Tell us who you are

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Take a minute to sign into the blog, then reply to this post. Tell me, and everyone, who you are and what Elijah means to you. If you're the friend of a friend, then you're family now. Remember, the best blog strings go on for miles. As you view our list of friends, know that we keep each of you in our prayers just as you pray for Elijah.

Dave

Comments

Anonymous said…
Hey guys! It's Cousin Amy, along with James, Dylan and Ashlyn. Elijah, Melissa and David are an inspiration to us and to many others! He is a testament to God's power and grace. We love you guys! God bless you and keep you.
March 27, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Maria said…
Hi All
My name is Maria Munson, I am William Fischer's preschool teacher. Fiona has shared your story and Gavin's with us and please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give your children the strength to fight and win their battles.
March 27, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Anonymous said…
It's a privilege to be part of the prayer team for Eli. I'm drinking buddies with Mark's parents. Oh, no, wait, that was a mistake. But I do balance my role of making their lives as difficult as possible by spending much prayer time and loving concern on the Oklahoma branch of the Ramirez clan.
March 27, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Anonymous said…
Hello, it's Kate Zerbe. I check for updates often (ok, obsessively every day) on your little man. David was one of the first Sunday School teachers I had at FBC Tulsa, and now little Eli is part of the Little Light House waiting list. Keeping my fingers crossed that he'll end up in my classroom someday soon!
March 27, 2008 at 9:32 PM
Anonymous said…
Hello. My name is Bonnie and I am very good friends with Barbara at Forney First Baptist and she always e-mails me when prayer is needed whether it be in a time of concern or praise for Eli and your family. You sweet little Eli is precious! What a gift God has given you. Your story has touched my life and helps me to continue to find strength and power in prayer. Last year we had a son, Jason, Jr. in January that was born with Down Syndrome. He had surgery at 2 days old and has been doing well ever since. He was diagnosed as being visually impaired at 4 months old. There is the great possibility that he is blind. I have had to rely on God to help me make it through some difficult times in the past 14 months. I prayed and prayed. Jason, Jr is a blessing and what a gift God has given to me. As is your precious son! I am so thankful to have met your family (so to say). What an inspiration you are to me! God bless each of you! I will continue to pray for Eli and your family. Thank you for being such strong, faithful believers.
March 27, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Guys
I read your blog everyday--at least!--even if there's nothing new on it. I email it to my sister because she can't open it at work on her computer, so I change it into a text file and send it. I feel happy to be one of the few people outside of Tulsa who has actually held Elijah. I don't know how many times a day I pray for your family and for Elijah specifically. Yesterday I was thinking about the song "These are the Days of Elijah" because you all are on my heart so much.
Minipak
March 27, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Amberghini said…
It's Amber Van Meter! I wear many hats with you. The oldest one being David's favorite pupil in Sunday school. The best one being Eli's favorite nurse at St. Francis. That is an honor in itself. It's a big place! What Elijah means to me...are you just trying to make me cry again? Seeing you two with him restores my faith in nursing and encourages me in my walk with God. Cry, cry. Thanks.
March 28, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Anonymous said…
This is Kelley (Crowley) Leonard. I went to OSU with David and Melissa and knew David's dad when he was the BSU director there. As with everyone here, I and my family are praying for you all. I don't know Eli personally, but he and Sophie sound like great little kids (as all kids are!). What a hard task God has asked you to take on but since He says He'll supply the strength, somehow you all be able to make it. Hang in there! Thank you for sharing your hearts.
March 28, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Anonymous said…
Hello! It's Diane Davies - we've know David & Melissa since the Nearly Newly Married days at FBC Tulsa. We have reconnected with them since Elijah was born. We have a daughter with special needs too so we were glad to be of an encouragement to them and also connect them with other parents going through similiar circumstances. I must say now though they have been encouragement to us. God has given them extra special strength to deal with everything that has been thrown at them. I truly believe God has a special plan for this family.
March 28, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Anonymous said…
Kathy Johnson again, with apologies to DAVID Ramirez (see post above). You're better looking than your brother.
March 28, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Anonymous said…
Howdy! It's Diana (Maggard) Barto, fellow OSU-BSU-er and OSU journalism school classmate with Melissa. I try to check the blog once a day to keep my prayers for Elijah specific. Yours is a fabulous blog! (Obviously, you are both writing pros!) God is shining His glory right through your family in the midst of all these challenges. Thank you for encouraging and inspiring me! Blessings to you!
March 28, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Anonymous said…
We are members of FBC-Tulsa with your family. We've watched your journey from a distance and are repeatedly amazed at God's presence in your lives. He's constantly providing you strength and peace that you graciously share with the rest of us. Eli is a blessing from Him, and He has brought Eli into your lives for His Purpose. His Kingdom is being glorified by your faith and your willingness to publish your journey - the ups/down, all of it with us. You'll not know in this lifetime all the people that think about and pray for your family daily - there are hundreds and hundreds... Bless you for all of what you are doing and for sharing it. With Christ's Love...
March 28, 2008 at 2:30 PM
Emily said…
I have had the chance to watch little Elijah grow in many ways...I can't wait to see how he will motivate and change the world.

I think of you all often, and you all inspire me daily.

Much love to you all!
March 28, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Christa said…
I know of Eli through Diane Davies, who commented above. We've spent a lot of time in the past at the St. Francis Hilton, too.
March 28, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Nadra said…
Hi there...It's Nadra & Charlie Conner from FBC Tulsa. We don't know you guys well, but you have touched our lives and our hearts in ways you will never know. Little Eli is a mircale baby and we pray for him every day. We know that God has his arms wrapped around all of you. Sending warm hugs and toughts your way.

