Tucker Helton

365 day ago we said goodbye

2010-11-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

It has been a year and people say time will ease the pain! Well the pain is still fresh, raw and hard to bear! We keep busy just to try to not think about the loss, but we miss our precious little Tucker every single day. We count our blessing and we do have many!!! I am so grateful to all those who have prayed for us, especially his mommy, daddy & big sister (she misses him so). Please continue those prayers for months and even years to come. I don't think we will ever get over this loss!!!!
Thankfully HIS,
Meme

Day by day.....

2010-08-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Each and everyday is a precious gift from our Lord! No one goes by that I don't think about our sweet baby boy "Tucker," the days will soon click by to what would be his "first birthday" September 2, 2010 and it is so very hard to keep my feelings in check! I seem to be getting MAD at God all over again just thinking about it! Please lift us up to the Father in prayer as this time draws closer each day.

2010-06-15T18:09:00.000-07:00

Just today I wondered, why God allowed "Tucker" to slip thru our life so quickly? He is missed so very much! I will never know the whys and the hurt is fresh each and everyday. It is the sweet Grace of God that keeps me holding on to each breath of life and fills my heart with HOPE! Praying for my sweet family today and always,
Meme

2010-05-12T04:37:00.000-07:00

I find it hard to blog regularly. So much to say but it always seems to be the same! Tucker is a baby who is missed and loved more each day!!!

We are now in the 8th month of the birth of our precious little boy. I so love to have new flowers at his resting place even though I know he is not there it is just a place I can put a effort in remembering. (Not that I don't think of him daily!) He now has a cousin in Heaven too! Oh how "Meme" longs to know those sweet precious babies.

If you have a chance please read, I Will Carry You by Angie Smith it is worth the time. I realize now that there are so many mommies (families) that have empty arms and angel babies! We are not alone, we stumble around daily in the same grief and feel like no one understands but there are many of us!

It is hard to understand God's plan, but I trust and believe that HE is good and loves me and you. HE is my Heavenly Father and just as he holds my babies now, I will behold HIM someday soon!

6 months old

2010-03-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

The loss of our precious Tucker is new everyday! He would have been 6 months old in March, I can not believe how time can stand still and move so fast all at the same time! Never would I have imagined this life with out a child or grandchild!

There is a country song by Carrie Underwood that has touched me so much this week, Temporary Home, this world is only temporary, and we're on our way to someplace else, and we need to prepare now because this isn't it there is more to life than here and now. That is something I believe in my heart. It is sad but joyful because people are on their way someplace else, Heaven and Hell are real. This is just a stop on the way. I know that Jesus my Savior has already welcomed Tucker and many of my loved ones home. I know my HOME is in Heaven with my precious Tucker and many saints of God, I just know it want be long before I see all the splendor God has planned!

Please continue to pray for our family and all the families who have suffered such a loss!

To God be all the Glory!
Meme

2010-02-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Oh how we miss our beautiful baby boy! I can't believe he should be 5 months old today! He is missed and loved all so much at the same time!!! God you know we look forward to the day when we will see his sweet little face with big beautiful eyes. The pain we feel now will not compare to the joy we will have when we reach Heaven someday!

Always with me!

2009-12-15T05:20:00.000-08:00

Not a day goes by that I don't think about, cry over the loss and miss so very much the short life of Tucker Keenan! Praying God will ease the pain and sorrow of our souls just a little today and give us comfort for the coming year!
Each day begins anew and I try to not dwell on what we don't have loss but what God gave us, 65 days with a precious baby boy that the doctors said we would not have for a day, but God gave us days, weeks and even months. We must dwell on the "good." He blessed our life with more than words can say in such a very short time!
Love to you all!
Meme

In Memory of Tucker Keenan Helton

2009-12-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

At this time of year as with any special occasion, I find it difficult to wrap gifts for my family and not have one with my sweet angel's name on it. I have set up a page on the Huntsville Hospital onlinelifeline where I can donate in his memory and know that a difference will be made in a child's life.

I would like to invite everyone to visit the page set up In Memory of Tucker.

http://onlinelifeline.org/store/home.php?sponsor=162

God Bless & Merry Christmas!
Shelia

I love this quote!

2009-11-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes love last a moment,
sometimes love last a lifetime,
sometimes a moment is a lifetime!

We cherish each and every moment of the days we shared with our precious Tucker, he is missed each and everyday! Please contuine to pray for our family. We know that he is perfect in heaven and cradled in the arms of Jesus.

Love to all!

Strength in God's Word

2009-11-10T07:47:00.000-08:00

I continue to find passages that sooth my soul like balm to an open wound! I pray that through this another trial, God will be please with me.

The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

God bless you all!

God is with us!

