Sunday, June 15, 2008

Camille Kathleen Waite

Thank you all for your prayers.  I have felt their strength today.  I will be brief in this post.  

We removed the ventilator today just after 4 p.m. today.  With the tubes removed I was able to hold Camille's limp heavy body and rock her for a few minutes.   Jon then took a turn holding her. It was extremely peaceful.  She took a couple of scatter shallow breaths and quickly let go of her last physical tie to this earth.  The doctors called the time of her death at 4:15 p.m.  We were able to hold her and bath her and be with her little body till 6 p.m.

We will hold a memorial service at the LDS Church on Tropicana at Burnham (just west of Eastern) on Saturday at 9 a.m.  No one should feel obligated to come but anyone who would like to is welcome.  It will be simple and short- 30 minutes at most I hope.  There will be no viewing.  

Please be at peace.  We are.  Our sorrow, which knows no bounds, comes in waves crashing over us, but we do feel peace.  In the great plan of our Father, All is Well.  

"And should we die, before our journeys though, All is well All is well."  Come Come Ye Saints

Thank you again for your faithful fasting, prayers, and support.  It is needed and felt.

Stephanie

67 comments:

Team Shelton said...

I am at loss of words, and I don't know what to say except, I'm sorry. We love your family and your children and we hope that you can get through this time with peace and comfort. You will be in our prayers.
Heidi and Daniel Shelton

Karen Stewart said...

Dear Waite Family,
Our hearts truly mourn for your loss. Our prayers are in your behalf. We pray for comfort and peace for your family. We are so sorry for your tremendous loss.
Mike and Karen Stewart

Lacie said...

All my love and thoughts your way, I cant imagine the pain you are feeling, all you can do now is find comfort in your other children and know that camille lives on through you and your family.

A friend of stacy garrard,
Lacie Christy
laciemae.blogspot.com

Hoskins Family said...

Jon and Steph, I want to be there right now so badly, to hug you and tell you how much we love you. I know that through this incredibly difficult day Our Father's Love sustains you both. I pray that all the prayers of peace, love and comfort will cloak you with the warmth they are intended for. Be well and I hope we can talk soon.
Love and Prayers, Daleen

Shanan said...

My heart aches to know of the sorrow you and your family are going through. I wish I could be there to offer any support that you, Jon and your girls need at this time. Your whole family is so wonderful and I know they are giving you the love and support you need - and will continue doing so. You are loved. Our prayers will continue to be in your behalf.

Shanan and Aaron

Tara L. said...

We are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pete and Tara Lemos

Anonymous said...

No words can express the sorrow we feel for you loss. We gather srenghth from your words. May the Lord bless you all. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Much love Art and DeEtte

Liz's Blog said...

Hey Stephanie,
I feel like words do not do justice as to how I am feeling for you and your sweet family. I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter. We are here for you in anyway you need us. We love you and we love your family. Our prayers are with you as you continually. We love you and we are here for you.
Liz

emily said...

Stephanie, words seem trite and insignifcant at a time like this. I wish I could throw my arms around you and give you a heart felt hug and tell you how sorry I am that this is your journey. I send my love and deepest sorrow for your loss.

Your forever family friend
Emily Shaw Harris
thechiefstribe.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Waites, we are so sorry you have had to endure this. We are sure the pain is exquisite on the one hand, but how joyful to know that Heavenly Father has a plan for Camille, as he does for each of us, and that she has been welcomed home by the Savior and will be reunited with her beautiful family one day. Camille was a beautiful baby, caught our eye the first time you attended McCullough Hills Ward (all your girls are beautiful). We wish you all the peace the Savior has for you and the willingness to learn whatever He wants you to know at this time. We are thinking of you guys often, hoping that you know you are loved and we are here to help bear your burdens. Peace be with you all, we pray.
Love, Lloyd & Leslie Wiley and family

Jason said...

I am amazed at your faith and strength! Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with you in this trial. I wish there were words which could help heal, but I can only express our sorrow, love and concern for your family.

Jason & Stephanie Morris

a.k.a. Jack said...

Dear Stephanie and Jon-
My mom called and told me today what had happened. I ache so badly for you and wish there was some way to make to ease your pain at this time. I am so sorry. You are wonderful parents and have clearly been blessed to have Camille's special spirit sent to your home. I'm am so sorry that the Lord has called her back so quickly but am so grateful that you have the gospel and the Spirit to bring you comfort when none of us can. I love you guys and will pray for you and your family.
Love,
Jenny (Earl) Norton

Anonymous said...

Your family is kept in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve this loss of such a beautiful little girl. Your certainly thought of often and prayed for. With love.

Kendra said...

