Thursday, January 12, 2012

For this Tripp, I thank you...

I have spent the better half of the day in tears...I did my best to distract myself, but eventually my thoughts kept coming back to a little boy wrapped in bandages lying in the arms of his mommy...enduring a pain that none of us can imagine.   The pain of EB destroying the little he has left physically and mentally.  I have come to the realization that what I have been dreading since falling in love with this sweet boy was becoming a reality.  And although I do not understand the reason behind his suffering, I do know this, it has all been for us. For we have benefited so greatly from his being.
Tripp Roth has touched the lives of so many and he has brought tremendous change to the world.  He has captured the hearts of thousands with his amazing courage, beautiful personality and his glorious spirit.  Through him we have opened our hearts and learned to be more compassionate and kind.  He has taught us about unconditional love and faith...some of the greatest lessons I have ever learned.  Tripp has given me a purpose, he has inspired me to be a part of something bigger than myself and to try and make a difference. He touched me in such a way that I knew I was forever changed, and there was no going back.  There is something else...aside from teaching me these important lessons, he has also given me one of the greatest gifts that I have ever known, courage.  That may sound odd to some of you, but it is so very true.  Before Tripp, I lacked the confidence. As hard as it is for me to admit, I was afraid...always worried about what others would think, afraid I would fail.  I never took chances.  But, some how Tripp has given me the courage to fight for something that I beleive in without worrying about being judged or ridiculed.  He has given the me courage to speak up and be a voice for all of those who cannot speak.  The courage to make try to make a difference and touch the lives of others.
So, now here I sit trying to come up with something poignant and eloquent to say, but my emotions get the best of me and I have nothing...except, thank you.  Thank you Tripp for shining your light and blessing me with your beautiful spirit.  You have been such an amazing gift and I am so incredibly grateful.  I will never forget how you have touched my life and brought such a beautiful change.  I will forever remember your smile and your spirit.  I love you,  I am honored to know you and to have been a small part of this journey. 

Sweet boy, I am praying for your comfort and peace....as much as I hate to see you go, I know that you deserve to finally be free from your pain and agony.  I love you so very much and I promise you that I will never forget what you have taught me and I will continue to spread your light where ever I go.  I will not allow your suffering to be in vain, I will not stop fighting for you until EB is no more. 

I think this excerpt says it best:
...and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

13 comments:

  1. God Bless and thank-you for your beautiful words. We are all, thousands now, praying together for Tripps peaceful passing into God's joyous love and light. Even through the tears I type that he has touched me in a way I can't explain but it's changed my life.

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  2. Christie, this is beautiful. You are beautiful, inside and out! Even though our hearts are breaking, we have faith and hope that through this little life that touched so many, God's work is being done in ways that would never have happened without Tripp's influence. I join my prayers with so many, many others tonight that Tripp may rest easily in his momma's arms and that Courtney's aching heart may experience the sacredness of the sorrowful, yet beautiful and blessed moments she will be privileged to share with her precious son.

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  3. Beautifully said. Courtney and Tripp have touched my heart in so many ways. I pray for peace and comfort. Thank you Christie

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  4. Beautiful--from the heart. God bless Tripp, his entire family, and you for fighting this awful EB.

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  5. Please continue to pray for this strong mommy and her brave lil soul as they are facing the toughest challenge right now please pray fro Courtneys strength and pray for comfort and peace for Tripp! We love you Courtney and Tripp and you are such a great mommy courtney!!!!! Tripp you are a brave lil soul and I thank you for being so brave!

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  6. Well written, Christie. Thank you Tripp for changing the lives of so many to become such great advocates for EB. You know how to pick them! Much love to Tripp always.

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  7. I too am praying for peace from this world of pain and suffering for him and his family who have lovingly shown us an example of unconditional love. He and his family have given us so much.

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  8. Thank you Christie for all you have done for EB Awareness and the Love you have shown by sharing Tripp and his Mommy's story. We are so sorry and sad for Courtney today; may the Love of God circle and hold her and her family. My heart is broken. May Courtney and her family find peace and healing in the arms of Jesus.

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  9. Christie, I write this comment on the day that I visited Tripp for the first time. You gave me extra courage today, as I felt like I was treading in unfamiliar territory. I had never read this blog post before tonight. It will be one that I return to time and time again for inspiration. It says some of the things I have felt the past month since Tripp passed. I, too, worried about what others would think. That thought has been fading away and the remainder was promptly tossed out the window as I drove away from the cemetary today. The only person who worries what I do in a day is God. I will serve God by looking after Tripp's legacy and never letting his flame fade away. Christie, I vow to be by your side and fight this fight with you...for Tripp...for all of the EB babies. My other favorite blog post is the one where you describe the tears on Tripp's face during a dressing change. Something undeniable occurred in my heart the moment I read that weeks ago. I knew in that moment that I couldn't just sit and read about all of this anymore. I read about that tear often to remind myself of the pain that these children endure. I want you to know that I am here to stay. Today was incredible...a presence I have never felt before. I wanted to sit there all day and feel that way. Love, Mollie

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    1. Oh, Mollie...you have a beautiful heart and I so thank you for sharing it! I know that you are so very passionate and you will no doubt make a difference in the EB community, just always follow your heart, that is all that matters! Much love to you always!

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    2. I don't mind being the rookie EB cheerleader...just as long as I get to cheer. Love you too...

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  10. And I so love the excerpt. Beautiful.

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