Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Update on tests this morning...

Hello friends and family, kira did have her flow scan done this morning - the final test to assess brain activity. There was no brain activity found. Please pray for Merlin, Mary Lu and the family.

Ana, Arlin, & John for the Yutzys

61 comments:

  1. Merlyn and Mary Lu ,
    I had tried posting a comment before but couldn't so here finally. You have been in our thoughts and prayers ever since this has happened ! Last eve as i was working out at Curves the song came on you give and take away my heart can choose to say blessed be the name blessed be the name blessed be the name of the Lord . And I just had to cry thinking how many people you may have touched during this time may God be exalted !
    We cry with you as you think of pulling the breathing machine off your dear daughter. God hears your crys and understands he to lost his child .
    We love yous and pray God's continued Grace in your lives and in the lives of your families. Love Jay and Lil and Family

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  2. Merlin, Mary Lou, Marlea, & Anna~

    We are praying so much for you right now! You have a huge mountain to climb today and we're praying that God will be carrying you and supporting you the whole way! I am so deeply sorry for what has happened to Kira. You will be in our prayers for the many days, weeks and months to come! Remember that He IS FAITHFUL!!! Much love! ---Devon & Mike Petersheim

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  3. Merlin and Mary Lou - whether in life or death, GOD WILL EXALT HIMSELF! I'm praying for you and your little ones. All I can give you is Jesus, who came to heal the broken heart. My love, Esther Glick

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  4. Merlin & MaryLou,
    I have been singing the words to the song " I am Here" all day.
    It was the song we could not remember on Sat. night. Now I am singing it
    for you too. Hugs and prayers, Wilma King

    I am Here

    Your all alone in the darkness
    doubts and fears cloud up your mind
    You wonder why another valley
    will you get through it this time
    Then a voice in the stillness
    comes in tones so sweet and clear
    I am here my precious child
    rest in me and have no fear

    Chorus
    I am Here just lean upon me
    though your cross is hard to bear,
    leave with me your every burden,
    every struggle, every care.
    I have walked where you are walking
    I have been where you will go
    take my hand and let me lead you
    and the path to you I'll show

    Though your future looks uncertian
    the next step unlear to take
    I know the Lord His peace will give you
    with each decision that you make
    He is waiting just to hear you
    call forhelp from up above
    Lay your cares at Jesus feet
    and hear His tender words of love

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  5. Dear Ana,

    We just returned home from Hershey yesterday, but I feel as though I left part of my family behind. I will hold them tightly in my prayers. I'm thinking of you.

    Dawn Culp, Holly's Mom

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  6. We are lifting you all up to our Father God... asking Him to hold you in His arms during this time and whisper into your ears, words of love, peace and of direction.

    Love, (cousin) Johnny and Gloria

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  7. Dear Merlin, Marylu and Family,

    We are so deeply saddened by this horrible news. You are in our thoughts and prayers every minute of the day. May God give you all athe strong strength you need to get through this.
    We are praying.

    Lee & Jill Quackenbush

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  8. Our hearts are breaking with and for you. May God hold you in His loving arms. Love, Evelyn & Mike Watson (Rhonda Wright's parents)

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  9. Dear Merlin and Mary Lou,

    My heart breaks for the both of you. Being a mother I can only try to imagine your heartbreak.

    Faith is the only comfort at this time. Lean on God and pray for peace. God's plans are not always ours.

    I will pray for you daily.

    Kris S. Hoffman

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  10. My heart aches for your family. As I read this update, the words of a song came to my mind. When my husband & I lost 2 children through miscarriages, these words became my theme. "God is too wise to be mistaken; God is too good to be unkind. So when you don't understand, when you don't see His plan, when you can't trace His hand---trust His heart." May you find rest & joy in knowing that His plan for Kira and for your family, is the best (albeit painful) one. Praying for you all, Joanna Yoder


    Joanna

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  11. Marylu, Merlin and family,
    Words can not be found, but God does the unspoken cries of our hearts. Praying that you will feel God's presence in a mighty way. Our hearts are heavy for you at this time. We will continue to lift you all to the throne of grace.
    Kaye and Freddy Bennett
    Numbers 6:24-26