2009-11-10T04:19:00.000-08:00

I believe that God did not bring us to this place (of sorrow) to leave us hear. He will be glorified by our precious Tucker's life and will see us through the dark days ahead. I plead for prayers to continue for my sweet family, Kadence didn't feel like saying her night-night prayer last night so I prayed and she helped me (she prayed for God to make the "new " body for Tucker to come back now). Her understanding is so precious and from a pure heart, out of mouths of babes the real requests are know! WE are thankful for so many people (family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ) you will never know how grateful we are for you!!!!

Tucker's Celebration Service was beautiful!

2009-11-09T17:00:00.001-08:00

I have the BEST family! My sweethearts are the light of my life and my world revolves them. When they hurt, I hurt and when they rejoice, Irejoice. Thanking God for every day we have to enjoy each other. Continue to pray for all of us!

How hard the days are!

2009-11-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

We were so blessed to have our precious baby boy for 65 days! Our loss is so great and is felt to the depths of my soul. Only God can comfort me and heal this shattered heart of mine. I will never get over this hurt, it may ease a bit with time but will never be erased from my being. To God be the Glory forever even in my sorrow!

I got more to go to Heaven for than I had yesterday!

2009-11-06T04:15:00.000-08:00

Words can never express the "thanks" to everyone who has prayed for us in our 64 day journey with Tucker! Please continue to lift us up to our Heavenly Father for comfort and peace, our new journey has just begun.
Love always, Shelia

Happy Birthday Tucker!

2009-11-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

Our little man is 2 months old today! It was so wonderful to see him yesterday (I missed Saturday). He is just amazing - beautiful eyes! He seemed to be very agitated and unsettled, it is hard to watch him cry. It is still hard to realize - just how sick he is! Please continue to PRAY for our family!
OXOXO, Shelia

Tucker is 58 days old!

2009-10-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

My little "Sugar-Bear" is so snuggly! His mommy just wrapped her arms around him tight and loved on him! Tucker could hear the camera clicking and Meme talking to him and was looking out of the corner of his eye to find me. He is an angel send from God! Please continue to lift our family up in prayer.

Getting closer to GOD!

2009-10-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! I would like to thank everyone for the constant prayers! We haven't received any good news from the doctors to share with you, but that's not to say we have no good news at all. The good news is that God has given us 54 days to share his wondrous creation that we've affectionately called "Tucker". He is an amazing baby that has fought longer and harder than any of his doctors thought he could.

Tucker wasn't resting well this morning, but I spoke with Holly (my favorite day nurse) this afternoon and she said he was finally sleeping. He isn't tolerating his feedings well at all and has started retaining more fluid. Bless his heart, he's getting so tired of fighting! I'm so thankful there is a place where he will never hurt, cry, or grow tired. I find peace in knowing that when his fight here is done I will someday get to hold him with no tubes, monitors, or extra fluid!

As his time with us gets shorter, I am so blessed that my God holds ALL of us a little closer. I'm so thankful we've had 54 days with Tucker and pray there are many more!

Love You All! -Jennifer

My Beautiful Baby Boy!

2009-10-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

I spent the day with Tucker on Monday and enjoyed every minute of it. He is so very precious, I only wish that I could have held him the entire time. He really smells like a newborn - bath, lotion, baby powder and spit up! The spit up part scares me, he seem to be doing it more than normal and of course he is always laying so that really is unsettling to his Meme. Please continue the prayers, God is all we have HOPE in. Love and Hugs, Shelia

Bath Time!!!

2009-10-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

Tucker enjoyed his bath but I believe his sister enjoyed it more! She washed and brushed his hair then helped with the sleeper. She is so sweet and loves him so very much.

6 Week Birthday, first day for clothes!

2009-10-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tucker was moved into a big boy bed today, one with no heating above it. Just look at how sweet he is in his sleeper and hat. There is no change in Tucker's condition. He is a very sick little fellow. We love him so very much and just don't understand how or why!!! There seems to be no answers, not even questions... just why's. Please continue to pray for Tucker and his family.

Beyond Today!

2009-10-12T19:01:00.001-07:00

Tucker will be 6 weeks old this week, I can't believe how time flies! He is the most amazing little man! He is changing everyday. Beyond today we have no map to trace and we don't know where we are headed but we are so thankful that God has the master plan not only for Tucker but all of us!

Kadence talking to God!

2009-10-08T05:25:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby is about the same! He lost 135 grams yesterday, still has fluid that shifts when he is moved to his side and makes him so uncomfortable! He knows his sisters voice, he will look for her when he is awake and she is close by his bed up in a high chair usually with the little glass side down and nearly laying on top of him for hugs, kisses and tickling his toes!!!! No wonder he seems to know her, we bearly kiss or touch him and she lets him know she is there! Kadence asked to pray for Tucker yesterday, "lets hold hands and pray for Tucker" we all gathered around in a circle and she prayed Dear Lord umm make Tucker better umm make him feel better and umm make Tucker pee and umm, umm Amen!

