Friday, December 14, 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for He is right beside me." (Psalm 16:8)

This past summer, we received the disappointing news that the trial that Annette was on was no longer keeping the cancer at bay. We continued to hope and pray for a miracle through a new trial. This fall proved to be a tougher time for Annette, and she has become very frail and weak. The cancer continued to progress.

We now find ourselves at this time having to share this most difficult news with you. Annette, at present, is comfortably resting, surrounded by her family who loves her dearly. However, it seems her time here is ending.

We have been blessed to have this time to talk and share, laugh and cry together, and cling to the hope that soon she will be healed in heaven.

We spoke about her blog this afternoon. Annette wanted to wish everyone her love. She is so very thankful for all of you and for all of the support she has received over this time.

She is surrounded by her family at home, which is what she wants. Visits aren’t practical for Annette, but we will keep you updated through her blog.

Thank you for all your support, love and prayers.

Annette, Tom, Gord, Lisa and families

49 comments:

Unknown said...

We all love you so much and hold you all in our thoughts and prayers. I love you Annette!

Laura said...

Many, many prayers and good thoughts coming your way. Holding you all close to our hearts. We love you our sister Annette. I hope you are painfree.

Anonymous said...

Rest in peace Annette! We are holding you and your family in prayer.

Michelle said...

Praying for peace and comfort Annette. My prayers and thoughts are with you, the boys, your dear husband and family.

Jan Steck Huffman said...

Tom thank you so much for your call, and we love you Annette! OMG I can't believe this is coming true...

Melissa said...

Oh, Annette...we love you so much. Our prayers are with you and your wonderful family.

Anonymous said...

Praying for comfort and peace. My thoughts are with you, the boys, Tom and family. I love you Annette!
Shawn, Jake and Kaitlyn

Anonymous said...

We love you so much Annette. You are a wonderful friend and a like a sister to so many of us who are blessed with children with that extra something. You have made a difference in the lives of so many. We are so blessed to know you and to have been touched by your kindness, your wisdom, your true beauty and love. My heart is heavy knowing that I will not see you again on this earth. I will carry you in my heart always and will see you in all that is beautiful on this earth. I am comforted in knowing that you are surrounded in love by your most beloved family. We will love you always.
Kris and Jennifer

Shannon @ Gabi's World said...

My prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. May God bless each of you.

The Messy Baker said...

Thank you for updating the blog. I can't imagine how hard it was to write.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Annette and her whole family. Andrew and I are both here for you any time you need.

Much love,
Charmian

Pam said...

Many thoughts and prayers coming your way during this difficult time. Annette has touched so many lives.

I know that I am a better person for knowing her through her blog.

My heart hurts for your family right now, and I pray that Annette is pain free and resting now surrounded by precious family.

We love you all.

Pam and Rhett from the T21 board.

Anonymous said...

Many prayers coming your way for you and all of your family Annette. Sharing the bond of mothering a child with T21 has been an incredible experience. Even though I have never had the chance to meet you in real life, know that you and your family have always occupied a special place in my heart and will do so forever....

We love you!

Andi (mom to Riley from T21)

Anonymous said...

I do not know you well but read of your wonderful spirit through T21 and your blog. My family has been praying for you for year and am so sad to hear the news. May all the heavenly angels watch over you and your family through this difficult time. Joan and Thomas

Tammy and Parker said...

We are holding you tightly in our thoughts and prayers.

We love you Annette.

Anonymous said...

We love you, Annette. Tom and gang, we are praying for all of you and send huge, huge hugs from all of Brig's family.

Megan said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Unknown said...

Our Dearest Darling Annette.....

My life has been made richer by the gift of your friendship. You are truly an amazing and couragous soul.

I am so thankful that you have felt the love that surrounds you, and know that you have touched so many hearts and lives.

While we are far away in miles, we are right there with you in spirit. You are our sister, and we love you dearly.

Anonymous said...

Many many hugs to you Annette. I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Wow this is so hard to write - I am trying to find the right words but there don't seem to be any. Just know that you will be in our hearts always and that our Heavenly Father knows best and is the Ultimate Healer. God bless you always and much love.

HUGS
Katrina & Brant and family.

Jennifer said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. God Bless.
Jennifer & Brady

Michelle said...

My prayers continue to be with your family...

Clare said...

All our love and prayers to you Annette, Tom and the boys.
Clare

Betsy said...

Sending all of my love and prayers your way, Annette. You are a beautiful woman, who has touched the lives of so many of us.

You are a courageous fighter, and we will draw from your strength for years to come.

Betsy

Anonymous said...

Our love and prayers are with you, dear Annette. Your friendship has meant the world to me, and I'm so thankful we've been able to share the joy of parenting a child with T21.

Peace and comfort to all of you.

All 4 My Gals said...

My precious sister, while I will miss you on this earth, I know I will see you in heaven. Our time here is so short compared to eternity and I can't wait to dance the Tooty Tah with you again some day in a better place. Annette your fight has been so valiant, your sparkle remained so clear. Even though you were sick I was truly able to tell you how beautiful you looked the past two times we were together, for even cancer could not diminish your outward beauty, let alone your inner spirit. You have taught me so much over the last several years and your influence will remain with me and alive while I am here, I promise you that!

Tom please hug those boys for us and know whatever we can do, we are here. I am so sorry that your beautiful family is having to let go of this precious Mom, wife and friend.

We love you guys so very much!

Kari said...

Sending prayers for comfort and peace!

Sara said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers!!

Kei said...

