Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Blessings Abound...


We (Chloe and I) have been AMAZED at the outpouring of LOVE and SUPPORT that we continue to receive.

For example, a "blessing in a baby bottle" was recently delivered to my house.


The Wives of the 435th FTS (my squadron) and the people of Randolph AFB raised money for "Chloe's Milk Fund." The amount donated should cover her baby formula for an entire year...A HUGE BLESSING!

The memorial funds continue to tick upwards and I have high hopes of being able to start some sort of SARA SULLIVAN FOUNDATION that will be able to bless others in their times of need...A HUGE BLESSING! Sara would want that.

I was also contacted by a few photographers who wanted to give of their time and talents to capture Chloe's first year on film (or digital media)...A HUGE BLESSING! Click through the links below to look at the incredible pictures captured by each of these giving women.

Kelly Hornberger (Houston Photographer) - Click Here
Dawn Braun (San Antonio Photographer) - Click Here
Melissa Zihlman (Dallas Photographer) - Click Here
Lidia Boicu (Dallas Photographer) - Click Here

A photograph can be an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you. --Brigette Bardot

I wish I had the words to express my utmost gratitude to everyone who has "been there" for us. These two words will have to do...THANK YOU!

I thank my God every time I remember you. --Phillipians 1:3

From the fullness of his GRACE we have all received one BLESSING after another. --John 1:16

66 comments:

mommynoodles said...

GOD IS GOOD!! Love the pics.! I really love where they have Sara's scarf on her head and mommy's and daddy's rings on her toes!! Too cute!! Thank-you again for sharing your journey w/ us! As always you will be in my prayers!!

Natalie,

Jennisa said...

I would LOVE to gift you with a blog makeover! Please email me if that is something you would like to do! jennisajoy@gmail.com

The Sparkle Kitten said...

You're right, lots of blessings! BTW, I love your new photo with your beautiful girl!

Maddison said...

God is so good to provide that for you! I would love to send Chloe some bows! My email is mattmatt11788@comcast.net if you could get me and address of where to send it. Let me know

Kami said...

Absolutely beautiful!!! I love all the pictures! God is so good!!!

Kami

Unknown said...

I too love the picture of you and Chloe. The video is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

Christina... said...

Hi I'm Dawn's neighbor and the controller at RND.
Amazing pictures and such generous gifts that have been bestowed upon you and your SWEET daughter. You and Chloe are VERY deserving of any blessings that come your way!!
I continue to pray for you and your family.
Christina

Oh by the way Jennisa (the blog makeover) is absolutely amazing and extremely sweet!

Sam Jones said...

I have just spent the last several hours reading this entire blog. I have both laughed & cried. I have been ever so reminded of the LORD's goodness & faithfulness to His children. Chloe is precious & has an awesome dad. I will continue to pray for you & your family in the days ahead. Blessings.

-sam
zephaniah 3:17

kelly said...

I am another stranger that has followed your story. I just want to say that I am continually inspired by your faith! Your daughter is beautiful and you both will continue to be in my prayers!

Tara. said...

I'm so so happy that you can feel the love of so many strangers that love and care for your family. Your faith is such a testament. Thank you for sharing your journey with the world.

CourtneyC said...

We, serve an awesome God. How cute to give the "milk money" in a bottle. Such, a sweet, heartful gift.

Ruby Red Slippers said...

What a blessing these people have been to you and Chloe! That makes me so happy-

Mommy of 2 and 2 said...

I don't know you either, but thank you for sharing your journey and the amazing blessings that God is pouring out for you!! I have and will continue to pray for you and yoru beautiful daughter!!

Lisa said...

those are the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen! WOW! Simply beautiful. Brady, you are humbled by everyone's kindness and generousity, but it is us who are humbled by you. By your willingness to share your story with us and your boundless strength. Once again, you have made my night that much better. So inspiring.
Be well and snuggle that little bundle up...she is just gorgeous!
Lisa :)

Anonymous said...

Wow....Thank you for creating such a beautiful picture of your family. As someone who heard about your blog from a friend I am so happy to have come across it. In life I feel like things touch your heart and then over time that feeling fades or forgetfulness overcomes you, but in this case...I promise, even years from now to be praying for you and your family. When I get to heaven I am going to find that Sarah and give her a big hug.

