I updated the blog at 11:04 p.m. writing of our uncertainty of when she would pass. At 11:25 p.m. she went home. She just had to get me one more time. Her breathing was much more peaceful at the end. I have ached today more than ever before. I hated to watch her struggle so much. But she made it. She got to celebrate her birthday here with us and now she is celebrating it in heaven! She is whole. She is in the complete rest of Christ. We love her so. I'm not exactly sure how time and space interface with the eternal aspect of heaven, but I know we will see each other again. From her perspective, we may already be there, but from ours, we have to wait. She cannot come to us, but we will go to her. She will remain in our hearts and minds until we are fully reunited again.
This is not the healing we preferred, but it is healing and perfect healing at that. Thank you for all the prayers, love, support, tears, hugs, food, and time you all have sacrificed for our family. We could not celebrate Macayla's life if it were not for our amazing Savior and His people! We love you all.
By the way, Macayla Grace Smoak was born May 22, 2001 @ 7:49 a.m. She died on May 22, 2010 @ 11:25 p.m. She was fully nine years old.
I'm thankful to have known your daughter and to have witnessed your abiding faith during her illness. Love from Lendy and I.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for Macayla and so proud to know her and your family. Your strength amazes me. I'm praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteGuys, I am so sorry for your loss. We will continue to pray for you in the days ahead that you will have continued peace, and comfort knowing that you are loved by many, especially our Heavenly Father. We love you and miss you all!
ReplyDeleteMark and Amy
We are praying for you and all your family. Macayla's life has touched so many people over the years. We are thankful she is healed but our hearts still break for yours. We love you all.
ReplyDeleteJane and I just want you to know how blessed we were to be with each of you for a few minutes. Jeff, Jennifer, and Jacob you are so SPECIAL to us. I know Macayla will be missed and she was loved SO MUCH. Even though it breaks our hearts we have peace that she is well. I told Jennifer on Friday what a reunion there would be and I know all HEAVEN turned BRIGHTER last night at 11:25 PM. Our lost is Heaven's gain and one day we will get to be "Together Forever". There will be no pain or suffering there and we will be worshiping the one who died for us.
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE EACH of you very much and will have all of you in our Prayers now and forever. Thanks for sharing your life with us. May God give you His peace that passes all understanding, as He has been doing, now and forever. Our PRAYERS are with you.
Praying for your peace and comfort now as Macayla has found hers. We love you guys and your family. The Johnson's
ReplyDeleteYou will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. God's grace and peace be with you continuously. In Christ, Mike and Ann B. (from Oakwood)
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with all of you.I am glad Macaylas journey is over and may she find perfect peace and no more suffering in Gods arms.May you find peace ad love as you trust in the Lord.Lve to all of you
ReplyDeleteAlthough I am saddened for your loss, I am also filled with joy that Macayla is up in heaven now, whole, dancing and singing with our Savior. I cannot even imagine how hard it must be for all of you. You all have been such an inspiration of strength and courage. Both Chris and I are praying for you and love you all very much.
ReplyDeleteAs I was waking up this morning I got the text of the news, my heart went out to you but my thoughts of Macayla in Heaven were glorious. When Emma woke up and came in to our room she looked at me and asked what happend, like she already knew. I told her what had happened and she looked at me and asked if Jesus would have her a birthday cake? May have been his Awsome plan all along. WE have all been so blessed to know your all so loving family.
ReplyDeleteThe Waldens
(Joe, Katie, Emma & Reid)
Jeff & Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI heard a beautiful statement several weeks ago in my Beth Moore bible study. She said, "If God calls you to a death requiring courage it must be a huge part of your destiny." Not only did Macayla show great courage during her battle but the you guys and your families have shown great courage. Although my heart is heavy for you, I anticipate what mighty thing God will do through this story. All our love...
Amy
Even though the miles have separated us - we still feel a part of your amazing family. Once again Macayla is able run across the yard and laugh as she did when we first met you. Your life is an inspiration to all of us - we cry at Macayla's passing because of the hole it leaves in our lives but rejoice at her healing. We love all of you and pray for your comfort. David and Linda
ReplyDeleteYou are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are full, crying tears of sorrow and joy. Macayla is beautiful. We will always miss her presence here. She will never be forgotten. Macayla's impact on the lives of people in this world will only grow in the years ahead as God continues to use your family in powerful ministry. Much Love to you. Janice Cockrell and family.
