Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Plus many, Minus one

Greetings to all! Well, the Cantrell's arrived home today, not quite how we expected. The journey that we had mapped out did not exactly turn out the way that we had planned. We never thought that thousands and thousands of people from around the world would come to know our family and the journey of our precious Cate so intimately.

This past Monday as I drove to the hospital for another of Baby Cate's procedure I was praying as hard as I could, I was begging Jesus to fix Cate's heart, and I quietly heard the words, "Not today, I am not finished my work." I knew that it was God, there are few times in my life that I have audibly in my heart heard the voice of God, but over the past two weeks I feel like he spoke to me everyday, most of the time I didn't want to hear it, but it was the truth, again, just another little props to Baby Cate, she made God talk to her Dad ALOT! That afternoon after they finished the procedure Dr. Salazar came and met with us, he informed us that her little body was beginning the process of shutting down, her lungs were filled with fluid, she was starting to have a bacterial infection in her kidneys, and indeed her heart was not going to be able to recover from the surgery, due to the complex anatomy of her heart. A lot of tears and snot ensued, and then Ali and I went to Baby Cate's room and knelt by her bed and we prayed. We prayed in thanksgiving for the wonderful and joy-filled seven months that we had with Cate. In her prayer, Ali thanked God for the opportunity to have Cate as long as we did, because, if you have followed us all along or gone back to the beginning of this blog, Cate was not supposed to make it past five months in utero. We called my parents who were watching our kids, and had them bring the kids that night to Houston. We brought them into the hospital waiting room, and with the help of a wonderful, faith-filled child life specialist we began to talk to them about Cate, about her sickness, and about everyone’s feelings, and then we had them make cards for Cate. After they headed back to the hotel for the night, and Ali and I stayed at the hospital. The nurses moved Baby Cate over to one side of the bed so Ali could lay on the bed with her, and of course she did! She lay there with her all night long, and I sat in the rocker on the side of Cate's bed and kept vigil, enjoying the last night of my little girl's earthly life. It was about 3 or 4am that I was woken up by the sound of a voice saying, “She is already gone,” I looked at the monitors and they were still going, I was like, no she is not. And I closed my eyes and went vigil-ing again. We got moving around 6am and it was like all we could do was to keep looking at the clock, because 8am we were storming the beaches and it was going to be either, make it or break it. Before we walked out of the room around eight and we prayed again and I told Ali, what I had heard earlier in the morning and she said that she had in fact heard the same thing throughout the night. They made one more attempt to ween her off of her machine, but nothing in her little body was working right. They called us in, and told us the news, we cried, we felt let down in our miracle. The gentle nurses, dressed Cate in her hospital gown, and covered her with her own yellow blanket. They were able to remove as many monitors and IV tubes as they could. She looked beautiful and peaceful. We then began circling family through Baby Cate's room to say their good byes. After the family was done, we brought, Ella and Dude into Cate’s room. We wanted them to see that Cate was sick, and that she didn't just leave with mommy and daddy one day and then they not come back home with her. We wanted them to know that Cate was very sick and that she was not going to get better. Dude, sat her on bed and rubbed her hair and kissed her forehead over and over. Ella cried, she cried hard, and she took it a lot harder than I expected, but it was part of the journey that they are being forced to walk down. After the “big kids” kissed her, gave her the cards they made for her, and said their good byes. They left with the child life specialist and our family, they went and played and Ali and I stayed in the room. We talked to Cate, kissed her, and then around 12:20pm they began taking all the tubes out so Ali could hold her. The last thing they did was to turn off the Ecmo machine and the Ventilator, she never took a single breath on her own, because as God had told us, she was already gone, which was such a comforting feeling. They wrapped her in her blanket and gave her to Ali. We just sat, quiet, no beeping, no hum of the Ecmo, no ventilator, just quiet. We cried and we talked, but we knew she wasn't there anymore, that kid was already causing a ruckus in heaven. After a long while, we laid her on the bed in her yellow blanket, and we went down to get our other two kids and we left the hospital to get some lunch at McDonald's, cause he let us stay in his house for almost two weeks, gotta support the team right? We took the kids to the Zoo that afternoon, we just wanted to spend time with them. You know, we always have enjoyed our children, we make it a priority of our family, but with Cate's passing, there is even a more renewed sense of the day to day. To literally slow down, to listen when they talk, to play paper dolls, and to shoot spider man webs all over the room. And so that is what we did, we enjoyed the beautiful gift that God has given to us, what we call our family.

When Ali and I reflect on Cate’s life, we agree that it was an AWESOME seven months, Ali and I do not regret one single thing. We treated Cate, just like our other two children, with a LOT of love, a LOT of fun, and a lot of "tough-it-out" kid attitude, and she did. For a child being born with such a serious heart defect, we did not spend much time at ALL in Doctor's offices or hospitals. Cate's progress surpassed our expectation.

I told Ali, that I was not sad for Cate, that she was going home, to the place that we all long for, a place where there is nothing to "need" because we are completely and totally satisfied in our loving God. That she would NEVER have to experience the wages of sin, the shame that often comes with it, or the guilt that so many of us drag around our WHOLE lives. That she would leave this world, HOLY, PURE, and PERFECT, the worst thing Baby Cate probably ever did was poop out of the back of her diaper, and last time I checked that wasn't on the ten commandments. I wasn't in any anyway sad for her, I was sad for us, for Ali and I, who would from this time on have a hole in our hearts that was taken out when little Cate left this earth. I was sad for her brother and sister, who at such a young age would have to experience, sickness, dying, death, and the grieving process, (which is hard enough for most of us, "Grown UPS" and I use that word lightly because I know some of the people reading this blog:).

There are a few things that we have learned through this process that I wanted to share with you all. First, God can use ANYONE to reach out to the world, literally, the WORLD! Our little girl lay on her deathbed, almost lifeless and she still united the world in prayer, Ali and I are so humbled to be her parents, and we proudly stand in her shadow. We have learned that hope is not based on a certain outcome. That hope is what gets us through everything. Just because the prayers of many were not answer in the particular way, that we thought they should be, doesn't mean that WE, all of us, should give up HOPE. My hope is that we will be better people, that we will be better evangelist and allow God to minister through us to get His message out. My Hope is that my wife and I will be a better husband and wife because of Cate, that we will better love each other and continue to honor and support each other. I hope that we are better parents; soaking up lavishly the love, the beauty, and the joy in situations that God continues to reveal Himself in through our kids. WE, my family and I, are HOPE FILLED! We are not letting up on our faith in God, in our prayer, or in our hope, because if we do Cate's life was in vain! And I can't let that happen, and I ask all of you who have come back into relationship with God or allowed God to renew your relationship, to not let this shake you, this is life! God DID NOT GIVE CATE THIS HEART CONDITION, He DID NOT GIVE CATE TO ALI AND I BECAUSE WE ARE RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE, nor did He give us Cate because HE THOUGHT WE COULD HANDLE IT. This world is imperfect, it has been since the fall of mankind and we are still living with the consequences. The consequence of sin is death, everyone dies, all at different times. What matters is what we make of this life. God can allow good to come from any situation. Look at Cate, a little seven month old girl laying on a bed DYING, and people are RUNNING back to their faith, is that not Good being made of a very difficult situation. Ali and I are honored that we got to be a part of that Good, we are proud that we got to watch the mighty works of God through our daughter, so if you give up, then Cate's journey was in vain, don't give up because WE, her family, are not, we are HOPE FILLED and plan on remaining that way for a very long time.

If you would have told me two weeks ago that there would be over 50,000 hits on Baby Cate's Blog in less than 4 days I would have laughed so hard, but God did a mighty work, Wow, praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! This Blog isn't ending, the Cantrell's plan on continuing to share their Journey, through the grief and the laughter, through our trials and victories, as we continue to press into the heart of God with all of you… if you want to stay tuned it will be quite a ride.

We will continue celebrating Catherine "Baby Cate" Francis Cantrell's life in the next couple of days, Friday, June 27th, will be the Wake from 10:00am to 10:00pm at Martin & Castille Funeral Home on St. Landry St. in Lafayette, LA and the Funeral Mass will be on Saturday June 28th at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, La, we would love for you to come celebrate Baby Cate with us.

We love you all so much and thank you for journeying with us, and running this marathon. The race is over, and Cate was victorious. We all win that way. We do ask that you remain, Hope Filled, with us as we stand together, plus many, minus one.

219 comments:

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Anonymous said...


::WAYS YOU CAN HELP THE CANTRELL FAMILY::

Pray. Love. Tithe. Hope. Witness. Continue believing in the Miraculous life of Cate Cantrell.
Be a part of something big!

IF YOU BANK AT CHASE::
Fill out a deposit slip with the following info and it will be deposited on the spot. Or you can do it online at www.chase.com
Account Name:: Catherine Cantrell
Account #:: 2910552567
(It may be necessary to indicate the account was started in TX when donating online)

IF YOU DO NOT BANK AT CHASE::
Go to ANY bank and have funds wired to the chase account using the following info.
Bank:: Chase Bank
Account Name:: Catherine Cantrell
Bank Routing Number:: 111000614
Account Number:: 2910552567

Questions? 1-888-MYCHASE (or contact us-info below)

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ACROSS THE NATION AND AROUND THE GLOBE:: United in hope and prayer for Baby Cate and the Cantrell Family.

EVIDENCE OF GOD’S GLOBAL LOVE!!!

