Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Totally unexpected......and yet it wasn't!

Thank you to everyone who has commented on our blog since Sunday. We are overwhelmed with the amount of prayers and support for our family in the loss of our sweet, precious little boy, Tristan. They are being felt and are such an encouragement to us as we are being faced with the saddest and most difficult days of our lives. We are okay though and so is Tanner. We will post a more detailed account of what happened on Sunday in the next few days as we have been so busy with plans the past 2 days.

How do I say this was totally unexpected and yet it wasn't. Tristan has been doing so good and had a great day on Sunday right up until 4:20 when his apnea monitor went off and then seconds later his heart monitor went off - THE HEART MONITOR HAS NEVER GONE OFF BEFORE!!! He went down quickly from there. I was on my way home from the store (15 min. away) and got home at 4:35 pm, Trayc handed Tristan to me and he passed away a mere 5 minutes later at 4:40 pm. Straight from my arms to Jesus arms.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we have the "Celebration of Life" service for our little boy - We had 56 precious days!!!

We love you all,
The Hostetter Family

79 comments:

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Thank YOU for your post today. I'd heard through Kenzie's and Kim's blogs that you were not at home when he started going "downhill." I am SO thankful you made it home.

I will be praying for you, especially tomorrow at noon. I so wish I could be there.

I look forward to hearing more about Sunday when you're up to telling the story. You've been so generous with your time. Thank you.

We love you, too.

Rebecca

Chrissy said...

Such a way to put it...it was so unexpected but yet it wasn't. My heart aches for you guys. Wish I could be a part of tomorrow in the flesh but I will be in prayer and celebration. Praying for you all! Love, Chrissy

Anonymous said...

You guys take your time to put the details on the blog, we can all wait and you must concentrate on yourselves. When Theo died I was really anxious about making sure people had details but they just wanted to pray and be there for me.

What an honour to be able to hold Tristan as he left to be with Jesus - I am so glad I got to hand Theo in person to his Lord and maker.

Please know that we will be praying for you- I know your pain and my heart broke when I saw that Tristan had left you.

Our little boys had so much purpose and the most amazing thing is that the more time passes, the more I discover Theo's purpose and achievements even though he was with us for so little time! Tristan had purpose and he was meant to come and spend those precious 56 days with you.

Thinking of you

Clare Dungey x

Mandy said...

I am so glad you were holding him when he went to be with Jesus. He only knew unconditional love and knows it now in a way that we can not begin to fathom.

Praying for you.
Mandy
GA
www.madelinegracehopkins.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Little Tristan deeply touched me. I loved reading your daily comments and seeing his beautiful pictures. What a treasure he is. I'm praying for all of you in this difficult time. God Bless you,

Angela in central Ohio

Anonymous said...

Tristan's memorial will be at 2:30am, my time. I will be awake and praying for you.

I am so glad you got home in time. I can't even imagine your relief.

Know you are being cradled so dearly to the Father Heart.

Laurie in Ca. said...

I understand how this was totally unexpected but yet it wasn't. I felt the same way when I heard. I fell in love with Tristan and his 56 day journey, looking forward to the daily updates of him blessing your family. My heart aches for your sadness and emptiness you are left feeling. But how my heart rejoices in this little warrior beating the odds for 56 miracle days, amazing us all out here, and especially the four of you. May Jesus be your everything to get you through Tristans celebration tomorrow and I will be with you in spirit, praying for the most blessed time of praise. You have my prayers always. Tristan has my heart.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful you made it home in time to be with him. Sending prayers and love your way.

Mary in TN

Jesse said...

Most of us cannot even begin to imagine the overwhelming saddness and grief you are dealing with...always remember there is one who knows the feeling better than anyone else, and that is our heavenly Father. I'm sure He is holding you now, as well as a healed Tristan. May His love, peace, and comfort surround you during this difficult time. I'm certainly praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Just know that we all love you too, and even though most of us have never met you, you have touched us in a way that could never be expressed. As someone on the outside dealing with t-18, I can't say I know what you are going through, only that I am still helping my friend through it day by day, and as a "friend" to you I will pray for you that same as I do for her.

