I am a mom of a cutie pie (very biased). And I wanted to share my experiences with others (including my cuties grandparents, great-grandparents, numerous uncles and other relatives). I love being a mom and can't imagine doing anything else.
posted by Alivia's Momma @ 1:11 PM
I am a mom of a cutie pie (very biased). And I wanted to share my experiences with others (including my cuties grandparents, great-grandparents, numerous uncles and other relatives). I love being a mom and can't imagine doing anything else.
I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a friend, a baker, an epicurian, an avid reader, a movie critic, a horrible cleaner, a student gardener (I'm trying), a shopper and a blogger.
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63 Comments:
I started reading cause I saw the article in the Merchandiser about the bone marrow drive. I knew that if it was my daughter I would want the whole world to come. I told my husband we were going! (No was not an optoin) Then I checked the website that was in the article, which led me to your blog. I was so touched so many times. There were times I am sure my husband thought I was crazy cause I was crying for you, James and Alivia. I shared it with my Sunday School class and a few others. I'll admidt, I'm hooked. I usaually check it at least once a day. We know much about you, but you know little about us! Thanks for sharing and I'll keep praying and checking the blog! :) Sue F.
I live in Southern California and found your blog about the time Livi was going in for her transplant through the blog "Pray for Ian." I lost a cousin to leukemia years ago when she was 9 and what your family was going through reminded me of what we had been through years before. I have continued to check in with your blog daily and pray for you often.
Thank you for your honest, heartfelt entries!
Carina <><
Emily,
I check your blog often, think of you often, and pray for you often.
love,
Leslie M.
Hi Emily,
I still check the blog everyday. You and James and your families are in my prayers always.
Jill P. in Indiana, PA
I got the link for your blog through Briana's blog many, many months ago.
Suzanne - Tennessee
Do we have to click on that map and sign in or something in order for it to register where we are, or does it just pick up our computer when we link over to your site?
Love you much and praying for you daily.
count me as one of the Lancaster crew praying for you...
it was good seeing you guys at Will's show the other night...
Sara
Hey Emily,
I clicked on the map, not sure if this is what I was suppose to do but nothing seemed to happen. Just wanted you to know that we check in on the blog, usually Sunday afternoon, and we pray for you, James and your entire family daily. God Bless
Pauline
HI Emily,
We've never met. I was at Lord of Life church the Sunday after Ian's Murphey's accident. (we do not normally attend there - we attend New Hope Assembly of God in Dayton, PA) That same Sunday, Mark asked everyone at the church to break into group's and pray for Ian and Livi. I was so touched that Sunday.
I have a daughter Livi's age - so I felt such compassion for you. Your blog seems so intimate, I felt like I knew you immediately. I've been checking almost daily since - I add comments sometimes - I hope you do not mind. Your family is on my heart often for prayer.
Your entires have made me evaluate my own life - the way I interact with my children - I've been challenged by your blog. It's so hard to put into words.
I appreciate you being here, online. I'm inspired by the way you share your heart and your faith. I wish I could do more for you - but I believe God has called many, who you do not know personally, to cry out on your behalf to our Faithful Father. To somehow carry some of your burden to the Lord.
Praying for you.
Holly Wadding
Dayton PA
I can't remember exactly when I started reading your blog-- it was over a year and a half ago. I found it while I was clicking through the blogs of some friends I have in Maryland. Six degrees of separation, I guess? Anyways, I was on vacation this summer and just had to check the blog; that's when I found out Livi had passed away. I cried for you. I live in Tennessee and check the blog about 2-3 times a week.
I wish I was reading from some tropical location...lathered in sunscreen, sipping a margarita and reading a magazine...but alas...I'm in my basement in good old Lancaster County. Doesn't get more boring than that, does it? Ha ha!
I love to still hear from you via the blog. I miss seeing you.
