An Amazing Adventure
Today is the best day Haven has ever had. For five and a half months our precious Haven Leigh overcame more obstacles than anyone ever deemed possible. Last night, Haven decided her adventures here on this earth were through and journeyed on to meet God for even greater adventures with Him in eternity. Her earthly body was not good enough for her anymore, and she is now clothed with a heavenly body that is more glorious than can be imagined. She had a restful day yesterday, and we spent much time playing with her and enjoying her. In the evening we gave her a nice bath, put her in new pajamas, tucked her in and put her to bed. A few minutes later, as we were watching her sleep, she showed us that she was ready to go. Her heart rate dropped dramatically and the doctors were unable to recover it. We spent the rest of the evening holding her with no cords or tubes and loving her for the last few minutes of her life on earth. She was in no pain and quietly drifted away to God.  We would have had it no other way, for all along we wanted it to be her decision when the right time was: not the doctors’, not ours, but hers. And so it was.
This precious life has touched us and countless others in powerful ways that, thankfully, give God the ultimate glory for the gift of life He has given freely to us. We are incredibly thankful to have been able to spend each and every day of her life with her and take care of her the best we knew how. She had much help through amazing medical professionals, powerful prayers, and love & encouragement from family and friends. We will miss her terribly and shall never forget her. We look forward to the day when we shall also meet God and see our little girl again.Â
We have also been blessed so much by your love, encouragement, support, and prayers through this journey. We are eternally grateful to you for your involvement in the life of our little family. As final arrangements are still being coordinated, we will be sure to inform you all through this site about the details regarding them. We certainly encourage you to post comments or send emails or other correspondence as you deem appropriate. Please note that we will no longer be receiving mail sent to the Ronald McDonald House. The website will remain open as a memorial to the precious life that God granted to us: a life that has changed our lives forever.
“My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” –  Psalm 73:26 Â
In Loving Memory of
Haven Leigh Johnson
12/12/06 – 5/22/07
Posted in Recovery #1 | 29 Comments »
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:03 am
I don’t even know what to say, but that you will always be in our thoughts and prayers and God had bigger plans for her in Heaven. We love you!!!!!!
Amber and Mike
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:30 am
As I sit here looking at this beautiful picture, it is hard for me to believe that the precious girl I visited last week has gone on home. There are no words that will make the grief you are feeling any better.
Haven has changed my life forever. She was a fighter and tried as hard as her body could.
Jeremey and Alison, I am praying for you and I love you both. Let me know if there is anything I can do.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:33 am
Jeremey, Alison, Kevin and Joy,
Please know our hearts break with sadness for the void that will remain as you start a new routine and a life without your precious little Haven Leigh. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us and please know how special you are and blessed we are to have been a witness to this child’s life. We will continue to lift you up in our prayers.
Love Always,
Jeff and Annette Altena
Hudsonville, Michigan
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:41 am
I’ve been following little Haven’s story for months now, and I am truly saddened by this. She was an amazing little girl – I can tell this, even though I hadn’t met her.
You are all in my thoughts.
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:51 am
Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your families.
We felt like little Haven was one of our own family as we read updates and prayed for her.
We know she’s in a much better place, but we also know that she will be missed so very much.
Ann and Dave
May 23rd, 2007 at 1:27 pm
What a beautiful baby girl and what wonderful parents. Haven was so lucky to be born into your family. What a witness you two are as well. We are sorry for your loss…which I am sure is beyond words. Our thoughts and prayers will be with your entire family.
With much love,
The Oswalt family
May 23rd, 2007 at 1:29 pm
It’s kind of hard to type through my tears.
Another angel has been added to heaven.
Never doubt the impact Haven has had on so many people.
Jeremy & Alison consider yourselves hugged and thank you for sharing this part of your lives. I don’t even know how to put into words the effect your family has had on me. That God is a real part of your lives is evident. I pray you may both draw on the comfort and peace that only God can supply at this time. Haven will never be forgotten..ever.
As always,
Love and prayers,
Your friend in Christ, Laurie
May 23rd, 2007 at 3:35 pm
That is a great way that you described yesterday: ‘the best day Haven has had’. What a day that will be when we also get promoted to glory. God knows that Haven has been on my mind and in my prayers for so long. Now there is one more reason to look forward to ‘that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ’ (Titus 2:13).
‘…them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him’ – 1 Thess 4:14
Love you Haven, and will miss you.
Uncle Justin
May 23rd, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Dear Alison and Jeremy,
I am so so sorry for you loss. My prayers continue to go out to you, thank you for allowing me to know you and your beautiful daughter. You have all had a profound impact on my life. I’ve grown to love you and your family having only really known you for such a short time, but I believe I know your hearts. My comfort is knowing that she now rests in our Father’s arms with no pain and no more struggle….I know you will find strength in him and each other as you struggle thru these next days and also the days ahead when there will be times of sadness. Thank you for being a blessing to me each day. Love in Christ, Michelle
Matthew 11:28-30.
May 23rd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Dear Alison and Jeremy,
You have my sincere sympathy as you mourn the loss of your little angel. May God richly bless you for all your efforts on Haven’s behalf. You can take compfort in the fact that you will see her again in heaven. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rod, Deb, and Nate Reinhard
May 23rd, 2007 at 7:20 pm
Our Bible study will continue to hold you two up in prayer in these next few months. We all grieve the loss of such a miracle as Haven. What a blessing to know that she is with our Lord and Savior. Many blessings. The WWJD Tuesday night Bible study. Cora
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:23 pm
I want to thank you for letting my spend time with you and your beautiful daughter today. Haven is such a beautiful little girl, those cheeks were just right to pinch. Love and take care of each other and it dosen’t make it easier but one day you will hold her again and she will always be your little girl.