AL:: Wright Family - Lexington, AL
And OL of the Angels Monastery (Poor Claires)
AK:: LeBoeuf Family – Ankorage, AL
AZ:: LIFE TEEN family - Phoenix, AZ
AR:: Ferguson Family - Little Rock, AR
CA:: Davidson Family - San Diego, CA
CO:: Clark Family - Denver, CO
CT:: Hilton Family- Hampton, CO
DE:: Babin Family – Wilmington, DE
FL:: Daughters of St. Paul - Miami, FL
and Szarkowski Family - West Palm Beach, FL
GA:: LTCovecrest - Tiger, GA/Euch Congress
HI:: Owen Family - Honolulu, HI
ID:: Malaise Family – Meridian, ID
IL:: Conley Family - Chicago, IL
IN:: Kocheiser-Schuler Family - Pendleton, IN
IA:: Dolch Family – Villisca, IA
KS:: Downes Family – Wichitaw, KS
KY:: Madison/Lewellen Family - Bowling Green, KY (Living HOPE Baptist Church)
LA:: umm pretty much everyone
ME: Roma Family - Sarbarough, ME
MD:: Romero Family - Baltimore, MD
MA:: Daughters of St. Paul - Boston, MA
and Green Family - Boston, MA
MI:: Gallagher Family - Ann Arbor, MI
MN:: Sampson Family - Willmar, MN
MS:: Hightower Family - Gulfport, MS
MO:: McCullough Family - St. Louis, MO
MT:: Williams Family – Libby, MT
NE:: Intercessors of the Lamb- Omaha, NE
NV:: Ermel Family - Las Vegas, NV
NH:: Sweet Family- Claremont, NH
NJ:: Mitchel Family - Englewood, NJ
NM:: Butts Family – Glorietta, NM
NY:: Thompson Family - New York, NY
NC:: Curran Family - Raleigh, NC
ND:: Young Disciples - Fargo, ND
OH:: Franciscan University - Steubenville, OH
OK:: Slappe Family – Edmond, OK
OR:: Houseman Family - OR
PA:: Theology of the Body Institute - Exton, PA
& Lesnefsky Family - Pittsburgh, PA
RI:: McKellen Family -Cranston, RI
SC:: Julie Family - Rock Hill, SC
SD:: Tollefson Family -SD
TN:: Gallagher Family - Nashville, TN
TX:: Hickman Family - Houston, TX
Burroff & Carnes Family – League City, TX
UT:: Vandenbos Family – Logan, UT
VT:: Missionary Image of OL Guadalupe, Inc – St. Albans, VT
VA:: Beeman Family - Williamsburg, VA
WA:: Larpenteur Family – Mill Creek, WA
WV:: Judy Family, Moorefield, WV
WI:: Duff Family - Oshkosh, WI
WY:: Holy Spirit Prayer Circle – Cody, WY
******INTERNATIONAL*******
AFGANISTAN (Kabul)– Robol Family
AFRICA (Ghana) - USMC 4th Med Batallion and their partner unit in Ghana
ARABIA – Gray Family
ANTARCTICA – Varetto Family
ARGENTINA – (La Plata) Sanchez Family
ARUBA – (Oranjestad) - Penn Family
AUSTRALIA (Wollongong) - Panell, Gleeson, Abbey Families
AUSTRALIA (Sydney) - Cardinal George Pell & Clark & Simons Family
AUSTRALIA (Brisbane) - George Family & OFM CAP Community
AUSTRALIA (Perth) - Mullan and Karenewicz Family
AUSTRALIA (Melbourne) Grcic Family
AUSTRALIA (Armidale) - Farrell Family
AUSTRALIA (Sanhurst) - O’Brien Family
AUSTRALIA (Paramatta) - Chioatto and Evans Families
AUSTRALIA (Canber and Golubum) -Falk Family and Parishoners
AUSTRALIA (Sale) - Cooper Family
AUSTRALIA (Cairns) - Smith Family
AUSTRIA (Salzburg) - Vankowitz Family
BRAZIL (Petropolis) - deSilva Family
BRAZIL (Apucarana) - Nascimento Family
CANADA (Abbotsford) - Khym Family
CANADA (Ontario) - Stewart Family
CANADA (Ottowa) NET Canada Staff
CANADA (Alberta) Sanesh Family)
CANADA (Calgary) Marr Family
CHILE (Santiago) - Oconnor & Poblete Family
CHINA (Nanjing) - Muller Family
CHINA (Bejing) - Walsh Family
COSTA RICA - Jimenez Family
CZECH REPUBLIC (Praga) - Wolodkiewicz Family
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Duran Family
ENGLAND (Westminster) - Davies Family
ETHIOPIA (Harer) - Milisko Family
FIJI (Figi Islands) - Chen Family
FRANCE (Paris) - Gaye Family
GERMANY – Devilne Family
GERMANY (Berlin) - Bennet Family
GERMANY (Schwaebisch Hall) Zimmerman Family
GERMANY (Regensburg) - RATZINGER FAMILY!!!!!!!
HAITI (Nord)- Vicentie Family
HONDURAS (Tegucigalpa) - Gabriella R Family
HUNGARY (Buddapest) - Gabor Family
INDIA - Coelho Family
INDONESIA (Jakarta) - Tok Family
IRELAND (Donnegal) Gallagher Family
IRELAND (Derrybeg) - Fradd Family
IRELAND (Gweedore) - Fr Mike Sweeney Family
IRELAND (Letterkenny) Trainor Family
IRELAND (Balleybofy) - Foy Family
ISRAEL (Jerusalem) Yajesh Family
ITALY (Muganano del Cardinale) - Sanctuary of St. Philomena
ITALY (Treviso) - Berto Family
JAPAN (Kyoto) Chen-Ho Family
KUWAIT (Roman)– Pires Family
MEXICO (Mexico City) - Duran Family
NEW ZELAND (Auckland) - Marr Family
NORWAY – The Grinde and Rowald Family
PAKISTAN (Faisalabad) - Shahzad Family
PERU (Iquitos) - Castelu Family
PHILIPINES (Cebu) - Sanchez Family
PHILIPINES (Manila) - Ho and Matharam Families
PHILIPINES (Calapan) - Flores Family
QUATAR (Doha) - Wilmot and Fernandes Families and parishioners of OL of the Rosary
POLAND (Cracow) - Pollak Family and OLL Rosary Group (baby "kasia")
POLAND ( Donimirski) - Wolodkiewicz Family
POLAND (Warsaw) - Wullen Family
ROME - Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows
RUSSIA (St. Petersburg) - Anderson Family
SCOTTLAND – McGarrity Family
SINGAPORE – Goh Family, Cayadi Family, Tan Family
SLOVAKIA (Kosice) - Balcikova Family
SOUTH AFRICA (Kaapstad) - Sauzier Family
SPAIN (Madrid) -Palocios Family
TAIWAN – Chen Family
UZBECKISTAN (Tashkent) - Yakov Family
ZAMBIA – Zinhara Community

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CONTACT INFO::
Questions, Comments, Giving Info, and Specific Inquiries:: maureen@adoreworship.com (504.813.9517)
Prayer Chain info and general inquiries:: team_cate@yahoo.com
Copy of Vatican letters to: cateandb16@yahoo.com



Just want to say a big thanks to all those that have joined in on this prayer chain. As you can see word spread quickly! Over 50 different countries have joined in prayer for Baby Cate and the Cantrell Family! EVERY CONTINENT was represented! Even Antarctica! Cate Story has reached far away lands and has touched lives in countries that I cannot even pronounce! Please know, Ali and Charlie, that our prayers don’t stop, they just change... Instead of us praying for Cate, we ask her to join us in our intercession for you and your wonderful family. We all love you so dearly. May her legacy live on forever.

Anonymous said...

amazing!

ennie said...

thank you baby cate.
thank you.

Anonymous said...

I sit here with tear filled eyes. I am completely humbled abnd honored and saddened all at the same time. I will miss baby Cate but will remember her always. My wife and I are honored to be her godparents. Not many godparents can claim with a certainty that they were the godparents of a saint.

Baby Cate thank you for being a part of our lives, please pray for us. We'll see ya in a minute!

Parrain and Nanny

Anonymous said...

Charlie, I can't believe you had to write this and send this as the clock strikes midnight and it's your birthday. I can't even see through my tears right now. My heart is not broken. it's shattered.

Anonymous said...

We love you!!!!!!!
The Blythe Family

Anonymous said...

I am at a loss for words...How is it that you are comforting me...a soul that has only been following your precious daughter's life for one week now...are comforting me?!? I am at a loss for words...I want so much to do or say something to console all of you...Cate's legacy has and will live in you and your perfect little family as God himself willed it to be. Thank you...just..."THANK YOU"...for opening, sharing, and inspiring everyone who knows your story! I love you all and look forward to the day our paths cross some day...The Buxton Family

Anonymous said...

I have been checking the blog so often that I almost felt bad about running the counter up when it was just me checking again! But I was anxious to hear your blog! I haven't been able to get you out of my mind and heart all day! The amazing thing is how facebook reaches soooo many and how many people know about Baby Cate. I called into work today to say I may not make it (babysitting issues) and my boss said, "Oh, because of baby Cate, I heard, I'm sorry." I was kinda shocked! But she said she was praying for you all as well... and I just was amazed again at how Cate reached SO SO many!! Anyway thank you thank you again Charlie, Ali, Dude and Ella for sharing your journey! I will contine to pray for you and your family as I know this journey is long! But I am hope filled and last night I opened my heart in prayer in a way that I haven't in years! God is healing hearts through Baby Cate! Thanks! Hope to be in touch soon! And Happy Birthday Charlie, I can't imagaine how hard this week will be! But I know you have a lot of LOVE coming your way!!

Teresa Clark

Anonymous said...

Dear Cantrell Family,
I just finished reading the blog after wearing out just about the biggest box of xleenex you can imagine and then i clicked on here and read all of the countries around the world that have been praying for a miracle and then i really lost it... countries that we have been at war with, countries that suffer from poverty, hunger, and aids. I am at a complete loss for words. How did you spread the word around the globe in only 7 months? This is truly a miracle...

I have never met Cate or you... I found out about your blog from a friend of a friend... You don't know me and we may never meet, but I can't help but think how Cate must be smiling so much and looking down on all those people that prayed for her and are praying for you guys.

Thank you.
Sarah T
Trenton, NJ

Anonymous said...

Consider me "hope filled"....Thank you, Charlie. Thank you, Ally. And thank you, Baby Cate.

Claire Zaunbrecher

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali-
It has been a total gift to be on the journey with you. I cannot tell you how blessed I have been to be a part of it and to rally around Cate's life. We stay standing and continue the rally even in her passing...

On another little note. Several people have written in and commented on how often they read your blogs and a few have even admitted feeling a little guilty at the number of times they've hit the refresh button. I'm not sure weather you have 50,000 people reading or about 10 REALLY COMMITTED DIE HARD friends but either way I know God will continue to place people in your life that love you and will walk the walk with you.

Thanks for letting us into your world. Looking forward to hearing more on life and legacy in future blogs, (trips to coffee zone and delirious retreats) :) Love you.

~*maureen

Anonymous said...

Your heart of hope has touched so many lives..

Claire said...

I sit here surrounded by tear and snot-filled tissues...but I have to say that they are not all tears and snot of sadness...some of them are, yes, because I am human and I'm selfish and I'm going to miss seeing Baby Cate's happy little face when I come to babysit, and that's just the way it is...but there are also lots of joyful, proud, hope-filled and faith-filled tears...and snot.
Almost everywhere I go, someone else has heard of Cate and her miraculous story. I went to mass on campus and someone prayed out loud for the Cantrell family, I babysat tonight and the little boy's mom works with someone who went to school with Ali and had been keeping up with the blog...the list goes on and on. You guys really are famous!
I talked on the phone with a friend tonight that I hadn't talked to in a few weeks, and I filled her in on Baby Cate and her story. I told her of the thousands and thousands of people who had come together from every corner of the earth to pray for and support Baby Cate and the entire Cantrell family. I spoke of the blog, the facebook groups, the e-mails, etc. and her response was "Wow, that just shows that it really is amazing what technology can do these days..."
But it has nothing to do with technology, absolutely nothing. It was God, it was Baby Cate, it was the faith and hope of her parents, that brought all of these people together, it was a lot of wonderful things but it certainly was not a computer, I know that for sure.
I love yall so much and I thank you for being so real and so unafraid to share your journey with, literally, the whole world.
God Bless Baby Cate!
Claire

Anonymous said...

Thank you to the Cantrell family. We have all been touched by such a precious angel. It has taught us many things. As Ali commented earlier this week--to even appreciate those 3am feedings when you can hardly walk to the kitchen!
The list of people in the world praying for Cate is simply amazing. Again, thank you both so much for allowing us to share with you. We will continue to pray and appreciate the little things that we often take for granted.
Lots of hugs--Monique

SavorTheSong said...

Ali and Charlie,

Your unfailing faith in our Creator has moved me to the point of tears.

Cate is a testament to God's Goodness.

Thank you for allowing us to walk this journey with you.

I will be changed forever, for better.

AMDG,
Ana Black

sumi said...

Many, many hugs from my heart to yours. I am rejoicing with you in a God that is so big and merciful, that he can carry us through the darkest of times and give us his hope.

I am a grieving mom too, and although I cannot presume to understand your situation exactly, I can say that I have a very good idea of what you must be going through right now. ((((HUGS))))

Much love, and many prayers to you all...
Sumi

www.sumijoti.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

"I'm finding myself, at a loss for words. And the funny thing is, its ok."
Theres nothing else I can say cuz that sums it up.
SMILE!

♥♥♥

Anonymous said...