I seem to check this everyday just because I really want to know how you and james are doing. I don't think I can go a day without checking to see if you updated. I am praying for you guys and will continue to keep you in my prayers. i do miss that sweet livi so I can't imagine what you feel. keep trusting God Emily. You are one strong women. Thank you for being such an example to me in the way you love the Lord. Thinking of you.
luv ya,
Moriah
I live in Morgantown, WV. I got the link for your blog from Beth Chase's blog, and then I was hooked! Still check it daily and I am hoping that you and James know how many people in the world (it seems) care about you both and your little Livi.
Emily,
I've been a faithful reader of your blog for over a year now. My sister Beth goes to church with Briana and told me about Livi. I've been praying for your family ever since.
Becky
Frederica, DE
I've been reading the blog for about a year (maybe a little less). I found out about it from my aunt--Marie Trunzo Watters who is friends with Emily's parents. Emily and I used to be friends when we were young. I check the blog daily, normally from Slidell, Louisiana but more recently from home which is Tuscaloosa, Alabama where I've had to return to care for my ailing father. I pray for you all every day and I thank God that you have such a strong support group of friends and family and, as it seems, former friends and strangers.
I know you will continue to seek Peace and Comfort from God,
Jenny Diab
I live in West Chester, PA and heard about your blog through Ian's website. Have been praying for you constantly! I pray that you will find comfort in Jesus this season! Thank you for sharing your lives with us! God bless you! Jen
Emily,
I still check this blog a lot...sometimes multiple times a day. I think about you and James so much especially with the holidays now. My heart hurts for you. I remember the day I came to Livi's funeral...I just felt I had to be there. I heard about your blog through "Pray for Ian". My prayers are with you each and every day. Just like Sue F. said, I shared your story with many others and have cried for you many many times. I posted a bulletin on myspace for everyone to pray for Livi during the last week of her life. She holds a special place in my heart, and I will never forget her or you.
Hugs,
Lisa R.
Bethlehem, PA
I still check your blog daily (sometimes more than once a day because I like reading the comment section which always seems to have something new in it). Even though I check your blog daily, it has been quite a while since I posted (other than today and the day you posted about not celebrating Christmas in your house this year).
I just wanted you and James to know that if it were completely up to me, I would give up all the Christmas lights on my house, all the food and fun of the season, all the cards, all the parties, everything to be there with the two of you at Chistmastime this year...to sit and talk about special Livi memories and about the hope we have that we will see her in heaven one day over a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. I just thought I would tell you that lest you think that everyone's life has just gone on without you. Nothing that is going on on our "to do" lists is more important than your grief this season. However, this isn't all up to me. I have a husband and three kids and live many states away and there are many other people that are more suited to comfort you regarding your loss...friends and family members that can share in your memories of Alivia. So my prayer this holiday season is that you have a different, but still blessed Christmas with those people. It may not be the same as last year, but it could still be a blessed time in different way.
Oh yeah...I think it is neat that people on here are explaining who they are so I will also (even though I already explained a little over a year ago). I am James' distant cousin. I live in Madison, AL (right outside Huntsville). My Grandma Ruth and James' Grandfather Billy were first double cousins. I have so many memories of James' great-grandmother Marie and Uncle Ben and a few precious ones of James' Grandpa Billy before he passed away. I also wanted to say that I love the Auburn crowd (miss you guys the last few months since June..things have been crazy busy here). What a wonderful family...I enjoyed reading Marcy's post the other day.
Just know that there are so many that want to be with and love you two this year on Christmas Day even if it is not in the most traditional way. Some that desire to be there will only be there in spirit, but they will be with you nonetheless.
God Bless you both, Emily and James....
Caroline
I'm a friend of Briana's, and started reading your blog a couple months after Livi was diagnosed, I think. I read your blog from Maryland (I go to Bri's church) and check it about twice a week. So does my 18 year old daughter, Sarah. We've prayed and cried many a time over your sufferings. I was thinking just this a.m. about you and about Mary, Jesus's mother, and how she must've felt on the first birthday after her Son died. Even though He ascended to heaven, as Livi has, Jesus was no longer in the flesh with Mary. Please know I'm praying for you during these difficult holidays.
I also go to Brianna's church, and found this blog through hers. I am a NICU nurse here in Baltimore, and I have spent many hours praying for your family! I usually check once a day to every few days.