With much love and prayers,
Cassidy in Indiana

Anonymous said...

PRAYING for your wonderful family at this difficult time in your life! GOD BLESS!

Anonymous said...

It is good to hear from you; thanks for the update. Been praying as I drove around today. The kids and I will pray for you tomorrow during the service time.
Lori and family in VA

C said...

I last read your blog the day after Tristan was born. I had not forgotten your family but could never find my way back to your blog -- then on Sunday night, I found it again...and learned that Tristan had just gone home to be with Jesus. It was strange for me to read about his first full day alive here on earth and his last full day alive here on earth with nothing in between -- I, of course, went back and read everything in between.
I will be praying for your family...

Jennifer said...

Praying for you!
Jennifer

Aimee said...

How wonderful that you were able to make it home in time! Still praying for you!

Lissa Lane said...

Continuing to pray for you guys tomorrow and in the months to come. I wish you didn't have to walk this journey but just rememeber you are not alone.

Melissa- Angel Calypso's Mommy

Anonymous said...

God bless you, your family and your precious angel. Thank you for sharing his story with us.

I am blessed to have encountered this part of the web...

Sally
E. Tenn

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU for being willing to open up your heart and share your most private thoughts and feelings about your journey. You have allowed God to shine through your family and work in an wonderful way! Your strength amazes me and challenges me on a daily basis.

Is it possible that you will be able to post the audio of the celebration of life service on your blog? My uncle's memorial service was at the Hobson Auditorium last summer and they provided the family with CD's of the service to share with friends and family that couldn't attend. I know many people that can't be there would still love to hear the service.

You will be in my prayers tomorrow, specifically for strength during the service.

Anonymous said...

Praise God for allowing you to personally hand Tristan over to Him! You have such a beautiful family and such a wonderful heart. My prayer is for your family to heal quickly.
Tamara
ps. I loved all of the differant pictures that you were able to share.

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you! I have been reading your blog since Tristan was born and it was so awesome that you had 56 days with him. What a sweet precious angel he is!!

Tamara said...

Just wanted to send a bloggy hug. Wish our family could be there for Tristan's celebration of life. Your family has touched ours...STATES away!!

Anonymous said...

You are in my prayers! You have so much to be thankful for, even through these difficult days. Stay strong in the Lord!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you got there in time; I know he felt safe in his mama's arms. I am continuing to pray for all of you.

Anonymous said...

No thanks is necessary. You know that we all have fallen in love with little Tristan and your entire family. My prayers continue for you all.

UNC NICU RN

Tracy said...

"Celebration of Life"...AMEN!! 56 wonderful days of life. I will be thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Yvette, Trayc & boys, I wish so badly that I could be there for you. It's times like these when I really hate living so far away from home, but it's where God has us for now. I will definitely continue to lift you all up and will share what I know with the ladies tomorrow at our morning bible study so I'm sure they will be lifting you all up too! Much love and many prayers. Lynda

Alison said...

Praying for you and your family! Thank you for the updated post! I am so sorry for your loss.

May the Lord be with you and keep you through your sadness.

With Love,
Alison in TN

Elizabeth S said...

I am so glad you made it home from the store! I will be praying for you as you prepare for the service. I am sure it will be beautiful.

Anonymous said...

We will continue to keep your family in our prayers! Oh my heart is aching for your loss :) Know that there are people praying & thinking of your family during this hard time.

Jen said...

My heart aches for you, although I know you rest in the certainty that you will see him again.

I am praying for the four of you.

Frana Trenum Abood said...

You are one amazing family and I am so proud you found your strength in God to get you through this. Your story has touched my heart so deep. I just wanted to let you know I will remember you in prayer. God Bless you and all your Family. Love Fran

Anonymous said...

