It is with great sorrow that I must announce that Ethan Greg Skidmore, aka: my hero, passed awayed at 1 am on August 21st. Ethan had a wonderful day and had made good progress. Daddy gave him his signature goodnight kiss at 11:30 pm. He was well and peaceful. Unfortunately after midnight his battered heart decided it could not go on. He is no longer suffering. We can't wait to be with him again, and we know we will. For now we have so much gratitude for his journey. We are better because of Ethan. He is the ultimate blessing along with our other 3 beautiful children. We are also grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and it teachings, especially at this time.
Thank you for ALL of your LOVE and SUPPORT-
Greg and Heidi
Thank you for ALL of your LOVE and SUPPORT-
Greg and Heidi
90 comments:
Heidi, I am heartbroken. I am so very, very sorry. Ethan has been an inspiration to me and I have felt so close to your situation since he was born. As a mother, my heart aches for you but I know without a doubt that you will see him again, you will get to experience every joy with him, you will get to raise him in his whole and perfect physical state. I love you so much and I'm going to do anything I can to come down for the services. Love, Shannan
Heidi,
I am at a loss of words. I will continue to pray for your family during this difficult time.
Like my sister Brooke, your strength amazes me.
May you be completely surrounded by the Lord's peace & comfort.
In Crist~
Kelly Buller
(Proud Auntie of Andie Grace)
hi I do not know you but i am so heartbroken for your family. I am so sorry, but I do know that our father in Heaven must have had a really great plan for your little sweetheart. thanks so much for having this blog so that we could get to know him. He was such a strong sprit and a true inspiration to me and many others. I will continue to pray for your family. I am truelly sorry, what a great lil fighter he was. i am so grateful for the gospel and to know that one day you will be able to see him again. with much love pena family
ivannapefamily.blogspot.com
Heidi,
I am so unbelievably saddened to hear this news. We love you and we are praying for you and your family.
dear skidmores-thank you soooooooooo much for sharing Ethan with us!! his life has left such an impression on our families.The eternities will be so wonderful.We love you so much.What a beautiful,beautiful, beautiful baby boy--we love you Ethan!!! love,steve&kathy
Heidi,
I am so sorry to hear that Ethan has passed away.
There are no words to make things better right now. Please know your family is in my prayers as you face this new chapter in your life.
I am going to the temple this morning where I will put your family name in.
May Gospel Principals and Faith in Eternal Families bring you peace.
Barbara
I am so sorry to hear this news. I am in tears. You will be in my prayers. Thank you for sharing Ethan with us through this blog, he has been such an inspiration to me and so many others. You have been so strong through it all and I am so grateful for your wonderful example.
I pray you can feel the love of our Heavenly Father during this very difficult time.
Greg and Heidi,
I am at a complete loss of words. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. I just can't believe he is gone, I just saw him last night, he looked so peaceful. Our sincerest condolences.
The McLaughlins
Jenna and Lilyana
So brokenhearted for you. I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through. Ethan is such a blessing, not only to his family, but to all of us that were touched by his life. May the Lord strengthen you and bless you and your children through this very difficult time. Families are Forever.
Greg and Heidi,
I am so very sorry and saddened. Even though I never got to meet him in person, Ethan was such an inspiration to me, and so are you. He was a blessing to you and all of us and I know that I will get to meet him when we are all back with our Father in Heaven. You will continue to be in our prayers.
Love
Jeremy
Heidi and Greg,
I am so sad, but what a fight he gave. His sweet life taught me all about love, enduring, patience, giving, sacrifice and much more. I feel priviledged to be a part of the family and community that so loved Ethan. My prayers as always are for your comfort and peace. I know he is up in Heaven smiling and loving all of you.
With much love,
Aunt Francie
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love, Katie
Heidi,
You don't know me, but I have been silently "stalking" your blog for several months now. I too have been touched by your brave hero's fight, and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kimberly
My heart is breaking and I'm so very sad. I can't begin to imagine how you are feeling. Ethan fought such a hard battle and showed so much strength in always bouncing back. I wish I had words to tell you it'll all be okay.
