How precious. You've experienced the gift of life.

As a father, I know what a powerful, special and wonderful feeling it is to have a child.

And while I won't even pretend to know how you are feeling at his going home to our father, I can tell you that it must be somewhat of a comfort to know that your son is already preparing a place for you and your wife to re-unite with him someday.

May God bless you all.

Truly angelic! God bless you and your family Longneck! I really am speechless,but you are still in my thoughts & prayers.

Gabriel Meaning: Hero of God


TIS

LN, I know that we cannot understand the injustices that befall us. If only we could!!! But you obviously have been touched by the miracle of life, and it has left its mark on you. I will hold you and your wife and your family close in my heart as you face this difficult time together.

Remember, there is very little that love and prayers can't heal. I saw a woman on TV the other day who had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer when she was in her 20s, and had survived 4 years, against all odds and predictions. She was asked if she was ever angry, and she gave the most courageous answer I have ever heard: Life is too beautiful to waste it being bitter.

Please remember those very wise words in these difficult days that are ahead for you. Gabriel is watching and loving you both. Hold onto that.

My right arm

Very nice!

Now you have Gabriel etched on the inside and the outside, on both your arm and your heart!!

Beautiful

Thats a very moving tattoo and im sure was worth the pain..

Precious pictures there LN!
You are standing strong in an awful time for yourself and your family.
God Bless You All.

That is really beautiful and precious LN. He'll never leave your heart and mind.

Longneck

I have not checked the boards much the past few days with some personal and work things going on. I am so sorry to read your post. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes for the loss you and your wife suffered. As a father myself, I fully understand the love one feels for a child the instant you find out that a baby is on the way.

I hope time will ease the pain and that you can experience the true joy of parenthood. Stay strong.

LN, That is the sweetest thing that you did.

I've been away for a few days, Longneck, I'm so sorry. My heart is pounding right now and my heart breaks for you and your wife. Be strong and God bless you both.

PB

This has brought heavy and many tears to my eyes. As a parent the loss of a child is the worst thing that can happen. Little Gabriel needs no prayers, but you do and you have mine. I wish I could reach out and touch you both to give you comfort.

Try to take it a day at a time, and work your way through this very sad event.

DT

You're a great addition to the boards, Longneck. I've really enjoyed 'getting to know you' the past year or so. And it's sad that it often takes a tragedy to get someone (me) to say stuff like that.

Be strong for your wife. This IS a tragedy, yes. But it's NOT the worst day of your life. You still have your wife and you have EACH OTHER. And you have us..we're your family, too!

BTW: I think that adopting a child has got to be about the COOLEST thing that anyone could ever do.

Gabe's funeral was today. I completely broke down crying in the middle of what I was reading. This is what I said today:

Longneck, my heart is breaking for you. I know no words of wisdom or comfort, but can only suggest you cling to the beautiful words you have just posted about Gabriel and know that this little angel will always be with you.

My continued prayers for you!


TIS

It had to be a hard day, LN. Don't try to make the tears stop, you need to release your grief. You will surely meet your little Angel again one day. As you said, cherish the precious memories you have.

One day at a time, buddy.

LN, You and your wife are my thoughts and my prayers. Look up to heaven and our father will provide you with comfort. Cherish the love and memories you have of your little angel.

I too can add little or nothing to the sentiments that have already been shared, other than my deepest condolences at your loss.

But as you say...it was also your gain, you got to meet, hold and speak to your firstborn son.

Someday, you will have healthy children. I'm sure you will see to it that they know about their big brother who is watching over them from heaven.

Best always,
AppleOnYa

Thank you all for your support. My wife and I held each other and read your comments the first few days.

We went to Gabriel's grave after church yesterday, fixed his flowers and said a few things. He's in a peaceful place out in the country close to a tree line in a private cemetery. Apparently you have to know the guy who owns it.

I took a picture of Gabe on my cell phone so now it's my background.

I think about Gabe and the things he liked. He loved strawberries and strawberry milkshakes. Made me take him to Dairy Queen for plain soft serve vanilla ice cream. He hated chocolate and most sweets in general. He didn't like eggs at all.

I've told Megan that I know it's been hard on me, but it has to be twice as hard on her. Gabriel grew inside of her for about 5 months. She feels empty. Her heartburn is gone since she gave birth. Little things like that can really make you think about him.

I am so proud of Gabe, I knew I would love our children but now I know a father's pride.



Yes, I will make sure they know all about their big brother.

sorry to hear of your loss.

LN, You have a GREAT avatar and signature.

Sorry for your lost.Hope all is well.

LN, I'm sorry for not writing sooner - I've prayed for you and your wife in this time of great difficulty.

My deepest sympathies for your loss...

First Holiday since he was born...tomorrow will be a month.

When I was visiting his grave as usual on Sunday I got the idea of when it first snows enough that I want to make a little snowman at his grave.

We bought a 3 ft Christmas tree to put out there, haven't put it up yet.

I'll pray that it snows so that you can place the tree and have the snowman built for your son for Christmas.

It finally snowed enough but since it gets dark at 4:30 I haven't gotten out there yet. I might go today right after work.