Haley said...

I randomly came across your blog through some military blogs since my husband is active duty Army. I sat down and read the entire blog from first post to the present. What an amazing story. I wish there were more people like Sara to touch lives like she obviously did. And now you get to raise y'alsl daughter teaching her how wonderful her mother was. I will be praying for you and your family.

Stephanie said...

Wow what a blessing you all are to others. you are thanking other people when we should be thanking you. You make us look at life differently and appreciate the small things!

Carri said...

Chloe is so so precious. LOVE all the pictures! I pray for you multiple times during my day; your story will always be with me...thank you for continuing to write and share...I know God has huge things in store for Little Miss Chloe and I cannot wait to see what they are!

Susan Holt Simpson said...

Your family is on my mind all the time - I'm praying for you. Sara's letter about her Gram was so helpful to me. Thank you for posting it.

The Willefords said...

The pictures of you and Chloe are just simply beautiful! She is so precious, you and her are so blessed to have been able to have Sara in your lives, even if only for a short period of time. Sara will live on in many people.

Michelle said...

I absolutely love keeping up with ya'll thru this blog. I am SO glad to hear of all the blessing that keep coming your way. Ours will be coming to you soon in a donation for you and Chloe. GOD IS AMAZING and I'm so glad he is so present in you and Chloe's lives. Keep up the great work with your little angel!

Melissa's Thoughts said...

What a beautiful little girl you have. Thank you for letting us into your lives and lift you up in prayer.

Andolicious said...

Those pictures they took of you and Chloe are AMAZING. Chloe is a beautiful little girl who I know is going to have a lot of her mother in her! I am still amazed by your strength. I'm sure there are times where you don't feel strong, but know that there are THOUSANDS of people praying for you. Oh and the money for formula: definitely a blessing! Thank God for these wonderful people providing for you! God Bless!

Angela said...

I am another person that came across your family's story when a friend asked for prayers for you. I sat down that night and read the entire thing. I am ao touched by your faith and by Sarah's as well. I now think about your family everyday and reminded that I am so lucky to be here with everyone I love and to keep my faith in God and know that he always has the best plan in mind. Thank you for sharing this journey. The pictures are beautiful.

Angela K

Angela said...

Brady,
I'm a friend of Grace Freeman. I ran across your blog from a link Grace posted on FB around Sept 20th. Tuesday, the day that Sara died--although I didn't know it at the time--I read your story. I am truly amazed at your strength, resilience and trust in God, the One who Loves Us. My mother died from breast cancer. When I look back at that time, it was a time of glorious beauty and intense pain, somehow combined together. God loved me in tangible ways through other people, as I'm sure He is doing for you as well. May you continue to find comfort in His love.

Unknown said...

GO GOD! He is sooooo good! I can just imagine Sara smiling down at all the blessings flowing in her honor. PRAISE GOD!

Megan

Mom to 5 bugs said...

The photos are ALL beautiful, but my fav is the one of Chloe with Sara's scarf on and her tongue out! Love it, love it, love it!
Thanks for sharing!
I didn't realize how tiny her toes were until I saw your rings on them. Itty bitty toes! (:

Emily said...

Praise the Lord for all the people who are around to love you and support you. My prayers stay with you and I pray that from this earthly loss comes a chance for others to see God's glory through it all. And you are doing an amazing job of making sure that is done...

Toni :O) said...

Good golly...GREAT pictures! Your daughter is absolutely beautiful and I'm so happy she's got such a wonderful daddy who obviously loves her so much...she is one very lucky little gal! Treasure these days....Many blessings to you both!

Sherri said...

These pictures are incredible! I want you to know how much you have blessed me through your verses and story. This is a true testament of your faith. Please keep sharing.

sunset pines farm said...

Another stranger touched by your family's story. I am sure Sara is smiling as she watches God orchestrate the blessings all around you.
And the milk fund/baby bottle idea? Brilliant.

snekcip said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!! This baby girl is gonna do amazing things!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful family!

Anne said...

Praising the Lord for all the blessings that you and Chloe deserve!! That picture of Chloe and her feet, BTW, is just precious!

jenn said...

beautiful pictures:) you are such a wonderful father to little chloe.