Ethan, you will be missed buddy. We have prayed many prayers for you and will continue to pray for your loving family.
Love you all.
Andrea
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Please know that you are in my prayers. I have been strengthened because if Ethan. His influence on many is amazing! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!
Heidi,
Thank you so much for taking us along with you on this difficult journey. Without even knowing him, we all feel so close to Ethan. Let me help in any way I can. We love you all!
Sara
please know my prayers and thoughts are with you & your family. I lost my CHD angel to HLHS as well last year.. My sincerest condolences..
Cristina NJ
Angel Jason Daniel 1/3/08-1/23/08
We are so sorry for your heartache and loss of this time with Ethan. We will continue to pour our hearts out in prayer and I look forward to giving you a hug at the services in Ethan's honor.
Hi there- I found this blog through Shannan - your family will be in our prayers. May you find peace in this sad time. May you feel Ethan's presence and his peace as he has gone on to be well, happy and healthy, awaiting the moment he can see you all again!
Heidi,
I don't know what to say. I'm so sad to see Ethan go and I will miss him, though I never got to meet him. I felt like I knew him because of your blog. I checked it everyday and I was uplifted EVERYDAY by your strength and by his sweet spirit. Thank you so much for having the strength to share your journey with us and allowing Ethan to touch our lives. Our family has been and will continue to pray for your family. We love you.
Emily
Skidmores I am so sorry for all the grief that you must feel at this time. I have traveled with you in this journey through your words. We will continue our prayers for you and your family. We are so sorry again!
I am so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words to heal the hurt, but my prayers are with you and your family.
Aimee
Mom to Jack, 1 year old, HLHS
Dearest Skidmore family,
Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel for your loss. May you be comforted and know that you are loved by us all. Our prayers are with you.
Charlie and Lisa Maxwell
Heidi,
My heart aches for you and your family. Your beautiful Ethan and your family are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Greg and Heidi,
We are so very sorry. Please know that we will be praying for you guys and know that we love you! Our hearts are breaking for you and your little family. We know your faith will pull you through. Again we can't tell you how much we love you!
Love,
David and Heather Boone
I have been following your story for a few weeks now and I was not expecting to read this about Ethan.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that nothing anyone says can make this easier for you. Please know that your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Heidi, I am so sorry. I check your blog every day for your reports on Ethan. You have been so strong and Ethan is truly blessed to have you for his Mom. What a sweet blessing he has been to your family and all of us who have had the privilege of following his journey. Families are forever. You and your family will remain in our prayers. Love, Lori
I know of your family thru my sis-in-law, Brooke and I am so saddened for your loss of your little Hero. He fought long and hard. The sorrow you're going through that this mortal life brings and also comfort in promised eternal blessings that the Gospel offers is hopefully giving you and your family solice.
With hearfelt compasion, Sharon
Andie Grace's Aunt
Greg and Heidi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. I have been following Ethan's journey and pray that you and your family will find strength and comfort in one another during this difficult time.
I just heard the sad news and am heartbroken over your loss. I can't begin to imagine what you must be feeling and I ache for your tender, broken hearts. Please know of our love for your sweet family. We will be praying that each of you may feel comfort and peace from above to carry you through this very difficult time. What a special spirit your little Ethan must have been.
With tender love,
Annie Karren (Brian's wife)
Andrea called this morning and shocked me that Ethan had gone back to wait in his Heavenly home for all the rest of his family, friends, and admirers to join him again someday. The prayers for your family will be forever coming and we will be praying extra hard through these coming days so you will have peace in your heart and know when he is near. God grant you strength through the beautiful memories you have with one another.
Andrea's Mom Owen's Gramma Vicki
Heidi and Greg,
I am so sorry. I could not believe my eyes when I woke up to check on my buddy this morning and read what you wrote. My heart is broken and I am truly hurting for you. I wish that Ethan's life didn't have to be filled with so much pain and struggle. I am wishing you both, as well as your family, peace and comfort during this painful time. Ethan is no longer in pain and you will all be together some day. Families are Forever. Just remember what you always sang to him. Ethan is like a star shining brightly, shining for the whole world to see. He will always be with your family and you will see his beautiful works everyday.