I am in awe after reading the latest blog. Your family is an inspiration of the type of faith we should all strive for...like Our Lady you choose to comfort others and rejoice in the life of your blessed angel rather than dwell in sorrow. I am sad for your loss of Cate but at the same time happy for Heaven's gain.
My prayers are with your family.
Christie N.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Baby Cate for your life. Thank you God for letting me get to know her and her family.

Anonymous said...

Cantreel Family,
Thank you for letting the world be apart of your lives and the life of Baby Cate. Since I have started reading your blog, your familys faith and courage have brought me back to praying and beliveing again. Thank you Baby Cate, for inspiring me to pray again. Your life has brought hope to so many. I will only be happy in knowing that you are looking down on us from Heaven.
-tracey

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

So often in times of pain, our focus is only on our feelings and it makes seeing the big picture so difficult. In our humanness we wonder "why" and "how", even though we know through faith that God has a purpose for all of us and that one day it will all make sense. But your faith has allowed you a glimpse at God's purpose in all of this. What a wonderful gift!
We will continue to lift you up in prayer. And we will continue to HOPE with you!!!

Thank you for sharing Baby Cate's journey with the world!

Love,
Brandy Carriere Colley and family
MISSBEHAVIN1006@aol.com

NET Ireland said...

Amen Charlie, Amen!! Ali and Charlie, I love y'all so so much, Thank you so much for your faith, I am so inspired and touch by God. What a gift He has given y'all. I know Cate is looking down and smiling!! Thank you Saint Baby Cate!!

Anonymous said...

Continue to pray for you guys. Charlie, I hope and pray for a peaceful birthday for you today. Ali, we love you!
april, malyse, conner and david

Anonymous said...

So Sorry - God Bless you all many prayers from Donegal Ireland

Anonymous said...

God loans us His children for a little while. Some are called to return earlier than others. You have done a beautiful job of taking care of the children you were loaned.

Jake has alwasys reminded us that God didn't give him his bone tumors. The world in all of its sinfulness has created disease and disorders. God allows you to see the good through each journey. Jake has professed this and found his good through research. Baby Cate's has reached out across the world and then some! What a beautiful legacy she has left for us!
Love you guys,
Mimi

Darcy said...

Thank you Cate and Thank you Charlie and Ali for letting us take this journey with you! We love you and will continue to remain Hope Filled as we enjoy every moment with our own children. Charlie, happy Birthday! Your beautiful saint in heaven is smiling down on you right now!

God bless,
DArcy ":0)

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
We continue to pray for your family as you go through this unimaginable time. Our hearts are broken that the world won't get to see Cate grow. But our broken hearts are filled with the hope that she has brought to so many in her short blessed life. We will continue to follow this blog and pray for you as your family now makes the adjustment to what will have to become the new normal.

We love you!
Chris and Denise Perry
Houston, Texas

All My Praise By Selah
I will follow You through green pastures
And sing hallelujah to Your Name
I will follow You through dark disaster
And sing hallelujah through the pain

And even in the shadow of death
I will praise You
And even in the valley I will say

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise

You are seated on your throne in heaven
And You see all of us down here
And You have promised You will not abandon
So I shall not fear

And even in the shadow of death
I will praise You
And even in the valley I will say

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise

You made every star
And You taught it how to shine
You knew my name before there was time
And all this was just part of Your glorious design
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise

Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise
Holy, My God
You are worthy of all my praise

Anonymous said...

Very touching...
Spe gaudentes, tribulatione patientes, orationi instantes

Morgan Smith

Anonymous said...

Wow. My eyes are full of tears as I read this. I am amazed at the faith and courage with which your family has handled this situation. I have been telling each person that I talk to about this situation that Baby Cate's witness has not ended. She will continue to change lives through this blog and through your witness. Charlie, I have always wanted to spend time with your kids because you make them come to life in your talks that you give...Cate is no exception to this rule. She will be alive in your talks as long as you continue to open your mouth for the Lord, and I will still be here on Earth longing to meet her. I may have to wait a little longer, but we will all hopefully get to hold her one day.

Already, I am coming to know Baby Cate as a saint in heaven. As I remembered to pray through her for you all yesterday, I felt like she must have been a strong willed baby girl. I felt her chastising me and saying, "Don't you dare forget them!" And I said, "Ok, can you please keep reminding me." And she has and will continue.

Thank you for allowing the world to journey with you all through this vulnerable time. My heart is changed because of her, like so many others. May God be with you always, and may your hearts be comforted through the intercession of Baby Cate and Our Mother.

Peace,
ali reed

Anonymous said...

Thank you my friend in Christ
for being the model of what God's grace can do! The light of Christ and His peace radiates from your words! Thank you Baby Cate for bringing so many to Jesus and as in Romans 8:28,..."all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose"... You have helped so many to know what that means!
May the peace and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ continue to cover and bless your family!

Ivy

Mary said...

Dear Cantrells, I came straight to my computer this morning to check your blog (as I did many times since I received the first email about Baby Cate), and sat here with tears streaming down my checks as I read about your last hours with your precious baby girl. Your beautiful faith is an inspiration to all the "extended family" that have adopted Baby Cate via the Internet. Our meager expressions of sympathy can't begin to compare with the love that we're actually feeling for you and your sweet family at this time. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus bless your broken Hearts and mend them with His abundant love and grace. Sincerely, Mary G.

Anonymous said...

Ya'll are such a beautiful family, ya'll are an inspiration and witness to Brent and I! Praise God for you and your family and especially Baby Cate. Baby Cate pray for us.

Brent, Elizabeth, Claire and Mia Coleman

Megan Perkins said...

Ali and Charlie,

Just when I think I've seen the depths of your faith, you move me yet again. Your words are absolutely beautiful ... it's like we can literally see God's grace surrounding you.

How blessed the both of you are to have each other, to have Ella and Dude and to have had the privilege of producing a baby such as Cate. And how blessed all of us are to have had the opportunity to walk this journey with you.

Thank you. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for your faith. Thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable in front of thousands. Your journey has forever changed our hearts. And we will remain with you through this process of grief ... steadfast still in prayer and hope.

Megan, Jason, Hayes, Mary Elizabeth and Samuel Perkins

Maria said...

May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you, Ali, Ella, and Dude, filling you with grace and strength - as He so apparently has throughout the past weeks. Not only has Baby Cate been a miracle to so many, but so have you and Ali. Your faith and hope in Christ Jesus through such suffering is a deeply awe-inspiring testimony to the Truth.

Andrew and Maria Bremberg & Family
Arlington, VA

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Charlie. Your birth is a celebration of hope, instilled in many hearts these faith-filled days.

I offer you the inspiring words of Jeremiah: "Before I formed you in the womab, I knew you. Before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you..." Jer 1:5

May God continue to bless you and your family. Know you are loved.

Blessings on this day! Robin and Easton Hebert

Anonymous said...

Ali & Charlie,

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Thank you for sharing your faith with us. Thank you for sharing your hope and love with us. And most of all, thank you for sharing the life of your beautiful baby Cate with us.

Anne Laughlin

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter and this journey with the world. The blog entries the two of you wrote were inspirational. Your family has touched so many lives and I feel blessed to have been included in the prayer chain.

Carrie Walker
Richmond, TX

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
We wanted to let you know that we have been and continue to pray for you and your family. The holy spirit will get you through this time. We love you with all our HEARTS. John, Michelle, Mckenzie, Jack and Mayah
P.S. Happy Birthday Charlie

Anonymous said...

Ali, Charlie, Ella, & Dude,
What a wonderful family you are. How much you love the Lord is so inspiring..even through the all the trials that have come to your family. You have truly been a blessing in my life. I will NEVER stop praying for you...you are in my thoughts always. Baby Cate, you are so precious and so innocent. You have brought so many people back to God, you have healed marriages, homes, families...you have helped all of us mommies and daddies be better mommies and daddies. Fly Baby Cate..you are free...and through your life you have set us free too. We will always celebrate your sweet little life...always. Much love to you and your family, Stephanie Johnson

Anonymous said...

WOW!! Baby Cate has touch so many people. It is amazing! Thank you for sharing her life with us and thank you for your inspiration. As a parent myself I praise you guys for your courage and faith! My prayers are with your family. Happy Birthday Charlie!

Anonymous said...

We love you guys!

The Dunbars

The Maturin 5 said...

Amazing! Thank you Ali and Charlie again for sharing your little angel with us. She has truly touched my life. God had an amazing plan for that little girl, how proud you two must be. Your strength and courage puts me in awe. We love you and will continue to be here for your family.
Baby Cate, pray for us.
Jesus, thank you and praise you.
I pray for the healing of the Cantrell family and for much needed rest for Ali and Charlie. I praise you Jesus in thanksgiving for the wonderful doctors and nurses that were by Cate's bedside through her struggles. We love you Jesus and trust in you.
Amen.
Stacey Maturin

Anonymous said...

Well all I can really say is thank you so much for sharing everything with me and the rest of the world. I cry for the loss of Baby Cate and for her devoted parents and siblings. Here I am sitting at work with (what seems to be the common thing) tear and snot filled tissues! You guys are wonderful. I will continue to keep up with your blog and ask Claire about any updates. Thank you, thank you! I feel so much closer to God than I ever have before. You will forever be in my prayers!
With Love,
Shannon

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali my heart hurts so much as I write this. Yall are such strong loving people and we feel so lucky to have friends like yall. We will not stop praying for the family. Happy Birthday Charlie. Love yall.

Jenny, Jake, Peyton, and Parker Menard

Anonymous said...

Thsnk you!

Anonymous said...

Will miss out on the funeral arrangements but will be praying hard for family and friends during Steubie on the Bayou!

GOD has blessed.

Dana said...

You are amazing. Your view on what has happened is amazing. Your love of God is amazing. My biggest fear in life is that something will happen to one of my girls and I've always wondered how I would deal with it. Luckily we've only had minor issues here and there, and I thank God every day. I just want to say thank you again for sharing your story and your feelings. My oldest daughter and I have started making pictures together to mail to kiddos dealing with illness. We would like to send your family a picture to brighten your day if that would be okay. If you read this and would like to please e-mail me your address. My e-mail is dltow@hotmail.com. We will say a prayer for your family.

Unknown said...

Dear Ali and Charlie,

I received the news of your baby Cate yesterday from our sweet Wilma. I was so choked up. I am so sorry for your loss. Baby Cate was a blessing to all of us. She has taught us all how to love. I will continue to pray for your family. That beautiful child is in Heaven with your loved ones who have passed, and they are probably all fighting over who is going to hold her. Again, my family and I are so sorry for your loss. You are such a strong family.

Glenda Robichaux and family

Bartas in Texas said...

Charlie and Ali,

Thank you, more than you know, for your amazing example and testament to life and love. It is so evident that you are truly filled with the grace of God, and it is so beautiful to see.

We give great thanks and praise as we continue to take in the beautiful example of how Cate has lead us closer to Christ...what love that little girl has! We are so humbled, and remain hope-filled.

We will continue on this journey with you. God bless your family.

We love you.
Jeremy & Courtney

K.H. said...

Cate Cantrell, pray for us.

Unknown said...

Thank you Charlie. We thank you so much. You reminded us how very precious our little ones are. We will continue to pray for ya'll. And ask for Cate's intersession =) We miss you and hope to see you soon.
-Chris and Angie Vaughan

Anonymous said...

Ali & Charlie,

WOW. Please know that we will continue to stand with you in prayer and in hope! Like so many others, I thank you for sharing this journey and for inviting us to travel this road with you. What an honor! Thanks also for the beautiful example you have set for the rest of us parents... you are truly vessels of God's amazing grace. :)

Baby Cate, pray for us!

