Don’t think of her as gone away-
her journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets-
this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our saddness
can really pass away.
And think of her as living
in the lives of those she touched
for nothing loved is every lost-
and she was loved so much.

E. Brenneman

We traveled back down to Riley last week to meet with one of Haven’s doctors regarding the results of her autopsy. That evening we also attended a Memorial Service at Riley for the children who have died recently. We were thrilled to see some of our nurse-friends and other hospital staff who attended the service to honor Haven. We were reminded that Haven has not been forgotten by those who cared for her at Riley. It was so encouraging to see that she remains in the hearts of many people. Read the rest of this entry »

For those of you who do not check those cute photos everytime you check the website, we posted some new pictures of Haven this weekend.  They are pictures taken at the hospital during her last week of life.  We were fortunate to have taken one picture of her just minutes before her body started failing.  It shows how sweet and peaceful she was right up until the end.  The pictures are good, but we can’t even imagine how sweet and peaceful she is now!

As many of you witnessed, we had a beautiful celebration of Haven’s life Sunday, May 27.  The weather was a little threatening, but the rain stopped for the outdoor service and the rest of the day was beautiful.  Haven looked like a precious doll in her white eyelet lace dress and pink knit sweater.  Although we know the most beautiful part of Haven, her soul, had already left her body, it was wonderful to see her looking like a healthy baby with no tubes or tape or wires. Read the rest of this entry »

Just wanted to clarify a couple of things as well as provide you with directions to the locations for events on Sunday.  We sincerely encourage all who can to participate in all three events Sunday afternoon.  Such a huge part of Haven was and always will be the lives she has touched, and we want nothing more than to spend the afternoon with as many of those lives as we can.  Each of the events will be unique from another, so please know that everyone is truly welcome and encouraged to attend them all. 

**Times and locations can be found in the previous post entitled “Funeral Arrangements”**

The funeral services are graciously being provided by the wonderful people at

Needham, Storey, & Wampner Funeral Services
1341 N. Baldwin Ave.
Marion, IN  46952
866-664-5030   

Though none of Sundays events will take place at their chapel, they have been wonderful in helping us to plan the afternoon.  They, also, can be contacted directly regarding any of the details.

Please click the “Read the rest of this entry” link to view directions to the cemetary> Read the rest of this entry »

Please Join Us to Honor and Celebrate
the Life of Haven Leigh
on Sunday, May 27th 

Viewing at Grant Memorial Park
1606 W. 26th St.
Marion, IN 46953
1:30pm until 2:00pm

Burial Service at Grant Memorial Park
2:00pm until 2:30pm

Memorial Reception
College Wesleyan Church
 Marion, IN
3:00pm until 4:30pm

Maps and Directions to these events will be posted on the website soon

 

We are so blessed to know that Haven’s life has touched so many people, and we are looking forward to Sunday’s events as a tribute and celebration of her precious yet impactful life.  Her family would be greatly honored to have the presence of anyone who has been following Haven through her adventures.  There were many people who never got the opportunity to meet Haven personally, and it would mean so much to us to have you take part in the culmination of her life no matter how well or little you feel you know us.  We sincerely invite each and every one of you and your families to join us for Sunday’s events.  Even though most only knew Haven from a distance, you are all very close to our hearts.  It will be so special to have you there as we lay Haven’s body to rest and then to join in fellowship to remember her together and celebrate her promotion to glory. 

As an additional tribute to Haven, we are collecting statements and testimonies of how different individuals have been touched by Haven and her journey.  For those attending the services, there will be an open opportunity to briefly share your thoughts about Haven’s life if you so desire.  For those who are unable to attend or would rather not speak, we would love to receive emails or comments to collect as a memento that would be displayed and shared at the Memorial Service and Reception.   

As our needs have been continually met by the generosity of many friends and family, we will be accepting memorial gifts to the Haven’s Heart Fund.  Reflecting back on our days with Haven, we would not trade anything for the opportunity and privilege we had to both be by her bedside each day of her life for nearly six months.  Your selfless gifts helped to make that possible, and the donations made to this fund are still being utilized to meet our family’s needs even today.  We would like to, in turn, eventually use any abundance to the Haven’s Heart Fund to aid in meeting the needs of other families who are dedicated to staying by their children’s side as they battle through serious illness at Riley Hospital for Children.  So, in honor of Haven Leigh, memorials can be made to the Haven’s Heart Fund through this website, by mail, or at the Memorial Reception. 

We anticipate Sunday will be a joyful and tearful occasion as we gather to honor our precious daughter and give glory to God for the time we had with her and the amazing impact she had on all of us.  Your most beautiful comments and emails have already brought us much joy and solace these past few days.  She has been very close to many of your hearts as well as ours, and we hope that Sunday’s events will bring us all together to share in God’s comfort and peace through this bittersweet time.   

Looking forward to seeing you all soon,

Jeremey & Alison 

Many have inquired as to the true colors of Haven. I thought it wise to clear the air once and for all so that you all know what crayon to use on your pictures of her.

For the final say, Mom & Dad will have to comment on this later, but as to my multiple trips down to the ICU and having seen her cute little eyes in person here is my description:

Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Cheeks: Chubby pink

Some of the pictures make Haven look as if she has red hair and brown eyes. This is because the hospital room is dark when the pictures are taken. When I lighten them up so that you can see her better I lose some of the color in her eyes and the pinkish skin shines through her brown hair making it look red.

If you look closely at the latest picture of Haven sitting up it looks like she has red eyes. In reality she has blue eyes. I will try to fix this later.

Thank you Sierra, for finally pointing out the white elephant in the room…
(No, that isn’t a joke about Haven)

…posted in the picture section. Check them out and leave your comments on this post!

No one is so skilled at tube handling than my niece.

Jeremey and Alison said there was not much exciting going on today, and they could not get to a computer, so they will post again tomorrow.

Thanks for continuing to check the blog!

Some of you have been experiencing technical difficulties today viewing HavensHeart.net. There was a glitch in the blog which has since been remedied. Unfortunately, Jeremey and Alison were not able to post the news today because of the downtime.

Expect a post tomorrow about the goings on of today including Havens surgery (which turned out well).

Thank you for your diligence in checking the site,

Uncle Justin

Here’s wishing Jeremey and Alison a happy 3 year anniversary today, and a prayer for many good years to come to you and Haven.

“What therefore God hath joined together let no man put asunder.” – Matt 19:6

You guys are quite a testimony to the patience and hope that can come of tribulation through the faith of God. (Romans 5:2-4) Love all three of you!

May God continue to be your portion, and his grace sufficient! Amen!