With a broken heart,
Nicole
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Love, Missy Colton (Brooke's Neighbor)
Oh my goodness...I am in shock! You are in our thoughts and prayers as always.
Love,
Stacey
Heidi and Greg--
Ethan really is a hero. I marvel at his stregth and what he endured. Like everyone has said, Ethan has taught us all so much, and so have his mommy and daddy. Thank you for sharing him with all of us...
We've prayed so hard for your family and we will continue to do so..
Love,
Tanner and Avery
Oh Heidi my heart breaks for you and your family. I have followed Ethans progress, and Faith has kept me updated, your strength has been amazing and you are truly inspiring. Please know you have always been in my thoughts and prayers and you and your entire family will continue to do so. My dearest condolences.
Mara
my prayers are with you and your family.
Heidi,
My heart aches for you and your family. I was so, so sad to hear the news first thing this morning. I am so glad you have the Gospel to help carry you through this most difficult time. Families are eternal and how lucky Ethan is to have you as his mom. Thanks for sharing Ethan's journey with all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Heidi, I am so sorry. Ethan was such a bright spirit. I kept up with your blog this summer even as my nephew was going through his many struggles. These littles ones are truly blessed spirits. We have felt so priveledged to have Ethan in our lives for so short awhile. He will be waiting for you with open arms, I am so grateful for our forever families. Love, Tasha
Heidi,
I just saw your blog from Owen's and while I did not "know" Ethan or follow your blog, I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
Nancy
www.rebekahgraceellis.blogspot.com
We love you..... I'm in complete shock, I will pray for you and your family forever. Heidi, you are an angel.
Heidi & Greg-
I am also at a loss for words. You have been so strong and were the perfect family for Ethan to come into. What an amazing reunion you'll have in heaven.
Hugs, tears and more hugs.
Caryn
Heidi and Greg, there are no words to express the sorrow that you must be feeling and I'm sorry doesn't seem like enough. Ethan was such a beautiful baby boy. My heart broke for your family when I heard the news. I will remember all the nights taking care of your beautiful boy. As well as fighting with Nicole over who Ethan loved more, her or I. Ethan was a joy to take care of. Thank you for letting me be involved in a small part of his beautiful life. Your family is wonderful and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Rewinkel
Im so sorry Heidi. I went to check my facebook and saw it from brianne. My heart is broken for you. Im so so so sorry. i wish there was something that could be said or done to help with the pain. You are in our prayers...
I have never met your family, but I too am a heart mother. I cannot imagine how your family is dealing with this. I am praying for your strength and healing, and also for Ethan's journey to Heaven. Please know that there are strangers in this world who have been impacted and touched by Ethan's life- and that's more than many adult and grown children can say. God Bless your family!
Heidi:
My heart is breaking for you and your family. Much love to you,
Anna
Preying for yall
You guys are in our thought s and prayers.
Ethan-Will you watch over us now?
I'm so sorry to hear of Ethan's passing. He was such a warrior! Your family is in our prayers.
Sweet Skidmore family,
Thank you for sharing your sweet Ethan with all of us! He made us want to be better and stronger and more like him. We love your family and will have you in our prayers!
All our love and sympathy,
Christopher and Cheryl Haws Family
Heidi,
I am so sorry to hear this news..I have been keeping up with your blog and rooting for Ethan. You are such a strong, amazing person to have the strength to go on day after day. I know Ethan is with his father and at peace.. painfree.
Love,
Kim Davis
I saw Ethan's sweet face on Owen Simmons blog, and my stomach and heart sank when I read he returned to Heaven.
I know there are no words to comfort you, but I wanted to thank you for sharing your precious little boys story and know that I will pray for you and your family so that you will feel peace and be comforted knowing he is an angel in God's care.
We sure love and admire your family. Ethan is a beautiful child! We love you!
