Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Bella's Minnesota Memorial: Part One

32 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 2:56 PM

    Thinking of you all with love and prayers. Dawn Canberra Australia

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  2. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 3:33 PM

    Beautiful. As always I continue to pray.
    Laura, Indianapolis

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  3. Laurie (MinnesotaOctober 20, 2010 at 3:41 PM

    In the end, all we really get to keep are love and memories. Bella's memorial was filled with both and celebrated Bella's joy. Thank you for letting me share her story and this memory. Peace for all of you and prayers

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  4. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 3:41 PM

    Thank you for letting me be apart of Bella's memorial service over the internet. It was beautiful and you did all did an amazing job. The music was so moving it brought me to tears. I am so glad that Bella and your family came into my life. She has changed me. You have all changed me. Continued thoughts and prayers.

    Oh, Ali is adorable. I loved her little jam session at the end! She takes after Daddy!

    With love,
    Kristi in Castle Rock, CO

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  5. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 3:42 PM

    Beautiful words, songs and place.
    Ang and Tim so strong to speak and share with us your life with Bella.
    Thank you.
    God bless you.
    Mariana,Uk
    PS It's time to go to bed here ... Good night.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 3:43 PM

    Thank you so much Ringgold family. This really helped in the grieving. It was absolutely beautiful.

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  7. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 3:44 PM

    An amazing memorial for an amazing little girl. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of it. Ang and Tim, you are so strong. No wonder God chose YOU to be the parents of Bella. And Ali, you are the best.little.singer.ever. Thank you for putting a smile on my face tonight. (Or this morning? it's almost 1am here, lol.)

    Claudia (Germany)

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  8. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 3:48 PM

    Thank you Tim, Ang and Ali, for sharing your beautiful tribute to Bella with all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and all EB families, like ours, around the world.
    Love, Judy& Guy(Angel Leah's Grandma & Grandpa)

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  9. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 4:19 PM

    Tim, Ang, Ali and Bella - plus grandmothers, Grandpa and all other family and friends

    That was magnificent and moving and optimistic and full of such joy in the face of such sadness.I watched the link from here in Canada with the sun pouring in to my room, the deck doors wide open and such feelings of gratitude for having got to hear your story and to be present to honour Bella's life today.

    After the service ended, a most spectacular low strip of brilliant white cloud gathered across the headland in front of me, at sea level, so you could see it as a distinct entity, rather as though you were looking out of a plane. Or somewhere a bit higher up perhaps...

    A small portion of the cloud split away and moved off on its own.

    Merely weather? Not today.

    Sending you much love and thanks for letting me and about 200 others watch live today. There will doubtless be many more around the world joining to be present at Bella's memorial service as the hours slowly pass through all the timezones of the world.

    Fondly, fondly, fondly, fondly (one each for you and your girls),

    Jane

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  10. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 4:43 PM

    What a beautiful baby! I know that Bella will always be watching over you. She is out of pain and happy. What an inspiration your story is. I am so sorry for your loss but so grateful that Bella had a loving family during her sojourn on this earth that did everything possible to save her. I pray that you will be comforted during this difficult time.

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  11. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 5:18 PM

    Thank you Tim, Ang, Ali and Bella!! You have changed me forever. The way you have all handled this struggle is beyond amazing to me. I have two young boys about the same ages as Ali and Bella, and it is so easy (too easy sometimes) to feel your pain. My oldest son, Nathan turned 5 yesterday and we decided that the best gift to give as part of his birthday celebration was to make a donation to PUCK to help other children "feel better". You truly have made me think differently, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I love you all more than you will ever know. Man I miss that little girl, too!!
    What a beautiful day you created for her!

    Be well,

    Annette Jonson
    Elk Grove, CA

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  12. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 5:35 PM

    Looking forward to watching the service on Youtube. May God bless you. You are amazing people that God has chosen to be His little angels' earth family. Daynas Mom, Pat

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  13. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 6:02 PM

    Tim and Angelique, we watched the webcast of Bella's memorial service on the TV in our living room, and it was a beautiful tribute to her from beginning to end. Words cannot express our gratitude to everyone who helped make that happen so we could *be* at the service with you. God bless your little angel and all of you.

