathomable way.
We love you dearly,
Josh, Carolyn, and Caitlyn
Joel, Kerry and Cameron,
ReplyDeleteWe can only guess at the pain you are going through right now. Your family is such an encouragement to us and it always blesses us to see Christ radiating in you, even as you have gone through this difficult time. We are very blessed to have known Joella and will miss her sweet smile. We pray that God would cover you in peace; and that you would fully know His love for you and Joella.
Psalm 89:1-2 I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
We love you all so much.
The Lograsso Family
Joel, Kerry, Cameron,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. You're in our prayers.
Dave and Jen Cox
I don't know you but follow pastor Marks posts on FB. I am in Australia so I only found your post today through Mark, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious little girl. I will be in prayer for you in the days and months ahead as your family and Jesus work through the loss of Joella Grace, Mary
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks. My Moms Bible Study group has been praying for you and Joella daily. Your faith has inspired me. Hold tight to your Savior. His amazing, uncomprehendable love will enfold you. May His peace and mercy envelop you. We rejoice in knowing that your separation from Joella is not permanent, and yet we know these days here without her will be difficult. She is completely healed and whole as she rests and plays in the arms of our Savior. We will continue to pray for all of you. With love, Brenda Fangman
ReplyDeleteDear Joel and Kerry,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are so sad to hear this morning of your loss. Your little Joella was such a beautiful and precious little girl. We can not imagine the heartache you must be feeling. Through all of her illness, you have both been such a radiant testimony of trusting the Lord and relying on Him. Even during the hardest times, you praised the Lord and gave all glory to Him. We know that our great God will uphold you and give you grace for the days ahead.
"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7
Our love and prayers continue to go with you. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Love, grace and peace,
Dan and Heather Pentimone
We weep and grieve with you. I don't have words, so I'll share with you Gabriel's first comment when I shared this news with him this morning: "WOO HOO!!! SHE'S PLAYING WITH JESUS!!!!!"
ReplyDeleteAnd my prayer for you: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
Dear Joel, Kerry and Cameron-
ReplyDeleteThe news of Joella's passing is heartbreaking. Though it is a comfort to know that Joella is in heaven and is no longer experiencing pain, it seems so incredibly unfair that she had to be taken so soon. Your and faith throughout this process have been truly inspirational. I pray that you continue to find comfort in God's love and plan for your family.
Love, Sasha and Jake
Kerry, Joel, and Cameron,
ReplyDeleteI am heartbroken for you. Your words are so true that Joella is safe, happy, and eternally healthy with the Lord, but the pain you must be going through is unimaginable to me. You will be in my prayers for sure. Your faith is so encouraging to me and I'm sure many others, and it definitely has spoken to me through these posts about not worrying, since I often worry about much littler things surrounding my littler girl.
I will be praying for peace for you all.
Ashley Johnson
Joel, Kerry & Cameron, we just want you to know how much we love you and grieve for you. We cannot imagine the pain of losing a child; your faith is an incredible testimony. We see as though a glass darkly, but one day it will be clear. Rest in the arms of our Abba.
ReplyDeleteLove, Hank & Becky Miller
I've been following your story on facebook and on this blog... and my heart is aching for you right now. Praying that God will give you strength in the days and weeks ahead, and that you'll feel His hand upon your shoulder.
ReplyDeleteLisa (Phelan) Ljungdahl
Dear Joel, Kerry, Cameron and the whole Binkley family
ReplyDeleteWe are so so sorry to hear about sweet Joella. My heart aches for your entire family. Fred and I send all our prayers your way. Remember, we are only a phone call away. Call if I could do anything. Love to you all
Fred, Valerie, Sean, and Freddie Smith(Tonya's Family)
My heart is breaking for you. I am so sorry for your loss and can't even imagine what you are going through. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. Sending much love,
ReplyDeleteMissy johnson
Kerry,
ReplyDeleteI'm so heartbroken to hear about the loss of your precious daughter Joella. I will praying diligently for peace and comfort for you, Joel, and Cameron as you grieve the loss of your sweet girl. I pray that the God of all comfort will be very near to you all.
In Christ,
Sarah Walker (MOPS)
We are mourning for you in your loss and praying most earnestly for the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for your continual strength in Christ.
ReplyDeleteWith love,
Charity Hootman (MOPS) and family
Kerry,
ReplyDeleteMy heart is weeping for you. I have just learned of your loss and I just wanted to say how very, very sorry I am. As we have since we learned of Joella's illness, we are raising you up in prayers and love. I am praying for your peace, comfort, and strength. I know the pain in grief and want to let you know that I am here if you need anything.