Love,
Nadra, Charlie & Ian
March 28, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi my name is Sarah. I am also a friend of Diane D. and have a daughter with special needs. I check Eli's blog often. My prayers are with you!!
March 29, 2008 at 8:47 AM
Anonymous said…
David, Melissa, Sophia and Eli, as I write my heart and arms are wrapped around each of you. I love you so much and can hardly abide the ache of not being with you. God has given Grandpa John and me work to do some place else and we know if you call we can be there but have so much faith that God will provide everything you need whether we're there or not. It is evidence of God's migty hand when I know all the people who pray for you daily and for the family that you do have near. I'm amazed at how many people God has touched and called to prayer on our behalf. I also love counting all the prayers He has answered If anyone doubts that He does answer prayer, all they have to do is read about Eli and his family. I can't wait to see you all. We haven't even seen Eli's new eight teeth or Sophia's awards for counting and recognizing words.
Thank you all for interceding on our behalf. Some of you have prayed faithfully for years for our family and have set a foundation that will be realized at this time and in the years to come. Look for great things from God and this family. Be encouraged that God loves you and will bless you as he has shown mercy and grace to us. God be with you all.
March 29, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Anonymous said…
I'm an internet stalker and I'm here to steal your identity. I have this money and I need to put it in your account because my brother is a king in exile. Is that cool? Seriously, it's me, Nellie. Melissa and I work together.
March 29, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Anonymous said…
i am dear friends with great grandma bobbie. i've met david & melissa on several occasions at waterloo road baptist church, and i've met eli once while he was visiting in edmond. i am encouraged as i "watch" you all walk this journey...it's amazing to see God's mighty hand! i'm so blessed to be able to pray for your precious family...thanks for keeping us all updated! blessings, amber rettke
March 29, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi David and Melissa. I'm Sarah Jolliff, David's BSU and Host sister. I have kept up with you all through Sara Ryan. Thank you for keeping us updated, your family is in our daily prayers. Your faith is an awesome testimony. And David it is great to see your crazy sense of humor hasn't changed.
March 30, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Anonymous said…
Hello,

I am Miriam Overgaard and I'm a neighbor of David and Melissa. I'm not the best correspondent so I'm thankful for this blog for keeping me updated on Eli and his family.

Eli is is a wonderful symbol of hope for all of us, and I feel fortunate to be part of his growing circle of friends.
March 30, 2008 at 9:18 PM
aimeenky said…
Hi everyone. This is Aimee (Heald) Nielson. I went to college and BSU with David and Melissa. I live in Kentucky now, but my sis still lives in Stillwater and she used to forward me prayer requests for Eli that she got from Mindy Hardy. I've been praying for you guys ever since and lift you before the Father a lot. He's already done so many miracles and it's so exciting to think about what He has still yet to do!
March 31, 2008 at 8:09 AM
Anonymous said…
This is Nancy Stevens, Nathan's mother. Angela has been keeping us informed on Eli, but we didn't know about the blog until just recenly. I read it almost every day and send up little prayers for Eli. God bless you all.
March 31, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Melissa and David, It's Patty, Rachel Malone Parilli's mom. Melissa, I remember the "Sweet 16" birthday party you threw for Rachel & I was suppose to keep it a secret. That was a difficult thing to do but nothing compared to the journey you have been on with your precious Eli. My husband teaches 6th grade at Victory Christian School and all his classes start with prayer for Eli and now Gavin too. If he misses a day, one of the kids will ask & they will stop and pray right then. You know what God's Word says about the faith of a child! The kids, along with Rachel and I, are praying for you and believe God grace and power is resting upon you and your family. I really like it when you post specific concerns so we can really zero in and focus our prayers. And have I mentioned how beautiful you daughter is? I'm sure she brings you great joy and peace in the midst of your storm. Consider this a great big HUG from me to you. God Bless, Patty Malone Gammel
March 31, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Mom said…
John Ramirez was the BSU director at OPSU when I attended there from 1975-1979. My brother Glen told me about Elijah. I gave John a few flute lessons!
Beth
April 1, 2008 at 7:17 AM
Mark, Fiona, William & Karen said…
Hi! I am friends with Stacie Smith. I've been following Eli with prayers since Stacie told us about him so long ago. God bless you all. Thanks for the updates.
April 2, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Emily Kaye said…
My name is Emily. I'm David's cousin on the Groves/Ramirez/Graham side. I have been blessed with a wonderful family and a baby cousin who is teaching us all so much! You are in my thoughts and prayers and I love you all very much!!!
April 3, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Anonymous said…
My name is Melissa Brown. I have worked at Boys Ranch Town a LONG time and LOVE Grandma Bobbie! She has a way of making others feel like you know her family. Plus, I did summer missions at the same time as David in New Mexico, summer 1994, maybe? It's been awhile. It's an honor to help support you guys in prayer along this journey
April 9, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Melt Momma's Heart said…
I just stumbled across your blog tonight and I can't stop reading. I have been sending love to you and your family since I read the first post. Thank you very much for sharing your lives and emotions so openly. My 1-year-old daughter has spina bifida and she's had more surgeries than I can count (not to mention hospitalizations for infections from the hospitalizations....). It is comforting to be able to relate with your struggles and your joys (oh to be home with everyone well!). Best wishes and good health to all of you.
July 28, 2008 at 1:35 AM
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