Michelle Allen said...

I heard about your blog from another blog that I follow and I started reading it a few weeks ago. First, I have to say that I am so sorry for your loss and I am praying for you and your beautiful baby Chloe. I just want you to know that your blog is such an inspiration to me. I am also a believer and it is so encouraging to read about how God is getting you through this tough time and your faith is inspiring. I pray continued blessings over you, Chloe, and your families.

Abby Cartwright said...

Brady,

Your mom was one of my favorite teachers in high school. I too have been following the blog after seeing it on many of my friend's facebook pages. I am a better person from seeing your faith and trust in GOD. We never know his reasons, but trust that HE is in control. Chloe could not have been born to a better daddy - I can only imagine the things she will teach you as she grows. I have a 3 year old daughter and have hugged her harder and longer than ever since following your story. You are in MANY people's thoughts and prayers. Keep on keepin' on and I know that you have more blessings headed ya'lls way.

Abby and Mindy Joy Cartwright

andrea said...

your faith amazes me. and the blessings will continue for that.
how wonderful are those pictures? Chloe is amazing, as are you!!

Stacey said...

Brady, you don't know me but I was very touched by your blog and the Sullivan story. I am so saddened by your loss, Sara was an amazing woman though I didn't even know her. Your faith through your storms has been amazing and I will be praying for you and your family.

Sara Mac said...

Another strange reader --or rather, another stranger reading. A mutual friend had me praying for y'all earlier this year, and when Chloe was born she got me reading your blog. I should have commented a long time ago, but I could never figure out how to condense everything I wanted to say into comment length. *sigh*

But I have to at least tell you that I've been blessed by hearing what God is doing in you and your family. I hope someday I'll be remembered the way your Sara is.

And, hey, don't forget: Daddys are pretty darn important to little girls (and big ones)...the daily example of your own faith will mean as much to her as the legacy of her mother's. She is blessed. And such a doll. I wish I knew y'all personally so I'd have the chance to pick her up and squeeze her, and get my baby-fix.

DB said...

Loved loved the photos! How sweet she is.....

Lisa said...

Hope you and Chloe are doing well. I have been thinking about you and keeping you both in my prayers!! I absolutely love the pictures...they are beautiful and definitely capture the beauty of your little miracle. She is indeed beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us.

God Bless,
Lisa - Ohio

Keeley Barr said...

I just read through your entire blog. Wow. Wiping away the tears I am able to finally "see clearly" what my PWOC (protestant women of the chapel) group has been preaching these past few weeks. Philipians 4:8 and your family truly lives up to that. You are all an inspiration. I am an Army wife and we were stationed in Germany in June and we've been pretty homesick and just BEGGING for anything to get us sent home. Did this really hit home or what? I pledge here and now to live up to the standards of your family and to always praise God- even in the bad times. I will be sharing your story next week in bible study. Thank you for sharing and Thank you Sara for helping me become closer to the Lord.

Lysandra said...

I cry every time I read this blog. Most importantly my faith is renewed by your lives and Sara's life. Thank you.

Tabatha said...

Beautiful pictures of your precious bundle of joy. As always you and Chloe are in my thoughts and prayers. I Continue to be inspired by reading your blog. You are truly amazing and so strong. The presence of your faith and christianity are so abundant in your blog. God Is Good. You will continue to be blessed with many more blessings as time passes on.
I look forward to reading the next post you put up.
Love the Idea of the Sara Sullivan Fund and the Milk Money in a bottle thats a terrific Idea.

SassyCassie said...

Those pictures are gorgeous!

tiffanichapa said...

Beautiful pics Brady! She is a gorgeous girl and and we are lifting you up. In Him,
The Chapa's

tiffanichapa said...

Beautiful pics Brady! She is a gorgeous girl!
In Him,
Tiffani & Aaron Chapa

Unknown said...

I'm a recent follower of your blog and have been amazed but what I've read. God is good! I will be running the race in Dallas this weekend (first time running, many times walking) and it has a whole new meaning for me this year!

You and your family are in my prayers!

PJ

Unknown said...