Love,
The Cayouettes

alicia mouton said...

My heart is breaking for all of you. I cannot even begin to choose the right words, so I will not try. I am praying for peace for your whole family. You now have a little angle watching over ya'll forever.

I am so happy to hear that the blog will continue. I look forward to it everyday. Charlie, you and your family will continue to help people follow their faith path, stay hope filled, and to find God in every part of everyday. Thank you and God Bless!

Alicia Mouton

Anonymous said...

hi, I never met y'all, but i cried over baby cate. I will continue storming heaven for a long time for your family and i'll ask for the intersession of your daughter.

Thank you for sharing her with us through this blob.
-Angelle

Anonymous said...

Only one tear.
One tear for hope.
Thank you, Cate.

RD

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali...thank you for sharing your emotional, last physical hours with Cate on this blog. You know as I sit here, reading how everyone is in awe of how you and Ali have handled all this...I am as well, but there's a part of me that is "just not surprised". If anyone were to step up to the plate and witness their faith in such a powerful way...if anyone were to set the example of how to be the mother and father God would want us to be....if anyone were to suffer an unimaginable loss and then find it within themselves to allow God to use the loss and themselves to reach others...it would be you and Ali. I'm so heartbroken about your loss but it is tempered with hope - a hope that only God can give...a hope that Cate's short life will be the catalyst for a new life for your family in ways that you can't even imagine at this point and a catalyst of hope for others in a renewal or strengthening of their relationship with God. I'm proud of the example you and Ali have set for all of us as parents. And I know that you don't want it all to be about you and Ali but God did and "is" using you both. So many parents reading your blog probably stopped and thought...."how would I react if I were in their situation?....could I be this type of parent?....what type of parent and Christian am I?....do I spend enough time in prayer?...am I too busy with trivial things and not spending enough TIME with my own children?" God has used you all and, most especially, Cate to touch many and I feel sure, my friend, that He is NOT finished!

Keeping you all in prayer with much love.
Jane W

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
You don't know me, but I have followed your story and I am very sad by your loss. I am also amazed by your undying faith and I'm surprised by the power this little girl had in restoring my weakened faith. When a family member passes it is so hard to see the world go on as usual. It's hard to thing the world can even keep turning without your child on it. I want to assure you that when Cate passed, the world stopped for many of us. When I didn't see a blog on tuesday I knew in my heart that this little fighters fight was finally over. My family and I have been grieving as well. I had a child born without his hand and I am surprised by how much this story of her life has helped me handle this. I am taking from the strength of your family and baby cate. He has a birth defect and so did Cate. With Cate she appeared to be a healthy normal baby but what was unseen was a very weak heart. My son is healthy in every way, but when you look at his hand people assume there are a list of problems with him. It's hard to have people stare and kids that wont stop talking about it. I don't want this to define him, but Cate beat many of her odds and she fought against it. I definate feel a kinship with you and your family and I can't imagine the loss you must feel. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Thank you so much for writing despite your pain.
I will pray for your family.

Christie said...

Hope Filled.
Baby Cate, pray for us.

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

I am so saddened by your loss of
Baby Cate. Your faith has been a true inspiration to so many people. Thank you for sharing Baby Cate's life with us. God bless your family.

The Dupuis Family
Rayne, LA

Anonymous said...

I "stumbled" across your story only a few days ago when I was unable to sleep. I began going back and reading it all, and was so inspired and in awe of your family's faith and love for God. I can not get your family out of my mind, and you will continue to be in my heart and prayers as you continue on this journey. Your words are such an inspiration, and as I sit here crying I know that I found your story for a reason. God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Amazing Grace!

Art and Lori Garrett said...

Thank You, Catherine...It was a pleasure to get to know you these past 13 days. May you dance with Jesus and may you rest in His Loving arms for all of eternity. We Love You!

Anonymous said...

JMJ

Thank you for sharing the life of this beautiful child with us. Our prayers are with you all.

Anonymous said...

Ali and Charlie,
I have been following the blog everyday and am so inspired by how strong you both have been through this marathon. Baby Cate has been in our prayers as well as your whole family. Taylor and I are out of town until Sunday and will not be able to attend the services, but know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers always. May your angel watch over us all.
All My Love,
Aylie

Anonymous said...

Dearest Cantrell family,

We have no words. Only Love and Gratitude and Hope.

Continuing to pray,
The Melancon and Landaiche families

Anonymous said...

I am in awe of your wonderful faith, your undying love, and your hope. Your family truly continues inspire me to live a life of prayer and love. I will continue to hope and to pray for you and your family. I know Cate is rejoicing now with all in heaven, in Christ's arms,looking down on her beloved family, telling God how much she loves them. May the peace of Christ be with you, ali, ella, and dude now and forever. Amen

Nick Noe

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful gift your faith is. God Bless you for sharing this journey -- I'm amazed that you have been able to keep hope alive in your grief -- that you have touched so many lives on this journey -- more than you will ever know -- how many pray and love and never send a message. But you are loved, and we share your grief with you. I just want to give you all a big hug.

Barbara Grogan
Opelousas

Anonymous said...

The Cantrell Family,

I've just finished reading your blog and looking at how many people from all around the world who have read it also and are praying for your family. Thank you for sharing your precious little girl's journey with us. We don't know each other and will probably never meet, but I heard about Baby Cate's blog from a friend and she gave me the website and I'm glad that she did. It has inspired me not to take everyday that I have with my family for granted. To appreciate every moment, for Today is a gift and tomorrow is not promised!
Being a parent myself, I couldn't imagine what I would do if something would ever happen to my child, but by me reading this inspiring blog, I know that whatever may happen in my life, I have my faith to help me get through it! Thank you for helping me see that through prayer, hope and faith, God shall see me through it all!
Even though Baby Cate was only her on Earth for 7 months, she has touched so many lives all around the world. She is such a beautiful, sweet, and innocent child! Earth has lost a saint but Heaven has gained an Angel!
I pray for your family to make it through this, which through your faith in God, you will! I know that baby Cate is looking down from Heaven and smiling because she truely has an amazing and strong family!

Our prayers are with your family!!

God bless you!
The Perry Family
Opelousas, LA

Anonymous said...

Dear Ali and Charlie,
I have tried over the last few days many times to post a comment. Each time, for some reason, the computer kicks me off... I am wondering if it's because my words cannot possibly measure up! Although there are no words to express my sympathy for your physical loss, I also am at a loss as to how to thank you both for sharing your genuine love, faith, and hope throughout this journey. By doing so you brought so many people together, to God for a common, wonderful purpose. Spreading the word on the computer helped but to quote my daughter; '... it has nothing to do with technology, absolutely nothing. It was God, it was Baby Cate, it was the faith and hope of her parents, that brought all of these people together, it was a lot of wonderful things but it certainly was not a computer, I know that for sure.'
I, my family and friends will continue to pray for, and with you.

The Mason Family said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Baby Cate. Please know that even though we never met, Cate and your family have touched my heart and I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Shannon Mason from CA
www.carepages.com
cp:CarlieMichelle

Anonymous said...

God is good all the time! Your sharing of this most trying and intimate time with your family truly leaves the rest of us "hope filled". I am amazed and thankful for your honesty, faith and candor. You are such beautiful witnesses for our Catholic faith.It is a most amazing and miraculous story. Thank-you for sharing your family.

Alicia said...

Charlie & Ali,

Your faith and trust in Our Lord is amazing. You are both a true testimony to the value of accepted suffering. I am so very thankful that you've unselfishly shared your miracle with all of us.

I will continue to say the rosary every morning (something I started for Cate) and through your example open my heart up so that I can hear His voice even when it's not what I want to hear. The example of your acceptance through faith will be with me always.

May God continue to bless your precious family and may He comfort you in the difficult days ahead to remain HOPE FILLED.

Still praying.....

Alicia McDuffie

Peggy Hagen said...

Cate did draw together so many people, but she could never have done so without the tremendous faith and hope and determination to endure this Calvary that you and Ali have shown. Cate, as your daughter, is surely enjoying a very high place in heaven, and holding more for her family.

Anonymous said...

Ali & Charlie:

I admire your faith, strength, courage and devoation and thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey. What a wonderful blessing Cate has been to this world!
Your family will remain in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Love, Danielle Cramer Ronkartz & Family

Anonymous said...

I have been following Baby Cate online and through my niece, Claire Gallagher. Baby Cate and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers over the last couple of weeks and I check your blog for updates several times a day. Please don't quit posting blogs. I can probably speak for everyone when I say that your family has a very special place in everyone's hearts and we will want to know how you all are coping.

As the mother of two boys and another on the way, I just cannot imagine what you are going through. However, I must thank you from the bottom of my heart for this - your incredible courage, strength, faith and positive attitude. I am in my 7th month of my pregnancy and my youngest is almost 12; therefore, I am not as young and the risks are higher with this pregnancy. I have been blessed with two healthy boys and have worried about this pregnancy, prayed that God will give me a healthy baby, and if he didn't, how would I cope. After reading your blogs, my worries are few and I feel at peace with whatever the outcome will be in September. From your wonderful courage, strength and faith, I know that God has a plan for this baby and our family and, no matter what it is, I am ready and feel that I can handle anything. I know that this is all due to Baby Cate and your family. Thank you.

You have touched so many people and, I know for me, you have made a huge impact on my life as I am sure you have so many others. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Again, thank you and thanks to Baby Cate!!

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

As a parent my heart goes out to your family. As a Catholic brother, I can only say how awe inspiring your family is. The two of you are courageous warriors of God. As parents you should be proud to know that baby Cate carried the biggest sword into battle and was victorious. Cate did more for our faith in a short time, than most of us do in a lifetime. God bless the two of you as well as Ella and Dude.

Your brother in Christ,

Tony

Anonymous said...

Oh Charlie and Ali, my heart goes out to you and your family! I could barely read the blog I was crying so hard. Its amazing that God's grace can be so beautiful even through such sadness! Please know that my family is praying for your family. That you may be comforted by God's love during this trying time. (I have already started to ask Cate for some miracles!)

Maria (Garabis) Davis

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss! I am the mother of a five month old baby girl and I don't know if my husband and I would be as strong and positive as you have been. God Bless you and your family through this time!

Anonymous said...

Ali,
I am writing to let you know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your faith is unbelievable. May your husband and two other children give you the strength you need to push forward.
Much Love--AOT
Kelly Barras Broussard

Anonymous said...

Like others have said, Baby Cate did indeed bring so many people together. This blog is the first thing I would check in the morning, I'd check throughout the day, and it is the last thing I would check at night--and I've never even met your family. As I told my friends about Baby Cate, we all prayed. Now we will continue to pray for your family. For Mom and Dad, Ella and Dude. That you all find a "peace that passes all understanding." I pray that in HIM you find your comfort and strength. Your children are blessed to have such wonderful parents.
Much love from Houma, La.

Lila Lambert said...

God has given you the strength to put something so sacred into words...I know truly; it is no longer you who live, but He that lives within...I will be there with you in everyway, but more importantly...He will be with you through it all...Love to all of you, Lila Lambert

Anonymous said...

Ali, Charlie, Ella, Dude, and the entire family, my prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time of sadness. I have been trying to put into words what I feel in the past few days and have not been able to. I have felt anger, but know that this is not what Cate or God would want. Cate is a gift to all of us. Your family is a gift to all of us. I thank you for sharing your journey with me.
I will be one of those people who will continue to follow your blogs and continue to spread the word of your family, Cate, and our Father to all I come in contact with.
I love you all and will pray for peace in the coming days.
God Bless You!!!

kraiford said...