Praying for you this holiday season ~ Kjirstin C
I am still reading and praying, even though I don't always post a comment.
I have been praying much for you lately as you endure the holiday season.
(I know Emily though Lord of Life Church in Indiana, PA.)
I live right outside of Washington DC, and I found your blog through a friend of a friend's blog, and they were asking for prayers for Livi and a link to your blog. My oldest son is Livi's age and my heart felt for another family in Christ... I check your site almost daily for updates on how you guys are doing.
I began reading your blog after linking from Ian's blog. I'm in Montana (that should broaden the blog reading area for you :)
I'm so thankful to the Lord for you and your family!
Sharon
I started reading your blog +10 days after Livi's transplant. A friend of a friend of yours led me to it and you and Livi captured my heart immediately. I'm from central Ohio.
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I started reading your blog a few days before livi's transplant...a friend of mine showed me and I've been checking ever since. Your little girl has captivated my heart she was so cute! I always enjoyed coming and checking on the latest updates laughing over her little antics, crying about all she was going through and praying for sweet livi and her amazing mama oh and of course seeing her adorable smile!!!! even though I never met her she has touched my life and I miss her......
praying for you guys in
g-burg Maryland
-becca
Still reading the blog and thinking of her all the time.
-Andrew, Charlotte, NC
I started reading your blog when Livi was first sick. I think of that often as my daughter will soon be 1 year old. I've faithfully read your blog since last December. I pray for you often and shared your blog with many, many friends and family who have kept you in their prayers as well. I went to high school with Beth Chase and she posted your blog on our high school website. I live in Scottdale, PA and I check your blog a few times a week. Anissa S.
I found your blog through a link on Joe Lin's blog. We've been thinking of you and praying for you ever since. Thank you for your continued updates.
-just north of Boston, MA
I've been reading from the beginning over and over again. I still think it is amazing how hooked I am, having only met Livi once quickly at Horace Mann, she touched and continues to change the way I approach my days. Thanks for continuing to share. Your family, especially you and James are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I so wish I had awe inspiring and helpful thoughts to share. I hope that knowing so many are praying is helpful in some tiny way??
Love,
Diana B.
love you so much.
missing everyone.
(wanted to comment to let you know i was here, instead of just reading)
I am from Franklin, WV. (Gabriel use to go to church in Lancaster) I started reading this blog after friends from Lancaster, PA told us about Livi and they gave me the blog address. I read the blog often. And I pray often!!!!
I still check the blog almost every day just to see how you are doing. I'm glad I ran into you at the store.
We don't know why but He does and He is a good God though we don't always understand.
I cannot imagine your pain, but I'm praying God's grace will carry you through and that your eyes are constantly turned to Him who will sustain you.
Love, Gina
Emily, it is not possible to fathom the extent which Livi's sweet spirit has affected the lives of so many since you started posting. To me it is evident that many parents have truely reconized how very much they are blessed by their little ones and that life is so fragile that each moment is to be cherished. You have been able to allow everyone who reads here to know how much Livi was cherished by her family even when we were not with her. We were never with her enough to satisfy us but your faithful entries filled in for the need to be in touch. We could'nt be on the phone all the time. This is still happening. Thank you for your faithfulness in all things, beloved grandaughter. It is no wonder that Livi was such a sweet spirit. You and James, Gigi and Pa, etc. gave her such tender caring love that she could only be the sweet one that she was. We will never forget the love she embodied in her too short life here. She will continue to enrich the lives of those who have chosen to follow the journey you are on thru this journal. Marmie
Emily-
I started reading your blog after I heard about it from Sue F. I clearly remember the day she sent us the email because I had a bunch of tests the next week that I should have been studying for. Instead of studying for them though I spent the whole saturday afternoon reading through your story. My tests didn't matter anymore after that afternoon, everything seemed so trivial.
I met a new friend at school this year and one day she walked in my room while I was reading your blog. Immediately her face lit up-6 degrees of seperation at it again! It's amazing how many people have been touched by you, Alivia and James.