May 23rd, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Im so sorry for your lose. She was a beautiful little girl.I couldn’t think of nicer people for her to spend her life with. I wish your family all the best.
With Love,
Jessica
May 23rd, 2007 at 10:29 pm
I’m guessing that there aren’t any comments yet because no one knows what to say… I am praying for the both of you and the rest of your family. It’s been a long journey and I am so proud of you for stickin’ with Haven and with God through the entire thing. I could say what I feel for you but I cannot say that I know what you are going through. That pain is unimaginable but to come out of the rough so humbly, knowing that everything is okay is so encouraging. You two are the some of the strongest people I know. I can say that in all honesty. I wish that I had gotten the opportunity to meet her but I now look forward to the day when I can meet little Haven face to face, without all the attachments to her little body.
I love you. And I am still praying for you and the decisions you will make in the days to come. Stay strong.
May 24th, 2007 at 6:23 am
We send you our best wishes in your time of grief. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. We may have never met Haven, but she has touched our lives forever.
Love, The THS Bands
May 24th, 2007 at 7:00 am
Jeremey and Alison,
Praying for you guys during this tough time. Please contact us with arrangements. Love you guys and praying for you daily.
Josh and Christina
May 24th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Dear Alison and Jeremy,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can’t even imagine how much you must miss little Haven. She was so beautiful and so precous. Your last blog was such an encouragement and such a testimony. I pray that God will comfort you both and provide you with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
With Love,
Jessica
May 24th, 2007 at 9:49 am
So sorry on one hand to hear about this, but, when I read about Haven’s parents and how they handle all of this, I can’t help but believe more today in God than ever before.
May 24th, 2007 at 9:50 am
We wrote expressing our support soon after Grandma Joy called & Uncle Gordy talked to our family. Somehow it didn’t get to you. I’m sorry. Please know we were praying for you yesterday and continue today. We are so grateful for the life of our favorite miracle. I believe many lives were touched through your sharing of Haven’s journey, the extent of which we will never know. We feel blessed to have a wonderful niece who loves the Lord with her whole heart. We are equally grateful for the man who won Alison’s heart and that his faith is strong. I know God has been and will continue to be with you each moment. Jesus told of the love our heavenly father has for little children. We know Haven’s journey has been a blessing and we thank you for allowing us to love her. Our heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May 24th, 2007 at 10:32 am
I am truly impressed by your courage and faith.
I know how all of you are hurting right now and I am sad for all of you.
If this world were all that any of us had to look forward to, it would be a sad existence to say the least. We do have an awesome God who for some reason Loves us. I am amazed at that alone. Please know that my heart goes out to all of you.
Yes, Haven was a gift for all of us and we shall remember her. I’m sure God is telling Haven (about the life she lived) well done.
Linda
Climax Michigan
May 24th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
You will always be in my prayers and I have enjoyed seeing the recovery of Haven, but now it is her time to be in a better place with our heavenly Father to whom will always and forever take care of your little Haven. Now Haven doesn’t have to suffer any more and she is FREE. She will always be in my heart.
~Love always, Taylor
May 24th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
We can’t know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom in the warmth of sunlight’s kiss upon its face, before it folds its fragrance in and bids the world good night to rest it’s beauty in a gentler place. But we can know that nothing that is loved is ever lost, and no one who has ever touched a heart can really pass away, because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they’ve been a part. – author unknown
Tonight, Morgan & Sarah helped me plant a lily…Haven’s lily. We are surrounding you in prayer.
With love, The Bakers
May 24th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I am a teacher with Grandma Joy and have been watching Haven’s website since she was born. I was truly saddened by Haven’s passing, but contented to know she is in such a better place. Alison and Jeremy, you are truly amazing parents!
May 24th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Dear Alison & Jeremey,
God couldn’t have picked two better people to be Haven’s parents than you.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jenny
May 25th, 2007 at 6:31 am
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
May 25th, 2007 at 6:36 am
Our Dear Heavenly Father
God, thank you that we have the promise that Haven Leigh is safe and well in your arms. Thank you that you have provided such a perfect place for her. Thank you also for the promise of eternity with you for those who “confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in their heart that God raised him from the dead”. Thank you for Jeremey and Alison. Thank you for their courage, endurance, love for you, their desire to serve you, put you first and their desire to totally trust in you. I pray you would bless them greatly and keep them firmly in your hand. God, I pray you would give Jeremey & Alison strength, hope, peace, comfort and much needed rest.
In the Name of Christ, Amen
May 25th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Although there are no words that can be spoken to give you two comfort at a time like this.. We just wanted to tell you that we love you both and you are forever in our thoughts and prayers.. Your amazing strengh and faith is truly admirable.. God bless you both
May 26th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
We are all praying for you and your family. And we are rejoicing that Haven is in a better place.
July 10th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
You are still in my prayers, I also still grieve for your loss & smile at the photos of Haven. Your love for the Lord has been a encouragement to all. May you continue to find your strength in Him.
Judy Holmes