Wednesday 10 October 2007

Sad News

Theodore Edward Dungey was born by emergency Cesarean at 3:56am today weighing 6lbs 10oz. Unfortunately, I'm very sorry to say that he had significant respiratory problems and despite the Special Care Baby Unit's best attempts to resuscitate him, he died at about 9:30am. Both Clare and I were there to cuddle him during his last few minutes.

Despite the tragedy of this, Clare and I have spent a very special day with Theodore. Even though he was no longer with us, we found this time comforting and were joined by our close family so they could say their goodbyes.

We feel proud to have known Theodore as our son, even though it was only for a few hours. His life has brought us new friends from across the globe, broadened our horizons and made us into stronger people. He has changed our life forever and we love him very dearly.

Although this is a sad situation, as Christians we know that he has gone to be with his Lord in heaven and look forward to the day when we will meet him there.

I am very sorry to have to break the news to so many friends in this way and I pray that you would find peace in your sadness.

We will be back to give more information in a few days.

All our love
Clare and Andy

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.
Job 1:21

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Friends,

Thank you for placing those beautiful verses at the end of this post. When we view life in terms of eternity, our view of life here changes for the better. May the precious gift of your son teach us all this perspective. As well, may our Lord surround you and your family with the peace that passes all understanding.

Well done, Andy & Clare, Well done!

Love, The Manns, Tampa, FL

Anonymous said...

Andy and Clare,

I am so sorry. Please know we are all here for you.

Renay said...

In our weakness, He is strong...

I cannot imagine. I am so terribly sorry for your loss-my heart is heavy and aches for you and your entire family.

You're incredible faith through this journey has been inspiring-and now I am speechless for you.

I will continue to remember you in my prayers.

God Bless you all! ~Renay from the US

Anonymous said...

Andy and Clare, I am so very sad for you. My heart is breaking. I'm so glad you had some time with your precious son to hold him and love him. He was very blessed in his short life to have you two as his mom and dad, just as you were blessed to have him even for such a short time. Please know that our prayers and support remain with you.

Jennifer from the USA

Anonymous said...

Thank you for so wonderfully sharing your lives with us over the last several months. It has been more of a blessing then you will ever know.

Andy, Clare and Theodore you have touched so many life's. When I called home from work tonight to check in on Tonya, Knoah, Jacob and Hannah and was told of the sad news all I could do was cry. After reading your post, Andy, I am even more convinced that you Clare are astonishing people. It is amazing who small this world really is.

God bless you both and please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Will (Tonya's Husband)

Anonymous said...

love and prayers

Liz

Anonymous said...

Dear Andy and Clare

Your strength is an inspiration to us all. We're thinking of you.

Love Jason and Vicky x

Anonymous said...

Dear Clare and Andy

You are incredible people and no words can express how sorry i am for your loss.

You are in my prayers

God be with you

Kirsty and Family - UK

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys,

I wanted to post a message to express how proud I am of both of you for how well you are coping with the situation.
Although little Theo was only with you briefly, he had a commendable and inspiring journey which has clearly touched a lot of people and will remain in our memories always. It was an honour to meet him.

Tim (Andy's Brother).

M and M said...

Andy and Clare
So sorry to hear the news,you are in our thoughts and prayers.
"Theodore" Gift of God, a fine name .
We pray that you will also experience that other gift of God "Peace" .

Love from All at Leeds

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to both of you. May God wrap his arms around you and give you the comfort you need. My prayers are with you.

Candi
YaYa to Bryan

Catherine Merciez Wright said...

Andy and Clare,
I don't know how to express how sorry I am for you. It was so wonderful that you allowed us to ride along on your journey. To have it turn out like this is such a heartbreaking shock.
You have so much support. Please let us know if you need anything.
Love,
The Wrights, Catherine, Dan and Owen (USA)

Anonymous said...

Andy and Clare,
Just to let you know i care very much and are praying for you that he will give you comfort and peace. lots of love Chloe x (southwold troggy)

Charms said...

Andy and Clare,

We cannot imagine your pain,We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our family and friends are praying for you and we know that God will be your stength and comfort in your time of mourning.

From Ashley,Charmaine,Leah,Simone and Nicole in South Africa.

Anonymous said...

I typed this three times - I dont know what to say. I am sorry for your loss. Great names. Jo xxx

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you in our prayers. xx

Sarah & Clive (NCT class).

Anonymous said...

We were so sorry to hear your sad news. Please know that we are all thinking of you both. And cannot begin to understand how you are feeling right now.

Thank you for pointing me to this blog. I feel honoured to have read your posts over the past few weeks.

Lots of love
Helene, Colin, Daisy and Tilly. (school)

Anonymous said...

To Theo

You will never know fear; you will never know pain; nor envy, hatred, anger, depression, worry, nor so many of life’s aggravations.

You will, however, know one thing, and one thing only: you will know love.

You were loved for the short time you were here, by your parents and all your family; and by all your friends around the world.

And you are loved now, with a love that I pray we will all know at some time, safe in the arms of your God and Saviour.

Is that the lesson of your short life? Is that the reason why you came and left so suddenly?

Is it to teach us, who have become weary and cynical, selfish and proud, that there is a better way?

Is it to shake us into realising that the pure love that you awoke in us, that is the pure love of Christ, must pervade all of our life, or we have no purpose?

We found your leaving hard. We wept heart-breaking tears. We asked why, why, why?

And you give us your answer: not the scrappy, unreliable relationships that so often pass for human love, but the glorious, breath-taking explosion of the love that you now have, that is the love of God.

You have gone before us: we still have so many years to go. Sometimes we face the prospect with heavy hearts, and then we must ask God to lift our eyes so that we can capture again the splendour of what you have taught us today.

And one day we shall meet again.

your Grandpa Dungey

Anonymous said...

Just to let you know that all three of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love Greg and Holly

xxxx

Anonymous said...

i'm so sorry guys, my condolances go out to you both. will be thinking about you, Gem (york ex-hall mate) x