Lots of Love,
Tatiana Stout and family (Craig, Jack, and Maren)
Kerry and Joel,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts hurt for you and what you are experiencing right now. We are praying for peace and strength that could only come from our heavenly Father.
Amy and Luke Gleaves
Oh Kerry...I imagine there is no pain more far-reaching and deeper than losing a child. My heart and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWith deepest sympathy,
Your Friend, Gretchen Ware
Kerry and Joel,
ReplyDeleteWe are so heartbroken for the loss of precious Joella and only know to lift you up to the God of all comfort, peace, and understanding. When I told my girls that Joella was with Jesus today, Jenna made a card that says, "Dear Joella, If we were only in heaven with you and Jesus, what a party it would be." For Joella to be held by Jesus now, blessed be His name indeed. Your faith has touched my heart and inspired me as well as so many. We will continue to pray for God's loving arms to surround you all right now.
Love,
Stacia and Jon Sobey (and family)
Dear Kerry and Joel (and to all your extended family),
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express our sadness at your loss, and yet also at the same time our thankfulness that you are surely not walking this path alone; He is with you and will uphold you, and that you know Joella Grace is with Him.
This morning when I awoke, I was feeling grief for you and the song came to my heart, "Blessed Be Your Name" and then when I read your entry that you sang that same song yesterday, I was touched again by the knowledge of His great mercy and presence in each of our lives, that the Lord comforts us with the sure hope that He is always loving, always in control, and always faithful, and that we KNOW there will come a day when we will all be together with Him.
We will continue to lift you and your whole family up in prayer to our merciful Lord, and send our love and hugs to you,
Diane, Katie, Sarah and Laura Regan
..."So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Cor 4:18
I have no words to say how sorry I am for the loss of your baby girl. I am in awe (and always have been) of your faith and love and pray that God gives you strength for the days to come. Thank you for sharing her life with us.
ReplyDeleteJason and Tanya Hailey (and Family)
Joel, Kerry, Cameron and your whole family:
ReplyDeleteI am so sad for your loss and can only imagine how difficult it must be. We had just heard about Joella's Leukemia a week ago and then last night logged on and were shocked by the news. You are wise beyond your years as evident by your amazing posts on this blog and your enduring faith. Our prayers are with you.
Kevin, Trudy, Taylor and Kyle Schwartz
I will miss Joella, but I know she is no longer in pain and in the arms of Jesus. My heart aches for your entire family right now during this difficult time. Michael and I are lifting your family up in prayer and know that God will help provide strength and healing. I know that through this difficult time, many people became closer to the Lord.
ReplyDeleteLove you and God Bless!!
We are praying so much for your family. The Lord will be with you during this time. We know he has given you strength and will continue to be your solid ground, a fortress of protection and grace. The love and faith shared by Joella Grace will live on through her friends and family.
ReplyDelete"I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
I go to church with Jeff and Deborah and have been praying for Joella and your family since I first heard. I can't imagine your pain but am inspired by your strong faith and trust in the Lord. He will surely have a very special place beside him for Joella. I will continue to pray for you to have comfort and peace through the coming days. I think so much of Jeff and Deb and know they loved your little girl with all their hearts.
ReplyDeleteTracy Bredow
It's so hard to put into words how sad this makes us feel. I'm so very sorry for you and your family. Let the tears flow. I too am inspired by your faith.
ReplyDeleteJoel and Kerry,
ReplyDeleteWe have been praying for you and your family through this and are deeply heartbroken. We continue to pray and lift everyone up during this time of sorrow.
Joel and Kerry,
ReplyDeleteWe are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We are so heartbroken for your loss of your precious Joella.
With deepest sympathy,
Ahrens Family
Kerry and Family,
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to hear of the loss of your precious little girl. My prayers are with you and because you have been an inspiration in your faith, I have no doubt that she is experiencing the wonders of Heaven in the arms of our Savior.
God Bless You.
Lori Stewart & Family (MOPS)
Dear Joel, Kerry, & Cameron,
ReplyDeleteMay God continue to carry you in this very difficult time. His peace is truly unsearchable, and we are so grateful that you know and trust Him. Someday you will understand why, but for now may you continue to be comforted by knowing that Joella is safe and contented in the Lord's arms, the same arms that are carrying all of you.
Bill & Marcy Faber
Dear Sweet and Faithful Kerry, Joel & Cameron.
ReplyDeleteHow God has used you even through your tremendous trial and pain and loss. I just read about Joella going to heaven and grieve with you all. I'm so thankful for your solid faith in our Lord and believe He will provide what you need. It doesn't take away the hurt but gives you hope and comfort in the midst of it and we all (Mops) will continue to pray for you and your family. May you continue to see His mighty hand in the smallest things as you walk together in the days ahead. Thank you for sharing your lives with us and know that you are daily in our prayers. Love in Christ Elaine L.
