Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Matthew, Happy Birthday Luke.
We wish each day that you were here with us. We cry for the both of you and think of you every moment of each day.
We miss both of you and Love you.
Mom, Dad, Concetta, and John-John

Needed Getaway

This past week we traveled to Florida to spend time together as a family and take a needed break from the everyday routine. While in Florida we spent a day with Grandma Augustine at Disney World. Concetta and John enjoyed riding rides and seeing there favorite Disney characters. 

Other than Disney we spent time with Uncle Jim, Aunt Lou, Abigail and Jed, swimming, surfing and exploring the sun filled coast. 

Our trip to Florida was planned last winter to be spent as a first trip as a family of six. Although life unexpectedly changed, we still found a need to get away and be together as four. 

Please keep us in prayer. Although months removed from our loss we still feel the hurt on a daily bases. We still ask why, yet know there must be a reason.

100 Days - April 30

One hundred days have gone since the birth of our two beautiful boys. Just 100 days ago we were preparing to welcome Matthew and Luke to our family and within the next hour on that day we were given two perfect little boys. I can see each moment of the birth and life of my sons like it was yesterday and value each second that we as parents were able to talk with, touch, and dream of Matthew and Luke's future. Today I am full of joy that 100 days ago, I was able to tell little Matthew David and Luke James individually that everything would be alright, that I love them and that there dad and mom were so happy that they had arrived. Our boys were able to know that they were being welcomed with words of love, hope, and security, that two parents were as much in love with them as any mother and father could ever be. 

Just 100 days ago we received two gifts, Luke with the look of determination and Matthew with a smile from ear to ear. 

Both with complete love from mom and dad.

  

Spring

On April 10th we are a week from when Matthew and Luke were to come home after months in the hospital (next Saturday). Each night our dinner prayer asks for watch over Concetta,  John-John, Matthew, and Luke. Concetta asking when Matthew and Luke will be coming to see us or when she will be able to play with them. 

Each day we remember and ask what if and why, reliving January 22nd in our heads and wanting a different outcome. Still thinking that we will wake up with our two new babies. Tears still draw in private and after the constant reminder. 

We are so thankful for Spring and the change that is brought each April. Yet this April was to bring a birth and welcoming. 

On Saturday the 18th we will celebrate our boys lives by placing flowers at there grave. 

Our baby Matthew and Baby Luke are spending there first Spring with there Heavenly Father.

Good Things Happen

Every now and then neat things happen that stay on your mind and put a smile on your face. 

Tonight before eating dinner, we folded our hands closed our eyes and Concetta said that she wanted to give thanks. 

As we listened, Concetta closed her eyes and gave thanks for the day and in closing her prayer Concetta asked without prompt, "Please Jesus watch over Matthew and Luke and give Matthew and Luke a hug for me".

At the conclusion of the prayer we looked at each other and holding in joy acknowledged her prayer with a smile. 

Concetta seems to understand the simple truth that God is holding her brothers. This truth answers our daily questions: why? what if? if only?. Questions that have been on my mind frequently.

Lord, Give our Matthew and Luke a hug for us.

Mom and Dad

 

Blessing

Last Saturday, Chrissy and I were blessed to join my cousins Chip and Katy and my aunt Ruth at the woman's center in Kettering. We joined in prayer and reflection for the innocent babies that lose life unfairly before entering the world. 

In prayer Chip gave thanks for Matthew and Luke as they were given the opportunity to meet there mom and I and feel our loving touch.  

When in prayer, please give thanks for your children and those of your families and friends. Also for the children who are without continuance of life for they are as precious as those who are given breath in the hands of a mother.

Struggle

Tonight we watched a show on Discovery Health titled: Identical Quads. The show mirrored the twins pregnancy in that the babies were born at 29 weeks and shared one placenta. The parents on the show even asked the same questions and had the same things told to them about survival and the long road that the babies were on to live. While watching, we saw the same struggles that Matthew and Luke went through, yet the quads on the show were able to make it through. We can't help to think through each moment of the past six months and wonder what could have helped or made a difference in our boys chance of living. We miss Matthew and Luke and understand that there is a reason for them not being with us, what a struggle. We would give anything to have more time and to hold each of our boys. 

We won't forget our boys or take our love for them lightly or for the moment. 

We miss our Matthew and Luke.

   

Concetta Is 3

Three years ago tonight, we welcomed Concetta Ann Augustine into our lives.  

Concetta, Thanks you for the love, laughter, and joy that you have given us each day of the past three years. 

Happy Birthday to our little girl.

 

We love you.

Mom, Dad, 

and John-John 

February 27, 2009

A few weeks ago we received some pictures that were taken of Matthew and Luke on the morning of January 22nd. Feel free to take a look at the slide show.

February 23, 2009

We drove by the grave site on Saturday, the weather was wet and cold. When looking at the grave its uncomfortable  knowing that a month to the day the babies were full of life and we both had such expectations for the both of them. At the hospital we discussed how we would spend as much time needed with the boys while they were growing in the hospital. How maybe if they were doing well, they would have the opportunity to come home early. We also talked about how Concetta was so excited to have not just one new baby brother, but two little babies to take care of for mommy. Not once did we even consider that the babies wouldn't come home to be loved and raised as our own. 

In looking back through everything that has happened and how life has changed, we are beginning to see the times that we won't be able to have with Luke and Matthew. Yet we are blessed every minute to appreciate having Concetta and John and clearly understanding the priceless value of our children.

Chrissy and John 

February 19th . 4 weeks

Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise."

 I ran across this verse and have had it on my mind. What a month it has been, our boys passed four weeks ago this morning. This is a verse that I believe magnifies the hope that both Matthew and Luke had the morning of January 22nd. They were healed of earthly sickness and pain, and without decision to live or die, they were saved to there father. 

In all of this we give praise.

John

Welcome February 15th, 2009

Welcome and thank you for sharing this site with our family.

Over the past months we have lived a journey beyond comprehension and are asking for your thoughts and prayer as we continue.

Please read through the journey that begins on the bottom of this page (December 1st 2008) and leave words of encouragement, verse, thought, and prayer as we live God's plan for our lives.

Thank you.
John and Chrissy

February 4th 2009 7am

Two weeks ago this morning my beautiful boys were born. The most perfect little guys that we could ever want or dream of having. On that Wednesday, Chrissy and I were blessed with two gifts that we will always cherish and take with us for the rest of our earthly life. Matthew and Luke gave us a clearer understanding of love, purpose, patience, and hope for eternal life. Over the past 3 months we struggled with questions of what if and when, yet two weeks ago our questions were answered with gifts of life and love.

Now back at work and two weeks since Matthew and Luke were given and taken from us, I grieve with the pain of our loss and memories of holding my sons. The reality hits harder than imagined and I long to see my sons again, yet know of there future and the hope that they have received.Thank you so much for all of the words of encouragement, hugs, cards, and prayer that you have given my family and our two perfect gifts. I will never forget the day that we were given with Matthew and Luke and that lasting imprint that they made on all of our lives.With Sincere Gratefulness.
John and Chrissy

Memorial Service for Our Sons Matthew and Luke

Please join us in celebrating the life and journey of our two
boys Matthew and Luke.

On Wednesday, January 28th, a time of Greeting from 5-7pm followed
by a Memorial Service beginning @ 7pm. Greeting and Memorial will
take place at Grace Covenant Church (North Fairfield Rd. Beavercreek).

Thank you for your continued prayer and encouragement over the
past few months and through the painful days ahead.

John and Chrissy