Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Who are You?

We had a really rough night last night. I'm still processing but maybe I will write about it later. For today, I need to have a little fun so I want to know who is out there reading! I have only been out in public where I know people a few times, but I have had several people come up to me and tell me that they read the blog. This blog has been a really good way for us to keep people updated and it also helps us process and remember the things we are going through. We really appreciate all the prayers and support, I think it has made this extremely hard time a little easier knowing that we have people willing to help us in many ways and going to the Lord on our behalf. We are so thankful for all of your prayers and thoughts, please keep them up! So anyway, we would love to know who you are and how you got here! :)

53 comments:

  1. Hey Jana! This is Tanya R. I ran into your mom this morning at the deli across from my work. Would love to stop by sometime soon, let me know if you need anything! Hugs to you

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  2. Hi Jana! All of us in PACU at VMC are praying for you, Cohen and Danny. Thanks for the blog. I really appreciate the updates. You and Danny are such an amazing mommy and daddy. Know that we love you guys! Terry Bonnell

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  3. Hey Jana! I'm Abbie Q's sister, Emily. I love reading your updates and continue to pray for you, Danny and both of your little boys. God has provided an amazing strength in you and your husband that is truly exemplary. You are in my thoughts often!

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  4. I am your MOM and you are stuck with me! I read the blog to hear about your journey with Cohen and Carter. I love you all SO much and I am learning so much from YOU! You are an exceptional mom.

    Love, Mom

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  5. Leslie Honcoop For some reason, blogger won't accept my comments -- so please tell Jana that I am always checking her blog, and praying for them and that sweet little man!

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  6. Ahhh, I haven't commented on the last few, but I always check in to see how you and your family are doing! I love that your MOM (that you're stuck with ^^^^ ) and Karen always fbook when you post a new entry.

    It is great that blogging helps to process your days and moments and I personally love knowing how to pray and celebrate with you from afar.

    It aches so much knowing how much you are hurting and struggling. All I can say is, from a readers point of view, your strength to fight for your children, your love as a family, and your faith that is so strong even during this trying time is beautiful and inspiring. You are a great woman and your family is better for you.

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  7. Jana...Suzanne the Second chance Lady here...am praying for your family...God's peace and love surround you every moment of the day.

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  8. This is your sister who you are also stuck with for life :) I am so thankful to be your sister and to be able to be a part of your life. You are the most amazing woman I know and I think about you, Cohen, Carter, and Danny everyday!! I LOVE you guys SO much!

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  9. We read it all the time and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Andrea (cousin)

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  10. Well this is Christine and I am your sister (in-law). You are such an amazing gift from God. I check the blog every day, many times a day. I haven't broken down and gotten a google account so I follow on facebook and not as a follower. We all pray for you, Danny, and Cohen every day. I am touched by Carter and his presence that will always be in my life! Your transparency shows your strength. I love you and I am amazed by you daily!

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  11. Hi Jana!
    Thanks to Carol and Christine (and facebook) I have been following your blog almost every day. We (the Haynes') are praying for your struggling family and have been loving Carter and Cohen for some time.... probably from that first ultrasound picture on Christine's fridge. I wanted to say that you, Jana and Danny, are amazing parents. Your steadfastness humbles and touches me. Thank you for being so open and sharing with so many people.

    Love Nina

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  12. Jana, I'm a friend of Christine and our kids are in school together. Your story hits very close to home since we had a 25 week baby, Braden, who, after 8 hours here on earth, now lives in the arms of Jesus. My heart is touched when I read your blog. Carter is very precious and will be remembered. My prayers have been with you, Danny, and Cohen. I'm praying that Cohen will grow up strong and healthy! Overall, I have learned that our God is good and his ways are right. Keep trusing in Him.
    In Christ, Sheri

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  13. Hey Jana,

    It's Leah and my family and I are reading your blog daily and praying for you and precious little Cohen. It's so nice to be able to know how you guys are doing and to be able to pray for your specific needs, physically and emotionally. You are an amazing mom and it sounds like Danny is the best daddy a little boy could ask for. Please know that you are on our hearts and minds and we are praying for strength for you and your family!

    Leah VanMersbergen

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  14. hey guys!! just want you to know you are being prayed for and thought about very much! If you need anything I am right down the road... Danny has my number.

    Becca D

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  15. I am not your real sister...but I think of you as a sister! Being across country really sucks right about now. So many days I wish I could be there...hopefully Eli and I will be able to see you guys when we come home. I really enjoy keeping up with the Kimmels :) through your blog. Thank you for sharing your life with us. We are blessed.