I am devastated with grief. My heart goes out to you, Greg and the Skid kids. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Melodie, Todd, Violet and Scarlett
Heidi -
I was just thinking we were talking about being at peace with what the Lord has in store for little Ethan just the other day. The Lord has used Ethan to bring people closer to Him and closer together. That is the light that Ethan has shone to others. He was a precious gift! He will be missed on this Earth, but now Eternity begins! Ethan now has his perfect heart, lungs and body! I smile just thinking about it! He will wait there with the Lord until you get to join him as well.
Heidi and Greg - you guys have been so strong through all of this and made a positive impact in our lives. We will miss you in the hospital, but that is more than okay! Please call us if you need anything at all!
In Christ,
Julie, Mike, Michael and Eva :)
Dear Greg, Heidi and family - I am so desperately sorry to read this news... news that none of us ever wanted to hear.
We feel for you so much, and will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers over the coming days and weeks.
While we grieve with your for your loss, we know you share with us the knowledge that your precious little man is out of his pain and daily struggle, and that you will be with him again in just a little while.
I am so, so sorry, and if I can help in any way, I am only an email away.
With love and prayers,
Alison xxx
'Breathe now great breaths of Heaven,
Move well, for pain has gone.
Shout loud and sing - your heart beats strong now,
Precious little man.'
Heidi, Greg and Fam,
We love you and your family and are praying for you for the next few weeks. ((((hugs)))) to you and your family
I'm so sorry. We recently lost our little girl, our sweet-heart angel. These are such difficult experiences and there really aren't words to express the sorrow and difficulty to come.
How wonderful the Gospel of Jesus Christ is. It is only through our Savior that we can find peace during these heartaches.
Our prayers, and our thoughts, are with you.
Your angel is close. He always will be. Remember, miracles still exist. He will be with you, and you will feel him.
Heidi,
Our hearts go out to you and your sweet family. Ethan was an amazing fighter and an inspiration to so, so many people. We are continually praying for you and Greg. We love you guys and all your kids so much.
Love,
Allie and Matt
Greg and Heidi, I heard about Ethan this morning as the message was being passed among the nurses that loved and took care of Ethan. It is with great sorrow that I send this message but I will always cherish and feel blessed for the time I got to spend with Ethan and the two of you. I will always remember with a smile the way Ethan would look at us and wrinkle his forehead. He was so beautiful. I will pray for peace and comfort for your whole family. Love, Jennifer Smith
Heidi,I am so sorry I can only imagine. He is beautiful! You and your family are in our prayers. Bless you guys. Kristine Thompson
Heidi, I am so sorry. I dont even know what to say but know you are in our thoughts and prayers. You are truly an example to me of what a good mom should be. I know this year has not been easy and your outlook an attitude has been inspiring. If you need anything please dont hesitate to ask we would love to help.
Heidi-
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of your little angel. Your journey has been an inspiration to us all. I pray that you and your family will find peace and comfort during this time. Love you! Christina
Steve's (Gregs cousin) parents have been keeping us up to date on how he has been doing. I know you we haven't been in touch for a long time, but your family has been in our prayers from time to time and they are definitely with you now. All of our love goes out to your family right now! The Gospel brings such peace.
Steve, Kelli and family.
I was not expectings to hear this at all! Your family is an amazing example of strength, love, patience, determination, and sacrifice. I am heartbroken by this news! You are in our thoughts and prayers! We're lucky to know that Families are Forever!
I just read about your loss today on a mutual friend's blog. I wanted also to let you know that you and your family will be in our prayers tonight. May the Lord comfort you and your family, and may you feel His love and presence.
Adrienne Orrock
(future mom to HLHS daughter)
Heidi,
You may have seen this before, but just in case...I thought it was so sweet.
Sara
It's a beautiful day up in heaven. Jesus is rounding up his tiniest angels, to go live on earth, and be born. One of the sweetest angels says to Jesus "I don't want to leave, I like it here, and I will miss you." He reassures the scared little angel that everything will be okay, and that the angel is just going for a visit.