God's Time

2009-10-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord for another day! Even with the results of the CAT scan and the news no family should ever hear we are thankful for the days God has allowed us to love and kiss our little man. Tucker is amazing! He is beautiful baby boy who is loved more and more each day. We continue to pray for God to be glorified through "Tucker's life" and our pain. Many thanks to you for your prayers. God knew Tucker before he was formed and we know he is holding him in "HIS" hands at this very moment.

Our baby boy has hit a milestone, ONE month old today!

2009-10-02T05:09:00.000-07:00

Tucker has lost several grams the last few mornings at weigh-in, he had a really good day yesterday (stayed pretty relaxed without having to be medicated). Uncle Steve "poppe" spent a long time with Tucker yesterday and got a scare! Tucker did a little coughing & choking thing (which is normal for him , he hates the tube) "Uncle Poppe" can't handle the those "things" : )

Tucker first opened his eyes to peek at Kadence earlier in the day and seemed really alert at 5pm visiting with Meme, Gams, Amy & Chris, he kept his eyes open for an entire hour, very surprising!!! God just keeps blessing and amazing us each day, PRAISE HIM our wonderful Savior!

Another wonderful day the Lord has made!

2009-10-01T04:45:00.000-07:00

Just knowing how hard Tucker is fighting to live gives us hope! God touches that precious little body continually! Tucker's amount of pee-pee has increased when he has a wet diaper. His blood work showed low blood count yesterday so he had a transfusion last night and the doctor ordered lasix to see if might possibly help the fluid.

Thanking God for he knows before we ask what Tucker's needs are, how GREAT is that?!?!?!?

Fall Ya'll I love it!!!

2009-09-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

Beautiful blue skies and cool crisp air, God blesses us each and everyday!!!
I just listened the the most beautiful song by Tommy Walker, He Knows My Name. If you haven't heard it, go to youtube and listen. "I have a father, he knows my name."

I can rest knowing that Tucker has a "Father" and "He" knows his name, knew him before he was formed in his mommy and knew what his little life would bring to our family, each day has been a miracle, not what we had hoped for but God has blessed us in spite of what we think we need or want. We plead for continued prayers and know that Our Father will be glorified!

Jesus holds Tucker in his love each and every moment!

Meme & Tucker Monday!

2009-09-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

Oh how sweet it was to spend an entire day with my little man! He had a good night on Sunday and "things" looked like "Miracle Monday." He had lost a little fluid, oxygen was really turned down, heart rate was up and he had a couple of "medium" and even a few "LARGE" pee-pee diapers overnight.

I watched him all day, prayed over him too, we just hung out together. But as it seems to be our new normal, Tucker began to have a hard time breathing and therefore had the oxygen level truned back up higher than the last 4-5 days! When it gets harder for him, he seems to be a real FIGHTER!!!

His big sister is joining me today and we will be spending the morning with Tucker together! How BLESSED is this "Meme"?

Hugs & Kisses to everyone!

A little "Son" shine!

2009-09-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

Tucker is a blessing and a beautiful baby boy! He is 25 days old today, and we love him so very much!

I am at the computer looking out the window and the bright and sunny skies seem to make my heart just a bit lighter this morning or maybe it is because it is Sunday and I am ready to be feed by the scripture straight from God's word!!!

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11: 28-30

Sometimes I myself seem to want to carry my own load (burdens) but if I can just give them to the Lord he will carry it for me! Please help me pray for the peace and comfort that only our wonderful Lord and Savior can provide!

Tucker is 23 days old today!

2009-09-25T04:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe our little man is 3 weeks old! Everyday is a blessing and we look forward trusting God for the next day.
Thank you to all who visit our blog to check on him. We appreciate every prayer lifted up on our behalf.
God Bless,
Shelia

Cloudy skies & Dreary day's

2009-09-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

If you look outside you will get a glimpes inside my heart! Cloudy, dreary, rainy and stormy are all words that describe my heart today! No much new to report on Tucker except that God is in control and we are praying that HIS will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Heavey is the sorrow that fills our days of helpless but NOT hopeless!

God in all HIS glory!

2009-09-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

Only God knows the answers to why?
Why must we have traveled down this road?
Why did things have to happen like this?
Why?
Why?
Why?
We will never know the answers!

God has conquered all our enemies

2009-09-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

"Meme" is feeling a little blue with all the sickness in our family.
God's word is a comfort!

Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
Ephesians 6:10-18

Jennifer wrote on Facebook!

