"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
-1 Thessalonians 5:18
I am thankful that I am the Mommy of this angel on Earth.
I am thankful that God trusted me to care for Tripp the way he deserves to be cared for.
I am thankful that Tripp loves me back just as much as I love him.
I am thankful for everything he has taught me in his 2 1/2 years, that I otherwise would have never learned.
I am thankful for every. single. second. that I have had with him and WILL have with him.
I am thankful for my family- the best family a girl could ask for. Period.
I am thankful for my mother at my side 24/7, loving and helping me unconditionally.
I am thankful for the special people that God sent to me in the past year- the people who have made my life 100% better just by being in it.
I am thankful for my friends- new and old- who have been there for me no matter what.
I am thankful for all of our supporters- near and far- who lift us up and keep us "keeping on."
I am thankful that God sent his son to die on a cross- to save us from our sins, so that we can have eternal life with Him, making me CERTAIN of where Tripp is going when he leaves my arms. There is nothing more comforting.
I am thankful for the faith that I was raised in, for it helps me to better cope in my situation.
I am thankful for a roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear, and all of the frivolous things that I don't need, but have been blessed with anyway.
I have never felt more blessed.
Thank you, God.
Love,
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the day~ hugs and so much love from Meme in Ohio~
ReplyDeleteI thankful for all that you and Tripp have taught me. I am a changed and better person because of the two of you. Thank you so much, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you, Tripp and your family!
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for God leading me here to get to know you and your son. God is good always.
Praying,
<><
Happy Thanksgiving Courtney, Tripp and family. You bless all of us with sharing your lives with us. I am especially thankful for Tripp... your angel and our inspiration. He will forever be in our hearts <3
ReplyDeleteYou said it all! Thanks for reminding us what 'thankfulness' is all about. AND setting the bar for the rest of us. Courtney, you and Tripp are in my prayers..Debbie
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI hope Tripp and you had a nice day without much pain. I keep praying for Tripps infections to heal so he can feel better soon. A lot of gentle hugs and kisses from Malin and baby Haley <3
Courtney, you are an amazing mom don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Happy Thanksgiving to You, Tripp and your family, I have to tell you Courtney that I am thankful for you to allow us all to get to know you and Tripp. I am going to learn everything I can about EB because of you and Tripp the angel baby. I hope you all had a nice holiday with as little as pain as possible.
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for YOU and for Tripp! You guys have taught me and others so much. I hope you know what a difference you and your little guy are making in the world, and I hope your Thanksgiving was truly blessed.
ReplyDeleteDear Courtney,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely note of thanksgiving! I am truly amazed and inspired by your gentle, Christ-like nature and I fully understand why you were given the honor of being little Tripp's mommy!
You and your precious little Tripp are in our daily prayers, which also include your dear mother and everyone who is involved in his care taking. We (my husband and I) read every word you share and view every picture and video you post! Invariably, we find ourselves smiling through the tears. Tripp has won our hearts. We love this little guy!
I was initially made aware of little Tripp in July, when a friend posted your blog spot on FB. Since that day, my life has forever changed! Many times, I have written and re-written notes to you, but my words were seriously lacking! The words wouldn’t come. Only tears! The tears remain but my prayers are more intent and focused. You are not alone in your journey. Many are supporting in you in prayer and in ways we will never know, but always, always… Jesus is right there with you. He sees every tear that falls and He knows the pain and agony that Tripp is experiencing. He sees both the joy and the sorrow. And through it all, He watches over you. He will make a way when it seems there is no way!
We hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving, enjoying the warmth of your friends and loved ones and your precious little Tripp.
Sending our love and prayers.
Noni and Leo
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Courtney, and to sweet Tripp! Thinking of you always...
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Courtney & Tripp & family.
ReplyDeleteAlways Always in my prayers
Courtney and Tripp - forever in my mind... Happy thanksgiving xo
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful that I somehow stumbled (God led me to) your blog several months ago! Tripp is in my daily prayers! Bless you both!
ReplyDeleteChristina
Happy Thanksgiving, thinking about you all. Your in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us all to be thankful for everything we have. No matter what. Much love to you and your sweet family. We love you guys so much! Tim and Angelique
ReplyDeletecourtney n tripp may god bless yall like your story has touched me i dont know how you do it i would have fell completly apart your a very strong young lady hope god contuies to work in your life n touch your lil bundle of joy by your faith we are made overcomers hope you had a very happy thanksgiving your in my prayers
ReplyDeleteashley strange
Happy Thanksgiving Courtney!
ReplyDeleteI thought of you and Tripp often today. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Love from a mama in Kansas!