    We are thinking about you every minute. God has a plan for Kira, one greater than here on earth. May God give you strength to get through this. You have such a huge support group that I know will help your family get through this. She is a beautiful little angel. Thinking of you!
    Love, Paul and Michelle Loux




    Our hearts are touched ...and we have been praying for you all ! Even though we don't "know" each other, there is a bond with Christians, and we hold you to the throne! Kira looks like a precious little girl...she is safe in Jesus' arms! May you feel God's arms holding you, too! - Albert & Judy Overholt



    Dear Marylu, Merlin, and girls,
    I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. I am praying for all of you and trust that the Lord is holding your dear Kira in the palm of his hand.
    God Bless you,
    Ellen



    Merlin and MaryLu,
    We have been/are praying!
    We don't know you, but are friends with some of your friends (we recently moved to Plain City). You've been on our minds so much. We won't stop praying for a miracle. May God carry you thro' this valley. SO heartbreaking. I just wanna cry...
    Shannon and Kay Martin



    Merlin, Mary Lou, and family,
    My heart aches for you. I don't know Kira, but among my nieces and nephews, I have 3 nieces ages 4-5. I can't imagine them suddenly silent, suspended between life and death. I lift you to the Father for strength, direction, and comfort for you in this very difficult time.
    Gene Miller



    Dear Merlin, MaryLu, and girls -

    Please know our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Kira and you all at this time. We continue to add prayers for Kira through our prayer chain here in NJ and beyond. We pray that our Lord Jesus cradle, comfort and strengthen Kira in His loving arms. We pray for His wondrous miracles. We put our faith in Him with everlasting love and hope. We always have hope.

    Yours in faith -
    Jan, Jim, Andy and Jamie D'Amato
    Middlesex NJ




    Trust Him when dark doubts assail you
    Trust Him when your strength is small
    Trust Him when to simply trust Him
    seems the hardest thing of all.

    This motto saying was given to us in the midst
    of a trial in which Heaven was the ultimate
    healing for our 8 year old daughter.

    We Care
    Alvin and Lillian Bender

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  12. I have been and will be praying for you all especially tonight. I am asking God to comfort and guide you through. We love you all and our hearts are there with you-Mary Esther, Connor, Becca, and Amanda.

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  13. 5:58pm
    My comment wouldn't go through onlineso I thought I'd send you a note this way and let you know I am praying for you RIGHT NOW! Look to Him, the one and only giver of peace!

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  14. Dear Merlin, Marylu and the whole family:

    You have been continually in our thoughts and prayers. We will be lifting all of you and especially sweet Kira up to the Lord Jesus to hold in His abundant arms of love and grace. May you be comforted and feel the peace of the Lord that passes all understanding.

    Throughout this incredible ordeal you have managed to touch and bless so many with your testimony of courage and faith in God and His mercy.

    With love and continued prayers,

    John & Lee Tucker

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  15. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Have comfort in the Lord and know that He will carry you through this.

    Robin and Debbie
    Pasadena, MD

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  16. Marylou and Merlin,

    The Weigner family in Quakertown is brokenhearted with you and praying for you. We are praying that our Almighty God would be your ultimate Comforter and give you peace even in the middle of this storm. Praising God that you sense His presence with you, and we pray that all that walk into that room know that they are in the presence of a living God that is surrounding precious Kira and all of you, and we are praying their lives will be changed for what they are witnessing. Passing on this request to all we know.


    The song "Blessed be Your Name" also was on my heart for you all day yesterday. I stopped to sing along with it and was just praising God for Kira's life and your family, asking Him to lift you up under this great burden.


