Saturday, October 17, 2009

Prayers Requested...

Last night, I got an email from friends in Italy. Some of our dear friends from our time in Osan, South Korea are in need of your prayers. The Friedman Family was stationed with us during our year in Korea, and from there moved to Aviano, Italy.

Katie Friedman was due with their baby boy on the same day that Sara was supposed to deliver Chloe. Yesterday, Katie gave birth to their 2nd baby boy, named Quinn. Hours later, Katie died due to "bleeding complications" from birth. I do not have many details, but ask for your prayers for strength and peace for Jon and his 2 boys, Clark and Quinn.

The Friedmans

I know that I recently experienced the same loss that Jon is going through, but I am having a hard time comprehending this situation.

Please pray for the Friedman family. Thank you.

72 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh goodness, so sorry to hear about your friends. They are in our prayers and so are you and Chloe!
God Bless...

Anonymous said...

I am speechless too. Please let me know how I can help them too. The possibilities are limitless. Love to you and Chloe! Hope to see you soon. And Brady, in time, you will know the right words and be a great source of stregnth. You already are.

Love,
Lauren

Sheryl said...

absolutely speechless with my mouth hanging open! unbelievable sorrow. i am praying for each of you.

Beth said...

How tragic. I can't imagine....praying.

Tamara said...

Praying , praying, praying...

Anonymous said...

Praying in Louisiana!

Kate said...

I'm praying for the Friedman family as well as for you and Chloe.

Andolicious said...

Why are all of these beautiful new mothers dying? It's so tragic. I don't understand it. I will pray for Jon and this family. And as always, you are in my prayers.

The Sparkle Kitten said...

Oh my gosh.... I don't have words... I'm so sorry... Prayers go out to your friend and his boys.... his entire family. Remember Matt's Liz Logelin Foundation, maybe he can help somehow.
Prayers for you and your beautiful Chloe too.

Unknown said...

Brady - I do not know you, but we too are a part of the Air Force Family. I was blessed to know Katie and Rabbi and they were the ones who introduced me to your story. I read the entire blog from beginning to end one night while my husband was TDY and could not get over how tragic it was and how truly amazing you and Sara are as a couple. Your postings were always optimistic and hopeful even in situations that I know I could not have dealt with so gracefully. Your devotion to God is a clear lesson to me and I took from your story that I needed to be less selfish, hold my beautiful children tightly and devote more to our Lord. I am sending a check to you from your extended Air Force Family - the 422/59th Test and Evaluation Squadrons here at Nellis - it's not a huge contibution but we want to let you know that you have an Air Force family that will love and support you.

When I got the news about Katie this morning I went numb. Another happy, beautiful Air Force wife who I have never seen without a smile on her face was taken to be in Heaven. The only sense I can make of it is that she and Sara are up there together to watch over the wonderful husbands and babies they left on earth. I am devastated by the loss and saddened that the Air Force community has lost two amazing women so close together. Continue to update your blog so that I can continue to learn from your strength and comprehend God's word and lessons. Thank you and best wishes to you and Chloe and all of your family.

KK said...

No words, I'll just pray.

mommynoodles said...

OMGoodness!! Things like this really make you think!! They will be in my prayers as well!!

Natalie,

The Willefords said...

They are in our prayers. I hope you and Chloe are still doing well. Peace be with you!

Tabaitha said...

Lifting all of you in our prayers!

Rae Koonce said...

Oh man! I don't even know the words to say how sad their situation, and your situation is.
However, the bible tells us when we are so broken that we can't even cry out to God, Jesus intercedes on our behalf.
Knowing that got me through some really hard, dark times.
You and Chloe are still in my prayers, and I will put this man and his sons in my prayers now too!
Thank you for being so willing to share all of this with us. I can't imagine it was very easy to expose your very wounded heart for everyone to see. But I do know that it has touched so many people!

Anonymous said...

We are here in Aviano Italy also and many many prayers go out to him. Hopefully the Nickel and Buzzards will be enough help to him during this time.

PBJCJ said...

While this is my first comment, I have been praying for you for weeks. Now, my prayers will surround your friend as well. God DOES NOT make mistakes, and while I cannot even begin to imagine your feelings at this time, I know He is doing a great work through all of this! Lives are being saved by your precious wife's story! What an amazing testimony! God bless you and little Chloe.

Anonymous said...

Love and prayers from the Tamplain family, 603 Comm Sq. Aviano, Italy.

lisa said...

absolutely praying. so hard to believe.

Beckycain6 said...

So absolutely devastating. We will be in fervent prayer. I'm so sorry to read what has happened.....