Dear Mr.Sullivan,

I have never met you before but I heard about your blog through a friend. I have to say, instead of going to my college algebra class today, I skipped it and sat here reading your story all day because I was hooked on it. You and your wife and such amazing strong people that are such good examples in the world today that we need. You both have strong faith that is amazing. I am amazed by ya'lls faith and how you are so strong and raising your beautiful daughter. After reading this story I am now set to make my faith better. I believe that this is a sign from God that I need to continue my faith and make it stronger. Thank you so so much for your story and God bless you and your family. I am so sorry for you loss. Your wife is a beautiful person and I am now changed because of her. Thank You.

-AMG

Kathryn said...

You are truly an amazing man and father and we are praying for you daily. We live in Dallas, so hope to see you at the race for Sara!
Know that I pray and cry for you daily Brady!!!

JCS in SATX said...

Brad,

We are part of the Randolph AFB family who heard your story. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judy and Harold

Shelley said...

I am glad you are continuing to blog! I know it must be hard with little Chloe :) You and Chloe have been in my prayers each week. Your faith is an inspiration to me, someone who finds herself questioning God once in a while. You remind me that He knows all and I need to trust Him. Thank you for continuing to share with us all!

Donna said...

My wife Donna passed away after a 6 year battle with breast cancer in Fort Worth. Our Daughter was 10 months old at the time. We are now approaching Gabrielle's 3rd birthday! If the lord brings you to it he'll bring you through it. Definitely challenges in being a single parent, and definitely would have loved to have Donna in her life. Family and friends are a blessing and they are there for you to lean on! People always ask what they can do, or are waiting to be asked. It is hard sometimes to do this, but if you ask they will be there for you! Gabrielle has been a tremendous blessing in my life, and I can't imagine it any other way. My name is John Hinkle and I am on facebook. I am not good at updating my wifes blogspot, but it has more of our story.

Donna said...

http://our-miracle-child.blogspot.com/

Kathryn said...

Absolutely beautiful pictures and video.

My favorites are the ones with your wedding rings on her toes. Those are just precious.

God Bless!!

Shonda said...

Wonderful wonderful photos!! You are an EXTREMELY blessed man! My absolute favorite is the pic of Sara in the background with you looking at Chloe!

Your a such an amazing person...Sara would be soooo proud, better yet she IS proud!

Way to go daddy!

Always,
Shonda

Josh, Brooke, Peyton, Kendall, and Kayden said...

Chloe is such a blessing and you are such a good Dad. Sara is smiling down on you from heaven.

Crystal said...

I know that music speaks to your heart... as it does mine... and I wanted to share this song with you.

It has gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life.

I admire your strength and faith. I will pray for your beautiful family!

Here is a link to the youtube song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nutVz94Uhcs&feature=related

Carolyn said...

Thank you for sharing the story of your amazing and God-loving wife, Sara. May His abundant love and blessings continue to be flooded upon you and your precious angel Chloe.

God is good all the time! PTL!

D said...

Your daughter is simply gorgeous! My heart goes out to you both.

NICU RN in NC

texaslauren77 said...

I am so happy to see the blessings that God is providing you and Chloe with in this difficult time. I've never met you or you amazing wife, but I just cried myself silly looking at these pictures. Chloe is just a beautiful baby, and it's clear that Sara is living on in her. You and Chloe remain in my thoughts and prayers!

Donna said...

You don't know me, but I live in Waco. Today (Saturday)as you are participating in the Walk for a Cure, I am participating in ACS Relay For Life. Tonight at the luminary ceremony, I will say a prayer for you and Chloe and I will remember Sara for it is the reason I Relay.
I have a blog, and I have been working on a project for over a year for Relay. If you or anyone else would like to see it, go to http://stitchingforacure.blogspot.com
God bless you and keep you in the palm of his hands.

Debi Foreman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Theresa said...

Like others, I came across your blog randomly and read it from start to finish. I'm so very sorry for your loss, but it is obvious how dearly loved Sara was and how much she was and will be cherished. You are in my prayers. Chloe is so lucky to have Sara for a mother watching her from Heaven. Bless you both.

Summer said...

The photographs are beautiful. Sara's constant smile has been passed on to Chloe. It seems in a number of her photos, she was smiling just like her mama. :)

You and Chloe are in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Save my email address (lori@saczynski.com) and if you're ever in Destin, I would love to do Chloe's portraits (my treat).