Yvette,

Continuing to pray for your entire family. Thank you for sharing precious Tristan and your journey.
May you continue to heal with God's arms wrapped around each of you. You are wonderful parents. You have touched our lives. May God bless you all.
Robin,Jax, Florida

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful that God allowed him to stay here on Earth long enough for you to get home from the store and be able to hold him one last time. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time a parent can ever experience. I pray that God will give you the strength that you need to get through this time and to bring peace into your hearts.

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful that God allowed your sweet baby to remain here on Earth long enough for you to get home from the store. My prayers are with you and your family during this extremely difficult time. I pray that he will provide you with the strength you need and to fill your heart with peace.

Kenzie said...

Yvette-

Praying for you all during this time. We will be praying tomorrow as well as it truly will definitely be a celebration of his sweet, beautiful life. Love you and lifting you high!

In Christ's love,
Kenzie

So Blessed said...

The gates of heaven have been flooded with prayers for your precious family...and will continue to be in the days ahead. May God comfort you and fill you with the peace that only He can give. My thoughts and prayers will be with you as you celebrate Tristan's life and his homegoing to be with our Lord.

Anonymous said...

I am not sure what to say! You dont know me. This is my first comment to you. I found you through Jeanie Collins blog. I am just so sorry for your lost. I admire your strength and faith! I just had to tell you that. I have tears in my eyes, pain in my heart, but also know that Tristan is with Jesus! Julie

Anonymous said...

Yvette and Trayc, Thank you for sharing your beautiful baby with all of us.Tristan really touched my heart. You, Tanner, and Tayden will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Our family will stop to pray for you tomorrow during Tristan's service. We homeschool, too, so we will all be home lifting you to the Father. He IS ABLE!! and He IS FAITHFUL!! For He has said "I will never leave you, nor forsake you."
Praying for you by name,
Laurie in Memphis

cb said...

I too heard of your tragic loss from Kenzie. Things were going so well and it had been a short while since visiting 'you'.

May God continue to bless you as you have blessed us.

Prayers continue from Colorado, always!

Anonymous said...

Dear Trayc,Yvette,Tanner and Tayden
Our hearts are breaking yet rejoicing to know he is with our heavenly father. We have been praying for you each and every day.
Stay strong!
Your tesimony is unending.
We Love You,
Carrie, Michael and Stephen

Jen in Al said...

i thank God everyday for the honor of "knowing" Tristan and your family and being able to pray for you all. What an incredible testimony Tristan's life is! Praying for you as you celebrate Tristan and the Lord's goodness. on my knees, jen in al

Jen said...

Just wanted you to know you are in my prayers today.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for your family. May God continue to strengthen you during this time. God is good!!

Tori - PA

Kate said...

Praying for you all today.

Anonymous said...

Yvette,
I am so very thankful you made it home to hold precious Tristan as he went home to Jesus. Tristan only knew love for his 56 days on this Earth. Your family has been such a blessing to so many people. Your faith has made mine stronger. I thank you for that. I am especially praying for Tanner because he has been such a wonderful big brother. I am thinking and praying for you guys today as you celebrate the miracle life of angel Tristan.
Love,
Amy

Anonymous said...

You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers...I will be remembering you especially today as you have his services.

Jared, Kristin, Deanna, Avery, and Adam Edwards said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We are praying for you and have been. It has been a joy to read of the days you had with him. Praise the Lord for that. We are sympathizing with your loss now though. I am sorry it has come to an end. One day you will see him again as we will see our baby Jonathan. Is there anything we can do for you let us know.

Love,
Jared and Kristin Edwards (Jonathan Edwards)

Patrick Lafferty said...

Dear Hostetter family, we, too, lost our Isabella Hope about 6 weeks ago to Trisomy 18 (http://exitstrategy07.wordpress.com). She lived 4 days. We have not known a more severe grief, but neither have we experienced a more profound mercy in these weeks of sorrow. His purposes, at some level, remain undisclosed to us, and it is for that reason that He calls from us faith that He is to be trusted. We trust Him more than perhaps we ever have--and I'm a pastor!