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  16. Jana: I read your blog every day and keep you in my prayers and my thoughts. I can't imagine what you're going through. I pray God will give you courage and strength to be strong for Cohen. I pray for his health. It will be a long journey with little Cohen. Just know there are many people praying and thinking of you, even if we don't write. We do care about all of you!! Peggy

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  17. Hi Jana,

    My name is Megan and I know your sister Karen. I've been following your blog through her posts on Facebook. Your story is sad and inspiring, we pray for your family (including little Carter). I've cried and laughed at your stories, hopefully in the posts to come there will be many more laughes and I hope your struggles become less frequent.

    Megan Vanderhage.

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  18. I am reading! Thinking of Cohen lots. Last year a good friend of mine had a premie 10 weeks early and I followed their blog, too. There were so many ups and downs in his story too, but now he is doing wonderful and I can't wait to see where Cohen is one year from now!

    ~Frani

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  19. Danny Jana and baby Cohen and Carter-

    Brian and I read your blog and have been keeping up with you guys during this difficult time. You're in our prayers and thoughts daily. Jana you are so very gifted with your words and sharing with everyone. I know we don't know each other well, but I feel like through this blog I've gotten to know you so much more. Thank you for the updates and know that if you guys need anything, Brian and I are here down the road.

    Brian and Katie Dahl

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  20. Hi Jana, Barb Mellema here. I check your blog every day. I'm a Second Chance lady too, and we all ask each other, every day, what the latest is and how to pray. You have quite a few "prayers" from our store. Most of us in this life know pain, we know loss, and sometimes just putting one foot in front of the other, minute by minute. That's why you need people to uphold you in prayer, that's our job. Know your family is covered........May God's mercy, peace, hope, & strength rain down on and in you. May you feel God's arms around you, holding you up and filling you with His peace & love. Love, Barb

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  21. Hey there. I'm Jenny and I have 5 kiddos and live in B'ham. I had the privilege of meeting your amazing mother a number of years ago through foster care. I love reading your blog about your journey and your boys and praying for you and seeing pics of Cohen. My eldest son has profound disabilities so we've logged some serious hospital hours. Every experience is SO different, though. Blessings.

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  22. Rooky and Belle are reading this blog and praying for you guys all the time. Praying both for the little man, and for you and Danny. May your marriage continue to be strengthened as you grieve and grow together into two amazing parents and servants of God. (PS: Sorry you had a rough day!)

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  23. Hi Jana, My name is Bonnie VanFossen, I go to church with Christine, and Joel and the boys. (And of course your parents too) I started reading your blogs when Christine started posting them and asking for prayers for you and the babies. I pray for you often, and ask Christine about you nearly every Sunday. I'm glad you keep posting about how that beatiful baby is doing, and also that you are honest about your feelings too. Agape, Bonnie VanFossen. (aka Bon)

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  24. Hi Jana! (and Danny and Cohen!)
    This is Karissa, whom you've known for quite a few years. I frequently check for any updates from the Kimmels. I'm so sorry about the loss of Carter, and praying for Cohen's struggle. I pray he continues to fight, and gets stronger every day!! I can't wait to meet him in person. :)
    ~Karissa Vanderhage

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  25. Blessings Jana, your honesty and way with words is really touching. I have been praying for you for months and have kept up with your blog. It is so amazing to hear an inside viewpoint of how you and Danny are walking through life together. Your boys have made quite an impact in our world, and much of that is due to your ability to share. Thank you. Prayers continue. Your family friend and another Second Chance lady, Carolyn Ward

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  26. Hi Jana, Danny & Cohen: Prayers of intercession coming your way from Nancy Haugness [I am the designer that gets your mom in trouble!] I met you, Jana, a few years ago...then got to see beutiful wedding pictures of you & Danny...then a started following your blog (thru your mom on Facebook) a few months ago...went thru your delivery & loss of Carter in spirit and wept with you all...now, watching the progress of Cohen and praying for all good things for him. PS> Your mom just told me she has a piece of furniture in her new 'private room' and it is waiting in the corner for Cohen and "makes her smile!"
    You are an inspiration.