Since stumbling on your blog all the way out here in Cape Town, South Africa (the internet really makes the world so small), I have been unable to get you and Tripp off of my mind. I have read so many of your posts and find myself amazed by your positive attitude and grieved by Tripp's condition, but most all encouraged by your faith in our Lord through all of this. We will continue to pray for you and Tripp. xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Courtney, Tripp, and to all of your family.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for you and for Tripp and after reading all of the comments, realizing what an amazing difference the two of you (*and* your mom!) have made in the lives of so many! Happy Thanksgiving to all of you....
ReplyDeleteCynthia
http://www.adreamadoption.blogspot.com
SO thankful for you, Courtney, and for that sweet angel Tripp. God will continue to bless you (even when things seem so bleak). Please kiss that sweet boy for us - hope you had a good Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteLove from TX,
Laura
We continue to lift you and Tripp before the Lord and are so thankful that we have been allowed to be part of covering you in this way.
ReplyDeleteMuch Love from our home to yours.
I am thankful for you, Courtney. You live the love Christ asks of us. You radiate love and optimism. You teach me how to live a good life.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your little saint, Tripp.
1. Congrats on the boyfriend! You are taking care of Tripp 24 hours a day, you deserve a little fun!
ReplyDelete2. I can't imagine the hell you and Tripp go through. I also can't imagine ever having to come to the realization that I basically have to watch my son die.
3. I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! Tripp is so lucky to have you as a Mommy and you are lucky to have such a little fighter who loves you so much. I am thankful that I came across your blog and got to learn about two amazing people.
Bless you and bless your beautiful son Tripp!
ReplyDeleteThere is a permanent spot in my heart for you and Tripp. I would love to be able to write an eloquent comment but I can't seem to find the words through the tears. But I thank you for sharing your life with us and am especially thankful that you have shared Tripp with the world. You both are my inspiration to be better, pray harder and be GRATEFUL for everything, big and small.
ReplyDeleteAs always, sending you love and hugs-
Mary and baby Jackson
Praying for you every day. I just read your update from your previous post and am in tears as I read your emotion. You are a wonderful mother and Tripp is such a special child. He is so blessed to have you!
ReplyDeleteThought of you when I saw this. You've been in my prayers. May God bless you and your sweet baby! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EMwKxmTLaCs
ReplyDeleteI have been following your story for months now, but just haven't been sure how to express my gratitude for you and Tripp. As you can see from the comments on your blog and on the FB pages, there are so many who are thinking of and praying for you both constantly. So many people whose lives you and Tripp have changed for the better because a devine power led us to your story. THANK YOU -- you and Tripp now has and will forever have a big place in all of our hearts.
ReplyDeleteI just started reading your blog last week and I think you are one of the strongest people I have ever heard about. I have a 16 month old little boy who is healthy and your stories have made me appreciate him more than ever. My little stressors are nothing compared to what you go through every day. Tripp is very lucky to have you for a mommy! I have laughed and cried reading your posts and watching the videos of Tripp. My heart hurts for that sweet, adorable, "rotten" little boy. I hope that things can turn around for him so he doesn't have to live in constant pain. You have touched so many lives so keep up the blogging!!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you every single day! I send lots of love and care thru cyberspace to you and your sweet and lovely Tripp - my sweetest little hero! May your days be without tears and pain and instead filled with laughter and love. Hugs and kisses from Åsa in Sweden
ReplyDeleteHi--I am just another random person who follows your blog but wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you guys and praying for Tripp and your family.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to pass along a though I had--Last night I fell and scraped my knee really badly--it is really hurting me and all oozy and raw. I realized that Tripp and others with EB have hundreds of these types of scabs all over their bodies and that they experience 1000x the amount of pain I have in my knee, and I should be thankful that mine with heal and I will go on with my life. I had never thought of it like that but now that I know of you and Tripp and more about EB, I will never look at a scrape or blister the same way again. Thank you for helping me to put things in perspective and remember that life is precious.
Just thinking about you and sweet Tripp, as I do very often each day. You, Tripp, and your mother are in my daily prayers. Praying for a mighty miracle of God for precious Tripp!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to tell you that your little man is beautiful -- and you are, too.
ReplyDeleteI love this sweet picture. Just looked at it again and just now noticed little Elmo by Tripp's side. Praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving Courtney & Family!
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for you all and for this amazing blog in which you share your heart, your stories, and your little reminders that Thanksgiving doesn't just come around once a year -- it happens every day in which you are present in the moment and thankful for the gifts you've been given, especially the people in your life that you love.