The little angel is still not swayed on this idea. So Jesus kneels down, and says, "How about if you leave half of your heart here with me and take the other half with you, will that be okay?" The angel smiles and says, "I guess that will work." But the little angel is still a little scared. He asks, "Will I be okay with only half of my heart?" Jesus replies, "Of course you will, I have other angels there that will help you out, and you will be fine."
Then Jesus gives the angel more details about His plan. He says, "When you are born, your mommy will be scared, so you have to be strong, and when you feel weak just remember that I have the other half of your heart.""Enjoy your time with your family, play and laugh everyday." "And when its time to come back to heaven, I will make your heart whole again. Always remember that you are not broken, just torn between two loves."
Heidi, Greg and family-
I am so sad to hear of your loss today. Ethan was such a blessing and such a remarkable fighter. I will always remember his sweet but oh so serious facial expressions and how he loved to be wrapped up like a little burrito :) Everyday as Ethan's nurse was always an adventure, and now he will be a guardian angel to watch over all of us from the comfort of God's arms. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Skidmore family,
Heidi, I recently found your blog and spent quit some time reading about sweet Ethan. Thank-you for sharing him and his journey. You were the perfect family for this little guy. My prayers are with you guys.
Your families journey has made me want to be a better person and mother...thank you!
Dear Heidi and Greg,
At 7:15 this morning the phone rang...caller id said Miriam. I feared the worst and it was. Miriam and I cried and embraced over the phone. (if that's possible) Through this day I have thought of our annual Christmas party and how you Greg, asked us to please pray of Heidi and little Ethan. He was not born yet but please know we started praying then for your sweet family and have not stopped since.
You have taught us so much about family unity, prayer, love sacrifice and I could go on and on.
We love you so much and our hearts ache for you at this most difficult time.
Bill and Connie
Greg and Heidi,
I am another person who you do not know, but I have been touched by your story. I am good friends with Andrea (heart baby Kyson's mom) and found your blog through her's. Please know you are in my prayers, may the Lord send comfort to your heart.
With much love and many prayers,
Velika
heidi and greg
I wanted to let you know how brave and wonderful your entire family has been. I knew the night ethan came to me he would be ok. He was so beautiful, courageous, and had the most soulfull eyes. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to call on me. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
stacey grohall
Greg and Heidi=
My heart breaks for you. I just want to let you know how much I love both you and Ethan. He (and you) will always be one of my VERY favorites. He was such a tough sweet guy! You have been in my prayers and will continue to be.
Laurel
I am truly heartbroken and feel so very sad for you and your family. Ethan is such a blessing for all of us whose lives he touched.
Ethan you are an amazing beautiful baby boy you showed so much strength in your fight for life, you will be greatly missed by many!
Heidi and Greg, I have prayed many prayers for you and will continue to pray for you and your entire family. My dearest condolences
Nicole Beagin
Heidi & Greg,
When I first read "Ethan has returned home" I felt joy thinking Oh my gosh, he's home..then as I read my heart sank realizing you meant his Heavenly Home. Oh that sweet boy! The tears don't seem to stop...I'm so sorry you have to feel this pain!
You may never know how much your daily words and updates on Ethan have blessed and strengthened my life when I needed to be carried. Your faith and strength is amazing!
I wish there could be Blogs from Heaven to keep us all posted on the rest of his journey and all our other loved ones on the other side, but I guess for now we will wait till that Beautiful day when we get to be together forever and never be apart again! I KNOW that day will come! You could see through his eyes the LOVE he had for you! That love is ETERNAL! This will be made right somehow in ways we don't understand.
We love you! Thank you for sharing Ethan and your family with us for it has been a true blessing and we are forever changed somehow.
Love, Dan & Steph Lundell
Heidi and Greg -
I have been trying to figure out what to say since I heard the devastating news. My first initial thought was that I wished I could give you both a big hug and have a good cry with you. You guys and Ethan have become a part of my heart. I am grateful everyday for the chance to meet amazing families like yours. Thank you for sharing your amazing son with me. Everyday when I walked into the unit I would walk past his room and smile. I absolutely adored him and his amazing eyes and adorable face.The way he would look me straight in the eyes and give me a sob story...I was so wrapped. I will always carry the memories of caring for him and soothing him when he was upset.Boy..he sure loved his pacifier,his beanie buddies and his patting of his behind. He was a fighter..and he will be missed. He is in my thoughts and I pray for you to have the strength to get through this devastating time. I will miss our talks and our laughter over the littlest things..I will miss you and my "skiddy"..love and prayers...Jess
So sorry to hear about your loss. I've been secretly reading your blog about his journey:) Your positive attitude is very inspirational. May you find peace in this hard time.
