Haven’s Funeral
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.
About 150 people showed their love and support by attending the funeral. We can’t say what that many hugs did to our spirits! Many of Haven’s loved ones were weepy, but our smiles got bigger and bigger as the day went on. It was such a testimony of Haven’s life to see so many people who have been fervently following Haven’s adventures and praying for her. We were encouraged to know that Haven is deeply and sincerely loved by you all.Â
At the reception, we showed a video of Haven’s life. Many people have expressed to us how much they appreciated getting to know Haven through the video. It is our hope to make the video available through the website in the near future. For those of you who were unable to attend Haven’s services, we also hope to post the sermon preached by Uncle Justin as well.Â
We cannot say thank you enough times for those who are supporting us through this time. We cannot count the number of cards and letters we have received, and we know that many prayers are being spoken on our behalf as well. Mom and Dad are missing their little girl and everyone down at Riley, but we are keeping busy as much as possible. We do many little things to remember Haven and of course we’ve watched her video a few times. All the flowers from the funeral are a beautiful reminder of her every time we turn around. We visited her grave site today. She has a temporary grave marker with her name on it, grass has been planted, and someone put some new pink flowers in her vase (Thank you!).Â
Thanks for coming back to the website to remember Haven, for keeping her life fresh in your heart, and for lifting us up in your prayers.
Posted in Info | 6 Comments »
June 1st, 2007 at 4:50 pm
You are both so very encouraging to me as your faith never faulters but grows in the midst of the most difficult obstacles of life.
Thank you for who you both are. I was glad to read you were able to see your beautiful baby without all the medical equipment as well.
What a family 🙂
Blessings and Assured Hope my dear sister and brother
Brian
June 1st, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Dear Jeremy and Alison, I am overwhelmed at your strength, faith, and courage. Thank you for sharing these very precious details of the celebration of your daughter’s life. You have both shown the face of Christ…thru and thru. I may have left this before…if you haven’t read it already…Psalms 139. May the Lord continue to hold you up and give you strength. What a blessing your family has been to me and I know so many others…Love in Christ, Michelle
June 1st, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Jer & Alison, What a precious doll Little Haven was. Her celebration was nothing short of perfect. It was planned out Great! Thank you so much for letting us be a part of it. We felt it to be a honor. Thank you also again for sharing Havens life with us and so many others. We love you guys so much and are continuously keeping you in our prayers.
June 2nd, 2007 at 7:46 pm
I’m so happy that she is in heaven and able to do all the things there that she could not do on earth. I will continue to pray for you and Jeremy and Haven.
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Haven (and family) is missed here at Riley. She was a beautiful child and made a difference in our hearts in her short life. Good luck with your future. We will be keeping you in our prayers.
June 4th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Jeremey and Alison,
My work day would not be normal without starting at this site and I know as the days, months and years go by things will change but it is very comforting to know that she is alive, whole, safe and secure in Jesus’ arms, that makes me happy. I pray for you and your parents daily that you will continue your journey’s here on earth making others lives more rich because He has chosen to live through all of you.
Haven’s service was beautiful, she was beautiful and both of you are beautiful people. The video made me giggle on the inside and cry on the outside at how truly alive this child was and happy she was. If she didn’t have the tube, I am sure her smile truly would be ear to ear. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to sit with her nurses during the video because I was blessed to hear additional stories about Haven’s life and about your remarkable sacrifice and commitments to her and each other.
Although her memory will never leave you, may your days get easier and fill your hearts with new adventures. By the way, if you every get a dog, you need to name it “Tailsâ€.
I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested (see Acts 20:19)
With much Love,
Annette Altena