    Blessed Be Your Name

    by Matt Redman

    - - -

    Blessed Be Your Name
    In the land that is plentiful
    Where Your streams of abundance flow
    Blessed be Your name

    Blessed Be Your name
    When I'm found in the desert place
    Though I walk through the wilderness
    Blessed Be Your name

    Every blessing You pour out
    I'll turn back to praise
    When the darkness closes in, Lord
    Still I will say

    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your name
    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your glorious name

    Blessed be Your name
    When the sun's shining down on me
    When the world's 'all as it should be'
    Blessed be Your name

    Blessed be Your name
    On the road marked with suffering
    Though there's pain in the offering
    Blessed be Your name

    Every blessing You pour out
    I'll turn back to praise
    When the darkness closes in, Lord
    Still I will say

    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your name
    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your glorious name

    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your name
    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your glorious name

    You give and take away
    You give and take away
    My heart will choose to say
    Lord, blessed be Your name


    Because of Jesus,

    Mark, Karen, Bekah, Brienna, Narae and Adah.

    Isaiah 41:10

    "Fear not, for I am with you, Be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I WILL UPHOLD you with my victorious right hand."

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  17. My thoughts have been with you constantly ever since I heard about this. My heart is just breaking for you. Crying...praying...hurting with you.I can not even begin to imagine how you must be feeling. May you feel God's peace and strength in the coming days.

    Erin and Freida Hostetler

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  18. Merlin and Mary Lu,

    A song that spoke volumes to me when we had our ordeal at Hershey....

    "Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me

    It's amazing...

    Love,
    Kendra Stoltzfus
    (friends with Clair & Anna Kauffman, our sons were next to each other in the PICU)

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  19. "Underneath
    ARE
    the
    Everlasting
    Arms."


    Sharing your pain,
    Jonas & Rebecca Sauder

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  20. Marylu, Merlin, Marlea and Anna,

    You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength, comfort and peace to sustain you through this most difficult time. Kira will live in our hearts forever.
    Love, Aunt Susan and Unlce Ed.

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  21. Our prayers are with Kira’s family. We pray God brings them clarity so they can discern what is best for Kira. You are all blessed to be surrounded

    by so much love. May God be with all of you who love Kira.
    Fred and Carolyn Distler

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  22. Our hearts are aching with you. Praying that the God of all comfort will be near and hold your hearts in His gentle hands...
    Jason and Carolyn Miller

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  23. Praying that you are feeling God's presence with you tonight and throughout the coming days! I cannot begin to imagine your pain, but I know that you serve a God almighty who is willing and able to carry you through this time!
    Love, Sari and Danny

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  24. We are so sorry---and we cry with you---your decisions ahead are the hardest and most heartbreaking to face. We will plead for God's abiding grace and comfort to be with you. He cares so much when we have to say goodbye to our precious little angels. Kira is safe in His everlasting arms. nate and janae yoder Plain city, OH

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  25. We as a family, as well as school students and church friends are praying for you during this time. We love you.

    Marv & Jen Lapp (Meigs, GA)

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  26. My heart breaks as I read through what has happened to Kira over the past several days. I cannot begin to understand your heartache as you are brought through this most difficult time. My wife and I have stayed at your B&B many times during our marriage especially from May 31 to June 3 each year as we celebrated our wedding anniversary. I remember many times Marylu that you shared your family pictures with us. I want to share a verse from the Gospel of John that brought me some comfort after my wife was called home to heaven 15 months ago: John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." I will continue to pray for your precious Kira and that our Savior Jesus Christ will comfort and provide clear direction for you and Merlin.

    In Christ's Unfailing Love,

    Chip Thieme

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  27. Marylu, Merlin, Marlea and Anna,


    Our prayers are with all of you.

    Vince and Debbie Bennett
    Glen Burnie, MD

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  28. Merlin,Mary Lou & girls, Edwin, Mary, and family,
    It did our hearts good to be able to be at Hershey Monday, and share in your sorrow. Our hearts,thoughts & prayers are still there. "May the God of all comfort be your constant companion."
    Praying that God will give you clear direction,...and FILL you with His presence and PEACE!
    We love you,...and we care!!
    Nelson & Martha Beachy

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  29. Father we are broken hearted, we are confused. I am so glad that neither our tears nor our questions frighten you- they do not push us further from you, but rather draw us near. Lord, please be with this family and community through this hurt, filling them with your peace that passes all understanding, and binding up their broken hearts as only you can.