Dear Waite family,
We are overcome by your loss and your strength. Please know that you are on our minds and in our prayers constantly. You will be in our prayers continually. We pray that you find rest, solace and comfort.
The Hoeft family

Unknown said...

Hey stephanie. Alexes here. I was both shocked and heartbroken when i heard. I fasted and prayed sincerely for camille. I found peace in that and i'm really glad you did too. My heart goes out to you because the loss of a loved one, especially a child, is unimaginable. I'm truely sorry for everything. It makes one really appreciate God's plan however. I just wanted to let you know you are in the thoughts and prayers of my family and i truly do love and cherish yours. ♥ I just wanted to tell you that you are a great mother and person. I hope all is well. And i love you.

Anonymous said...

dear steph and jon and girls. our prayers continue to pour out for you and with you that the comforter will be with you at all times in the months ahead. that whenever you need him he will be there or will send angels to bear you up. i know you know sometimes those angels are our friends, neighbors and family who come just when we need them and that will happen for you. you are righteous and wonderful people and parents. our love and support is with you now and forever. love the Z. family

Anonymous said...

Jon and Steph,
We love you and your family so much. Our prayers are with you. Camille is the most beautiful little girl.
Lots of love,
Ashley and Brent Gunson

s g said...

We will continue to pray for your beautiful family at this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss, but we rejoice that you have the Gospel to help ease the burden of this incredible loss of your precious little girl. Please know of our love, prayers and thoughts we will continue sending your way. May God bless your sweet family.
Gillespies

UsdailyReader said...

We are so sad for your loss of your sweet baby, Camille. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We hope you can find comfort and peace. Your posts show that you are strong and understand Heavenly Father's plan. You are a strength to others.
Sincerely, John and Kelly
(friend's of Morgan and Elizabeth)

Anonymous said...

Steph and Jonathan,

I am SO sorry. I wish there were words that could tell you how sorry I am that this happened. How grateful I am for that wonderful plan of God's and knowing where your sweet Camille is now and that you will be with her again. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

Michelle and Jared Grant

i said...

Today in sacrament the bishop spoke with us and mentioned that this is one of those times to morn with those that morn. I really feel like I have experienced that now more than ever in my life. I can't imagine what you must feel, but my heart has ached on your behalf. I am so thankful to be able to understand a tiny sliver of what you and your family are going through by reading your words and feeling of your amazing strength. I am truly humbled and gain strength from you. Your eternal perspective and wonderful example of faith in Jesus Christ and of his wonderful gospel plan are inspiring.
I have loved watching your beautiful Camille since you moved into the ward and think she has such a precious sweet little spirit. We are so sorry for what has happened and continue to pray for you all. With love, Julie

Grandpa and Grandma Roundy said...

We are saddened by this news. We feel for you. God will bless.

Dan said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart mourns with you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Waite Family,

I heard of you through Elizabeth's blog. I just want to express how sorry I am for your loss. Your daughter Camille is truly beautiful.

Marci (in Arizona)

HeatherM said...

Hello...you don't know me, but I am a friend of your sister-in-law elizabeth and I have been shaken since I first read her blog on Sunday. I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts are prayers. God Bless you ALL!

Cairen said...

Waite Family,
I just wanted to let you guys know how much you love you and that we are praying for peace and comfort for your family. We are here for you if you need anything. even if you just need someone to come watch old reruns of so you think you can dance... We would be there in a heart beat! Love ya

Walks on Fire said...

Stephanie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and hoping you are filled with strength and peace.
Much love,
Vanessa Huff-Menlove

Anonymous said...

Dear Waite Family,

Our deepest love and sympathy are with you and your family at this time. What an example of strength you are. We will continue to pray for you. Please know how much we are thinking about you.
Sincerely, Jonathan, Stacey, and Family

Hailey said...

Jonathan & Stephanie,
You and your family have been in our prayers and still will be. We will be thinking of you.
Jill Simmons (Carolyn's sister)

ShaLayne said...

Dear Waite Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Jeremy & ShaLayne Stewart & family

heather said...

Stephanie-
My heart broke when I heard about your sweet daughter. I can't imagine all you must be going through. I am truly sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Heather(Shaw)Bankhead

jamie said...

You don't know me, but I came across your story on elizabeth's blog and I just wanted you to know that you're in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May you continue to feel peace and love from above and from those around you. Your strength is truly beautiful.
jamie

Megan Dougherty said...

My heart is so heavy at the thought of what you might be feeling at this time, but at the same time how grateful I am that you are members of the church and have had the Holy Ghost there with you to give you much peace. When my sister lost her baby last fall I remember feeling that comforting peace that this was the Lord's will and that she was in a better place. May it continue to comfort you during these next months. You are in my every prayer. Love, Megan Dougherty

The Mursets said...

