Sat 3 Mar 2007
Calling All Lurkers
Posted by Jane under Updates
[103] Comments
We’ve been overwhelmed (in a good way) by all the support, prayers and wisdom in our community. And I’ve been surprised by the number of people whose hearts have been captured by Ramona’s struggle to survive. It seems like every time I turn around someone says “Oh yeah, my college roommate’s cousin’s hairdresser was reading Mona’s blog and…”. Which leads me to believe there must be more of you praying for, thinking about and checking on Ramona’s progress than even your almost 500 comments indicate. So, satisfy our curiosity, if you’re out there lurking, just post a brief comment saying who and maybe where you are. Regular posters feel free to join in, it’s an all-skate.
Hey Andy, Jane and Simon-
I’m praying for you all through this crazy time. I love how honest you have been about how hard it is. I am praying that God gives you a peace that passes all understanding throughout this time. May God reveal Himself to you every moment of every day. I’m praying that He surrounds you and Ramona with love that you can’t ignore, and that you turn to Him because of it.
He is good and sovereign no matter what.
I love you all!
Kate
Present! 60625.
Niles, Illinois, in the house!
We’ve been lurking and praying. Praying and lurking. Now there’s two words I never thought would go together in a sentence.
–Jon & LaShawn Wanak
Jen, Mike, Michaela & Lyle are on it!
I’m Shannon – Mom to Baby Wren (12/13/06) who has Shone’s Syndrome and early heart surgery. Here’s his story: http://echobaby.blogspot.com
We live in Seattle and I was on your Expecting Club board
I hope you had a good day and Ramona is recovering her sats and spirit with rest.
Shannon
I’ve never posted a comment as any of the language I can muster always seems so inadequate, irrelevant really. Karen often updates me as well. But yes, I’m a lurker. And the fierce love you show for Ramona awes and humbles me. I think of yall and pray for the Creator to be with the three of you every day.
Checking in every day.
I was Andy’s neighbor when we were kids.
I don’t have the eloquence of others, but am in awe of your strength and honesty.
You have many prayers coming from my household.
K
Jane-You photographed our wedding in July ’04. We had a baby in Oct. of ’06–our hearts and prayers are with you. Your family is beautiful!
Jane-I am the proud Aunt of Marlowe and Rhys. I check the site at least twice a day, and am praying for all of you, all the time.
The Tomais are here – 60651. We’ve been praying often and check the site regularly.
Hi Jane & Andy,
ok…I confess, I am one of those completely random people whose heart has been captivated by Ramona and your family. I don’t know you or your family or your college roommate.
I have a friend in Seattle w a sick child. I check in on little Izzy’s blog which recently added a link to a blog regarding baby Wren, a baby I do not know but one who I am also praying for.
Wren’s blog has a link for Ramona Rae. This is how I found you.
My empathy is on over drive since the birth of my daughter nearly one year ago- after 6 yrs of infertility. This is the only answer I have for why I am praying for all the sick babies- both known and unknown.
When I look into the face of my own daughter I constantly thank God for this amazing blessing in my life… but my heart also aches for all the children who suffer. As trite as that sounds it is true.
Ramona looks a bit like my daughter and her sweet photos have touched me deeply. I am so very sorry that she is gravely ill and for how her illness has devastated your lives.
I wish I could do more than pray for you and Ramona…but tonight I am praying for you and your baby as I will again tomorrow. God bless.
HOLLA!
Jen and little baby Mason from ivillage here..praying like crazy for Ramona…and my huge family has you on their prayer list too..Prayer changes things and enables miracles to happen…We believe in Ramona!!!
Dear Jane and Andy,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers since we learned of Ramona’s condition. We check in on this site and pray for your family multiple times a day, and we wish that we were there to help you out in person. We admire your strength and love in this time of suffering – you are examples to all parents!
Love from your friends in Oregon,
Doug & Shaelyn
George and Kim here in Princeton!
always in our hearts and minds. God be with you all.
The Cummins Family
Wyndi in Seattle, Wa
came from baby Wrens page
my daughter has PHACES Assocation
She was born with Interrupted aortic arch and a ventricle septic defect. She got Heart block from the OHS repair and has a pacemaker.
