Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Misc.

Lee Anne and I are so overwhelmed by the response and the hope so many communities of people are bringing us. We are blessed.

Isaiah's obituary was in the Oklahoman this morning.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/oklahoman/obituary.aspx?n=isaiah-stone&pid=142908247

The last two days have been incredible and horrible. Incredible that we have been surrounded by love from so many people. Horrible that we planned our son's funeral, made the decision to cremate him, picked out his final resting place and signed his death certificate.

The number of emails and texts and posts have been too numerous to respond to, but we are trying our best to read all of them. Please keep them coming - they provide the inspiration we need hour by hour.

We know that people are curious how Isaiah died. It is a natural human emotion to wonder why. A quick summary is as follows.

The storm on Sunday night was terrible. Lee Anne and I got home to relieve our babysitter about thirty minutes before the hail hit. The boys were both asleep. We made the decision to wake them up (they'd only been down an hour) and take cover. As soon as the hail stopped, Isaiah had a small seizure. He had not had a seizure in over a month because we upped his dose of medicine. The seizure, surprisingly, was over quickly. The doctors assured us that seizures were not harmful to Isaiah and that we just needed to give him the appropriate medicine (a cocktail dose of Valium called Diastat) to stop the seizure. He has had long seizures - his one in late march lasted an hour and twenty minutes and had to be stopped with a medically induced coma and a trip to the ER and then ICU - so we are quick to give the meds. This time was different, he didn't need the med to stop the seizure. Later that night before bed, Lee Anne and I agreed that we needed to call the neurologist and tell her what happened.

After the storm, we started clean up. My best friend and roommate from OU, Tim Heskett, came over and we started covering the skylights that broke, six in total plus three windows. It took several hours and we determined our home was not livable. Tim invited us to stay at his house for the night with his wife Natalie and infant son, CJ. They live about a mile away.

Lee Anne and the boys loaded up for Tim's house. Tim and I followed shortly after. It was decided that we would have a pizza party. Isaiah abandoned baby food about a month ago and loved any sorts of carbs, frankly he loved any kind of food. Cous cous with garbanzo beans were among his recent favorites. Everyone had a great dinner and then we played on the floor in Tim's living room.

Isaiah was so happy. He laughed. He crawled. He was doing great.

Bath time followed. Isaiah loved the bathtub and he was playing like crazy. He would pull the shower lever and then make the most confused face when water began hitting his head. Some of our best laughs were with Isaiah in the bathtub.

Isaiah took a bottle and went to bed. No fever. No ear infection. Medicine taken. He was fine. It was 8:00.

About 10:30, we heard him stirring and went to the door of the room he was sleeping in to check on him. The sounds were normal baby coos and we smiled. He quieted down and went back to bed.

The rest is history. Both us and the Hesketts were up multiple times that night checking the door. Isaiah was sound asleep - he'd been sleeping through the night only in the past month. We were thankful for the rest.

I got up and headed home to get ready for work about 7:15. We were going to get the kids dressed and then grab a quick bite to eat since Tim didn't have tons of food the kids would eat. My cell rang just as I was getting in the shower. Lee Anne shared the godawful news. I was in the car and there in minutes. Isaiah was gone. There was nothing we could do. It was our worst nightmare come true.

There is an autopsy being completed now. We do not know what happened, but we suspect he had a massive seizure in the middle of the night. He had never had a night seizure before - believe me, we spent many nights looking at him to make sure. It was just his time. We are totally confused, but not surprised since we had played out that scene a thousand times. Playing it out and living it are two completely different things and I assure you the latter is much, much worse.

Helping to satisfy the question everyone has, "how did it happen" is the point of this post. Lee Anne wants to make sure people know that this is what happened. She already read a few inaccuracies from blog posts, etc. I have assured her that it is a natural thing to ask when someone dies. We understand.

Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for the outreach. There are not enough tears, but we live in hope of mercy from the powerful and everlasting God.

33 comments:

Kristin said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. There are no words to suffice what you are enduring. I picture Isaiah in heaven sitting in Jesus's lap as he looks down with admiration at his wonderful family who loved him so. I hope the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus as you walk through this grief journey. My prayers are with you.

Bendicott said...