    Bonnie, Brett & Sidney Hart

    P.S. We loved Ali's spontaneous "Bella Button" jam session, too! What a joyful way to conclude the service.

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  14. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 6:39 PM

    "May your spirit soar. There's no pain any more...There's no harm in your Savior's arms."

    Today's celebration was a lovely tribute to the one we have all grown to love - your Bella. It was also an amazing testimony to the power of love and family. It was an honor to "be" there; thank you for inviting and including us.

    Blessings to you all, Ringgolds.

    With great affection,

    Susan
    A friend in NC

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  15. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 6:43 PM

    Thank You for working so hard to share today with us. The memorial was so lovely! Angelique, You, and Ali were so strong and shared so much of Bella with all of us! It was so beautiful!

    Thank You - Tina in NJ

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  16. MelanieOctober 20, 2010 at 7:27 PM

    Thank you for sharing the memorial of your sweet Bella with us. She truly was an amazing little girl...and I miss her! Your words about Bella were beautiful. You both show so much strength. Prayers continue to come your way and to all the EB babies.

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  17. thesettosOctober 20, 2010 at 7:31 PM

    Dear Ringgold Family,
    The memorial was absolutely lovely, filled with so much peace and beauty! Thank you for sharing your day of so much love!
    Our continued prayers and good energy are being sent your way.
    Love,
    Michael and Robin Setto

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  18. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 7:52 PM

    Tim, Ang, and Ali, Thank you for sharing Bella's memorial. It was beautiful!
    Ali's jam session was not in the memorial video (or I didn't see it), it sounds like it was precious. Hopefully you will be able to put that up when you get a chance.
    My loving thoughts and prayers go out to each of you and your family.

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  19. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 8:08 PM

    The memorial today was absolutely beautiful. It was touching to hear your family speak about Bella, especially from a Mother's point of view. I agree that our children are perfect in our eyes. My hope is that you maintain the strength you have and that you always know that your family has made a positive difference in the lives of so many.

    "If every tear we shed for you became a star above; you’d stroll in
    Angel’s garden, lit by everlasting love."
    ~Author Unknown

    God bless.

    Sarah and family
    Chino Hills, Ca

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  20. SaraOctober 20, 2010 at 8:19 PM

    I don't think you need to you tube this. Its still a link on the site. I checked the second I came home from school, literally, my purse still in my hand!
    Thank you for sharing with all of us...your grace in this process is beyond inspirational.
    (And don't I feel like a dork, emailing you about the ripples. Truly, I wasn't trying to steal your song!)
    Love from home.

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  21. GwendolynOctober 20, 2010 at 8:24 PM

    Thank you for sharing the beautiful memorial for Bella with us who are far away. I feel like I know you, Bella and the whole family. May god give you the strength to go through the pain of not having Bella anymore. Bella is not gone nor forgotten for as long as we keep her memory alive, her spirit will always be with us!

    Gwen Rodriguez-Matos from New York!

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  22. The McLaughlinsOctober 20, 2010 at 8:43 PM

    Tim, Ang, and Ali,

    Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of Bella's MN memorial today. It was so beautiful. I cried the whole time. Thankfully I had my TP in hand!! haha...

    You are such a beautiful family and so loved by many. I am looking forward to being able to attend Bella's CA memorial.

    And Ali, you have such a beautiful voice. I loved your singing!!

    Lots of Love,
    Amber, Craig, Malorie(2 1/2), and Liam(9mos.)
    The McLaughlin Family
    Moreno Valley, CA

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  23. Sharee WellsOctober 20, 2010 at 8:46 PM

