Words of Gratitude

These are the words that were read at Maddox's Celebration of Life Service. Dusty and I wrote these words as a small way to express our love and gratitude to all of those who have walked this road with us. We can't thank you enough!

Luke 5:17-20 “And it came about one day that He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. And behold, some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in, and to set him down in front of Him. And not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, in front of Jesus. And seeing their faith He said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’”

This story, one that is found in each of the four gospels, is one that speaks volumes to us. It speaks to us not just of the healing power of Jesus Christ, but the faithfulness of the friends that loved this ailing man. That determination, love, faithfulness, and unwavering support is what we feel from each of you present in this room. We feel it from the closest friends and family that shared our precious time with Maddox to the many hundreds that can’t be with us today. This celebration is to honor Maddox’s life, God’s faithfulness to our family, and His love poured out on us through His faithful people serving as the hands and feet of Christ. We are so incredibly thankful… so blessed.

The time we shared with Maddox is something that is difficult to put into words. We anticipated his arrival from the moment we learned of his conception, and the joy of seeing his precious face, after waiting 8 months, was far beyond our expectations. Each day with him tucked tightly inside held beautiful surprises. We relished in his regular movements, peered at his tiny body in frequent ultrasounds, witnessed him respond to Deacon’s voice, and were overwhelmingly blessed by each new morning knowing he was alive and well. We are so thankful for the time we enjoyed his presence in our lives and although his time on Earth was all-too brief, his impact was so profound. We are eternally grateful for the life-change a tiny child was able to bring about in us… most importantly the strengthening of our faith in Christ Jesus. As we gazed at the face of our son Maddox, we couldn’t help but stand amazed at the Lord’s awesome hand of creation.

To our friends and family, we wish we could express to each of you individually how you have touched our lives and how we have been blessed by your prayer, service, support and love. The simple truth is there aren’t enough words of gratitude to adequately describe how you have touched our family. God has truly worked through you to serve as a witness to us and to others we have come in contact with throughout this journey. You are all very much a part of Maddox’s legacy and the impact he has had on numerous people across the country. Thank you so much for all that you have done and continue to do…you are the faithful ones, the people that have carried us into the presence of Jesus.

"Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you wouldn't believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5

Comments

Thank you for sharing this with us.

We love you.

Rebecca
Emily said…
"Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you wouldn't believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5

Ain't that the truth???

I love that I am a tiny part of Maddox's legacy and I love that he truly is a part of my life and shall forever be. I truly believe he was meant for Heaven all along and I feel honored to have seen his face and to have "met" his mommy while he was with her. What a sweet way the Lord has of bringing hearts and lives together. As our babies play together and praise God together, so I thank God that their mommies have come together and can praise God together - even now.

Thank you for being a witness to the Almighty Creator of life. You will never know, this side of Heaven, the full impact Maddox has had and that you have had for God and the Kingdom.

Praying for you today.
Erin said…
What beautiful words of gratitude. I found your blog from from Confessions of a CF husband. It is amazing what an impact such a little person can have on our lives and on the lives of others. I have been praying for you as you grieve the loss of your precious son Maddox. My husband and I also lost a son Isaac in 2005 to anencephaly (also a neural tube defect like spina bifida) so we have walked down a similar path. You can read a little about him if you like at http://burghbaby.blogspot.com/2007/11/remembering-isaac.html I am so thankful that God has sustained you through this journey and pray that he will continue to do so. The pictures that the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep photographer took are beautiful. Aren't they a wonderful organization?
Anonymous said…
Thank you for your faith,love and strength in our Lord Christ Jesus for sharing with your family, friends and the world the lovely message about your son. The empact Maddox Donald Stanfield has made on the world is a true miracle and has allowed for so many of us to open our eyes and become stronger from within. God has truly worked through Maddox and we are very Blessed. Praise and thanks be to God.
Thoughts and Prayers always Lisbeth/Nebraska
Kim said…
I love that I was one of the priviledged people to know Maddox's story.
What perfect and beautiful words for Maddox in God's honor.
Kim
boltefamily said…
Your faith is inspirational...imagine how many people Maddox brought closer to God in his short time on this earth! What proud parents you must be, afterall that is the reason we are ALL here! Your story about the paralyzed man being carried to Jesus is one I used when I gave a sermon at my church about losing Isaac. If you are ever interested you can go to www.mclanechurch.org click on podcasts and the sermon is titled, True Human Stories (THS) Kristy. I am praying for God to continue to bring you and your family peace and for him to continue using you to further His kingdom...your story is such a beautiful testimony to the fact that situations like these are miracles even when healing is not performed!
Chrissy said…
Beautifully written...Praying for you as always!
Laurie in Ca. said…
Kenzie,

