In Memory of Chase Allen Jacobs

As most of my friends know, we have been praying for my childhood friend, Chelsea and her family as they grieve the loss of their baby boy Chase Allen.

We were not able to participate in the releasing of balloons on Saturday Oct 5, 2009 but still wanted to send up our love and prayers for their precious baby, so yesterday on the 1 week anniversary, my kids and I decided that since God had blessed us with beautiful weather after almost a week of rain, that it was time to release our balloons.

We started out with 12 balloons, 4 red, 4 blue and 4 yellow.... and the kids were dressed to match (Conner in red, Carleigh in blue and then Aiden was in red,blue,yellow and white stripes). I know I know... a little much I'm sure but while they are young enough for me to dress them I'm going to use it to my advantage. I too was dressed in red but there were no pictures of me (thankfully) because if there had of been it would have probably been of my feet or the side of my head.. you know all those lovely shots a 5 year old can take while moving around.

Anyway, there were 12 balloons when I purchased them. As soon as I walked in, I made it to the hall where I thought I could turn them lose and still be able to reach them and POP.. And then there were 11....

During the tying of the tags on the individual balloons one slipped out of our hands and up to the living room ceiling it went.... and then there were 10

We got all the tags tied on to the remaing 10 balloons and they read:

IN MEMORY OF

CHASE ALLEN JACOBS

9/30/09

If you find this balloon, we ask that you say

a prayer for the Jacobs family as they grieve

the loss of their stillborn baby boy.

If you can, please send us a note to the address

on the back and let us know where you found

the balloon.

By doing this, I am hoping that the balloons reach other states and that there will be even more prayers going up for Chase and the Jacobs family and I thought it might be nice too, if we receive any feedback to send it to the girls so that they will know just how far the good Lord carried their balloons for Chase.

Once outside, the sun was so bright (which has been rare these past few days) and we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful blue sky. We opted to go to the empty lot behind our house so that there wouldn't be as many power lines to deal with. Once back there, we lost yet another balloon..not sure why but we were down to 9.

The kids patiently waited while we untangled the strings and for me to say go to release them. They were so excited to send balloons up for Chase. Carleigh, my oldest had the most questions and that was to be expected being as she is 5 and understands a little bit better than the boys and she prays for baby Chase and his mommy & daddy and sisters every night when she does her prayers.

Below are the pictures from our balloon release for Chase and for the most part, they speak for themselves.

Patiently waiting for Mommy to get the balloons untangled so they can release them.

Up Up and Away

to heaven for baby Chase

We couldn't have asked for a prettier background for

Chase's balloons!

Almost out of sight

She watched for so long, she almost toppled

over backwards.

Aiden wasn't quite sure what was going on

after we released the balloons so as we all

looked up, he thought he'd go exploring in this

yard he's only seen through the fence.

Little did he know, Mommy was

watching him try to escape into the road

and ended his adventure.

I thought it might be good to try and get a picture of all 3 of the kids together after our balloon release. Not sure what I was thinking.... After many failed attempts to get the boys to sit still and smile at the same time, I was able to get this picture. Conner has a new smile and refused to smile any other way, so you take what you can get....lol

Carleigh, Aiden & Conner

Richard and I are truly blessed!

Dear Chelsea, Mark, Kendyll, Carlie, and Abby Kate:

I have searched for what I felt were the right words to send to you and you know, there just aren't any to express how sorry we are for your loss, but I do want you to know that we are praying for you all. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this journey and for allowing the Lord to keep you strong. Your faith and strength during your loss has truly inspired me to be a better christian and I know in my heart the Lord has great things in store for all of you. Chase has already touched so many lives and I am sure his story will continue to do so.

I realize that it's been years since we've seen each other and that we are hundreds of miles away but if you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

In Christian Love,

Amy

As I close this blog, I continue to ask for all of you to pray for Chelsea, Mark, Kendyll, Carlie & Abby Kate, as well as all of their family that love them dearly and are suffering right along with them.

May God bless you all,

Amy