    I feel so honored to have been a part of Bella's Memorial service, even from miles away over my computer screen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing that special moment with all of us. Some people would say that it is ironic that I came home today to find Bella's Blessings had been delivered to my house. I then walked inside, logged onto my facebook and saw where Courtney Roth posted the link for the memorial service which was to happen within that hour. I don't find it ironic, I feel that was God. He knows how much sweet Bella as well as you and your family have touched my heart so deeply. I watched the video that one of your blog readers posted as a tribute for Bella tonight. I had watched it some time last week, but I wept like a baby all over again. I find myself dealing with my own selfishness. I know she is pain free, EB free, etc. That is the most important thing. I just wish I could see her again, see new pictures of her. I ask that God continues to lay her and your family on my heart. As you said in the first entry of your book: the one where someone you knew who had cancer appeared to you during your meditation before Bella was born appeared to you. I hope to see Bella in my dreams. I am sure that she will be surrounded by tons of butterflies, sitting on the lap of Jesus as he reads her stories. Know that you, your family, sweet Bella, and your journey will not be forgotten. She lives on in our hearts. Thanks again for sharing her story. Thanks to Ang for sharing at the memorial service. It touched me so much to hear her words. Please give Ali a hug from us in Ponchatoula, LA.

    Peace and Prayers,
    Sharee Wells

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  24. Team JKMPOctober 20, 2010 at 9:06 PM

    what a wonderful and beautiful service. thank you for posting it online. I loved the song you did tim (both of them, but especially the ripples in the pond one). Such good advice for life in general.

    thank you for sharing your family with us.

    love,

    kristen and james

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  25. nicole bOctober 20, 2010 at 9:06 PM

    Today's Memorial was incredible. It was so touching to hear Ang describe the precious bond. I couldn't agree more...Bella is perfect! Thank you so much for continuing to include 'us' on your journey. The venue was stunning and met the bar for celebrating Bella's life. The landscape even through the webcast, was like a dream.
    Are prayers for you are prayed with a burning heart- with all our love,
    nicole b & family

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  26. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 10:15 PM

    I just watched Bella's Memorial, I was thrilled that the link was still live, since I was not able to log on earlier in the day. What a lovely celebration for a lovely little girl. It was especially wonderful to hear from Angelique. My prayers are with you all as you continue this journey. As always, thanks for sharing with us all.
    God bless you all.
    Beth (SD)

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  27. AnonymousOctober 20, 2010 at 10:18 PM

    If you missed the video of the Memorial Service you can go to the original link, http://www.ustream.tv/channel/bella-s-memorial
    and watch a reply of the entire video.

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  28. The JOctober 20, 2010 at 10:58 PM

    I just wanted to let you know that because of what you guys and bella have been through, a huge portion of people now know about EB, what it does and the desperate need for fundraising, for research and for a cure. You have changed lives and most importantly changed the lives of children with EB forever. I knew nothing about EB before I came to your blog, and now I'm talking to everyone about it and doing what I can to fundraise for it, along with Down Syndrome (my son 4 mos w/ ds). Keep up the amazing strength and work you are doing, you are touching so many lives! (Bella is touching so many lives!)

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  29. jennym68October 21, 2010 at 1:28 AM

    Dear Ringgold Family,
    Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of Bella's memorial today from afar, what a beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl.
    Bella's life has truly touched me and she remains in my thoughts. I was a pediatric RN many years ago and have actually nursed a few precious children with EB and these kids have always held a special part in my heart. Courageous, brave and delightful through very tough times, just as your Bella was.
    Bella definitely was put here on earth for a reason and i truly believe a cure will be found and you know that Bella is going to be a big part of that.
    Thinking of your family and praying that love abounds.
    Jenny
    Canada

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  30. AnonymousOctober 21, 2010 at 2:17 AM

    Sad and beautiful. Thank you.

    Elena

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  31. AnonymousOctober 21, 2010 at 2:30 AM

    My second comment about the memorial since it was too late in the evening to write. I felt really amazing to be with you at that moment ... I hope you felt our love from far away. And picture my children (12 and 16) in their pijamas watching it with me (crying most of the time ...) and standing up in front of the computer for the last blessing ... Thanks again .
    Always praying for your sweet family.
    Mariana,Uk

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  32. AnonymousOctober 21, 2010 at 8:03 AM

    Your daughters story has touched my heart. She was a beautiful little girl.

    Praying for your family may god bless you all

    Danielle
    Mountain House CA

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