We are Emily Nelson's relatives and she did a post about your family. We just wanted to let you know how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Danielle said...

I am a friend of Elizabeth's. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you and your sweet family. Please know how many people are praying for you all now and in the days to come. What a beautiful family you have.

jaanderson family said...

I am truly amazed at your faith. You are such an example to us all. I am so sorry for your loss and my heart aches for you and your family. We are praying for you and you are constantly in our thoughts.

Amanda Anderson

Janae said...

My heart has been aching at the news of what you have been going through with the loss of your beautiful daughter. My thoughts and prayers have been continually with you. I know that the comforter is with you and will be for what you need. Your testimony is a wonderful example for us all. All of my love and prayers for you and your family. Love, Janae

Kdskids said...

Stephanie, Jonathan and girls,
Our hearts and prayers are with you continually as you face the challenges of losing someone so small. How difficult this has been we can only imagine. We mourn with you, and are here for you, to lift you up in your hour of need. How grateful we are for this opportunity to serve you and love you. May the peace you are feeling now continue to sustain you and your family.
Always, The Fairchild Family

Steph,
I am so thankful that I met you and that I was able to visit with you and your sweet baby Camille on Sundays. I enjoyed the time we had sitting together, rocking our babies, and getting to know each other better. Please know how much you mean to us and especially to our Heavenly Father.
All my love - Kathy

Shay said...

Jonathan and Stephanie...this is Shayna...Aunt Miriam's daughter. I just wanted to tell you that you all are in our prayers. I'm very sorry for the loss of Camille. What a beautiful girl she is! My heart breaks for the both of you and I wish you and your family the best. What a wonderful blessing that you were all together as a family at the reunion and know that they day will come again to be together. Best wishes and love!

Anonymous said...

Dear Waite Family,
Sydne and I were deeply moved by the announcment on Sunday of the tragic accident which claimed the mortal life of Camille. You are, of course, constantly in our prayers. I understand what all of you are going through. I lost a son who was hit by a car on his way to school. As you have wisely noted, there will be times of sorrow in the weeks and months ahead. Please know that the clouds of tragedy must dissipate and joy will return.

Anonymous said...

There are no words to express my sympathy for your tragic loss of your precious Camille. I have had such a heavy heart since reading this on elizabeth's blog. I pray you continue to feel peace and comfort knowing Camille is rejoicing in heaven and you will be reunited again. God Bless!
Danielle Blazic

Anonymous said...

Stephanie,
When I received Lesli's email about Camille, I just cried.
My heart literally aches for you as a mother, but I know that you will be sustained and comforted in your grief. You and your family and so strong and are an inspiration to me and so many. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,Tammy Iverson

Lisa said...

I only know you through Marleen.

My thoughts and my heart are with you. Your daughter is so beautiful.

I know the Lord is going to carry you as long as you need and more.

Bryan & Sarah said...

I don't know you folks. But I lost my brother when I was 7 years old, he was 5 at the time. I personally know that there is life after death and I know you will be re-united again as an Eternal Family. "he is risen" are the only words I can think of that bring me any comfort. God Bless you and your family! FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!!!

MaryClaire Brown said...

stephanie--
i am so unbelievably sorry. elizabeth mentioned that you had said you wanted some good to come from this tragedy. please know that i am changed in many ways. i am cherishing my children more, i am resolved to focus more on my relationship with the savior, and brian and i had an awesome conversation about all of this last night that brought us closer together in all of this as well. i'm sure my changes are taking places in the lives of so many other people as well. i love you and your family, and be strong, but also know that you don't have to be strong all the time.

Anonymous said...

Waite family,
you don't know us but we are friends of Spencer and Marleen. We are SO incredibly sorry for your loss. What a beautiful little girl. She is with the Lord now. We will keep your family in our prayers.

summer c said...

I am amazed at your faith! You and your husband, and little girls are truly such a great example to us all. What wonderful parents your girls have to look up to! But even with your strength, the months ahead may be hard so please know that you don't have to do it alone. Take advantage of every dinner and act of service offered and do it for as long as you need it. Anything that will lighten your load. Our hearts continue to ache for you but do find so much peace in your faith of this true gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know you have lots of family here but if you need help with the service on Saturday please let me know. I know we don't know each other but if you need a short musical number I would be more than happy to sing....music brings so much peace and comfort to our hearts and souls. If you do please comment on my blog: crazychristiansens.blogspot.com
our prayers and thoughts are continually with you.
Summer Christiansen (Liz Smith's friend)

Unknown said...

Jon and Stephanie,
I love you.
Dana
Dana Oaks

Amy Barlow said...