2009-09-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

"You know Tucker was wet when we did his cares at 4. He had pooped so I changed him again at 6 and he got pee-pee on me! He was wet again for his cares at 8...he got fussy at 9 so the nurse changed him again and he got pee-pee on her too!! YEY TUCKER...keep on peein' baby!"

God be with Tucker as he gets stronger!

2009-09-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today Tucker has had 8 consecutive small-medium (no measuring) pee-pee diapers! His milk was increased from 10cc to 20cc every 4 hours. We contuine to pray for God to touch our sweet boy!

Praise God from whom all blessings FLOW!

2009-09-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

In Tuckers case the blessing streamed, as in pee-pee streamed across his little bed and the nurse was having to change it and clean the glass at the foot of the bed where a stream flowed during diaper change last night about 8 pm. I just love that word now "stream". All PRAISE belongs to God the FATHER!

God Bless Our Baby Tonight!

2009-09-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

Today our beautiful baby boy almost "got" his mommy during a diaper change this afternoon. The nurse said he only had a few small "pee-pee" diapers throughout the night and morning but we are trusting God that any amount will be enough to make a difference to Tucker, his little body needs some relief from the fluid that is building up! Please ask everyone you know to PRAY for him and his family.

He is a fighter!

2009-09-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

The days have been long for all of us. In the past few days Tucker has only had very small amounts of "pee"if any but on Sunday he had a 20cc diaper, PRAISE GOD, please let "pee" become more frequent. He was restless and fighting several times yesterday. Crying with no sound, it was a very disturbing sight. His IV has had to be move several times and his little body is being poked for blood test and IV sights many more times now! His swelling was down a little but still visible. He is a beautiful blessing and we long to hold him! Contiune to PRAY, God is good!

In Mommy's arms

2009-09-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Tucker was held for the first time today at 4pm. Mommy, Daddy & Kadence all got a turn to holding him! Meme took pictures, so she got to visit (see thru the camera lens) for a few minutes longer than usual. We are so excited Tucker seem to know who was holding and talking to him he opened his eyes for a few of seconds longer and seem to move his head to the voices talking to him. Prasie God for our little MIRACLE baby!!!! Contuine to PRAY for "pee-pee" it is so very critical at this point.

pee-pee diaper!

2009-09-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord for pee! Tucker still needs prayer for kidney function but for today we will praise the Lord for (21cc) the one he had at noon. He is so sweet, I wish everyone could see him. Enjoying the little things and the "little ones" in your life is so important!!!

2009-09-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

I hope you all enjoy seeing our precious little "rock-star" as his mommy calls him! He is a chunky little monkey and I can't wait to spoil him as rotten as his big sister. The days are long but the nights are longer but I rest knowing that the NICU nurses love him, pray over him and talk to him all the time. Contuine to PRAY for kidney function and pray for the doctors and nurses as well.

Pictures of Tucker are coming soon!

2009-09-09T18:32:00.000-07:00

Just back from our evening visit at the NICU. This is going to be a long fight! Our "little man" needs a miracle, he is up and down with the blood work stuff (?) I really don't know what it all means. He is retaining the fluid they are giving so when he trys to open his little eyes he can't! He was put back on the respriator to help ease his struggle, it was just too much for his little body. Keep praying and we will wait upon the Lord!!!

2009-09-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sometime this morning Tucker was taken off the respirator, he has been breathing above it for several days. We know that his lungs are working. He is beautiful and we long to hold, cuddle and kiss him. Please contuine to pray for his kidney function. He is a miracle and he needs a miracle!

Prayer Chain

2009-09-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

Please join "Pray Chain" specifically for baby Tucker at 6pm, this is the time we feel Jen & Josh may be able to talk to the doctor for an update. Thank you for all the continually prayers on his behalf, we are just waiting on God to show us "HIS" mircale!

2009-09-06T19:21:00.000-07:00

We are curently praying for kidney function. He had been pee peeing a little and we thought improving, but the test he had done at 6:00 showed no improvement. PLEASE pray for kidney function!! He'll have another test done in the morning.

Tucker's Story

2009-09-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

Tucker Keenan Helton was born on September 2, Wednesday Morning at 12:20a.m. He was a full term baby that had no complication during pregnancy. From the time Jen's water broke till the time he was delivered via emergency c-section he had lost nearly all his blood and therefore was oxygen deprived. He was born without a heartbeat. He was revived and given blood transfusions. He has been in the NICU since birth. He is a beautiful baby boy, 7lbs., 11oz., 20in. long. We just can't believe anythings wrong, he looks so perfect. But we know God has a plan for all things and trust that he is taking care of our baby! Please pray for him and ask all you know, wether it be Sunday school classes, or cashiers at the grocery store. God hears our prayers!!