Emmanuel. God with us.

Praying and feeling the loss although I do not know them personally. Feeling the loss.

Humbly,
Becky

Lisa said...

sending our love and prayers to you Brady and to your friends in Italy. How can anyone make sense of this? If only we knew....
be well,
Lisa :)

Karen Needham said...

So sorry to hear this. I pray for you and Chloe every day, I will just add this family to my prayers.

COrby Naylor said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Momma X 4 said...

Speechless. I've been reading your blog for a long time. I'm so sorry for your loss of Sara and for your friends. I watched the news clip and had goose bumps and cried. I will pray, pray, pray! You are an amazing man of Christ! Blessings
Michelle
Okla.

Tara. said...

Oh my gosh. I can't wrap my head around these events. I just can't. These babies need their Mommy! :o(
They are for sure in our prayers, as you have continued to be.

Rachel said...

That's horrible !!! So sorry for their loss, and still for yours too. I'll pray for you all.

Stephaney said...

On the same day you were having confirmation of the impact the life you and Sara have lead for Jesus...On the same day that many more are coming to your blog to read of what a difference Jesus can make in life and especially in death...On the same day that many may have been making the decision to follow the Jesus that you and I do...God decides to allow another of HIS children to go home.
Job 14:5 "Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed limits that he cannot pass..."
Psalm 37:5-6a "Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Surely a man goes about as a shadow!"
Why would a loving God allow such horrible tragedy?

I don't know that we could ever comprehend why our God would or would not allow anything. I know that God has a design/plan for each one -- Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Only God knows why and how the things that happen to us(and others) work into HIS plan. We can only HOLD ON.

I was watching a pastor this morning (Dr. Ed Young -- Houston 2nd Baptist -- http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/winning-walk-tv/ )
He is doing a series on suffering and comfort. He is in the book of Job.
The verse that jumped out at me was:
Job 13:15 "Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face." Little did I know that when I came to your blog; to "check on you" and to maybe be encouraged with the hope you have continually given out; that I would be once again challenged.

Brady I know you are in the midst of great suffering and now your friend has entered into this kind of suffering with no warning. You and he are walking a path that only God can bring you through. You do not have to have words. You do not have to do anything but hold on. Allowing the multitudes that are praying to hold you up (like the story of Moses when he could no longer hold up his arms so the Israelites could prevail against Amalek in Exodus 17:8-16).

Brady so many people are coming to your blog and having their lives impacted. Some are having their relationship with God challenged and they are deciding to make changes to get themselves right with God. Others are being encouraged in their walk with God. Many are coming to your blog and looking for hope. You have been such a source of hope and encouragement; always pointing to your source = Jesus! You have been so strong.
Even when we don't have an answer,even when we don't understand, we can still know that our Redeemer lives.
Job 19:25 "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth."

I want so to encourage you Brady like you have encouraged me and so many. I am praying for you and I will continue to do so. My family and many many others are praying for you. Hold on to the "Everlasting arms". Deuteronomy 33:26-28 "There is none like God, O Jeshurun [Israel], Who rides through the heavens to your help and in His majestic glory through the skies. The eternal God is your refuge and dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He drove the enemy before you and thrust them out, saying, Destroy! And Israel dwells in safety, the fountain of Jacob alone in a land of grain and new wine; yes, His heavens drop dew."
Psalm 91:1-2 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
Psalm 37:7 "And now, O Lord, For what do I wait? My hope is in you."

Praying ever so fervently for you and your friend,
Stephaney Roberson

Stephaney said...

I also want to share a song with you that spoke to me when my husband and I experienced a painful loss. The song is by Carolyn Arends called Father, Thy Will be Done. I found it on You Tube and here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com
/watch?v=rpMSl5N-LEs
Here are the lyrics:
When I cannot ask for more - Father, thy will be done
When I rail at heaven's door - Father, thy will be done
When my faith in you is strong - Father, thy will be done
When my strength is almost gone - Father, thy will be done

CHORUS:
Father, thy will be done
Father, thy will be done
I want to see your kingdom come
Thy will be done
When I cry to you in prayer - Father, thy will be done
When I don't believe you're there - Father, thy will be done
When I feel your gentle hand - Father, thy will be done
When I just don't understand - Father, thy will be done
REPEAT CHORUS
When I'm walking in the light - Father, thy will be done
When my heart is black as night - Father, thy will be done
When you give what I desire - Father, thy will be done
When you take me through the fire - Father, thy will be done
REPEAT CHORUS

Brady I know from your blog that your heart's desire is:
When I just don't understand - Father, thy will be done
When you take me through the fire - Father, thy will be done
Mark 14:36 "...Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

Praying ever so fervently for you and your friend,
Stephaney Roberson

Mommy of 2 and 2 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mommy of 2 and 2 said...