What a little saint Baby Cate is! And my deepest condolences to the Cantrell family. Your hope and faith is inspiring. I will pray for you. All my love and support,
Katie Atkinson

Anonymous said...

Ali & Charlie,
As many people have said before us, thank you for sharing your precious little girl with us....and thank you for showing us your unconditional love for God. It is so easy to be angry & so easy to question faith when things like this happen, but your words today reiterate why we have sat here in awe over the last two weeks at the grace you have displayed throughout this journey & the lessons we have learned from all of you. Thank you so much for helping both of us feel closer to God. Your entire family has been in our prayers & hearts over this last few weeks & we promise to continue to pray for all of you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you in the weeks/months ahead. We are just a phone call away.
Love,
Benji, Jessica, & Mia Guillot

kraiford said...

What a little saint Baby Cate is! And my deepest condolences to the Cantrell family. Your hope and faith is inspiring. I will pray for you. All my love and support,
Katie Atkinson

Kevin - "pax tecum" said...

Baby Cate... please pray for us and ask momma Mary to do the same... we need your help...

Anonymous said...

charlie, ali, ella and dude!
what a miracle! what a joy and an honor to have known cate..to have held her at jeremy and coco's wedding and to have fed her her bottle for a little bit...thank you for the witness of your love and faith!! wish sooo terribly that we could be there to celebrate her life with you..know that we would if we could!! we love you guys so much!!! praise God for cate!!! thank you jesus!!!

Anonymous said...

oh, that was us walthers...ben, maria, hannah, michaela, helena and gemma

Anonymous said...

I too am hope filled. Carry on Christian soldier, as you have and then some.
Lori

Lori, Willie, Anna said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Dearest Charlie and Ali,

All I can say is, "Wow, What a witness!" It continues in the name of Jesus and our family will be right here supporting you in prayer. May Baby Cate's Mass on Saturday be a glorious celebration of her life.

Happy Birthday, Charlie+ We pray God's blessings down upon you+

Most Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us+
St. John the Baptist, Pray for us+
Catherine Francis, pray for us+

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Gina and Deacon Tim Borbas+

Anonymous said...

Cate's life, and especially her journey home to Jesus, has been a beautiful prayer. Many people have walked this earth and lived long lives and never brought such praise and glory to God like she has. It's awesome to know that she rests right now in Heaven with Jesus.

Anonymous said...

May the grace, love, and tenderness of God continue to give you strength and peace in the days to come. I will miss the beautiful little smile on Cate's face when I drop off my son at Cheryl's.
Christ's Peace--
Bobby, Liz, and Joseph Alleman

Anonymous said...

I am amazed once again by God's grace. Have been praying for you all and will continue to do so. May God bless you ... and may Cate sing loudest of all in the heavenly choir for she knows how good the Lord is to her and to all of us.

Lori, Willie, Anna said...

Thank you both for your testimony to so many. Your faith is so inspiring and amazing. Mother and I have cried on the phone in these past few days talking about the Cantrell family. She reminded me that we are not to ask why, only to know that the Lord tells us "why" in His time. And then, only if we need to know "why".

Ali-As a new mother I can't imagine your courage over the past few weeks. I find myself thanking God more and more when I hold my Baby Anna Catherine.

Please know we will continue to pray for all of you. I pray that Ella and Dude will find peace knowing their Baby Sister is now their Angel. Know that Baby Cate is with our Lord and Savior, pain-free and happy.

Happy Birthday Charlie. May God give you peace today and everyday forward.

I love you all.

In Christ's Love,
Lori Thomassee
Lake St Louis, MO

Carol Doutel said...

Dearest Cantrell family,

Courtney called me yesterday to tell me the sad news. My heart goes out to your family. After reading your lastest blog, I am so moved by your words. Little Cate is beaming with our Lord at your love and faithfulness. I know your hearts are breaking and we all totally understand...but your undieing love of our Lord is a witness to all humankind that He has blessed all of you beyond measure....yes...even with loosing precious little Cate. It is beyond most of us how a family can get through such a tragedy but you have so beautifully explained how you can.

Charlie/Ali....you are very special children of God and are trememdous witnesses to His love.
May our Lord continue blessing you in powerful ways.

I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend Cate's funeral. I know Courtney & Jeremy will be there along w/many of your friends and family.

Please know that you will be in my prayers.

Love,

Carol Doutel

Perks said...

You are correct...Cate was victorious. May we all strive for her new home as our ultimate destination.

Blessings of grace and peace to each of you.

Kris said...

Beautiful Cantrell family --

a friend passed your blog on to me so that I could begin praying for your precious Cate. Some very good friends of mine also just lost their baby girl, Caitlyn, in almost the exact same circumstances - heart defect, ECHMO, etc. They, too, are a special family who shared their story and their little girl with the world, inspiring so many people to pray and return to their faith. I am so sorry that Cate was not able to stay with you, but grateful that in your grief, you could see the bigger blessing that Cate could bring to so many people in her short life. How wonderful to know that she touched thousands in her time with you - God chose the right parents for her!! We will continue to pray for your family. The Chatfield family, Atlanta, GA.

Anonymous said...

Ali & Charlie,

We love you guys so much and will continue to pray for your precious family. Thank you so much for sharing sweet Baby cate with us. She is a beautiful blessing.

Love,
Shelley & Jason Pizzitola

Anonymous said...

I SIT HERE WEEPING, NOT OF SADNESS BUT OF SOMETHING DEEPER THAN THAT. OUR FAITH BEING PUT INTO ACTION. YOUR FAMILY AND BABY CATE HAVE BEEN SUCH AN AWESOME WITNESS TO US ALL. THANK YOU FOR THAT. FOR IF OUR LIVES AREN'T BUILT ON FIRM FOUNDATION OF GOD WE WILL CRUMBLE. LOSING A CHILD IS SO HARD AND YES THAT WHOLE IS THERE AND THE EMPTY ARM THAT NO LONGER CRADLES THEM, BUT OUR JOY IS IN MEETING THEM IN HEAVEN ONE DAY WHERE THERE IS NO MORE TEARS AND NO MORE SUFFERING. YOU HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED A WALK WITH CHRIST. AND YOU HAVE SEEN HIM IN THE FACES OF MEN, YOU HAVE SEEN HIS STRONG LOVING HAND, IN THEIR EYES THERE SHINES THE LIGHT OF CHRIST. GOD BE WITH YOU ALL, AND MAY HIS PEACE AND MERCY BE WITH YOU. ALL OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. TAMMY AND RANDY MATURIN, MAURICE, LA.

Anonymous said...

I just had to tell you this morning my son Jonah (5 years old) was praying over his breakfast and prayed for Baby Cates healing, I hadn't told him yet that she had gone to heaven so I sat down and told him that we still needed to pray for Baby Cate's family and for her soul but that she was in heaven now. He got tears in his eyes and then he smiled and said, "you know what mommy? I think Jesus just came down to get her."
Out of the mouths of babes...
I just had to share!

Teresa Clark

kellysuch said...

I didn't want to move yesterday. Stayed on the couch, took care of the baby, didn't eat. Cried throughout the day. Then I thought, how in the world did Charlie and Ali survive each day for so long? I know faith carried you both through each second. I feel not worthy to have each of you as friends, as though I don't measure up, but knowing you both has made me want to strive to be a better person, mother, wife, daughter. Lesley and I spoke this morning and just are in awe. You two are the models of how to be a husband and wife, mother and father. I could just picture y'all at the zoo! We are here for you all now, and years to come. We pray that in the journey ahead, you continue to lean on each other and the Lord our God.
This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Love, Kelly, Bart, Lindsey and Hayes Stewart
Maurice, LA

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful life baby Cate lead-- thank you Jesus for leading her gently Home.

May the peace of Christ be with you all. Prayers continuing to come. Your faith is so beautiful.

In Him,
Liz Forest
Alexandria, VA

Anonymous said...

Baby Cate is such a joy to everyones lives and I know she will continue living through mine, in prayer and in thought. I want you and Ali to know how inspiried I am and blessed to say that I know you. God Bless your family through this time and we all love you and look forward to continuing this journey with "THE CANTRELL FAMILY". Trust in God and he will take you far.

(CALL FOR A SWIM DAY FOR DUDE AND ELLA WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO REST)

I KNOW THAT SOMEONE MADE SHIRTS FOR YA'LL AND SENT THEM TO THE HOSPITAL, BUT I WANTED TO GO GET A "TEAM CATE" SHIRT MADE FOR MYSELF. I HOPE THAT WOULD BE OK. I THINK IT WOULD BE COOL!!!!!!

GOD BLESS
CRYSTAL JUDICE

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, Charlie. How amazing it is that you have a saint of your own flesh praying for you today... Even if that does not relieve any of the temporal grief.

I'm praying for your family.

Unknown said...

Charlie, i don't know if you read these comments. But I want you to know how much you and Ali's journey has touched my life. I've been tuning in lately and praying for you guys. I am so empowered by your deication to this blog and the wonderful messages you and Ali continue to send to all of us. You know, as well as I do, that you and Ali could have chosen to keep this journey in your family - but your strength and faith allowed you to share intimate and precious details with all of us...not to discourage us about Cate's condition, but to strengthen us in our own faith by watching this powerful journey. I applaud you and I love you guys so much. I have never felt so attached to a baby before, and I've never even met her. I can only imagine that she was like Ella, and that is who I picture when I think of Cate - as I am reminded with a warm heart and a large smile of the few times I was privileged to babysit for Ella when you guys still lived in Houston. Again, i love you guys and I wish you well. I'm just sorry that I couldn't be closer to you in this. God bless you and baby Cate, as he takes care of her where she was always meant to be.

Love,
Sara Albrecht

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss, but at the same time I a amazed at the blessing Cate has been in so many lives and the blessing she will continue to be to your family. God is good.

NicoleC said...

Hope filled.
Always.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Thank You Baby Cate, Thank you Charlie and Ali for being honest and sharing Sweet Cate with us. I thank God for calling you to share Cate's story and life with us. Thank you for listening to the call and following it so well. God Bless You, Charlie and Ali. God Bless Ella and Dude. I am truly inspired by your family. Your Cate is truly a Saint. We will continue to thank God for Cate and your example. We will cherish every moment we have with our children. We will give them back to God every day. We will find God in our everyday lives and see him in the ordinary. Ali you gave me an overwhelming desire to read the lion, the witch and the wardrobe to my children.(I would have never thought The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe could have been related to the Gospel. I am going to buy the book today and I know I am not the only one who wants to) I will dedicate the time I spend reading to my children as a prayer for your family, esp. Ella and Dude. Charlie you inspired me to start reading the Maginifcant daily, I at one time considered my self a "good catholic" but I don't think I ever prayed morning and evening prayers in it ever. It has given me encouragement and hope as I searched to see the "big picture" and God plan for us. We love you all and will continue to be with you Thankful and "Hope-filled"

Anonymous said...

Dearest Charlie & Ali,

Where do I begin! I just read your last blog about Baby Cate and I am crying my eyes out. Crying because of your family's loss, but also crying in awe of you and Ali's faith!! I have sent this to everyone I know because every time someone else reads this, it is bringing someone closer to God and all because of beautiful Cate and her amazing parents. I can't begin to tell you how proud I am to have you and Ali as family. I am usually not at a loss for words, but after reading your words, nothing can compare. Cate touched more people in her brief life on this earth than most do in a lifetime. I've never known anyone as special as the two of you. I love you and the kids with all my heart. How proud Pat must be.
I am praying for all of you. Please give Ali and the kids a big hug for us. Happy Birthday Charlie.