Much love to you! xoxo, Katie & Family
Hi Courtney,
ReplyDeleteI'm another person who has been profoundly changed for the better by Tripp's story and your unflinching love for him. I started following along after his seeing his story on TV and for about a year and half now, Tripp has been in my family's prayers every single night. I know that God is with us when we're praying for him and that he's hearing us. We have a 19 month old and she prays for him right along with us... she even says "amen!" after we finish! I know you hear this from multiple people, but you and Tripp are phenomenal inspirations and models for living. I don't know if you realize how special you and your family are or how much good you've propelled into the world. It's such a better place because of Tripp and because of your love, strength, and willingness to share. We recently ordered Tripp an Elmo ornament and we were so happy to know that money would be going towards such a worthwhile cause. I wish you both all of the love and comfort the world has to offer.
All of our love and warmest wishes,
The Hemmelder Family
Courtney, I don't know if you'll have time to read this or not. You were wondering in another post how to watch your child die once you've decided to let him go at home, surrounded by those he loves. I lost my mom last year after a very long illness and as she wished, as she became unable to talk or even hold our hands, we had to wait. And wait, and wait. We kept asking our nurses: "How do we know we are doing the right thing? How do we know she's comfortable?" And we realized that waiting is just what it is. You keep doing it, and you keep loving him, and you hang in there, and you know that you will miss him and he'll be in a place where it doesn't hurt anymore. In the meantime he knows what a very great love you share. Keep going, I think of you often. With much respect and warm thoughts flying to you and Tripp,
ReplyDelete-Kim
I found your blog several weeks ago and have been thinking about you and praying for you and Tripp daily. After experiencing the waiting with hospice care with both of my grandfathers, I know that it can be a bit grueling at time. However, there were also beautiful moments of great peace. My prayer is that you and Tripp will experience that peace that surpasses all understanding as you escort your sweet boy to Jesus' loving arms. I know that it's hard to let go but, I pray that knowing that you'll be together again some day... and knowing that Tripp will be fully restored without pain or tears... will be of great comfort to your heart.
ReplyDeleteYou've done so much to raise awareness for this awful condition. You've given Tripp marvelous care and I believe that he knows how very much he is loved. You've stewarded the life and story that God's given you in these last 3 years very well and it's obviously impacted so many people. I have great respect for you Courtney. You're a wonderful Mom.
Blessings to you and your precious Tripp.
Just letting you know that we're praying for Tripp and you in Boston Ma. xo
ReplyDeleteI Came across this verse and you are the first person I thought of.
ReplyDelete"Let your hope make you glad.
Be patient it time of trouble
and never stop praying."
--Romans 12:12
Love you guys!
I am praying for you and Tripp. You truly are a wonderful mother!
ReplyDeleteMy wife just introduced me to your site last week. You're a great mommy and you guys are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteTripp and you have been on my mind so much. I keep wondering how he is doing and praying for the both of you. During this Holiday season Tripp's journey has kept me in touch with what Christmas is really about. I picture that sweet boy's face over and over. He is an inspiration and will always be in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHow is little Tripp doing? I think about you both everyday and pray for you....
ReplyDeleteI watch for any updates though I know taking care of your son is your first priority as it should be. You are amazing and it's not fair for Tripp and you to have the journey you've been on.
Blessings and good thoughts~
Thinking of you today (as always) but just wanted you to know that you and Tripp are loved and tought of. Praying for relief of pain for sweet little Tripp. Praying for relief of pain for mama's heart. I can't imagine what you go through seeing your little guy in so much pain. What I see is our Heavenly Father holding you as you hold your son. HE is rocking you as you rock Tripp. Hang on mama. You are doing a fabulous job of showing your love to your sweet boy!
ReplyDeleteYou are in my prayers!!
Love from MN.
Tonia Judd
Thinking of you and Tripp and the rest of your family. Much love from NY,
ReplyDeleteThe Love Family (Sara, Ryan, and Wendy)
Just stopping in to say hi and you are are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHoping everything is okay. I keep checking for another update. Always in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI hope to hear from you guys soon, thinking about Tripp everyday and hope he feels better.
ReplyDeleteWe care about you, Courtney and we care so much for your sweet family. Praying for you and Tripp today.
ReplyDeletelove,
ebe
How is sweet Trip? Praying everyday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem! It is so true because God did find the most wonderful parents for Tripp. When I read your blog, it does bring the my loving feelings for your family out. Your love, care and devotion make me feel so good. I am so impressed because you tell it like it is, whether it is good or bad--I have learned so much from you.
ReplyDeletei'm sad now :( i'm sorry!!
ReplyDelete