To this day I can't stop reading your blog and everyday I do I say a little prayer for you and James that you'll have the strength to keep on going and not loose hope.
Always praying-
Allie L in Millersville, PA
I check your blog every day and always have....
friend of Briana's in Abingdon, MD.
Emily,
I have been reading your blog since winter 2007 when Julie Garner asked her blog readers to pray for Alivia. I have posted comments a few times and I sent pictures of my son, Elliott, dressed up like an animal for Livi to hang on her wall. There's something about Alivia, you, and your family that's been so totally magnetic. I check your blog often and pray for you often. I used to check your blog to read the cute stories about what Livi said or did that day and always hoped to read good news about her transplant. I was so saddened when she went to meet the Lord, but know that she's in a place more awesome than our minds can comprehend. Now I check to make sure you're ok. Though we've never met, I feel like you are a dear friend - a sister in Christ. I live in Lancaster County and often wonder if our paths will ever cross. I thank you for sharing your thoughts and stories on your blog, and hope you have a small idea how how profoundly Livi, you, and your family have touched so many of us, even those who you do not know.
Peace,
Kristen E.
Hi Emily! This is Jessica (Bennett) Denney - my mom passed the address on to me after she found out about it from your dad through school. I still visit several times a week, praying for you and James daily! I've passed the address on to several people myself along with the request for prayer for Livi, you and James. The visits and the prayers will continute - you have no idea how much you've touched people. As Tye and I expect our first baby, I constantly pray that I will be as wonderful a mother to our child as you were to Livi. She was very blessed to have you and James as parents.
Hi Emily,
I check in several times a week and pray for you all...you, James, Pa & Gigi, Bill & Cynthia and others...most every day.
We love you and think of you so often here in Indiana, PA.
Kathie K
I am a mom from Colorado.I started reading your blog when it was mentioned on the Solo Femininity Blog a year or so ago. I think of you and pray for you often. May you feel God's presence and know His love in new and amazing ways during this holiday season.
Take care!
Emily,
As you know...Norm and I have had the privledge of watching you and the rest of the Allen clan grow up. Norm using his many gifts to be your "bus driver" through elementary school. Then you HAD to grow up!
What a blessing to be on worship team with you so long ago, and to see you as a lovely, young woman walking down the aisle as a beautiful bride.
Then as you and James brought lovely Livi into this world praying for you, Livi, James, your brothers and Parents, during such hard times, but knowing that Our precious Savior would hold you during the laughter and through the tears, even as He continues to hold your lovely girl.
Hold on the His love, He will support you and help you to continue to grow into a beautiful, mature woman of God.
With love and prayers,
Norm and Pat Burns
Indiana, PA
Emily and James:
We are reading and praying everyday.
-the Kim's (Indiana, PA)
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Emily, You come to my mind all the time and not a day has gone by in almost two years that I haven't stopped to pray for you. My eyes drip with tears everytime I think about Livi. Instead of writing a bunch of cliches, I wish I could be with you to hit, yell, punch, cry and laugh. I always loved laughing with you. Every day (sometimes a few will sneak past me when I have to "unplug") I check in to see if you've posted anything. It's my way of checking in on you and it helps me feel connected on some level. I've also been reading Ian's blog and pray diligently for him. Miss you and love you deeply.
Beth Chase (morgantown WV)
Still checking in on you, Em...everyday pretty much, sometimes multiple times. I think of you and James so constantly.
Christi
Wow! 923 visits since Dec 9th. Livi continues to touch so many lives...more than most ever will do in with a much longer time here on Earth. What a special little girl. Praying for you during this holiday season.
The Parmers (Part of the Crossway Church Family in Lancaster)
Dear Emily,
I am married to James' Uncle Read in Auburn. I met you at your wedding in Pittsburgh which seems so long ago. I cannot tell you how moved I have been by not only Livi's huge spirit but also that shown by you, James and the whole family. I continue to pray for you all. Faith lifts us up but the grief is all too real. It seems a harsh reality when life goes on when our pain is so great. You have much love to give and a family who loves you so very much. May God grant you comfort.
Theresa
...still reading and still praying.