Dear Waite Family,
You are true testiment of Faith. I am so sorry for this tragedy your family has met. You will continue to be in our prayers.
Amy Valentine Barlow (and family)

Alisa said...

Waite Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was with my Mom (Laraine Hyte) when she got the news while were away camping at a family reunion. My whole family shed tears together. I am absolutely amazed by your strength, your faith, and your courage. We are so-o-o lucky to have the knowledge we have that families are forever. Camille is yours forever. I am praying for your cute family.

Alisa (Hyte) Ashby

Tim said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julie said...

so sorry to hear about your sweet camille. we also are thinking of you and our prayers are with you.
julie (earl) hanson

bows and more said...

I am so sorry for your loss! Your baby is so beautiful! May you have comfort and peace at this time! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!

Anonymous said...

I just heard the news and I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Love, Rebecca Morton

Anonymous said...

Dear Steph,
For the many years I've known you your strength and faith have always been a powerful example to me. You know the Lord and you are good at finding deeper meaning in scriptures that many would overlook. You are genuine. Your capacity to love is immense. You are a wonderful friend and so great to talk to. You take hard situations and face them head on. You are strong. You are generous and kind. You are not afraid of hard work. You set goals and you achieve them. You find joy in so many things...a good book, a sprinkles cupcake, giving someone a second chance. You are a wonderful mother who has sacrificed many things for her children. You try to do what Heavenly Father wants you to even if it's not what you thought you wanted. You value the Lord's timetable over your own.

As you carry this grief of losing your sweet Camille please don't forget how incredible you are. You are amazing. I love you.
Kathryn

munyer jerk chicken said...

I frequently recall a baptism talk that you gave once in Long Beach... you compared the Holy Ghost to the feeling you had of once wrapping a warm blanket around yourself when you were very cold. I pray for that same comfort and warmth to be with you, Jon, and your girls now.
So much love,
Berenice

rebecca said...

Stephanie and Jonathan,

We just learned about your tragic loss. My heart breaks as I think about what you are going through. I wish I could be there to comfort you. We're praying that you are blessed with understanding and strength as you try and get through each day. We love you guys.

Rebecca and Russ

EvaMarieva said...

Stephanie & Jon,

I just found out about the tragic loss of little Camille. I can not comprehend the struggle and sorrow but am touched by your strength and the love that emanates from your messages. Your family is in our prayers and we will be with your family in spirit this weekend. I have very fond memories of our time in Long beach with your family and we send all our love and support.

-Eva & Mike St. Clair

The Andersens said...

there most likely are no words, not found in scripture, that can at all offer any comfort. and so i'm so grateful that you have found the peace you so dearly need in the scriptures. My husband and I are praying for you and your little family.
love the Andersens
(emily Hoopes' little sis)

Milk Mama said...

Hi. In December my brother killed himself. It was horrible, but the thing that hurt the most was that I don't think he is in heaven.

YOU CAN BE ASSURED that little Camille is in our Heavenly Father's arms!

I am so sorry to hear about your loss!

Katrina @ Callapidder Days said...

I am so very sorry for your family's loss. My heart goes out to you.

peppylady (Dora) said...

I can only offer you a simple words.
"I'm sorry" and I'll be sure to say a few words for you in my morning prayers.

Unknown said...

May God be with you and your family!! You are in my prayers!

My Trendy Tykes said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family.

Linda

TheRagan3 said...

I do not know you but I know the sadness of losing a child too early. My son was 1 month old when he went to be with the Father. I understand your sense of peace - I too experienced it as well. Your family is in my prayers and I pray that He will be your strength to get thru the days to come.
Blessings to you
Erinn
www.moses-mackay-ragan.memory-of.com

kristi said...

Found your blog thru Hannah and Lily..........I am so sorry for your loss and your family is in my prayers.

Amy said...

I just found your blog and wanted to say thank you for sharing all your feelings so poignantly and articulately. My sister and brother-in-law drowned 2 1/2 years ago and I really appreciated reading your feelings. I related to so much and feel grateful to find understanding. I've read through the whole blog here at work today (thank goodness for slow days) and my heart is full and I miss my sister. I think I'll tell my mom to read your blog too -- her grief is different from mine, because our relationships were different and sometimes I can't comfort her or help her feel understood because I'm not a mother so I don't know. The anxiety for me still hasn't gone away -- my friends go on a trip tomorrow and I couldn't sleep last night imagining life without them. ugh. I'm so sorry you are currently separated from Camille. I love that you said, "is it the second coming yet?". I feel that way so often. Most days are peaceful and then all of a sudden I need to comment to a stranger about how much I miss my sis. Anyway - thanks. I'll keep reading. Keep writing, please.