Praying God's comfort over this family and yours...

Montgomery said...

Brady,
Thanks for posting...Have you seen the latest pictures? It is indeed unbelievable.

Sarah K - Sentiments by Sarah said...

you are source of inspiration in times of so much sadness. Our prayers and hopes go out to your friends and we ask for God's strength in this filled with such sadness over the loss of Katie and such joy on the birth of their son.

Victoria said...

How terrible. I am at a loss for words. Prayers for them and you from Pennsylvania.

Anne said...

Another such tragic situation. I, too, cannot fathom WHY? Love and prayers to both you and the Friedmans. Just so sorry. Thanks for the updates and the opportunity to pray for others.

Anne

C said...

I just felt like all the air left my body when I read this. I will pray.

Colleen said...

Dear Brady,
You are a man of great generosity and kindness of spirit to love the Friedmans so, even as you feel your own grief. We have been praying for you, Chloe, and Sara. And we are now praying for Jon, Clark, Quinn, and Katie. Both you and Jon are men of great faith. May your faith in the Lord, and the support of your friends, sustain you in these trying times. This F-16 community is a small one, and I pray that I will someday have the blessing of getting to know you, Chloe, and the Friedman family personally. Much love,
Colleen (Smiley's wife at WPAFB...who was stationed at Kunsan long ago and whose first son was born at Wilford Hall. It is a small world.)

Tara said...

oh my... I will be praying for them and continued prayers for you!

Courtney said...

I continue to think of you, Chloe and your families often. I will keep this family in my prayers as well.

Kathryn said...

My prayers go out to her family.

Kelli said...

Leaning on God is the ONLY way to comprehend this and to have comfort. Praying for you all!!

Ruthie said...

I am praying. I never imagined reading such news on your blog. I am so sorry for your friend's loss. Praying for you and Chloe too!

Ruthie

krys785 said...

What a tragic loss... My prayers go out to this family and hope that Jon is able to hold onto his faith and get through this time with his boys. He is very blessed to have a friend like you.... I hope you are both able to offer each other support during your time of greiving and loss.... My prayers are with you and your friend. ~The Aloui's~

Brooke and David said...

Brady, your faithfulness to God is incredible and so inspiring! I am so saddened by your loss and think and pray for you guys often! I am an ultrasound technologist with a huge passion for breast sonography. Your story has touched me in so many aspects. Thank you for sharing. Your daughter is beautiful and your wife sounds like an amazing woman.

I'm sure you will be a great source of encouragement and strength for your friends who also just lost their wife (and mother). Please know my husband and I will be praying for both of these precious families.

Love in Christ!

Stacy said...

I will be praying for Jon and his two boys and that Katie is resting peacefully with Sara in our Heavenly Father's arms. I'm so sorry for this news.

Unknown said...

Prayers are going up for the Friedman family. Still praying for you and sweet Chloe!

Yvette said...

Brady - I too read this post with my jaw on the floor. Such shocking and tragic news.

This is my first time to post. However, I started reading your blog just a couple weeks ago and just sobbed for you and Chloe.

I will pry that God will hold each member of both families tight. I pray that lives will be forever changed for the better and that many will turn their lives to Christ.

wife.mom.nurse said...

I have chills up my spine. I could hardly believe my eyes.

My heart goes out to the Friedmans and to you as you struggle through this journey of grief and loss.

In prayer...

~Julie

Justine, Romy's Mama said...

I'm speechless! I am so sorry for yet another loss. Prayers all around for both of your family's.

Karin and Thomas Werner said...

The F-16 community is hurting and wondering why ... but as always we bond together to pray and believe in the great meaning behind the loss.

COrby Naylor said...

Brady- We are here at Aviano with the Friedmans. My husband is a pilot in the Buzzards.My sister (Christy Casper) also knew Sara, so I followed your blog though her. I remember Katie's post when she found out Sara was critical. It was "still on bended knee for the Sullivan's. Miracles DO happen." I was just talking to Katie on Tuesday about your situation and the loss of your beautiful wife. We discussed how hard it is to comprehend why these things happen...and how precious life is. I know that Katie thought often about Sara in her last few weeks...and I am confident that she was living her life more completely- loving her family more deeply, feeling life's blessings more intently, and taking hold more tightly of everything precious because of Sara. We are reeling here. I hope you can reach out to Rabbi with an empathy and understanding that only you could give him. You are all on our minds and in our hearts...