We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers
wyndi and Izabell
Izabells story and others with PHACES:
http://www.phacesassociation.com/
Izzy’s Blog page:
http://www.allthingsizzy.blogspot.com
I’m in of course! Love you!
Val
OK, just letting you know I’ve been following Ramona’s story and praying for you all… I’m not very good at leaving profound statements, and I’m sure I’d put my foot in my mouth by saying something stupid, so I’m just the silent praying type in your story!
Pam
Rebekah and I are here…
Keri, Darel, Abi (3 yrs), Josi (1 yr) Middaugh, Ypsilanti MI 48198
Your loved ones in Appleton are praying and so are their friends. The boys have the priviledge of praying for Ramona everyday at school. John and I believe that Connor, Sam and Jack know their cousin eventhough they have never met. I keep her picture in my car, and when we are driving, even Jack asks, “Baby, okay?” We love you all so much and look forward to seeing you all again.
Wendy, Tom, McKenzie and Owen are still reading about thinking about and praying about Ramona!
I’m staying with my best friend and her famiely for a bit and every day her kids (she has four) ask me how Ramona is doing and have all commented on how beautiful and precious she is. I am thinking and talking to God about all of you. Apparently, he’s not the “Simon says” sort of God but i guess that’s a good thing…I love you all! And Simon is a KNOCKOUT! i just want to pinch his little cheeks…no wait…Aunt Rose…that’s your job! Love you~
Ramona is in our prayers. I’m the lurker who recently sent you a message on our December Snowflakes board. My 4yo DD also prays for Ramona.
~ Heather
with a Dec. Snowflake – Courtney – 12/12/2006
Nicole, James, Benjamin (20 months), and Ella (4 months) Harlow here in Portage, MI.
Sending love from the West SIIIDE of Chicago! Molly, David and Baby Evan
Bonecks are here – D, C, M and (lowercase) v and w
love from E-town, northside. Erin
I’m here checking up on you guys regularly. You’re in my thoughts and prayers constantly, and I’m intrigued by the drama playing out on this blog. I’m amazed at how a little two-month old little girl can have so much of an impact on so many of our lives. It proves that live is precious and meaningful, no matter how small (isn’t that a line from Horton Hears a Who?). Thanks for letting us be a part of your story.
I meant to say “life is precious.” not “live is precious”. Leave it to a professional writer/editor to post a comment with a typo….
Andy & Jane,
My husband and I are good friends of Toby and Bekah and we live in Bridgewater, Vermont. We just had our first baby on 12/31/06 and my heart aches as I read your story. I pray for strength from our Father as you continually give Ramona to Him every day. My sister and brother-in-law just adopted a girl from Albania after being unable to have children. They used a blog and it was awesome to see how the Lord used it to touch other’s lives. Thank you for sharing your joys and sorrows with us.
Bug
The Tennessee Carlsons are present!
I don’t personally know any of you either, but I am captivated by your story because it is so much like my own. My heart breaks for your family because I know what it feels like. Our son was born in Feb 2004, seemingly healthy. The second morning in the hospital they heard a heart murmur, did an echo and rushed him to the NICU. He had his first open-heart surgery at one-week old, was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome shortly thereafter and spent ten weeks in the NICU before we finally brought him home. It’s been a tough road since then, but he brings us so much joy! We are getting ready for heart surgery #3 this summer. I check on and pray for Ramona every day. And we live in Sacramento, CA.
Our blog is http://himmelberger.blogspot.com
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I pray for you all constantly and check your site each night. I have shared your story with my Presbyterian bible study group, the Baptist Sanctuary choir Michael and I sing in and my 2nd-5th grade Second-Ponce Singers (they ask faithfully for a report each week!), and my Methodist Jubilee Choir of 6th-8th graders. Many ages and denominations each coming together to make up the one Body of Christ. We are all praying for your family!
anne
Tucker, GA
I am all over ALL the updates. I love to know as things change how to pray for your family Jane. I feel like Moses and know all the Aarons on your site say it better than I ever could. What is going on is a constant discussion in our home as you and our family are constantly on our hearts.