It is you that I would like to thank for allowing me to know of Maddox so openly and allowing me to pray for you. What an honor to witness Gods hand working as we wait upon Him to breath life into one so precious as Maddox. I will always remember his impact on growing my faith. He is a beautiful boy, perfect in every way. I will continue walking this journey with you, praying for you daily. I pray that your hearts are guarded and held in the hands of Jesus and that your healing is gentle. I am praying for Deacon also that his little heart is protected and safe.
Love you guys so much,
Laurie in Ca.
Anonymous said…
Kenzie and Dusty-

I have been following your blog from the first day and have been so inspired by your strength, hope and love for the lord. Your family has touched so many lives, including my own and I hope that I can learn to love and trust in the lord just as you have. We will contiune to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Stephanie in TX
Jesse said…
Thank you so much for sharing precious Maddox with all of us. We are all better for "knowing" him, and his sweet story. Your faith and hopefulness has been an inspiration to hundreds...the Habakkuk verse spoke perfectly.

Still praying for your heart as you begin the healing process.
Anonymous said…
Rick Burgess of the Rick & Bubba show lost his 2 year old son. He is a wonderful man of God. I would never pretend to understand how you must feel but I'm sure he does. He spoke at his son's funeral and it was so powerful. I hope you can watch this one day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PUHUZWyFeg
Mandy said…
Not only did your time with Maddox strengthen your faith, but your faith strengthened mine. You and Dusty have been such a testament to God's love. Thank you for sharing. I will continue to pray for your beautiful family.
Pat N Fl said…
Kenzie,

I teach toddlers Deacon age on Sunday Morning and this has always been one of my favorite bible stories because it tells of the 4 friends love for their friend as well as their belief in Jesus. Your words add new meaning to this passage as it has minister to you and your family in this terrible time of lost. I loved Deacon singing is ABC the other day it was so precious. Praying for your family and I am thankful for You and all the other mothers whose blogs as have been reading as your faith has just blown me away.
Sweet Kenzie,
You are thanking others and your words are beautiful. But most if not all are more thankful to you and Maddox for letting us be a part of your story. Maddox is forever in my heart and is forever with my sweet daughter Mary Grace. I am so very thankful for you and your family.
I am praying for you, Dusty and Deacon every day. I
With love,
Kim
Anonymous said…
Kenzie: Your love for Maddox and your faith in God is a beautiful thing to witness. Thank you for allowing me to be a part. I can't wait to meet you in Heaven!
Karen in TN
cb said…
I will be forever grateful that you introduced me to your journey and the walk of so many.

As I knew would happen, you reminded me that God blesses us every day with answered prayer if we trust in Him and follow Him.

I love you for helping me to trust in God's goodness and love and raise prayers of praise in all things.

Cathie
Angie said…
For those of us who couldn't be there in person, this gives us a glimpse of what his service was like. Thank you so much for sharing it! Your heart is so evident by your words, and thanks and praise to God is both amazing and beautiful.
Jen in Al said…
I am so thankful to have the honor of praying for you all! what a privilege to be a part of Maddox's life even from afar! i am sure that the celebration of life was truly an act of worship! Praying for you and thanking God for Maddox! jen in al
Anonymous said…
Beautiful! Please know that while you are thanking so many for their love and support, many are thankful for all you've done as well! You have shared so much with others and have been a light unto God by sharing your faith in Him even through your pain! What a Blessing you have been! I pray that you will always feel God's grace! Prayers will continue for you and your family! God Bless!
Anonymous said…
What a blessing it has been to follow your journey. Thank you for allowing so many of us to travel with you. May God continue to bless and keep your hearts in perfect peace.
Saundra in Nebraska
So Blessed said…
Thank you for sharing this portion of Maddox's service. Your gratitude is such an example of "giving thanks in all circumstances. I consider it a blessing to have connected with your family through your blog and to be able to pray for all of you. I will continue...
Devin said…
Kenzie,

Once again, I am convicted by your testimony and your words. Thank you so much for sharing this piece of Maddox's service with all of us. I am so thankful that I got to be a 'part' of his service in this way.

I am continuing to pray for you every day, and thanking Jesus for you, your family, and your sweet Maddox, and all the things that you are continuing to teach me every day.

Looking forward to hearing from you again soon.

Love and prayers,
Devin
Laurie in Ca. said…
Dropping in today to let you know you and your family are in my prayers. I pray the days are gentle for you as you walk this road of healing. God bless you all.

Love, Laurie in Ca.
Anonymous said…
Just wanted you to know how much your family has touched my life. You have truly showed me and so many others what it is like to have grace & peace in things we don't understand. I will always keep you and your family in my prayers.
God Bless,
Aimee Maier
"Ben's Mom"
Emily said…
I left my cell phone at home today, or I would be calling the prayer pager. :) Thinking of you & lifting you up!
Anonymous said…
Thank you for sharing what God has done and is doing for you and with you! I, too, can testify to His ever-present, sufficient grace when a loved one goes to be with the Lord. I am David's and Stephen's Dad, and I am so grateful that they know you. Stephen has shared with us your blog site, and we are blessed by you.

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