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  27. I recently introduced myself on here to you in your blog titled "Praise You in this Storm". But I've been keeping in the loop of your pregnancy through our mutual friend Kristina and this blog. I've so loved praying for you and your family. I check here daily to see what you need prayer for on that day. You are an amazing God fearing woman and I am learning so much from you. So many of your blogs remind me of the Psalms and David. Through all his trials and hurts he always came back with praise. And I see that same thing in you...you always come back in praise and thanksgiving. I truly am inspired by you and your strength in Him.

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  28. Hi, This is a old neighbor, Deanna. I don't see you as much, so this is a nice way to keep in touch. You are a strong lady Jana,and I think of you all often. (I keep up on facebook)

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  29. Hi Jana! Even though I see and talk to you regularly, I still love to read your blog. I'm not going to lie, I mostly come here for the Cohen pictures, but your words always make me stay. I'm so greatful that I've been able to be part of your lives and watch you grow into a strong, beautiful family. I think about you, Danny, Carter, and Cohen everyday and only wish you the best. I would do anything for you. Just ask! You know where to find me! I love you guys.
    <3 Bridget

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  30. Hi Jana. My name is Chrisse and I am a friend of Christine's from high school. I am also a mommy and a nurse at Seattle Children's, and have taken care of a lot of ex-preemies (a little older, out of the ICU, but still needing to be in the hospital for a while). Knowing a lot of the "preemie issues," I've been praying for your family regularly, and read your blog all the time. And yes, believe your nurses that he IS making progress!

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  31. Hi Jana~ This is Monica. I keep up regularly through your blog. You are on my heart every single day. Praying for strength for you and Danny and Cohen. And praying for comfort from Jesus to touch your hearts as your grieve for Carter. What a blessing you guys are as you share your story; others are being drawn toward Christ. Blessings to you and your family~ Monica Zylstra

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  32. Hi Kimmel Family,

    It's Abbie, Jana's college roommate. I read the blog daily and am amazed at the strength you both are for your boys. You are an inspiration to me with your commitment to Christ during this difficult time in your life. Know that the 4 of you are in my prayers daily.

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  33. Hey Kimmel Family, this is Curtis and Mattie. I (Curtis) spent the night at your house before Tiffany and Ryan's wedding. Danny sent me the blog link and now we read it all the time. You guys really are inspirations and great people from the couple days I met you.

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  34. Hello Kimmel Family,
    We have a mutual friend in Mika (MIller) Parsons. We know Mika from our Home Group through Antioch Bible Church. She passed your blog along to our home group so we would know how to better pray for you and your family. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry it has taken us so long to introduce ourselves - we have been "followers" of the blog for a few weeks now.
    Tim and Amanda Sullivan

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  35. So you Jana, may not remember me so much since I only met you at the wedding. Of course you probably know by now that being Danny's neighbor most all the years while he was growing up, you have probably learned to know me as Jeremy's mom. Danny was practically another kid in the family so you guys have been on our hearts with your little ones. Just always know that we watch and we pray for you guys with all the details going on in your lives. God has a plan of which we all must take a day at a time. God bless!

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  36. Hi, Jana and Danny,
    You know me from your PLU days when you used to babysit for me! I think of you and Cohen everyday. I know what it is like to be the mom looking at your child through the glass of an isolette. I know how hard it is and so admire your strength ability to write about your experiences and share this time with so many that care for you and your family so much. I will continue to follow your blog - and will always be available for you :)

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  37. Jana and Danny
    I am so gald I had to opportunity to meet Danny and Cohen last week. I've been thinking about you and praying for you daily. I know how lonely that hopsital can get. It helped me to go for walks outside and just focus on the beauty around the hospital grounds, people watch and renew my batteries.

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  38. The entire PROSC PACU reads about your trials and joys daily. We love you and your family and are thankful we can stay updated! We are sad that we will never get to meet Carter in this life but know that he is watching over you, Danny and Cohen! Know that we are thinking about you and praying for Cohen. We miss your sarcastic humor, smile and faith that always gets us through the day. Let us know if you need anything (seriously!). Lots of love!

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  39. Hi Jana, it's Kim. I read your blog because you are amazing and now I can stalk you just like I always wanted :) Even though I am not related by blood I am claiming Carter and Cohen as my first nephews. Don't forget that I am nearby!

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  40. To the Kimmel Family

    Even though this entire process has somewhat isolated you from all those that love you, know that we ALL think about you guys multiple times a day. I have this blog bookmarked on my computer at work, at home, and on my phone. I'm always checking in with you guys and I'm so happy we all have this to keep up on all the new details. Jana you are so wonderful and Danny you know you've always been my favorite ;) And to Cohen, who is already hilarious, I can't wait for you to know all your honorary aunts and uncles. Love you guys!!!