I love you Jane.
J.
I honestly can’t tell you how your care page came to me. Sorry. Through the Medically Fragile Children’s web nets I am sure. Your story is touching and beautiful and your strength amazing. We, too, have a child that will, in all likelyhood, never grow up to be an adult. We have been amazingly blessed with 8 years already and we live life in the moment and face each day as just that, a single day. I am not sure what your spiritual beliefs are but I have just read a wonderful little book called “Holding Onto Hope” by an author called Nancy Guthrie. She is a Christian and her book is written from a biblical perspective. She has lost two children in infancy to a genetic disease. I found her little book so uplifting and encouraging in a real, non-airy, fairy I’m ok with this, type way. Blessings to your family.
If you would like the access information to Andrew’s site just send me an email, we keep it locked due to some unsolicited guestbook entries linking to pornography.
Alison – BC Canada
southside represent’n
Quite literally, Andy & I were friends IN high school. We have had no contact since then, and I honestly cannot recall how much – if at all – we spoke or saw each other outside of school. Whitney is my best friend and shared the joy of Simon’s adoption and Ramona’s birth with me and then, of course, called me to prayer when you began your fight for Ramona’s life. In case she does not post again, Dana Bobbitt is my friend and the babysitter for my two boys.
Your faith, love, strength, honesty (especially concerning your weaknesses) and ability to find joy in the midst of such pain continue to humble and bless me and testify mightily to the love and power and grace of God our Creator and Christ our Savior. Even though it is at such a difficult and heartwrenching time, I am so honored to be “reunited” with your family and to hold you up in prayer. In addition to prayers for Ramona’s healing and God’s provision for you, I also pray that each day – each trial – perfects your faith and draws you closer to God.
“2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
Love, your sister in Christ,
April
Oh – I’m still in metro Atlanta and have asked for prayer on your behalf from every Believer I know.
Been with you from the beginning…before the beginning–like Ramona’s our own child, Caleb, Nicki, Ariadne, Luke, Jude.
North of Bronx, Tuckahoe, NY.
PS. Many others from Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Claremont, NH checking in too.
I and my co-workers at the Cedarville University Bookstore in Ohio are praying for all of you…we’ve also shed some tears along the way. Our hearts are with you, even though we haven’t met-
Karen Beattie’s sister, Ann
(Also, Jeanie, Sarah, Nellie and Julie at the bookstore)
Hi guys. Wendy and I check in every day and send our love and prayers. T.
Jane and Andy,
I, too, am a lurker, reading your blog since Grandma Sue told me about Ramona Mae’s illness. I am so humbled reading your entries and the responses from friends, family and people you don’t even know. I’ve also passed on Ramona Mae’s story to my family. So, count us among the extended family praying for you, praying that God heals your precious baby.
With love,
Old Friend of the Family
reporting in from Austin, Tx
southeast side evanston in the house! ! !
As per the hometown hiphop anthem, “if you live by the lake or you eat at steak and shake your from evanston, your from evanston. . . if your dad’s a CEO or he works at Gigio’s, you’re from evanston, your from evanston….”
Following every post and in frequent prayer. love from the Ashleys
I’ve been checking in ever since Ann and Jon asked us to pray. Praying for peace for you in the days to come.
I sent a picture of your family with a prayer request when Ramona had her set back. This is response from a friend of mine at church. He has 3 daughters…
I’ve always heard that a picture tells a thousand stories. I can’t believe the way this picture creates a feeling of connection with the family. The look of hope on their faces is so evident. Seeing Ramona “face to face” creates an instant bond that every parent must feel. My prayers are more focused now, not just on a name, but on a family I feel I know. Instead of a thousand stories, I hope this picture brings a thousand prayers.
In His name,
Jody
What I love about God is how HE never wastes anything….here on your site, not only are we united as HIS body in prayer but are making new connections, as well…then I see a comment by one cousin (Toby) to another (Megan) and I think…children do that…they give us opportuities to love ….they bring us together..
thank you, Lord, for ramona and her parents and for all of the faithful here…trusting YOU….
