Thank You to ALL involved:

Mere words could never express the gratitude I feel toward each and every one of you.

I have never known such love as I have experienced over the last 7 months.From gifts of maternity clothes and baby clothes & baby items, to all of the cards and letters, to words of compassion and encouragement, as well as gifts of your time, and also your devotion to fasting and praying on behalf of myself, Rachel and my family. Truly, the Spirit of Christ is at work in a mighty way within this body of believers.

I am aware that Pastor Mike has updated many(if not all) of you as to specific ways prayers have been answered, but I would like to add some that he made not have known about.

In the labor and delivery room there was a sweet, young nurse who witnessed not only a supernatural love between my husband and I, but she was also privy to many scripture verses and prayers shared between our Pastors, friends, family and us. I heard her whisper a comment to another nurse that we were different and we were "good people", and I KNOW that she saw Christ in us that night. I praise God the He allowed me to serve Him in such a wonderful way. Please pray that God continues to work in her life and untimately for her salvation.

Also, the Lord saw fit to use this circumstance to mend a broken relationship between myself and a family member. We had simply stopped speaking to one another because of a silly misunderstanding.

I have also, by Gods goodness, been priveleged to meet and get to know Karen; a mom who shares in my suffering, as she lost her son to Trisome 18. She lives right here in W.N.Y and she is also a Christian. That is not a coincindence, that is a fingerprint of God!

Unsaved family and friends were touched by the work of the Holy Spirit and were exposed to the gospel of Christ.Praise God that His word shall never return to Him void.

Please understand that I hurt immensly over the death of my beautiful baby girl. Tears pour down my cheeks like rain sometimes, and my heart has a hole in it that can never be filled by anything other that Christs love. I thank God though, for my salvation; because I know one day we will be together again and there will be no more sickness, no more suffering, no more hurt, and no more tears. In the meantime, I miss her.

Please pray diligently for Pasor Leary and Pastor Mike and their families. Pray for their physical abilities to preach and teach the gospel. Pray that they continue to be bold witnesses for Christ and pray especially for their protection as these pastors are good and Godly men who love and fear the Lord, and the enemy has much to hate them for.

Continue to pray that Rachels life , and death, will lead many to salvation.

I love you all and I pray that God will bless each of you in a very special way.

In His service,

Barb, Dave and all of the Grapes family

Psalm 126 vs 5&6

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bearing his sheaves with him.

My beautiful baby girl....Rachel Elaine, which means innocent light, has done more for the cause of Christ in her short life than most people do in 90 years.
God has used her in many amazing ways.
When I was told the news that she had trisome 18, I was encouraged to abort her and I was able to take a firm stand and tell the doctors who offered that, that I was a Christian and that was not going to happen.
My marriage prior to the news that we were expecting was in terrible trouble, But GOD, in his infinite wisdom, used this very special pregnancy and child to bring us closer together than we have ever been as well as closer to HIM.
My children have all learned to appreciate each other more and to value all human life.
The church I am a member of all rallied around Rachel and my family in a very special way...Soon after I told them that Rachel had been diagnosed with trisome 18 as well as a serious heart defect they started a prayer vigel for her and for my family...Tues evenings from 7pm untill Wed evening till 7pm, incredible people fasted for 24 hours and prayed exclusivly for Rachel and us...This lasted 6 and 1/2 months....It grew to church members nationwide as well as around the world.....
She has taught me how to surrender all to Him and to trust Him completley...
In the hospital where she was born my Pastors, as well as some of my church family, came and waited in the waiting room and prayed, almost without ceasing, for us...People who came in and out of the waiting room definately took notice and some even prayed with them.Glory to God
Unsaved friends and family witnessed the love we, as the body of Christ have for each other and were touched by the beauty of God.
Doctors and nurses were witness to their testimony for Christ as well as mine and my husbands love for Christ and each other.
There is so much more that I havent mentioned, plus so much more I do not even know this side of heaven.
I miss my baby girl very much and my heart aches because a piece of me is missing, but I KNOW, because I put my faith in Christ ALONE for my salvation 4 years ago, that I will see her again. I realized I was a sinner and could never earn my way into heaven because Gods standards are so high (He is after all a HOLY GOD)
Thank you LORD for using me and Rachel in this very special way.

the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21b

If I can be of any help to you in any way please post on Rachels blog or email me at barbgrapes@yahoo.com

May this be an encouragemet to all who view this and may God Bless You.
More to come.....check back daily

Mom

It is bittersweet

I'm glad that I was able to meet Rachel. I will never forget her, and whenever I hear her name, I will think of her. She has been a blessing to so many people in the few days she was with us. This morning she went directly form her mother's arms to her Heavenly Father's arms. She's in good hands! I look forward to the day when we can meet again in Heaven. I'm thankful for each member of the Grapes family. We will always love you!