Kerry, Joel, and Cameron,
ReplyDeleteYou are in our prayers! Joella is indeed in the arms of Jesus, sick no more! I am so thankful you have such a faithful group of friends and church family to lift you and walk with you through this unthinkable time, to say nothing of the grandparents who also surround you with love. Our hearts break for your loss!
In prayer,
Cyndee & Steve Cox
Your faithfulness exudes through this blog.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration even through your sorrow.
God bless your family.
We're praying.
David F.
Please know that old friends and acquaintances are holding you up and shedding tears for your loss. May God provide you with strength and courage in the days to come.
ReplyDeleteJoel, Kerry & Cameron,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are heavy with sadness; we weep, and are challenged at this turn of events. We know down deep that our Lord is with us and cares about us, that He is redemptive and that you will be with Joella again. Yet, we weep and mourn (not as some mourn - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) because we miss her and saying goodbye is painful. Words seem so inadequate at this time and I struggle to know what to say. Thank you for the reminder of the Corinthians passage. Since I find little by way of words, please accept a virtual “hug” from us and borrowed words from a song titled “Times” by a group called Second Avenue North which speaks to the sometimes challenging question of God’s love during difficult times , and know that we will keep praying for your beautiful family….
“I hear you say "my love is over,
its underneath, its inside, its in between
the times you doubt me, when you can't feel
the times that you've questioned 'is this for real?'
the times you've broken, the times that you mend
the times you hate me and the times that you bend
well my love is over, its underneath
its inside, its in between,
these times you're healing
and when your heart breaks
the times that you feel like you've fallen from grace
the times you're hurting
the times that you heal
the times you go hungry and attempted to steal
in times of confusion and chaos and pain
I’m there in your sorrow under the weight of your shame
I’m there through your heartache
I’m there in the storm
my love i will keep you by my power alone
i dont care where you've fallen, where you have been
i'll never forsake you
my love never ends, it never ends”
Mark and Linda
Joel, Kerry, Cameron, & Family,
ReplyDeleteAs I read all the comments from your friends, family, and even strangers, I know without question we have a God who loves us. We may not always understand His ways but we can rest assured He forever loves us and will help us through this difficult journey on earth.
We love you all.
Nattiers
Joel,Kerry, and Cameron,
ReplyDeleteOur prayers and thoughts are with your family.
The events of the past few weeks are so overwhelming. With the stress and emotions that come with this difficult situation God provides a safe place for us to run to....
You are my hiding place from every storm of life. You even keep me from getting into trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. I will instruct you {say the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch your progress.
Psalms 32:7&8
Out St. Louis churches are praying for you too.
With heartfelt compassion,
Jim and Debby Ottmer
Kerry, I haven't had the privilege of meeting you but have known Joel and his parents since he was in grade school. I have been praying for Joella and all of the family since learning of her illness. I can't imagine the grief you are going though but I do know all of you have a strong faith and God will see you through all of this. I am so sorry and will continue praying.
ReplyDeleteSara Ash Sledge
Kerry and Joel,
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for your precious family. Your family has blessed mine in so many ways. I pray God's almighty loving arms continue to carry you. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Know that I am praying for you all. If there is anything in the least I can do for you please call me! Anytime day or night. We love you guys.
Chana Dresser,
Ceci, Nate &
Betty Totten
Dearest Kerry, Joel & Cameron,
ReplyDeleteWe were truly shocked to hear the sad news. Joella is such a bright and beautiful little soul. We feel so lucky to have known her during her brief time here. We have your Christmas greeting card up on our refrigerator and Izzy Rae always smiles and giggles at it, pointing to the images of Joella and Cameron. May you find solace in your faith and in the presence of the Eternal.
LOVE,
Steven, Ashley & Izzy Rae Lande
Joel, Kerry & Family ---
ReplyDeleteMy heart and my love pour out to you, your immediate and extended family. The type of heartache and pain you are enduring as a family is unfathomable to me, but I thank the Lord that you are such a spiritial family and know that little Joella is walking among God's children experiencing a joy we have yet to. She smiles, laughs and waits for your arrival. I am praying and thinking of you often this week. For I know God is with all of you through these days.
All of my love,
Barb Walker & Family
Dearest Kerry, Joel, and Cameron -
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are breaking for your loss of sweet Joella. Words cannot describe our compassion for her and for you. It is uplifting to see your strength and hope shining through, how the power of your faith sustains you even in this most tragic and difficult of times. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and we are forever grateful to have met Joella when Grace was still here with us too. My family in Canada have all expressed their sympathies and are praying for you now.
Love,
Sonya & Tim