Have I told you lately that I love you?
The Reed family from the Northwest Suburbs have been praying for Ramona and the rest of your family since we learned about her. We go to church with Dina.
I appreciate your openness about your feelings concerning Ramona’s condition. Our son was born with a congenital heart defect as well (Critical Aortic Stenosis- balloon valvuloplasty after birth, open heart repair at 20m and soon OHS valve replacement). I can identify with some of what you are going though. Your expressions of faith and thoughts about God’s plan for Ramona and your family have helped me in my thinking about my son and his future.
We continue to pray for healing, growth, peace and comfort for Ramona and all of you.
Many times a day. Saturday, I was in withdrawal for a time!
Love, hugs and prayers,
Carol
Still thinking of you!
this is always the first thing we check when we turn on the computer.
more love from 60625,
paul and ronnie
Jane, I’m
Jane, I’m a friend of Baby Wren’s mom. I was just recently led to Ramona’s blog, but already check in on her daily. My son is a week younger than Ramona, and that gives me a great sense of connection with you- I believe in the power of prayer, I’ve seen it work! I’ll continue to pray for your family. I’ll check in tomorrow. ((big hugs)) to you…
Becky D. in Arizona
I am expecting and due in September and Usually lurk on other boards to pass the time on I Village. I happened upon Ramona Mae and her journey and have checked up and kept her in my heart everyday. She is well loved by friends and family and it is evident in her survival.
Jamie
J & A:
My family and I are offering prayers and other practical support. Madie’s 4th grade class prays for you every day (and ‘dems powerful prayers!)
Brad, Will, Kate & Madie
60630
Jane and Andy:
I work with Mike Sage and I’ve been following Ramona’s journey. I just wanted to tell you how much your faith in God has helped me to strengthen my own faith and to trust in God’s will for me, even when it’s not what I had hoped for. Thank you. I pray for Ramona and your family everyday.
Emily
Homewood, IL
I may be lurking but am always within reach. Luv you all!
-R
Ramona and Simon and the whole family has captured my heart. I think of you all often with lots of love.
Hi Jane and Andy! I check Ramona’s website multiple times a day at work and notify my friends who sit by me when there is good news! We are all praying for her, the both of you and Simon!
hi jane and andy! i’ve been “lurking” here to keep w/ ramona and talking to jen sage – you’re in my thoughts and prayers a lot. someday i would still love to be able to babysit for your darling children. in Him, michelle
still lurking, and of course still praying.
always reading your updates and deeply appreciating your willingness to share this journey with the rest of us. i’ve been praying like never before since i first received word of all that’s been happening, and haven’t stopped yet.
Jane,
Since Michael and I heard about this situation and were told about this blog, we have been constantly reading and praying. Your entire family is in our hearts right now.
Chicago, IL
I am a friend of Melissa and Kjersten’s here in Chicago. Your family is in my prayers and thoughts! Our church family is also praying for Ramona.
We are praying for you guys. Just keep your eyes on Jesus.
Hank, Sherry, Riley, and Caden
Goose Creek, SC
We are also friends of Melissa & Steve (Chicago). We’ve been praying specifically per her updates and just recently she shared your blog address with us. Add 2 more “lurking pray -ers” to your number.
Tim & Kristi
Waukegan, IL
Hi Jane,
We are praying and lurking here, just checking in periodically to know how to pray more specifically. And as someone posted earlier, words just don’t seem adequate most of the time which is why we remain silent lurkers. We are friends with Janel Toal and on the prayer team at the Church of Wrigleyville. We are here with you and Andy.
Love,
the DePasquales
Another lurker! From Minnesota!
A friend of Melissa’s and we’re faithfully praying for your precious family.
A friend of Melissa & Kjersten’s- here praying in Chicago.