Jesus is as sorrowful and indignant at the death of your Tristan as He was with Lazarus. And if He can therefore genuinely empathize with us, then there is a consolation to be found that you are known in your sorrow--not alone, not forgotten.

May you mourn as those not without hope. (1 Thess 4)

Patrick and Christy Lafferty

Anonymous said...

Praying for you as you "Celebrate" Tristan's life here on earth. I am celebrating the fact that he is now in heaven with our wonderful Savior! May you continue to feel God's grace, peace, love and strength! Praying for you!!! God Bless you!

Shannon said...

God is so good! I am so glad that he allowed Tristan to stay on earth long enough for you to get home and hold him on more time. It is so sweet for me to think about you holding him as he went to meet Jesus. I am praying right now for you all as you are celebrating Tristan's life.

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

It's 12:13 p.m. eastern. I am praying for you now.

Rebecca

mckennah said...

i am so glad that you had that time with him and that you were there when he passed away. i know as a mom i would want to be the one to be with my sweet bug if she was sick or passed away. my prayers are with you and as a mom i am so sorry that you lost one of your sweet babies :)

Anonymous said...

We gathered right when the service started to say each of your names before the Father. He is with you.
Laurie in Memphis

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing with everyone.

How wonderful that you were able to have him for 56 wonderful days. God is wonderful ! We are praying for you here in California.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your precious family with us. Little Tristan had a very big mission here on earth these last 56 days! I have been drawing closer to the Lord. I will continue to lift you all up in prayer to our Almighty Father.

Heather said...

Praying for the Hostetter family from Canada today. May today truly be a celebration of all that precious Tristan was and is to your family and to so many others. May God be honored and His Spirit surround you powerfully throughout the day.

Matt Mooney said...

I'm so sorry. I know all the good & I believe with all my heart that Tristan is well & better than any of us in the arms of Jesus...but...I also know that knowing & believing that doesn't change the depth of the hurt & the missing. And I'm so sorry. Praying for the presence & peace of Christ to overwhelm your hearts & lives in the midst of the ache as only He can
Sharing your sorrow,
Matt & Ginny Mooney
(eliot's dad & mom)

Pat N Fl said...

I know you may not post for a couple of days and that is ok but just in case you check the comments I wanted to share that the Celebration of Tristan Life was beautiful. I am so thankful that your family cherished each one of the 56 days you had Tristan here on this earth. You showed him nothing but unconditional love and care. Through your blog you have showed the rest of us God's unconditional love for us. I knew Trayc was going to say that God carried you down this road instead of you walking in when he started that statement. For the last several days before Sunday God had impressed on my hear tthe "Footprint" poem whenever he impressed your sweet family on my heart. I know that he will continue to carry you through your grief for as long as you need him to.

Anonymous said...

I know that you've heard this many times already before, but although you don't know me, I too have been checking in daily to check in on Tristan. I came across your blog through a prayer chain and your family has been on my heart since. I've been praying for you and I was so sad to learn of his passing. You are all such an amazing family and Tristan was as blessed to have you and his mommy and you were to have him. His life has touched my heart and I will continue to pray for your family. I'm sure Tristan's service today was beautiful. God bless:)

CobblestoneCottage said...

You have been heavy on our hearts all day today. Continuing to pray for you as you walk this road befor you.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Yvette and Trayc,
I've been thinking and praying for you all day, hoping that the celebration of your darling Tristan's life allowed you some hours during which all the sweet memories overwhelmed the sadness. Please don't ever doubt that you did everything right for that wonderful boy. 56 days of round the clock, unconditional, overwhelming love! That is the experience from this world that he has carried to Heaven. Bless you, bless you, bless you all!!
Christena

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in our prayers during this time of sadness here on earth, and an eternal promise in Heaven. Praying for God's peace and comfort for you all.

Anonymous said...

We have been praying you all day today as you celebrated Tristan's special miracle of life.

I will continue to uplift your family in our prayers.

~Tamara
www.TrainingHearts.com

Unknown said...

I am so thankful that you made it home and were holding your sweet angel as he was met by Jesus loving arms.....