ReplyDeleteJeff, Jennifer, and Jacob,
ReplyDeleteI spoke with Beta Friday night, and she updated me with what she knew at the time. You all have been in my prayers constantly since we received word of Macayla's worsening condition this past week. You are a tremendously wonderful family to know. Today I spoke of the first time I met you during an IEP meeting, and how getting to know you during that short time changed my life. I am forever changed by your story of resiliency through which you give all the credit to God. Macayla's life here has impacted so many, and her passing leaves a void that will never be fully filled by another. However, her entry into heaven is to be celebrated. She is walking, playing, and doing what most 9 year olds do. She is making an impact where she is now. My love and prayers go out to you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for Jacob. He is a great "big" little brother for his "little" big sister. In His love, Carmen Elkins
Jeff and Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteWe are praying for your family and Jacob during these days. We love and respect you so much. Thank you for sharing your and Macayla's lives with us all. It is a beautiful testimony.
Love,
Brad and Beth Love, ERBC
Jeff, Jennifer, and Jacob,
ReplyDeleteLast year when Jacob entered my kindergarten class I had no idea what a blessing your family would be to me. I was able to witness the love that your family has for each other. I watched as you took such good care of your Makayla and I also witnessed the care that you took to make sure that Jacob never felt like he lived in his sister's shadow. I know how much Jacob loved his sister and I am sure this is a difficult time for him but as you have said he is a very brave and special little man. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to receive the Glory for the life of your beautiful and precious Makayla. Love, Lisa Patterson
Praying for comfort for you all that God can only give! Love you all.
ReplyDeleteThe Hall family Jaime, Craig, Michael,Brandon & Megan
Jeff & Jenny,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers go out to you today as I learned that Macayla had gone to heaven on her 9th birthday. I can't begin to imagine the loss that you feel. Please know that I will continue to keep you in my prayers during the coming days and weeks. God Bless you all.
Happy Parker, Aiken, SC
Steph and I smiled as Meghan and Katelyn described the birthday cake and "big big" house Macayla has in heaven. One minute we rejoice in the healing we know she has received. Close your eyes and you can see her running. The next minute, we tear up and grieve for your loss. Know that over the coming days, weeks, and months we will be remembering each of you in prayer.
ReplyDeleteWe love you! Tim, Stephanie, Blake, Meghan, and Katelyn Latta
I will be praying for comfort for your family during this time, but also celebrating that Macayla is running into the arms of her Lord. Your family has been a blessing as I've followed your blog. My daughters are students at McLees and I met Macayla during some of my volunteer time there. She was a joy!
ReplyDeleteJennifer -You counseled us prenatally with our Aidan at MFM. He was born with an omphalocele. You were such a blessing to both of us at that time. Then, the day our twins were born, you were working that day in Mother-Baby and took care of Jonathan and Eli, too. You have touched our hearts so deeply - and Jeff, I have stalked the blog since you first created it. Marcus' brother and Dad went to New Orleans. Your insight and honesty have had me laughing and crying - and praying. I will continue to pray for you. May your memories hold Macayla close until you can hold her close again.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Shannon and Marcus Wilson
I have been following you all on here since I left work. I haven't been on in a while, but saw many of the people I worked with posting on FB that she was beginning to start her journey to the end. I am so sorry for your loss, but like you can't help to be filled with joy that her struggling and suffering are finally over. What a way to spend your birthday, meeting Jesus!! I know she will be missed. I hope God fills your hearts with the knowing that one day you too will get to meet Jesus, and Macayla will be there waiting for you all. Love in Christ, Shannon Howell
ReplyDeleteJeff, Jennifer, and Jacob,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you as you come to the end of this journey.But Macayla is just beginning a new one, in peace, and healed, and in the arms of Jesus, the one who died for us all!! May God fill your hearts with peace, knowing there is no more suffering, only joy and love in its place. May God give you strength to get through the days ahead, remembering He is always with you, and will never forsake you! I have watched you and admired your strength and great capacity for love and selflessness. Macayla was truely blessed with a wonderful, and God chosen family.My love to you all!! Cindy
Dear Jennifer and Jeff,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for your family during this time of loss, but know that God will lift you up and help you to celebrate Makayla's life and her future in heaven. I am blessed to be able to know your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help this week or anytime in the future.
Love,
Cathy Bolt