Hi Jane and Andy,
I confess! We are unashamed lurkers. We are constantly praying, hoping, relaying info and updates, and (great word!) Lurking. In fact, I am on vacation right now and just had to stop in the local library to do a little lurking. You are front and center in my prayers. We love you all,
Bill, Paula, Linnea and Justin
lake bluff, IL
Dear Jane and Andy,
Our whole extended community is out here in the suburbs glued to your blog and praying for your family. You are always in our thoughts and in our hearts. Wayne spoke so eloquently and mirrored our beliefs exactly. I remember writing in Ramona’s “pocket prayer” right after the surgery that she would be leading us, teaching us. What an unexpected, incredible story she is weaving in our lives. Everyone we know is keeping a vigil of love. Devotedly, Mom and Ron
The Marion Clan is here!
Emmalina
Amy Heather Johnson Bax, currently living in Berwyn, Illinois with my wonderful husband John and our simply lovely daughter Lucy (7).
I heard about Ramona through a few mutual friends – Ang Carlson, Dina Lindemann and Pam Sutherland. They’re on my list of pray-ers and asked me to get word out about your precious girl. So, I did.
I love using this thing called e-mail for prayer requests, knowing that the word has gone to hundreds of people in a matter of minutes – all across the country, maybe even further. To see the names listed here is pretty cool – no more imagining. I KNOW there are hundreds of people praying!
Isn’t the family of Jesus excellent!?
Dear Jane, Andy and Simon,
My husband, Frederic, works with Wayne Dietrich. We live in Paris, France but are checking into your site daily. Our constant thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Eileen and Frederic Villoutreix
I’ve been standing in the gap for little Ramona since my daughter (Melissa) shared the news of your challenge with a great number of her firends/loved ones.
Jesus is the same “yesterday, today and forever” and is STILL in the business of healing people … for the glory of God! Like Jesus, I ask our heavenly Father that it be His will to heal little Ramona … “yet not my will, but Thine be done.”
“… we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) – and so we can “Be strong and of goof courage (and) fear not … for the Lord thy God, HE it is that doth go with thee; He will NOT fail thee!” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
May you see God’s hand working out ALL things for your greater good … this very moment!
Be blessed,
Orlando
Hey, I’m from your iVillage expecting board. Just want you to know I am thinking of your family and sending positive vibes your way. My prayers are with you.
Rachel (& baby Audrey)
Woods Cross, Utah
God’s Blessings to your family!
I am Melissa’s aunt and have been in prayer (along with my husband Mike) for dear, sweet little Ramona and all your family.
May the Lord continue to give you strength and courage and wrap Ramona in his loving and healing arms.
We will continue our prayers,
Elsa and Mike (Velez) Cook
Another old friend of the family’s… this is my first visit to your site after finding out yesterday about Ramona’s fight to be well. I wish you abundant strength and peace. I will continue lurking, and hoping for the very best for all of you.
Gretchen Lyons
Decatur, GA
Our daughter Molly is down (up?) the street from you — we’re
eight miles sw of Lansing, Iowa — down the road from se
Minnesota, across the Mississipi River from sw Wisconsin — a
slice of heaven here on earth — conducive to prayer & medita-
tion — your family remains in our thoughts and on our
petition list. Ross & Mary Cavanagh
I am a friend of and work with Melissa Velez-Luce. You and your family have been and continue to be in my prayers during this difficult time. May the Lord continue to give you the strength to endure and the peace to rest when able.
God bless,
Emily
Jane & Andy,
I was out-of-town (with no internet) for the weekend, but I’m back! And praying (did that even without the internet!). Love you!
Jane and Andy:
I feel blessed to join this ever expanding group of lurkers and pray-ers on behalf of Ramona. May you find comfort knowing you and your family are surrounded with prayer by those of us so touched by Ramona’s journey. I trust the Lord will continue to sustain you during this time of challenge. (friend of Melissa’s)
Praying for all of you.
Stephanie in Arizona
Hi Jane and Andy,
We admit, we are lurkers. We live next door to Sue and Wayne. We have added Ramona’s name to our synagogues Mishaberach list. This means 450 Jewish families in Roswell, GA are praying for Ramona. We figured it couldn’t hurt. We are in awe of your strength throughout this and you are in our thoughts and our prayers.
Love,
Seth and Meg Herold
Lurking and praying in Tempe, Arizona.
We are friends of Karen Beattie’s and we pray for baby Ramona every night.