Artie and Amber Whiting
Heidi and Greg,
My heart aches for you and all the emotions that you are experiencing. It is through that love that we feel for our children that we get to know our Savior and our Father's love for us. It is through that same love that we come to a small understanding of that sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us. Hold on to all those things that His sacrifice has made available to us. Hold on to that promise of comfort, of hope, of healing and love.
I pray that God's love will hold you at this time and that your love for Ethan and his love for you will carry you through such a difficult journey.
We send our love. Know that you are in our prayers. Please let me know if there is anything we can help you with.
Hugs,
Irene
I just love you guys so much. All I can think about is this boy and your family. Ethan....holy cow you will be missed buddy. We will take care of you guys......your family and friends are here for you and so is our Savior.....always.See you soon.
I don't know you, but I ran across your blog from little London's blog...and I have been following Ethan's journey. What a courageous boy he is, and what an amazing family he was born into.
My heart aches for you & your family. I have been praying for your sweet baby since I found your blog, and I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. May the Lord bless you with comfort and strength.
Love,
Kemra
Greg and Heidi
Our prayers are with your family. Ethan must have been One Sweet baby boy. What an Honor it must be to have been chosen to be his Parents. We love you and are thinking of your whole family.
Love Derek and Danielle Wright and kids
Dear Heidi and Greg,
Our hearts are broken...we are so saddened to hear of the passing of your sweet Ethan. We are thinking and praying for you all. How great will your joy be one day when you see your beautiful Ethan again? We know that Heavenly Father has a plan for everyone, especial Ethan! Ethan had a super special calling waiting for him back home, something only Ethan can do. We know that the peace and hope that the gospel brings will strengthen you and carry you through this difficult time. We hope you find strengthen in knowing that your family is forever and you will see Ethan again. We are so grateful that you showed Ethan with the blogging world. Your courage and strength is an example to many. Thank you for sharing Ethan; he was an example to many also! So beautiful both body and spirit…Take Care!
“The Lord takes many away, even in infancy, that they may escape the envy of man, and the sorrows and evils of this present world; they were too pure, too lovely, to live on earth; therefore, if rightly considered, instead of mourning we have reason to rejoice as they are delivered from evil, and we shall soon have them again.”
Joseph Smith Jr., Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 196–97.
With Love,
Kyle and Mary Saunders
We love you Heidi and Greg. Life can be so crappy and unfair. Ethan deserves the very best, he worked SO hard for every day, and right now he couldn't be better. All is well. He certainly has a few little buddies up there to play with. I like to picture Jake and Jersey and Ethan playing tag in a field of green, green grass, breathing deeply, and marveling at how amazingly free they feel.
My heart is very sad for everyone that Ethan left behind, but happy that he is no longer struggling. I am so sorry....
Melissa Spring
Heidi,
My heart just aches for you & your family! I can't imagine the amount of faith & strength that you must have to endure all that you have.
You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
I have been following Ethan's story through little glimpses of your blog but mainly from my sister Caryn (Braden's mom).
There are simply no words. I was deeply saddened to hear of you & your family's loss. His life was so short & yet, it touched so many.
Thank you for sharing your little hero's journey.
Sincerely, Rhonda Rasmussen
Heidi,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. What comfort it is to know Ethan is healed and whole again with his Father in Heaven.
With Love,
Amanda Shepherd (Frandsen)
I've been keeping up reading your blog about your sweet baby boy. Just wanted to say that were truly sorry for your loss. He was such a strong little guy. We will keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers. You truly amazing strong people. I admire that.
maren bloomer(cadiente)
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