D M Dunn said...

Praying.

D M Dunn said...

Praying.

cassie said...

no words. praying for that precious family.

David and Jacquelyn said...

You don't know me and I don't technically know you, but I am so touched by what's happened in your life and the life of your friends, the Friedman's. I was minutes from losing my life after a bleeding issue after the birth of my daughter in 2007. August 29th I gave birth to our son, 8 weeks early, and was told that we had to be done having children. I hear of these touching events in your life and the Friedmans and my heart just goes out to you as husbands and fathers who take on so much in the heart-wrenching absense of your wives. I just wanted to let you know that I keep both of your families and especially those little children in my thoughts and prayers and do my best each and every day to appreciate the fact that the Lord has kept me here for my children and my husband and not take these moments for granted.

God bless you and keep you close throughout these times as you enjoy the life of your beautiful and special little girl!

Blessing and comfort to all of you,
A fellow military family from North Dakota

Unknown said...

We will keep them in our prayers.

Charis said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your friends. I will be lifting them up in my prayers as I do for you & Chloe. Praying for them from Orange, TX.

Emily said...

Jesus, be near. No other words, but this song comes to mind:

I need you Jesus,
to come to my rescue
Where else can I go?
There's no other name by
which I am saved
Capture me with grace
I will follow you
(This world has nothing for me)

Praying that peace would cover this family, and you as well. Oh Lord, be near this family. Be the rescuer that they are in desperate need of. Wrap your arms around them. Jesus, let your light and love shine on them like never before. Lord, be near.

The Lugo's said...

I can't even imagine.... I'll be praying for them as well as for you and Chloe.

Krystina

snekcip said...

Lifting this family as well as your beautiful family in Prayer

Jarrett Johnson said...

Reading your sweet words about your wife just brings tears to my eyes. I will be in prayer for you and Chloe as you adjust to your new normal. I can only imagine what kind of young lady she will turn out to be! God is so awesome even in the mist of sorrow. Thanks for sharing your life with me via Jennifer Morey Ryden. She is my cousin n law. I will also lift your friends up as well. God will prevail!

Melody said...

Oh how heartbreaking. I'll be praying for them.

Lisa said...

We have added them to our prayer list. I cant even imagine. I am so sorry.

Haddock Happenings said...

There truly are no words. I am utterly speechless. I will pray, and pray, and pray....for all of you.

Sandra said...

sending lots of prayers from San Antonio TX

Rachelle H said...

wow--I stumbled on your blog from another blog, and I am so sad for both of your losses. We live in Waco, TX and were stationed in Germany and San Antonio right before that. I attended Baylor and one of my pledge sisters died of breast cancer in February a few months after giving birth to her son. I didn't know if you had heard of Kristi Winters Walker? I am passing on your blog to her husband Chuck if you two haven't already been connected. His parents live in Waco so you guys might be able to meet up somehow even though he lives in North Carolina.
Blessings to you, and both of your stories break my heart. God is close to the brokenhearted.
rachelle

Jodi said...

I am so sorry

The Cummings Family said...

Wow! I am a mom of two boys. This hits home. I will be praying for this precious family!

Angie said...

Hello I am sorry for your loss! I couldn't imagine. Regarding your friends loss I wanted to give you a blog of a man that lost his wife after childbirth too. Amazing guy and site. He also has a foundation he started for families going throught this. Here is the blog when the time is right maybe sent it to him.

http://www.mattlogelin.com/

So Sorry,
Angie

Holly said...

My heart is breaking for this family! I am sending prayers!!!

Kel said...

That is so hard. I know we had a friend when we were stationed in Corpus Christi while the guys ship was away went into labor and us wives had to take turns with the baby because the mom just all of a sudden started going down hill.. no words can explain the why's..we just have to have the faith to know He knows.. you have brought so much strength to so many people Brady and God will guide you as to what to say. When I "think" I am having a bad day (today for example) I turn to you.. the one who has suffered such a loss.. but your words remind me of life ... and gratitude and faith ... thank you so much .. praying for all of you as always hugs from Houston Kel

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Beyond words...only prayers will do!

Sadly, Carrie

Buzybugs pixie.blogspot.com said...

I cannot believe what you have been through or your friends.. How sad that 2 from what it sounds like amazing women both passed away.. The Lord must be needing some amazing people at this time, I lost my disabled brother who was 26 in July- I cannot believe the amount of GREAT people I have heard has passed away, Your an amazing person and an amazing dad to your beautiful daughter, your blog is awesome and one day your daughter will look back and see the love you had for her and the love you have for her mom.. Your an inspiration to so many of us...