Much love & God Bless,
Cathy & Bill
Red & Frances

Cinco Owens said...

“I have competed well; I have finished the race, I have kept faith.” 1 Timothy 4:7 This verse made me think of Cate. In seven short months she accomplished more than most do in a lifetime. She may not have understood faith, but through her many were brought to faith and had their faith strengthened. She competed well...God gave her a mission and she accomplished it, she brought souls to Him. Your marathon is not over, but she finished the race into the arms of our Lord at the finish line. You will all be forever in my heart, again thank you for sharing your daughter with the world. God Keep you tight to His armor of love especially during these days to follow. JESUS I TRUST IN YOU! YSIC, Melanie

Anonymous said...

God works all things for the good for those who love Him.

You really live out AMDG like no other in your suffering of love. Thank you all for your witness to hope and thank you, Baby Cate, for bringing us back home.

-gomer

MeghanM said...

I literally just found this blog searching for something else and am now sitting here in tears, my heart aching for you and your family. Your strength and outlook is amazing and I have learned so much from you by reading this one post. Isn't it amazing what Cate has done? She is SO significant and magnificant. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I understand from a family member who is in the medical field that if your med. bills exceed your yearly income than you qualify for the med. card and it would go retroactive and cover cate. I know that you will need every dime in the fund to help cover other expenses like loss of income and hotels. Just wanted to make sure that you two knew there was another thing to help financially.

Thanks for sharing this intemate ordeal with us. Cate became very special, even to those of us who didn't really know her.

Anonymous said...

Hello Charlie and Ali, although we live less than an hour from each other in Louisiana, we met in CVICU at TCH! I am in awe at your dedication and spirit as a family. You will be in my heart forever. I felt the spirit of you and baby cate every second throughout TCH. I will also continue to follow your blog, as you know it is amazing. We are praying for you here in Eunice, LA.

Tony, Shelly, Laken, and Tanner Francois

Anonymous said...

Hello there!
No doubt HOPE is here in BIG ways! Thinking about you guys lots. Ella and Dude hello to you two! Have fun picking out stickers!:) (your still going to do that right?) People are sad around here too.. she touched the world at TCH just as much as everyone else out there.
Ali- I was in the refrigerator in the waiting room and saw your French Vanilla creamer with ALI written on it... humm... I thought to myself.. that would sure be tasty and with a big smile got a great coffee break thinking of you! Thanks for that.. I needed a break! Thought you might get a smile or laugh out of that.. :)
I am here if you guys need anything with the kiddos! Just a phone call away. :)
Peace,
~ Tricia

Anonymous said...

our thoughts & prayers are with you guys. i too have been changed & humbled by Cate, in more ways than one.
with love, lila & chad ermel

Anonymous said...

I am praying for your family. although Cate is in heaven, she lived a wonderful life while on earth. She has completed God's work on earth, and will now continue in heaven.

god bless you little one.

we know you're looking down on us.

also, people like myself from chatham ontario, canada are praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
wanted to share this with you. When we hard the news that baby cate went HOME to heaven, hannah cried and then said, "but we prayed!! " then this sweet 6 year old went on to say "I guess he has a plan, huh mom?!" out of the mouths of babes..then at dinner after we prayed, she then added "oh, and God bless baby cate and help her to have SO MUCH FUN in Heaven!" AMEN!!!!!

maria walther

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. It is simply amazing the number of lives you all and Cate have touched in the past week. We will continue to pray for you and your entire family. I am still in awe at the amazing faith you all have shared with the world. We'll see you Sat as we celebrate Cate's life together. We love you guys!!
Love, Kyle, Marin and Kaylin

Kayla Gaspard said...

Charlie, Ali, Ella, & Dude -
We have never met, but I feel like I know you more intimately than I know some of my own family members. I am not a mother yet, but I have two nephews who have me wrapped around their tiny little fingers. I can't even begin to imagine how I would live my life if they were taken away from me, so I know that your pain must be so much greater. Through this pain, though, you are all rejoicing at the sure knowledge that your precious Cate is with Jesus! What an incredible blessing , honor, and gift from God to have a child leave this earth perfect, holy, and in dazzling purity! Your willingness to be so open, honest, and raw with your story has strengthened my faith and allowed me to understand the workings of our God in a much better way. I can only pray that when I become a mother that along with my husband, we can be as amazing as parents as you two are and raise children to be such awesome disciples of our Lord! I will continue to stay with you in prayer and will follow your journey learning a new normal. Also, know that I feel so close to Cate that she has become a Saint that I will ask for intercession from often. I know that she will be a powerful intercessor for you and for all of us! May God continue to bless you in this life and the next!
Your sister in Jesus & Mary,
Kayla Gaspard

Tula said...

Precious Cantrell Family...

Your family's testimony has inspired many to draw closer to our God. I thank you for the WITNESS you have been to the world. I am genuinely honored to be a part of your spiritual family. I will remain Hope Filled with you and follow your family's progress.

Ali...i love you!
Charlie...happy birthday!
Baby Cate...pray for us!
Ella & Dude...sending you hugs & kisses!

May God's Grace be with you in the days to come.

In Him,
Tula Karras

Anonymous said...

I have a daughter not much older than Cate and I was brought to tears, many tears, as I read your blog. Your courage and faith have moved me and so many others. Thank you for inspiring so many people and helping us to realize that God's will, no matter how painful, brings us closer to Him and our loved ones.

volpecircus said...

I read your entry this morning and cried...and cried some more. Some were definitely tears of sorrow but mostly, they were tears of joy. Tears of joy for your strength, for your faith, for your hope, but most importantly for a God who has been through all of this suffering before us and He will stand with us through it all. You took your kids to McDonalds and the zoo on the way home from the hospital! Praise God! You two are such an awesome example of parenthood. Thank you for your example, your witness and especially for allowing us to celebrate Cate's life with you.

Anonymous said...

You will be in my prayers and thoughts for now on. This is a sad time, but yet a happy time for you to "celebrate" in the love you have for each other and for Baby Cate. It's just a story to know that God will take care of you. God Bless you and your family

GA

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali,

Words can't even begin to express the way I feel right now. I have just finished reading the blog and OMG the strength you two people have is amazing. I sit and try to put myself in your position and as much as I love God and no that things happen which are beyond our control, I do not feel that I could be that amazing. I feel that my emotions would be all over and would have a hard time dealing. I commend you two for all the strength and courage that you two have in God and hope and pray that one day I will be able to experience that same love for God that you two have. Baby Cate has brought me closer to God than I have been in a long long time. I will continue to read the blog and I THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCHHHHH for sharing this with us and continuing to do so. Please continue to keep the love that you have for God in your hearts and always know that he is always with you. Oh and Charlie, Happy Birthday Sorry its late. You know Charlie that you mean alot to the people of Rayne for the role that you played in bringing our children closer to God. You and Ali will always be special to us. Love you guys. Janet Bertrand

If you'll ever want to contact us please do so by email rnjbert@bellsouth.net

Anonymous said...

Dear Ali and FAmily,
Thank you for sharing Baby Cate's life with us.It is amazing how many lives she has touched.We are HOPE filled and continue to pray for your family. Your journey has reminded us to treasure the little things in life-- our kids smiles,sweet kisses and tiny tears. SWEET BABY CATE reminds us of the wonderful miracles from GOD!! Ali you such a wonderful, sweet and caring mother, teacher and person. Angel Cate and all her friends in heaven will help you get through this hard journey. We will keep your family in our prayers and remember what a wonderful impact a little 7 month ANGEL can have on the WORLD!!! YOU WERE TRULY BLESSED!!! Prayers and love from The Gautreauxs Judd, Jami, Madeline and Nicholas The Babineauxs and Boudreauxs

Anonymous said...

God Bless You...

The Rogers Family
Saint Louis, MO

Kayla Gaspard said...

Sorry to post twice, but I was just going about my business, when God put this quote on my heart, and how perfect it is:

"When you are who you are called you be, you will set the world ablaze." -St. Catherine of Siena

How perfect that is comes from one of baby Cate's patron Saints (that she is now playing with in Heaven) and how true it is of her life. Baby Cate most definitely set the WORLD ablaze with the fire of Jesus Christ!

Anonymous said...

I read Baby Cate's obituary in the paper this morning. I do not know the family but they are in my prayers. I go online after that and found the blog. I cried when I read what her father wrote describing her last few days. I totally agree with him, you have to celebrate life because no one knows how long we have. God bless all of you.
Bonnie, Washington Louisiana

Anonymous said...

My name is Evie Gremillion Robison and I am the President of It's My Heart, Louisiana Chapter and I wanted you to know that I have been praying for Cate and your entire family for a while now. I lost my son Jack a year ago to a CHD myself and I want you to know that if there is ANYTHING that I can do for your family, I am only a phone call away. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
My email is: Evie.robison@itsmyheart.org
Please, I want to help.

Hugs,
Evie

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali~
We wish we could be there to pray and celebrate the life of Baby Cate during the upcoming days, but instead we'll be here in AZ thinking of you. We also ate McDonald's for lunch today - in your honor...
Much love and many blessings.
Jennifer and Wade Swanson

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali

Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your beloved Cate. Please know that Baby Cate has touched many lives, including my mine, and has renewed our faith in God. Charlie, when we were in the Queen of Angels Youth Group together you had a strong faith then and that strong faith has allowed you to become the great husband and father you are today. As a mother of a 3 year old son, Hunter Jude, and a 2 month old daughter, Emma Kaitlyn, your strength and courage in this journey is absolutely inspiring and I thank God every day when I hold my two precious children. Your faith, courage, and strength is this difficult time is truly amazing. Thank you both for allowing us to be a part of Cate’s journey. We will never forget her remarkable journey and the many lives she has touched.

“I noticed how beautiful the sky was today, then realized it was because you are up there.”

Love to you all

Ashly Hargroder Allemond and Family

Anonymous said...

The words you have written are so true. It's been over 2 years since Noah went to Heaven and I can't believe that it's been that long. I rejoice the time here on earth with my other children but cannot wait for the reunion with him. I know Noah & Cate have met and I'm sure he's showing her around. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for your family. You are welcome to call me too. At TCH you should have received a Legacy Box but I'm not sure you did. If you didn't please email or call me, I want to make sure you get the literature that's inside the box. It has funeral and service ideas, and there are a few I still treasure today, and for the rest of my human years.

God bless & lots of prayers & hugs are being sent your way.

With a broken heart,
Corrie
corrie.stassen@itsmyheart.org
281.578.7343
713.584.5250

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Charlie. Love you, Marsha, Brent, Addie & Hunter

Anonymous said...

My name is Courtney Johnson and I am Darla Hickman's goddaughter. Two and a half years ago we lost our beloved Grant after 13 days on ECMO. He was six months old and was born with a congenital heart defect. I have been where you are and am back there as I write this.

When I sat down to write this letter my intension was one of encouragement and hope. I wanted to say to you hang in there, Cate is okay, you may not be but, Cate is! She is in a beautiful place, she is no longer sufferring, do not be sad for her. From reading your last blog it fills my heart with joy to see you are already there. What a relief it is to know your child is no longer laying there near death day after day, she is okay now. That was something I could not handle, my pain and the hole in my heart is something I can learn to manage. People never understood how we were so put together at the funeral and wake. What I couldn't possibly explain is the hell we had already been through. Knowing and honestly believing that he was in such a loving, beautiful place brought me such comfort in such a time of sorrow.

You could have taken the thoughts feeling and emotions right out of our hearts and minds with what you wrote, it's how we truley felt and feel now when it comes to the loss of our first born.