Praying for you all!

Michelle said...

You have been on my heart ALL day! I am praying for your precious family in the days ahead as well.

Love,
Michelle

Laurie in Ca. said...

Just wanted to let you know that my prayers have been lifted up all day for you as you celebrated Tristan's amazing life, he is truly a miracle. I pray that you were surrounded with the most incredible love today and that your memories were treasures to your heart. I will be praying and visiting every day, walking this journey with you all. You have blessed my heart and faith beyond measure. I will never be the same.

Love and Healing Hugs,
Laurie in Ca.

Kathy said...

To an amazing, dear family, my heart breaks for you all and yet rejoices that Tristan was blessed with such an incredible mom, dad and brothers. That little guy knew nothing but love and care and kindness his all-too-short days on earth.
Please know that prayers of comfort and peace are coming your way from Michigan. Praying God's speed, mercy and grace to you all. Thank you for sharing your amazing testimony. Countless of us have been blessed and inspired.

Anonymous said...

HI, I 'stumbled'across your story when I saw Tristan's obituary in the Jacksonville paper. I am so glad you shared your blog address. I have told my family and friends about your story. What a beautiful family you are. Your faith in God is amazing. I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. Words cannot express. Please know that your precious Tristan has touched and will continue to touch so many people...and your family may never know. Remeber the Ray Boltz song "Thank You"? Read those lyrics again/listen to the song...That's how your story is for me. Thank you for sharing a beautiful and difficult experience with the world. My husband and I, our families, and friends are praying for you and your loved ones. God bless you, -D

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying for you this morning and hoping that yesterday was more than you could ever wish in honoring Tristan. You have my heart in the days and weeks and months ahead as you lean on God to get you through.
I wish we could get faithful "updates" from heaven about how Tristan is dancing with Jesus and all of these other precious babies who were waiting for him. I know he is perfect. But I ask the Lord to gently heal your hearts as you miss him being there with you. He blessed you so much with his life, and he blessed mine as well. Peace and Love I wish for you today.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

Trayc & Yvete,

I am thinking of you during this very dificult time. I just found out yesterday that Tristan passed away,so sorry I haven't written sooner.

I'm glad you were both there with him during his last minutes. You've both left such wonderful blog's, and we've all appreciated being included in this special time in your lives. I'm glad you were able to have Tristan in your lives for 56 days, and know that these have been such special days for you all.

Love, Lydia (Hostetter) Watkins

Cyn said...

We lifted your family up at Bible Study last night.
Prayers continue to be prayed for you.
Cyn

Anonymous said...

stopping by today, as I do everyday, to "check" on your family. continuing to pray for you. God Bless You All!

Tracye said...

Dear sweet Trayc, Yvette, Tanner and Tayden,
It has been our privledge to shared in Tristan's journey with you. We only just found out about Tristan the day after he was born. You see, we just moved back from Atlanta after 2 years. You all will remain in our prayers and Logan is saying special prayers for Tanner as well.
All our love,
David and Tracye Lingerfelt and Logan, Jacob, Joshua and Landon

Emily said...

lifting you up!

Anonymous said...

Dearest Yvette,
I flew back home to the Bahamas this morning and I did something that I've made a habit of whenever I fly. It's just symbolic, but I always imagine that when I'm in a plane, I'm a little bit closer to heaven and to my angel. So when the plane reaches cruising altitude, I always close my eyes and talk to my baby to tell him how much he is still loved by his family on earth. So this morning, I talked to Tristan too and told him how grateful I was that, aside from his family who adored him, he had also touched and inspired so many lives of so many strangers, mine included. I just wanted to let you know and to let you know that all of you remain in my earnest prayers.
Hugs,
Christena

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying for God's strength to be yours today as we begin a new month. I think of you and pray for you many times throughout the day, asking Him to lift you up and carry you through.
Tristan is planted in my heart.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Brent~Jamie~Ansley~Ace said...

My little girl and I are still praying for your sweet family...

May God contine to wrap his arms around you and your family.

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