Our love and prayers are with you. We love you Annette, and are so thankful we got to see you in October. We carry you in our hearts forever.
With love, peace and prayers-Robert, Kei, and the kids

Anonymous said...

Many prayers of comfort for all of you during this time. Annette, you are an amazing woman!
Renee (Johnny's mom from T21)

Anonymous said...

Our love & prayers are with you all during this very difficult time. Thank you, Annette, for being such an inspiration to us all. You are an amazing woman and a wonderful friend.

Anonymous said...

We love you Annette and pray for your peace and comfort. For your wonderful family, we pray for comfort as well. There just aren't words, only tears...

Anonymous said...

I love you Annette please know you are in my prayers as always!!!!! I have been so incredibly blessed to know you - you have been such an incredible mentor to me along my path with Lily. Forever in my heart you will be!!!!! Your strength has amazed us through your courageous battle....May you have peace and comfort at this time. You will never be forgotten...

Praying for you all right now!!!!

Love always,

Lisa and Lily

Karen said...

Praying for all of you during this difficult time. I wish I had a chance to know Annette in person. I am thankful that I was able to meet her through the T21 community.

Love, Karen (Connor's mom from T21)

Christina M said...

Hang in there Annette!

Much Love,
Christina (Vinents Mom)

Anonymous said...

You are all in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I pray for peace and strength.
with love Denise

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers of peace and comfort are with you and your loved ones. Terry-Noah's Mom (from T21 board)

Unknown said...

Annette,

You have touched my life and my heart. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you are surrounded by your loving family. I will keep you in my heart forever. You are an amazing woman.

I pray that God wraps you and your family in loving comfort and peace during this very difficult time.

Robin and Chloe

The Mom said...

Wrapping you all in our love and prayers. Holding Annette close in our hearts and praying for peace and comfort for you all.

Julie said...

Annette and family,

We have been so richly bless by you and your willingness to share your family with us who have children with a little something extra. Your warmth and love have been inspirational to me and many others you have so sweetly embraced in friendship. May you feel the love and prayers that surround you right now and know that if you need to go home, we pray your journey is pain free and that you are leaving with peace that your Heavenly Father is waiting to welcome you and reaching his arms out to hold comfort and give peace to your family and friends here on earth.

We love you Annette.

Julie and family
York, PA (T21 Board)

Kitty, Nathanael's Mom said...

Dear Annette, I am comforted at this time that you will soon be freed from this sick body that has served you well but must rest. I'm also comforted that you were able to draw near to family and do things your way. For Tom and the Boys, please know you're always in our hearts and thoughts and we hope you'll continue to take part in our T21 family.

I can't help but feel a sense of peace in knowing that Annette will be basked in heavenly glory, bouncing Mikey and Gabi on her celestial knee hanging with Sophia's Mom and blessing and guarding us all.

Heavenly Father has a much bigger purpose for you now, it's no consolation when you have to leave those you love, but there is indeed more for you to do that you couldn't do in a body that was failing.

Please know that we all love you and your family, they will not be alone, we embrace you in love and compassion. I hope to never travel this road but if I do, I'll have your strong, passionate example to draw from.

You have blessed us all richly and thank you for having us in your earthly life, I can't wait to some day meet you. I remember my first Christmas card from your family and I remember being taken aback by your eyes. There was a wisdom and almost ethereal-ness there and then I found out the cancer had come into your life. I kept your picture up a long time after the holidays praying for a miracle continuously. When time moved on I just marveled at how you made each day count, everyone always came first to you. I'm humbled by this example and carry that with me.

Bless you Annette, until we finally meet..love, Kitty and Nathanael

Anonymous said...

Annette, I trust you can feel the love that surrounds you and your family each minute of every day. Your courage and strength shines so brightly for all of us. Much, much love, Lynn BF.

Debra said...

Keeping you and your family in our prayers, our thoughts and our hearts.

Hugs
Debra and Hope T21 board

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers every minute of the days. From your California cousins Wilbur and Arlys Veen

Unknown said...

oh girl...what can i say?

i'm gonna miss you around here...but am keeping you tight in my heart.

much love to your family...we're here for whatever they need...and if you would? keep an eye on our angels here on earth...

we're gonna miss you mucho, and will be anxiously awaiting the day we can all meet up again!



e & molly kate

Lisa said...

Annette, Tom, Ryan, Curtis and Lisa

Sending you hugs and many enveloping prayers from our family. You are in our constant thoughts and we are so grateful for the chance to have spent time with you Annette and your wonderful family. You have been such an inspiration and have shown so much strength and courage in this battle. We are all better people from having known you. Hold each other tight and know we are sending so much love there with you. Godspeed....I don't understand it but I know the Lord is with you.

Lisa, Jim, Jamie and Cori

Anonymous said...

Annette and family,

Mikey and I are holding you all up in prayer... that God will surround all of you with His love and peace. Know that you are loved from all corners of the world and the love is coming from both of us here in Alberta. Many hugs and prayers.

Monica (and Mikey)

Jamy Dunbar, Head Coach said...

I don't know you but I am praying tonight for you and your family. I pray you all find strength and comfort. From reading your blog I can see you must have an amazing spirit. You will be in my thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Sending my love and prayers for comfort to you and your beautiful family.

Karol and Billy T21

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kay and Drake from T/21

Anonymous said...

I don't know you but was inspired by your blog post. I was always in awe of your courage and faith. Thank you for sharing your life here.

You and your family are in my prayers.

Rest in peace.

DC and family