I don't believe the saying "You never get over the loss of a child" I simply don't believe that's true. That statement suggests that I will never be okay; and says that there is no hope. Well, I'm here to tell you hang onto your hope and faith. You WILL be okay one day. You WILL be able to look back, think back and remember Cate with sheer joy and pride but, joy and pride that is present without the stabbing pain in the middle of your chest. You will be able to smile without tears when thinking of her one day and you will have to explain to countless strangers and new friends how incredible your child was and that no she's not on this earth anymore but, boy if you only knew her, and you will always be filled with a sense of pride. I know I sometimes make other people uncomfortable when I speak so openly about my son but, more times than not, he still makes a difference in other people's lives through us but, ultimatley through our faith in God.

Hang in there, you will feel utter joy again. I'm not saying the journey is easy or the same for anyone but, it's your journey to live, each of you will go through it differently but, hang onto each other and to God and fear not; she's got a very handsome friend named Grant to show her the ropes.

I pray for strength for you all.
Love,
Chris and Courtney Johnson
Minneapolis, MN
p.s. if you need anything please feel free to contact me. Darla has my email and my info.

Anonymous said...

The Blanchard family is here HOPE FILLED and remain here for you and your family till the end. I am so grateful to be able to witness the beautiful journey of Cate's life.

In Christ,
Marguerite, John, and Luke

Anonymous said...

The Cantrell Family,
The only thing I know for sure, is that I do not have the right words to say. After reading all of these blogs, and the number of parents who have lost their children, I am astounded by the strength and faith I am reading. I know that I could never be as strong and faithful as you all, however, I now have something to strive for. I realize that I need faith and God in my life, and that is because of the writings you all have posted. I'm guessing when beginning this blog, your intent was to share your's and Cate's journey with close family and friends, however, this journey, is bringing me to God, an unknown place for me. For that, I am at a loss as how to show how much I am grateful, yet so very sorry for your loss. Cate's life has brought many people to God, people like me, that have no idea what faith is even about, yet are so excited and nervous to find out. I admire you and your faith. I hope to share in this faith one day. I can't imagine what you are feeling, but the Cantrell family and friends have touched me like no other. Cate's journey and life was absolutely not in vein, she has led the path for many people, including ones like me. For the rest of my life, I will pray for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Hi Charlie and Family. This is Emily Bettevy. My brother in Iraq got a message last week about Cate from someone neither of us know - because of who he's friends with on Facebook. I tracked y'all down on google and found your blog last week and read as much as I could on dial-up here in the boonies north of Sunset. I've been praying for you and I now have tears streaming down my face because of this latest blog entry. I never knew you very well, but Ali must be a wonderful lady to have chosen you to marry and your kids must be awesome little soldiers of Christ. I don't know nearly the extent of Baby Cate's reach, but I can only imagine. She's a beautiful little girl and the fact that she made it as long as she did is a testament to the love that you and Ali have for life and for each other - and that's beautiful.

Please know that I'll be praying for the Cantrells and I even plan on asking your little angel to send some special messages to the Big Man in Heaven for me.

Anonymous said...

I sit here, in awe of the strength and love of you, the Cantrell family. All of my prayers are with your family and Baby Cate yesterday, today and everyday from now on. I want to let your family know that you have inspired me through your courage and I pray that everyone who hears your story, will become better people for Baby Cate. I know that I will try my hardest to be better each and everyday, in honor of Cate Cantrell.

God Bless,
Lauren Landry
Lafayette, LA

Anonymous said...

A woman who lost a child once said to me..."There is a piece of me that died with him that day, but as I look into the eyes of my other 9 children, I can see that he lives in them."
Through your sorrow, may you always continue to celebrate the joy of your other children.
You are awesome young parents!
Love, thoughts & prayers,
Deacon Danny, Maddie & Andrew Besse

Anonymous said...

I am sending lots of love and prayers your way, from Portland, Oregon. What an amazing little saint! Please know that she will be forever remembered for the lives she touched and all the good that came because of her. God always has a purpose for everything. I pray that God continue to carry your whole family through this time of loss.

God Bless you all,

Carly Saxe

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You will remain in my every prayer.
Sarah (Pregent) Napier

Mama to much! said...

My prayers are with you. My heart reaches out to you, I especially am quite moved by your acceptance and your appreciation for the time you did have.

My family too, has lost a child to heart ailments, we however were not as fortunate as they didn't diagnose it in utero and when are princess arrived with hypoplasatic left heart her entire life was a battle, 7 hours, before she died.

God bless you, and be kind to your heart.

Terrie Cichos terrie0617@aol.com

douetteacher said...

Happy Birthday Charlie! I read your blog and cried for your loss but rejoiced at the hope you have. Your family has been a true inspiration to me. I prayed daily for Cate. When I read of her passing, I wanted to ask "WHY." After reading your blogs, I realized that we can not ask why, we understand that Baby Cate did her job on this earth just in a very short time. Praise God that he allowed your family to enjoy Cate for the 7 months that he did, he could have taken her earlier. Now we know what her job was....to bring others closer to God. Your family will continue to be blessed through your own little saint.

Still praying,
Melissa W. Douet
Lafayette, LA

Anonymous said...

your strength and your hope are an inspiration to so many people...i only hope that i may face the struggles and difficulties on my own life with your same strength. Thank you.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

My first little one went to be with the Lord soon after he was born.

I've always felt he was sent ahead and would be there when his dad and I (and later his sister and brother came along) entered Heaven, too.

My prayers go with you... peace.

Anonymous said...

A suggestion for Ella and Dude....They make memory bears using Baby Cate's PJ's or other clothes. It would be a special way for them to keep her close to their hearts. There are several places out there but here is one link:
http://www.memorybearsandstuff.com/
thought it may help

Anonymous said...

I admire you and your entire family for not even thinking about questioning you faith during this tough time in your lives. Your daughter was and still is an amazing little girl and the work she has done absolutely amazes me. Although my faith is no where near as strong as y'alls and I tend to want to ask the question why when things like this happen, I will look to Baby Cate when I feel I need strength in my faith because I know she is up there in Heaven watching over you and your family and everyone she brought closer to God. You and your family are an AWESOME example for Christians everywhere and once again I admire y'all. Still Praying for Baby Cate and your family.

Anonymous said...

'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take.... but by the moments that take our breath away'........

Tara said...

I am blessed to be a part of the Cantrell Family's lives. My hope is renewed by the faithfulness of you and Ali and I now have Baby Cate to pray to. I am sorry I wont be able to come to the funeral but please know that I am with you in spirit. My prayers dont end here, I am praying for you through it all. Thank you for allowing us to know Cate and the miracles that have resulted because of her beautiful life. I love you guys- Tara and family

Anonymous said...

O K So, I want to add to Nolan's idea for a book title.
Baby Cate: A Catechism of Love
- the baby who touched the world -
and of course, we LOVE the red rhinestone heart idea!!!!
Wendy Lantz

Anonymous said...

Ali, Charlie, Ella, and Dude,
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you guys at this time. It kind of hits home for me because of precious little Elle; who I am sure welcomed baby Cate with her little arms wide open standing next to Philip as well.
I want you guys to know that I strive to be at least HALF the awesome Catholics that you guys are. The hope,strength,and faith that you guys exhibit are an inspiration to myself and all who have been following Baby Cate's blog!
And as Kristin commented earlier, "As the Lord was holding this Angel before birth, He silently whispered, Too perfect for Earth."

With renewed Hope, Faith, and Love,
Blanche B.

Anonymous said...

You don't know me...I don't know you...I am truly awed by your beautiful words of hope during what I can only imagine MUST be the most difficult thing you've every endured. Your faith is inspiring. My prayers and HOPE are with you and your family. Stay strong in the Lord.

Anonymous said...

wow all i can say is BEAUTIFUL! you two are beautiful inside and out! i really think you should write a book using these blogs and comments. i would buy so many and hand them out! i have steubenville on the bayou this weekend and never have i once wanted to be elsewhere - but i really wish i could be at the funeral. i want to hug you both. know that i will be thinking of you all weekend and praying every second i get! love, lacey

Ragin-Cajun said...

In a place where most would find the kind of despair that crushes faith into dust, your family has found inspiration and shared it with the world. Thousands of people from around the world have prayed for weeks, hoping that Cate would return to health. Sadly, it was not to be. Now, God is asking a very pointed question to all of us who have begged Him to spare Cate’s life. “DO YOU TRUST IN ME?” The Cantrell family has answered, “BE IT DONE UNTO ME ACCORDING TO THY WORD!” With that, my family and I are HOPE FILLED! We will be there Saturday to see your little saint one last time, until we meet again…

JEZU UFAM TOBIE!

Amber said...

Charlie and Ali,

All of your bolgs have been amazing, but this one was so beautiful! Just by reading them I can see how close your relationship with the Lord was, and still is, throughout this journey.

Thank you so much for sharing it with us all! As a testimony to Cate's life, I can say that I have drawn deeper into prayer and have begun to realize how precious hope is in our lives. I always seemed to overlook that virtue as unimportant for some reaon. I feel like I am different because of sharing this experience with you, however small my part was.

Thanks again! Know that my prayers continue,for you both and for Ella and Dude.

Angela Barta

Anonymous said...

My heart aches for you two,but remember with each new dawn there is delivered to your door a fresh,new package called today.God has designed each of us in such a way that we can handle only one package at a time.....and all the grace we need will be supplied by HIM as we live out that day.

THOSE WHO KNOW
YOUR NAME WILL PUT THEIR TRUST
IN YOU,FOR YOU, O LORD,HAVE NOT FORSAKEN THOSE WHO SEEK YOU.
PSALM 9:10
GOD BLESS YOU,
BECKY MENARD

Anonymous said...

Sweet Cantrell Family,
Having a child who was born with several cardiac defects, my heart aches and greives with you. Reading your story brought both laughter and tears to my heart. I offer you nothing but hope and love and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and His Resurrection and the promise of being with her in Heaven. You are a precious family. You have other children who feel the loss with you, but none so great is the sacrifice of the parents! As you pray and trust through this time, please, never hesitate to relate fully with our Lady of Sorrows. Great comfort and strength have I found in Our Lady's arms, in our Lord's Heart. And, if you ever, when you have time to process things, need to talk or yell, or cry, or complain, please, call me...someone you never have to answer to for anything in life or even meet... but can hear you out, and pray. The treasure you have shared from your life is priceless. Know that there are real people who are behind these messages who are here for you. You are precious to our Heavenly Father, and I believe that He has called home your Sweet Cate. (630)724-0042 my name is Katherine.

With peace, and many family prayers offered for your intentions,
Katherine

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this life journey with so many of us. Your words are so vivid. So touching. So loving. So real.
I am sad for you but I now understand the way you have written that this is not a sad time at all for Baby Cate. She is fulfilling the rest of her journey.
I am honored to have been a part of your lives this past week. I wish you happiness and love eternally.

Heart hugs,
Pamela C
It's My Heart, Fresno Chapter

Anonymous said...

This song comforted me when I loss my little one. I heard it for the first time the day he went to heaven.

Held by Natalie Grant

Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling
Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
Were asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held
If hope is born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was that when everything fell
We'd be held

Anonymous said...

Although we have never met, I feel as though I know your family through your blog. What a blessing to get to know Baby Cate and the profound impact she is having! Following her story is like a giant wave across the planet, and you will never know how many people her short life has affected. I am so sorry for your loss, and I just wanted you to know that our family will continue to be in prayer for your family.

The Spruill Family
Monahans, Texas

Heather said...