~ Pastor Mike, Jody, Anna

For what I have always wished to experience has finally come true. I have never seen such a amazing beautiful baby. Rachel has taught me so much and I have not even known her for 1 hour. It really shows how fragile life really it. I wish the best for her and what ever time we have with her will be so special. I am very thankful to be a part and to get closer to the Grapes family. This has been a life changing experience. I love this family, they deserve so much. God please give Rachel as much time as possible with us. Love forever,

~Emma

Oh please Oh Gracious Lord God and our Precious Jesus Christ! Please allow little Rachel a longer life in which she can see and comprehend the beauty of this world you created. That’s all I ask so please grant this one desire and I would be entirely grateful. Thank you.

~Lauren

Dear Little Rachel,
We have waited so long for your arrival. So many prayers for you we feel we already know you & love you. But the Great Creator knew you in your mother’s womb & loved you far greater than anyone else. He has special plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11). You are truly a miracle & God’s special gift, not only to your family, but also your church family. We love you!
~Sharon S.

Rachel is beautiful. Cute too. I pray that you have special days with her. She has already been a blessing.

Peace,

~Phil Riggs

Rachel,
At arriving at the hospital we tried to find you, mom & dad. We went to the 6th floor & no one there. We went to the 3rd floor & the room was empty. We finally found you & mom & dad in the ICN. We saw you & you were just beautiful. Sharon talked to her & you loved her voice. Well Rachel, God brought into this world & there is a lot of love around you. We love you Rachel.

~Barb R.

Rachel,
I am soooooo glad that you’re finally here!!! Your ultrasound was just grey squiggly lines so you can imagine how great it is to see you on your Birthday! We send up praises to God for the way He has blessed you and your family. Stay pink and petite!

~Dr. Rob

Wishes from ~Tanya Hooper (mom), Steven LaFontin (dad), Ariel Grace LaFontin (baby)

Rachel,
What a blessing to see you & your mommy & daddy. You are definitely in the right family- they will love and take care of you. Love to all of you and God bless.

~Merdie Swallow

Dear Barb & Dave,
We’re so glad to have met your precious baby girl. We are grateful to the Lord for Hid faithfulness and strength and to see Him shining through your lives. Your lives have been a great example o us all. We love you and we’re praying for you and the family.

~Love, Jody

What a special occasion to have met Rachel - you are precious and beautiful. God knows you, designed you, and given you to all of us as a gift of life and joy. We have grown and been blessed as we have prayed for you and your precious family. Your life has impacted so many people, we'll only know in all of eternity how many people you have touched and drawn closer to our Lord.

We love you, and continue to pray for you and your family. Praise our great God for your life and testimony.

We are all blessed by your life.

~In our Lord's love & hope, Juliana Leary

When God chooses us to be his vessel, we are blessed for every moment that we have. Rachel Elaine has been chosen to bless everyone she comes in contact with. Although we do not know the future for Rachel, today is what we have. Tomorrow is not here and may not come for anyone; we must be thankful for every day, every moment, every breath that we all take.

The world is brighter today than yesterday, for Rachel's light does shine!
God blesses us with this soul to say, "The love through her is thine!"

Faith is your rock, her soul, the light shining upon us all.
One day at a time, the moments now, the love and joy is all we have to recall.

Fondness is the current plight- as tough is that may be,
Enjoy it all- much more to come- just you wait and see.

~In love and light, Amy a.k.a. "Aunt Amy"

I think this is what the family needs to bring us all closer. For as long as she lives, I’m sure we all will enjoy our time with her. She will always be with us no matter what. We know that she will be in a better place and someday we will see her again.

~D.J.

To Rachel,
You’re a special gift from God. We will treasure every minute we have with you. All our love forever.

~Grandma & Grandpa

Dearest Rachel,

Happy Birthday! You are almost 12 hours old. These moments with you are so surreal. Thank you Dave for being you. Rachel, you have a wonderful family. Grandma and Grandpa Grapes are here.

~Grandma & Grandpa Grapes

I think Rachel is beautiful and I hope she doesn't die. By Matthew Grapes

~Matt

"No thoughts."

~Lorissa

"Baby and mama are so sweet. I love mommy and Rachel. I liked coming here and seeing Rachel. When I saw Rachel, she looked good enough to eat! I felt happy when I saw Rachel because Baby Rachel was finally here. Baby Rachel and Mom and Dad, I love!"