Lee Anne and family - I'm joining the many people who love you to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss. It's immeaureable and unthinkable to know what you must be experiencing right now. Please know that I have been holding you and your family in my prayers several times each day and pray God's grace and peace will find your hearts as it has no doubt done with Isaiah. I pray you'll also find comfort in all the precious memories you shared with this beautiful baby the last 11 months. And finally, I pray God's strength for you in the coming weeks. Surround yourself with a loving support system for those days you don't want to be strong. There are plenty of us in line to be that friend to hold you. Love and peace to you all. Becky (Krause) Endicott

Mom101 said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Am sending you much strength and peace in the coming days and am so happy to hear you're surrounded by love.

Beth Jansen said...

I'll quote some inspirational words, "The lesson here is simple; be grateful for today. Make memories today. Ask for forgiveness today. Remember "when" sometimes. Anticipate tomorrow sometimes. But embrace the gifts of each day in the present." You lived your lives with Isaiah exactly how you should have, My heart bleeds for you, I am so so so terribly heartbroken. NOW, indulge in the 'when' with your little angel. Peace and strength to you..

Julie @ The Mom Slant said...

I'm so terribly sorry. Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this awful darkness.

Lenice said...

Ren and Lee Anne, You and your family are in my prayers every day. I was so heartbroken to hear the news and pray for peace and comfort for your family. Isaiah was a little angel on earth and now is so in heaven; resting in peace. My greatest sympathies to you all.

Wink said...

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May the love of family and friends help you through this awful time.

Jill Curry said...

Renzi- This is Jill Foster from Jenks High School. I was so sad to hear the news. I am praying for your beautiful family. There just are no words.

Sue Ann Saffa said...

I have never met you in person, but your love of family and your amazing faith has had a tremendous impact on me the past few days. I have had your precious family on my mind constantly, and you have taught all of us how to conduct our lives through both good and extremely bad times. Please know that precious Isaiah is and will be watching over you the rest of your lives here on earth. I will continue to pray for you. You are awesome human beings that have impacted many lives. Thank you for that.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for what your family is enduring, but find some measure of comfort in knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that Isaiah rests with God and that you will all be together again in His eternity. My heart breaks for your family, but my family's prayers are with you.
Blaine, Michelle, Olivia & Connor Gaddis

Unknown said...

Renzi and Lee Anne: I cannot imagine the depth of your loss. Although Renzi and I have only met -- both as adults -- once, I well remember when he and my son Benjamin were pre-school buddies. I sat stunned for some time trying to process how the little boy I once knew could lose his own little boy. My husband Walter, Ben and I have had you in our thoughts.
Missy Kruse

Unknown said...

I am a friend of Grant & Brooke's, and I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for your family at this extremely difficult and confusing time. May God give you a peace that passes all understanding.

Wendi and Terry said...

Renzi, Lee Anne and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stone family. God bless.

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of Grant's and wanted to let you know that ever since I have heard of the news, I have been extremely saddened. I woke up this morning with a very heavy heart. I cannot begin to express my sympathies for you all and the amount of prayers surrounding you at this time. You are loved, Isaiah is loved, Jackson is loved...

John Underwood said...

Renzi,

My daughther, Julle Mabrey just called about your beautiful son, Isaiah. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.....John and Janet Underwood

Anonymous said...

We cannot summon the words for comfort or solace, and we cannot imagine the feelings of your loss. We can only plead with the Lord to wrap you in His arms and provide you with moments of peace. We are praying for you.
The Strack Family (Ellabeth's Mom)

Brad Webb said...

Renzi & Stone family. Just heard the news and no words can help besides knowing y'all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry. I hope that you find comfort and hope during such a horrible time. You're in a lot of people's thoughts and prayers.

The Daniel Family said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of precious Isaiah. My heart is breaking over this. He has touched so many lives. We are praying for you all. Much Love, Nicole and Gene Daniel

favorfan13 said...

Me and my wife are terribly saddened at your loss. I am so hurt and feel this as we have little ones, but in NO way can i even began to feel what you both must. You are all in our prayers.
Isaiah 61:2,3

Summer said...

we do not know each other but i heard about your tragic loss thru a mutual friend, morgendee. i also am an Okie and my heart is broken for you. you sound like wonderful parents and i am praying God will help your hearts to believe most of all that there is nothing you could have done to prevent this. i pray you will be able to rejoice in the life you did share with Isaiah. May Jesus be your strength and comfort and the Source of your family as He never has been before.
GOd BLESS YOU
summer

Robert Greenlaw said...