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  30. I am so sorry to hear your sad news again today. I have and will still continue to pray for a milacle. My husband has forwarded this blog onto my nephew in FL as he is a minister and they are also praying down there for Kira. You are such a loving family and it is so sad that you are having this happen, but I will again pray for a miracle. May The Lord Jesus comfort you all at this very sad time.
    Prayers from Les and Janet Wilson, Barrington, NJ

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  31. We continue to hold you to the Father. May you feel the strength and peace of Jesus through the prayers and embraces of friends and family.

    All over the world, so many, including strangers--but brothers and sisters--are whispering prayers for you.

    In Thy Holy place we bow,
    Perfumes sweet to heaven rise;
    While our golden censers glow
    With the fire of sacrifice.

    Saints low bending,
    Prayers ascending,
    Holy lips and hands implore.

    Faith believing and receiving
    Grace from Him whom we adore.


    May you feel Grace through this sacrifice.

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  32. we are praying for you in this difficult time...our hearts are aching...
    our love and prayers are with you and your extended families.
    we love you....
    Jason, Rose & family

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  33. Dearest Merlin, Marylu and family.

    You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    we are also praying for the doctors and nurses. You and your family are very special to us.

    love,

    debbie,lloyd and dee
    maryland

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  34. Hello to the family of this dear and beautiful girl,
    I just want you to know that I am praying for you and caring about you all and your dear little girl. God is a Mighty Healer and His ways past finding out.
    Whatever happens, you can trust Jesus...He walks with you and as your hearts bleed, He cries with you. It is in His arms, that your daughter lies.
    Blessings to you...
    Renee Pratt, Mainme

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  35. Dear Merlin, MaryLu, and family,

    No words can convey how sorry we are that you have to deal with this tragedy. We are praying that God fills your heart with peace no matter what decision you make. Our hearts ache for you.

    Sending our love,

    Karissa, Jeremy, & Bradyn Brothers
    New Ringgold, PA

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  36. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I pray that God gives you comfort and strength during this very difficult time.

    Julie Parsons (Rhonda Wright's friend in NC)

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  37. just wanted to let you know we are grieving with you. you are much in our thoughts and prayers. praying that God would show himself very alive and present in this difficult time.

    much love

    susan for the kems

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  38. Along with our prayer partners, friends and family we are praying for you with broken, contrite hearts. May God sustain you, lift you up and hold you close to His heart. The Sergeants (inn guests and fellow believers)

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  39. Merlin, Mary Lou and family,
    May God surround you with all the Love and grace you need. Love and prayers
    Mary Helmuth

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  40. Merlin, Mary Lu and family,
    Our prayers are with you all. May God strengthen you and your faith in Him through this experience. We pray He wraps you with a blanket of love that you can physically feel. Turn to Him and each other.

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  41. Merlin and MaryLu,
    You have been in our constant thoughts and prayers... and will continue to be. We bring you before the God that knows what He is doing, even when it doesn't make any sense to our human minds...
    May you rest in His Peace!
    Dave and Renita Yoder

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  42. My heart aches, yet I see a beauty with depth in what is going on in your
    lives. God loves Kira dearly, and he's caring for her most tenderly.
    Katrina Petersheim (Abbeville, SC)

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  43. Merlin, Mary Lou and Family,
    We are so deeply saddened... We are thinking of you constantly, and are praying every chance we get that God may comfort you and give you strength during this time. It's so hard to know what to say, except that we are praying for you...

    Love,
    George, Lea and Angelina Mussini

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  44. We're praying. We are so sorry. Our hearts, tears and prayers are with you.

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  45. May God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega, hold you close tonight and may you be keenly aware of His presence. We love you. Joel, Lydia, Alex & Darren

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  46. Dear Merlin and Mary Lou,

    Our prayers are with you and the girls as you lean on the Lord for every minute. May you feel His loving and everlasting arms around you. You have been such a wonderful testimony of complete faith and trust in God for whatever His will may be for Kira. He surely loves her more than we can ever imagine. May the Lord be your strong tower as you continue to rest in Him.