Mary Ann K.
I know Briana from blogging and that's how I heard of Alivia. Your story has touched my heart in more ways than I can say. I check almost every day to see how you are. I weep here often. I don't know what God is doing, but I hope and pray that He is working good fruit in your hearts. You are a great mom. I admire you tremendously. Praying for you, Jessica in KS
I'm in Texas. I think I first found your blog for Livi when you signed someone else's blog (?) - but as soon as I saw Alivia's face, I knew I had to pray for such a sweet girl. You are all still in my prayers. God bless you.
I'm another person who goes to church with Briana (so, reading from Maryland) and was connected to you that way! My prayers continue to be with you.
Still reading nearly every day and praying many times through out my days. I am still amazed by the strength that you and James have shown and continue to show.
Hi Emily,
Your family has been in my prayers. I found your blog several months ago through "pray for Ian" or Nora's blog. I was very touched by your entries and moved to tears at times. God continues to use your life and Alivia's short time here to draw others to Him. I'm a nurse and my heart breaks when I hear of children like Alivia; I hope someday I can work in Pediatrics and care for those precious children. I'm a member of a Sovereign Grace church in San Diego.
- Rebekah
Hi Emily,
I began reading very shortly after Livi was diagnosed and your dad told us that we could check her progress via your blog. I went back and started reading from the very beginning and fell in love with your family and your story. It truly is one of the greatest love stories ever written. I continue to read daily and pray for you, James, and the rest of your family. Thank you, again, for opening up your lives to so many. You are an amazing inspiration to us all!
With Love,
Julie D., Indiana, PA
Still checking in & praying for you - love yinz.
Maureen
We continue to pray for you both. Please know that the Lord is near...esp. during this very difficult holiday season. The first few holidays I'm sure will be very hard. May God uphold you, and though you may feel like you are sinking at times, His right hand will sustain you. He holds you in the palm of His hand...gentle, kind, and merciful is our precious Father.
The Wengers
Living Hope Church, Hbg.
Emily,
There is a post on the girltalk blog today (Dec 13) about comfort at Christmastime that made me think of you. Wanted you to know it was there if you wanted to check it out.
Dana
I started reading shortly after the bone marrow drive. I work with Mike Gerhard and he told us of Livi. She (and you and James) have held my heart ever since. I check this blog every single morning and I am so happy that you continue to post. I am always wondering how you are doing. I pray every morning and my kids have you in their prayers every night...and we will continue to do so!!!
Warmest thoughts,
Vicki Moore, Annville, PA
I found you through a friend of a friend. Praying for you guys daily.
Anne
Lexington, Kentucky
I've worked with your dad for ages on triennial projects. I haven't checked in since Alivia left you for the next leg of her existence. I say good-night to her every night before I fall asleep -- and probably will for the rest of my life. A piece of my heart is with you.
I started reading because I know Chris. He came up to MA for the catalyst program and had asked for prayer at caregroup. I'll continue to think and pray for you!
I came to your site through Ian's, though I do not know you or Ian. I came to his site through a friend in TX. I can not imagine your pain, and will continue to pray for you all.
Claire
Knoxville, TN
I actually went to middle school with you and heard about your Alivia from another old Indiana friend. I pray for you and your family and am so impressed at your strength and continued dedication.
Dear Emily,
Just wanted you to know that the beautiful story of your precious child, Livi, has truly touched my heart and brought me to tears even though I didn't know anything about you prior to this morning.
My daughter gave birth to a baby girl several days ago, and she and her husband had been struggling for months to come up with a name for her - kiddingly my son kept referring to her as "Baby A". They finally settled on Alivia Catherine. Not having ever heard of the name Alivia before, and not being sure how to refer to my new little granddaughter, I searched on the name this morning, and happened to come across your blog, which has brought me to tears several times. I just wanted you to know that "Livi" or "Livi Lou" are the names that I plan to use to refer to my granddaughter from now on. I also want you to know that I will never be able to forget your family's touching story.
Thank you for helping me, and may God bless you always.
From a grandmother in central Pennsylvania
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