I’ve been praying for little Ramona since both Melissa and Kjersten shared the story of her journey, and will continue to pray that the Lord strengthens your family throughout this difficult time.
Blessings,
Audrey
Jane & Andy – Lurking and praying along with the rest of the Women’s “Large” Group from Edgebrook Evangelical Covenant Church. Melissa got word to us about what beautiful Ramona is facing and we’ve been praying ever since. When I pray for her, I picture in my mind her fabulous eyes. Rest assured God is holding her in the palm of his hand.
Holding all of you in my thoughts and prayers,
Anita Hohenstein
All six of us Wetzels continue to walk with you here in Wisconsin.
Hi Jane & Andy:
I have also been struck by your incredible insight during this stressful time and your ability to be frank and honest with yourself and others. Oh, and not to mention you manage to keep your wit and humor and crack me up! What amazing people the Dietrichs are! We are so lucky to be your neighbors and friends.
We have been keeping close tabs on Ramona and sending regular updates to my parents who are also praying for you (just not so techy to be able to read a blog).
You have an amazing community of friends and family. It is definitely a reflection on the type of quality people you are.
Hello from a lurker in NH, from the Abetti’s home parish. Reading this blog has been really amazing – your honesty is moving, and the loving, prayerful response from your family and friends is such a testament to the power of a community of the faithful. Lord have mercy!
The Brown family in NH
I am a friend of Bekah and Toby and have been following your blog. I have been touched by the open and honest way in which you convey your thoughtsand feelings as you experience the pain and heartache of Ramona’s illness. My husband and I continue to pray for healing for your precious little girl. We also pray that you will feel the comfort of God’s arms surrounding you.
Jan
Eddie and I have been “lurking and praying” from the Oak Park Vineyard. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your beautiful family. May God continue to strengthen you, and may all HIS purposes be accomplished in Ramona’s life (and Simon’s)!
Hi,
Jane I am a friend of your Mom’s in Downers Grove. I have been following along and praying for you and your family. Your children are beautiful and I just wish I could hold that sweet baby girl. I pray for healing and protection and visualize her heart growing stronger.
My husband and our three daughters are praying for you. The girls go to St. Mary’s and have asked their classmates to pray for baby Ramona.
Take Care and God Bless,
Ann Murray
P.S. Jane you are an excellent writer, you remind me of Annie Lammott
Greetings,
Just wanted you to know there are more praying “lurkers” up in Wisconsin.
I work for Andy’s brother, John, in Neenah, WI as his assistant and have been following your entries from the beginning. John shared Ramona’s birth with me and then told me about Ramona’s health when she first entered the hospital. You’ve all been in my prayers and those of my family since mid February.
Also, your updates are so heartfelt and honest. I’m certain you are an inspiration to others out there with similar issues. Thank you for sharing. Ramona is truly a darling child and has already touched the hearts of so many.
The Lord’s blessings, love and peace to your family ~
Debbie
Hi Jane and Andy,
I met you (Jane) at Ann Boyd’s wedding. I was the friend who did her hair. I’ve heard about your goings-on from Ann and Deborah since then and have been praying for your family since I heard the news. God is granting you the opportunity to grow in the depth of His love and the wisdom that comes with it. He loves you and see you all the time. Love, Jo
Hi, I’m friends with some of your mom’s old friends from St. Thomas (Menasha, WI) and I work for InterVarsity at Lawrence U in Appleon where my husband is a professor. Incidentally, Shannon Marion is my interim supervisor. Not quite the college roommate’s cousin’s hairdresser, but it’s got to be close… :).
So I’ve been praying, and so have a few of the prayer warriors at St. T who know your mom.
In faith for strength and blessings,
Sarah Ito
Just wanted to say that I’m a “lurker” and I’ve been completely blessed and devestated by your story. I am praying for Ramona and her big brother (as well as mommy and daddy).
-Ashley
(Member of December ’06 EC on iVillage.)
I’m here, and thinking about all of you. I’m so sorry for what you’re having to go through. Simon and Ramona are both beautiful children and I hope they’ll get to grow up together – I know that they have the most loving family possible.
– Erika (your stepsister by marriage?!?)