    <3 TANK :)

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  41. Dear Jana and Danny and Cohen
    I'm one of those praying for you all. I am asking daily for God to heal Cohen and strengthen him and you and that he'd grow up to be a godly man someday. I pray for protection for him and both of you, and for encouragement. I don't know which hospital you're at, and particulars but will ask your Mom, so that if I pass through there I can come give you a hug and pray with you or just listen of just say hi, or whatever you need. I love and have passed on your info to everyone in the family. We all love you

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  42. We are friends of Joel and Christine's and met you years ago. You may not remember us, but your little family has become a part of ours! :) I learned about your precious boys during a visit to Bellingham and have been tracking your journey ever since! We think about you and pray for all of you every day. Little Cohen's picture remains on our fridge. :) My big boys (ages 11 and 8) are so inspired by this little guy and hope to meet him one day! Isaac asks for a "Cohen update" each day when he gets home from work. We all love this baby that we have never even met!
    Your blog is amazing and it is an honor for all of us readers to watch God's story unfold. You are an unbelievable mom and you inspire the rest of us to be better. Your story is a reminder of what a gift our children are to us.
    Thank you for sharing your heart! Carter will never be forgotten. His precious little life has already touched so many others.
    We will keep praying and will celebrate the day that Cohen is strong enough to go home!
    Much love to all of you!
    The Mass family (Isaac, Beth, Isaiah, Jaden, and Taylor)

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  43. Jana, Danny and Cohen

    I have been reading your blog when I have time for over a month now. Danielle Meyer told me all about it. You guys have constantly been in my prayers and while I can't always keep up on the blog I do pray constantly for healing and strength for you and your family!

    -Lindy Van Dyken

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  44. Hi Jana! It's Janna :) I don't know if you remember me back from your LCHS bus-riding days, but I read your blog and lift your family up in prayer a lot. Thank you for sharing your life-the ups, the downs, the struggles, the exciting moments. I love reading the updates on your beautiful life. Love and hugs :)
    Janna Silvis

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  45. Dear Jana and Danny,
    Well, we had to make it 45! There are many people reading your blog and praying for you and Cohen. Though an extremely difficult time, you must feel the love and support of so many who care about you and love you. As the Lord answers prayers on your behalf, we are all encouraged. We're thankful that they've decided not to do surgery at this time. Also thankful that Cohen is such a fighter and making good progress--especially that the rash is gone. We look forward to when you all come home and can join us again!
    Love, Delaine and Emily

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  46. Hi Jana,
    It's Tessa (back from LCS!) I heard about your precious twins and this blog and now I check it frequently. My heart breaks for you in the loss of little Carter. My family prays for yours as you grieve your little guy.
    We also lift up Cohen and you and Danny; that you may all have strength in this battle.
    Thanks for sharing your family's journey, and being a witness of God's faithfulness.
    Love and Blessings,
    Tessa

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  47. Jana, I continue to follow your blog and cheer for little Cohen through all his ups and downs. Thanks for allowing us all to walk alongside your family through all of this! Love and prayers, Becky

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  48. Hey lady,

    I miss you and am almost daily checking in on you on the blog. Justin and I pray for you guys and will continue to.
    I echo so many of your other friends and family in saying that your journey is hard and you are walking with such honesty, bravery and beauty through it. God's character is evident in you guys- not in a rosy "it's all fine" kind of way, but in a real struggle and real beautiful kind of way. So appreciate you guys letting us be a part of it.
    Love you and continue to be in prayer for you guys.
    Hug each other for me, and cohen. Thankful for Carter's life too and how he's transformed lives even in just his short time here. It's a miracle.

    Love,
    Meginko

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  49. we're faithfully reading (even during a 3 week road trip) and praying for all of you! i look forward to meeting you and (one day, when cohen is able to be around other kids!) to having you join our monday morning play group... your church family loves and supports you! - tamara dunkin

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  50. Jana,
    You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Praying you feel better and are able to go down to seattle soon.
    Lots of love.

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  51. Hey Jan Ban,
    Thinking about you and the boys lots! I heart you!

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  52. Thank you for these updates. You have been in my heart and in my prayers since I started reading this blog and following your pregnancy. You will always be my little "Dora the Explorer." I love you Jana

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  53. I love reading your updates! Sometimes I get a little behind but I think about your wonderful family a lot! ♥

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