~Jenny Grapes

We are so so blessed to even have Rachel here with us today. The Lord has been very good to us. I just hope that he puts his hand over her and heals her completely so she can live for the Lord! We have waited for the little precious life for a long time. Our church family has been so good to us. Thank you everybody for praying for us and for being for us always! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I love U Rachel

~*Kelly Grapes*

I met you, Rachel, and I love you for these precious moments to share. I thank God & Jesus for the chance to know you. You are an angel. I love you, Barbara, and thank you for your love!

~ Grandma Patty

Rachel, you showed you and warmed our hearts. You’re beautiful and sweet as I knew you would be.
I hope you are not in pain in your new world.
I love you, and I know you can hear me. We pray every moment.

~GP

Dear Rachel,
In His time – the Lord makes everything beautiful in His time. From the months of praying, to the hours in the hospital, you have already been an inspiration to us all. Your life is a precious gift from God.
The group waiting for your arrival has grown since the first time today that was at the hospital. Your church family is also actively praying for you tonight. You have many people who already love you, but most of all, your Heavenly Father loves you and cares for you. And so we continue to wait for Him to make everything beautiful in His time.

Psalms 139:13-18 – the Lord encouraged us with that passage earlier in the day.

~Love, Pastor Leary

Pastor Leary showed up while we went to Barb’s room to pray. Even John(Paul) came in the room & he was fine.

~Rachel’s Grandmother

Rachel,
I love you very much. You are not even here yet and your have made a huge impact on my life and so many others. You are a goft from God. Thank you for teaching me patience and thank you for bringing me closer to God.

~Mom

Latifa’s friend thanked me for hugging Latifa when she was sitting by the door alone. Grateful.

~ Rachel’s Grandmother

Dear Rachel,
This has been an amazing day at the end of an amazing 7 months. As we waited for you, we prayed for you, & your mom & your brothers and sisters. You have done more with your little life for God than many people do in 70 years. Folks have learned to pray & fast, to have faith in God's power, and to show the kind of love that many people never experience. We don't know what God is going to do in your life from now on. But your Mom & Dad have given you to Jesus & He loves you more than all of us and He will keep you close to His heart.

~ Love, Carol & Paul

This has been a very amazing experience for me. It is awe inspiring how strong, calm, and collected Rachel's mother is. She is already the mother of six amazing and beautiful children, one of which is my best friend. I am blessed to be welcome here on the joyous day. I can not wait to meet little Rachel. It is worth the wait to be here for my best friend and her wonderful family. There are no words to describe my joy. It is like fate that I could be here to welcome this precious baby girl. I am truly blessed and will thank God everyday.

~ Rina

It's been good to see how God has used this waiting time. A whole church came together to pray. God brought a great team of doctors together. We've prayed with people in the waiting room. It's been a wonderful day! I'm happy to have been part of it!

~Pastor Mike

My mother is strong. Possibly the strongest woman I know; strong in faith, hope, and especially love. I learn from her. She is an amazing woman; what would I do without her? Nothing.

~Sam Grapes

Hi baby Rach. Well we have been urgently awaiting your arrival. Mommy's getting more and more uncomfortable which is a good thing cause you should be here soon. I know your an angle sent from above whether you will be with us for a long or short time. Your presence in our hearts has given us so much already. God Bless you baby Rachel. So many love you.

~Auntie Linda

Pastor Mike, Paul, Carol, Samantha, Rena, Linda myself and of course Dave are still waiting patiently. We have sung "Happy Birthday" to Rachel.

They have stopped the induction medicine because Rachel's heart did not like it. Will start back in 1/2 hour at 1/2 dose. Barb is having stronger contractions on her own now. I gave Dave a backrub & he said "I'm ready to have my baby now."

Dr. Robinson prayed. He is the geneticist.


We met Djuana (rev.). She is studying sign language.


We met Shelda in the waiting area and we all prayed for her new 1st grandson.

~Rachel's Grandmother

Pastor Leary came in and Dave took him in the see Barb. Samantha is on Elmwood Ave. & should be here any moment. Pastor Mike is still in prayer.

~Rachel's Grandfather

Pastor Mike actually remembered my last name. Waiting with Paul & Carol (Church). It is now 3:09pm. Barb is resting. Contractions are getting closer. Dave is fine, incredibly so am I. Pastor Mike is praying quietly. Carol is reading & Paul is just sitting next to her. I spoke to my dear friend Linda & she said she will come here. I asked Dave if I can take pictures and he said Barb wants that too!



~Rachel's Grandmother

Here I am. I made it to Children's Hospital. In the foyer while waiting for the information clerk to tell me where my daughter is. I met Pastor Mike from her church. We rode the elevator to the 3rd floor and met 2 folks from her church. I asked reception to let Barb & Dave know that I am here. She said I can visit soon. My heart is beating fast and just waiting for God's decision on this one.



~Rachel's Grandmother