    All our love and prayers,

    Laura and Tim Dolan (Inn guests/Believers)
    Romans 8:38-39

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  47. Merlin, MaryLu, Marlea, Anna,
    We can't begin to express the heartache we are experiencing for you. You have been in our prayers and thoughts constantly. We place our plea in the hands of our Father. May he keep you strong and walk with you each step. It was just a little over a week ago we watched Kira and Marlea play with the valentine balloons with big smiles on their faces. We will continue to pray--every day there is new hope.
    Love to All, Rob and Mary Hammar

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  48. Dear Marylu & Merlin,
    We are deeply saddened over the updated news of Kira's test results. Kira has touched our hearts since her birth, as well as your whole family since meeting you. We continue to pray to God to give you strength and his guidance during this very difficult time.
    Mike & Nancy Schiavo

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  49. HE will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge . . . isaiah 33:6
    we care so very much and continue to lift you up to our Father who is able to give you the strength and the grace that you need for each moment . . . may you feel His arms around you and His whisper of peace to your breaking hearts.
    So thankful that because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow!
    We love you!
    Lester & Crystal Glick, Dundee, NY

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  50. We are so sorry. Kira and the family have been in our prayers and thoughts since we heard of this tragedy. May the peace and comfort of God carry you through each and every moment of each and every day. He is able to do more than we can think or imagine through us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Remember that the power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within you.
    God Bless each of you. Bill & Kathy Dykes

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  51. Dear Merlin, Mary Lu, and family, Our hearts are breaking for you at this most difficult time. I remember visiting the inn just after Kira's arrival, and to hear the latest update must be more than you think you can handle. I know your faith, and family will help you face each step. Know that you will continue to be in our prayers. Thank your friends for keeping us up to date, so that we could join in prayer with many others. God bless you and give you strength. Much love, Debbie & Bob Zeida

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  52. Dear ones,
    We do not know you personally but share your grief as spiritual kin. Praying God to grant you grace to sustain you and wisdom in the face of uncertainty. Rest in HIM.
    Paul & Barbara Ann Miller,
    Millersburg, OH

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  53. Merlin, MaryLu and family...Lifting you before Him asking that you let Him hold you. Prayer for Kira's healing, even now! And if it's Your will Father for her to be with You now...prayers of hope and faith to sustain her family until they see her again...
    George & Chris Foedisch

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  54. We are so sorry. We pray Jesus the tender Shepherd will walk with you through this valley. Jesus loves the little children. Our vision is so limited, but we know God sees the big picture. May He sustain you all.

    Grace and Peace,
    David and Susanna Yoder, Partridge, KS

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  55. I just sat here and cried when I read this. I am so sorry for the pain you are going thru right now. We will continue to pray for God's grace, strength, and wisdom. Loren and Pam

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  56. Merlin and Mary Lou, my heart is aching and sad for the great trial through which you are passing. May you sense God's arms of love enfolding you. I'm praying for you.
    Karen Gingerich

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  57. May God hold you close and comfort you tonight and the coming days. She is safe in Jesus' arms, but it still hurts to say goodbye...we will be praying much for you. With love, Merle and Karen

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  58. Merlin, MaryLu & Family,
    We have and will continue to pray. We are deeply saddened by the latest news, however we know that God has a plan and all things work together for good. We have shed many tears and our hearts are with you during this difficult time. We ask that God would give you Perfect Peace & strength. We pray that Jesus would wrap his arms around you and hold you tight. I have shared this tragedy with many co-workers, friends, family and church members asking that they join us in prayer. Your faith has been a testimony to many.
    We Love You!

    Jamie & Bryan Zeigler
    Carlisle Pa

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  59. Merlin, MaryLu and family-- Our hearts are aching for you and the pain you are experiencing right now. As we continue to pray for Kira's healing, may God grant you His peace to accept the healing He grants, whether it be here or in heaven. Lean on Him, He cares for you! Love, James & Vera Troyer

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  60. We pray that God will pour out His grace and comfort during this sad time, that you may find peace and joy that Kira is with Jesus.

    Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

    We are thinking of you during this time and praying for rest and His mercies to be poured out on your family and loved ones.

    -Matt and Lana Lindenmuth

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  61. We are praying for you ...

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