Renzi and Lee Anne,

May the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts during this dark and difficult time. We love you as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Robert and Paula Greenlaw
Character First Team

ZMarino said...

So very sorry to hear about your loss. Your entire family will remain in my prayers.

Lori C. said...

Lee Anne and Renzi, Our hearts ache for your loss and we are praying for you, Isaiah and Jackson. God's grace, peace, and love be with you all today and every day. We know Isaiah is in God's everlasting light and that makes my heart smile amidst all of the pain. As always, we would be honored to help in any way that you need. God bless you. Lori & Chip

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I've been thinking about you all day and praying for you. Everytime God brings you to my mind, I will be whispering a prayer.

Through the years I've learned that those who walk through the greatest fire have the greatest faith. I know it will carry you through the days ahead and other people will come to the saving knowledge of our Lord through you.

You have blessed the community in the past, and now your territory increases. I would rather you have your precious son, but I know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). Clearly, you both do. And, if anyone ever doubted it, now they know for certain. You will prevail through all of this. Many years ago, I lost someone very dear to me. I thought it would kill me. I thought if I packed a suitcase and walked to the curb, God would send a chariot down from heaven for me. My pain was so unbearable. But the Lord gave me a promise to restore the years the locust had eaten, and everyday He restores to me a little more and there have been many miracles along the way.

During my dark hours I often drew upon that verse from Psalm 91, and He covered me with His feathers and hid me under His wing.

I know the Lord has tremendous plans for both of you. Loss devastates us, but it doesn't have to defeat us. What plans He has for both of you!! I felt this in my spirit for months and months - when I would read this blog and Renzi's blog at Saxum - long before your baby boy passed away. I wish I'd said it sooner. We do wait too long to live our lives boldly and with the passion and faith God gives us. May He continue to bless you. I know He will.

Anonymous said...

Renzi & Lee Anne -

I am so sorry for your loss. I realize this a very difficult time for you and your family but I just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts. I will pray for little Isaiah and for the rest of your family to be safe.

Lindsey Lischka

Leslie said...

We love you guys. I am so sorry that you have had your greatest fear realized. My heart breaks for you. I don't understand why these things happen, and I am saddened that this has happened to you. Isaiah will forever be remembered. God's peace and unending love be yours. Love, Leslie Sprik

The Milam's said...

A friend of mine forwarded me your post on Isaiah. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I am a mother to a 15 month old little boy and can't imagine your heartache. Please know that prayers from all over are with you and your family and Isaiah. I wish your family love and strength during this painful time.

LeAnn said...

I am very sorry for your loss. Since I heard the sad news, you and your famliy have been on my mind and in my prayers. I pray that God gives you the strength you need to get through the coming days and weeks, and that his warm embrace fills you with peace.
LeAnn Kanatzar

Lazy Daisy Design: Photography by Teresa Henrie said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine the pain you must be feeling right now. Your family will be in my thoughts are prayers. Cherish the times that you did get to spend with your little angel on earth and know that you will have a chance to see your baby boy again in Heaven and that he is looking down on you now. May you find the strength during these hard days. Just know that family, friends, and even strangers are thinking of you. God bless.

flutiefan said...

i am truly sorry for your loss. i am a friend of Brooke & Grant's, and i only got to meet Isaiah while he was still in your belly at their wedding. but please know that my family has added yours to their prayer chain, and we are sending our love from California & New York.

Doug Gottlieb said...

Renzi-

Angie and I send our condolences from Connecticut. She shared your story with me and my heart sank. I wish there were words to fill your loss, but I have none. Only the truest wish for Heaven above to take your son to a better place. When we become parents rivalries end, my heart goes out to you and Lee Ann.

Doug Gottlieb

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I just found this blog today, and am so happy I did. You guys both seem like such fun, caring, wonderful people. I am so glad to know our boys will be in school together for years to come. I was not aware of your loss until reading this today. My husband's brother had epilepsy and passed away as a soph in college due to a siezure. I can't imagine all that you guys went through and continue to face. I know leaving a comment on such an old blog entry seems odd, but I wanted to reach out and connect in some small way.