What a precious little baby...healed for all eternity. We have an amazing God who will keep His children in perfect peace. Praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow! Because of HIS blessings, Baby Cate LIVES in each and every one of us! AMEN!

Anonymous said...

I'm sitting here, its 10:01 a.m. on the day of Baby Cate's wake and I wish I could be there. I have to work and I wasn't able to get off. I thought about ya'll all night long. Now at the time I write this your exhaustion begins again, but the good thing about it is that you can see you baby girl once again. I can't go until tomorrow (Saturday), but I know this probably sounds weird. But I'm anxious to see sweet Baby Cate. I'm sure she is beautiful. I pray that your day is wonderful once again with your baby girl because I know ya'll couldn't wait to see her again. God Bless and know that we love you and were thinking about all of you!!!!!!!

GOD BLESS
ALI, CHARLIE, ELLA, DUDE AND
BABY CATE


With Much Love
CRYSTAL JUDICE

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your inspirational thoughts and comments in this time of your journey. It is the power of Prayer that will carry you on and know you and you family are in our any many's prayers.

Pat,Jessica, and Shelby Bordes

Lila Lambert said...

Jesus wept the tears of suffering humanity and, weeping, transfomed them into the water of life. These waters, flowing from His wounded side, wash away all the tears that stain the face of the sorrowing...Psalm 69

Tiffany said...

Im sorry for your lose, I know that never sounds comforting but knowing that she is in heaven with her heavenly father is I know. We are praying for you and your family. Thank you for sharing Baby Cate's story. You will never really know how much she has touched our lives. I have had my friend reading your blog. She just lost her daughter and I never thought she would be doing as well as she is now and I know its because of Cate!! She didnt want to read it or even deal with what was happening and then one day she said "ok I will read it." It's been about a month since she lost her daughter and I just want to say "Thank you Cate." She isn't on this earth anymore and she is still helping people. Thank you for being such a blessing!!

Anonymous said...

I'm sitting at my desk, at work, crying and thanking God that I found this blog (by accident). I have longed to return to God for several years now, but I've been hesitant. This was my wake-up call. I just want you to know that one of Cate's many purposes has been fullfilled. I am greatful that I was able to read her story and remember the love that God has for each of us. Thank you for sharing your blessing.

Amanda- Tallahassee, FL

Anonymous said...

You all are in my prayers this morning...

Anonymous said...

Charlie & Ali,
At the Steubenville send-off mass this morning, Fr. Drew prayed for your family. I thought about the week you have been through. I saw Cheryl S.with Andrew - but not Kelly. I saw my good friend who is having financial difficulties and on top of that had to put her dog of 8 years down - because she couldn't afford the operation to save him. I started to think how easy it could be to be angry at God.
During Communion, Kevin and Jonathan played the song "Rain down, open the floodgates of heaven" and we sang those words over and over and over. All of a sudden as I was walking up to receive Him, my heart felt filled with happiness. I looked up at the cross and realized that He had a plan for Baby Cate and God is so good. She had a special mission on earth and she was sent to special parents. Not only did Baby Cate bring people all over the world to Christ, but it was also your faith and trust and honesty. You showed that sometimes you can falter in your faith but BECAUSE of your faith you come back stronger than before. And I thank you both for that.
I will be at the memorial service in spirit. Love always, Lois

Jenny said...

You're in our prayers at Franciscan University. God bless you for your heroic trust in God, I hope this brings you some small comfort.

http://agreatdeception.blogspot.com/2008/06/set-world-on-fire.html

Anonymous said...

From someone who discovered this site via a link on testosterhome, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your hopeful, prayerful outlook during the few short weeks I've followed your story are so inspiring and create such perspective for me. I am writing through tears after reading your beautiful account of your last night with Cate. What a lucky baby.

Melissa said...

I have been reading your blog for about a week now ever since clicking a link on the blog of someone else I know. I have a six month daughter, also my third child. I can't even begin to imagine what you must be going through. My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Rachael said...

my friend posted this reflection on Cate's life on her blog...
know that i am praying for you lots today and tomorrow!
http://www.agreatdeception.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Cantrell Family-
I am a member of the team at TCH who cared for your beautiful daughter. Although, I never got to formally meet you, I prayed for you and Cate daily. I just wanted you to know that you affected our lives, the nurses, physicians, perfusionists and the rest of the staff, in a deep meaningful way. Your compassion, strength, faith, love, patience, and hope reminded us all of why we do what we do everyday. I want to thank you for teaching us so much. We will never forget you or Cate and will continue to honor her everyday in how we care for other children and their families.
May you continue to find strength, joy and peace through Jesus Christ

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,
Thank you so much for sharing your lives with the world. You radiate the Love of God.
I can see His Love all over the temporary "good-bye" that you had to say to your precious baby girl.
I could never identify with that pain...but thank you for sharing it.
I know that Baby Cate and Baby Moriah Walther are good friends now. And that they pray for their parents. Our family will be asking them for their intercession frequently.
Please know that you are loved and we wish that we could be with you this week, but our little 3 month old is having some issues of his own.
Please know taht it took me a few days to respond to this blog because I was crying so hard after I read it the first time and I didn't know what to say. But the day before (Wednesday, I think) I did have a vision of Baby Cate and I will have to write you about it sometime.
Your family is in our prayers and we are so sorry for your loss.
We love you.
Betsy, Trey, and Baby Fenton Seabrook, Texas

The Magill Family said...

I left a message on your last blog, and yet again feel compelled to tell you again how sorry I am for your loss, but rejoice in heaven's gain! I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow as I can only imagine how difficult it may be. God Bless and thank you for sharing this amazing and blessed story with the world.

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

I am so sorry for your loss, and my heart aches for you and Ella and Dude. I know that her fight for life has touched thousands, and has led those that had drifted away back to God. I was quite blind-sided by the news that she wasn't doing well, and have checked your blog almost hourly for updates. I am in awe of the strength you and Ali possess, and only hope that if ever faced with such a trial I could stay even half as stong as your family has. I know you will miss Cate dearly, but remember that she suffers no more, and has brought strength to those who needed it. In respect, Tamara Lemus (and baby Conner)

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Alli,
It was so wonderful to see you today. You have a beautiful family! I was told about your blog through friends. I enjoyed reading about your precious little girl. Cate is truly an angel. I am deeply sorry for your loss, but I know that your faith will carry you through these difficult moments. As a mom, I can only imagine the pain that you are enduring and my thoughts and prayers will remain with you and your family.

God Bless you,
Jeanette Link

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you Cantrell family. I pray your little Angel is happy in heaven.

Anonymous said...

Baby Cate should be canonized as the Patron Saint of Internet Prayer. Look what that little lamb, who knew absolutely NOTHING about a computer or blog page or facebook...look how God used her?

How many parents can say that their children lived a life that brought so many people to the foot of the throne of God?

And, you are right, Charlie, pooping out of the back of your diaper isn't on the BIG TEN list!

I love you guys!
Ms. Laura

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your sweet Cate with the world. You will never know how much she has touched all of our lives! One day we all hope to meet her in Heaven! I will continue to keep your family in our daily Rosary. May Our Dear Lord continue to take care of your family!
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

So very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and your faith --- I know the Lord will continue to use you and bless you in amazing ways!

Anonymous said...

Cantrell family - You are amazing witnesses of God's goodness! I know you are pleasing in his sight and send a sweet smelling savor to His nostrils! In a time of such pain, you have shown ALL of us what it means to live by faith, be filled with hope and above all other things, trust God in all things. While I have a strong relationship with God, we all can be strengthened by the trials, tribulations and testimonies of others. I seek to draw closer to God as through your circumstances I see areas that I really need to commit wholly to God. God bless you. As you said best, Baby Cate's life has touched a world...I know she has touched mine. May God continue to strengthen and comfort your family as you move forward to continue His work in your lives!

Anonymous said...

I came to your blog for the first time this morning. It blessed me to read of the hope you have in Christ our Lord. Your baby Cate has gone on before you. One day all of you will see her in that place where there is no more crying, no more tears. Be assured that my prayers and thoughts will be with all of you this day.

In Christ's Love

Anonymous said...

Morning it is. I am sure you haven't slept much. I remember seeing so many people the day of our daughters funeral. Sad faces, faces that were expecting me to be strong for them, there at what I thougt would be my weakest time, but I wasn't I was strong and I am sure I smiled for those people and they told me I gave them strenth and hope. I know that it was God, and I was so grateful to have Him there to lean on. It wasn't until the casket was closed by my four year old daughter and her daddy that my heart truely realized that this was over and that my baby was not coming home. It wasn't until that very last moment, that I let go fully.

There are no words. I just wanted you to know we were thinking about you and your children. We are praying for peace and calmness for you today.

Anonymous said...

Breathtaking story.

I just want to confirm something you shared - and that was your trip to the zoo & McDonalds the day sweet Cate passed.

You are RIGHT ON as far as feeling a deep call to cherish the family you have been chosen to raise. We experienced a loss of a child last April and the next day we took our children out to the river, and on a boat. I am telling you, it was the best thing we ever did. But we got funny questions from ignorant people. So I wanted to just confirm that you are doing the right thing by playing and laughing and celebrating each day with Dude and Ella!

You are loved. You are loved. You are loved.

And you are continually in our prayers.

Tim & Stacey (Holgate)Chik (Little Flowers Steubie '00; and NET alum)

Rachel said...

I stumbled upon your site via Elizabeth Foss' blog. I am so sorry for your loss. Cate was a beautiful baby. You also seem like a beautiful family. God Bless you with His consolation.

In Christ,
Rachel

Chrissy said...

Charlie and Ali,
Brian and I (as well as our children) have been touched deeply through your journey. Both of us have been moved to tears by your grief and uplifted by your hope. We love you guys and remain with you in prayer.
Brian, Chrissy, Anna, Aidan, and Madeline McCarthy

Anonymous said...

Ali, Charlie, Ella & Dude -

Our love and prayers surround you. Thank you for sharing your lives with us in a very real way.

As first time parents of a 10 month old daughter, your faith journey really hit home.

Thank you for sharing Baby Cate with us. Our hearts mourn with you . At the same time - our spirits are RENEWED in FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE!!

You have shown us what it is to be a holy family.

Baby Cate - thank you for helping us in our family's journey towards holiness.

Love,
The Gray Family
Missouri City, TX

Anonymous said...

hey guys...im really sorry to hear that all of this was happening to you guys... i was reading the last blog CRYING MY EYES out as i read it at work thinking how WONDERFUL you two are... ryan andie(my lil girl) and i are going to be praying for you guys i love you guys

angelle venable

Jennifer @ Conversion Diary said...

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

"God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it,and so provide you with a way out" corinthians 10:13

hillary

Anonymous said...

I have never been to a more beautiful funeral ever. It was so beautiful. But yet it fits you and Ali and your family and it fits Baby Cate's beautiful life. May God Bless all of you.

Anonymous said...

Charlie? Ali? ..umm it's me again ...I'm sorry, I process things over a span of time. So, like when I'm jogging, I come up with these thoughts - - who am I kidding... I didn't go jogging today--in this Texas heat??? Actually while I was taking Bailey the Boxer for a walk - in the heat!- this came to me. Baby Cate lived on this earth for 7 months and had the best 7 months with the best parents and brother and sister (my Ella) ever. I love how you told us that she always turned toward Ali when she walked into the room, waiting to catch her eye. I can see beautiful Ali looking at Cate with a wink and Cate just loving it. But you know how when a person is like maybe 30 or 35 and is diagnosed with a terminal disease? They must think of all the things they will miss out on - like, I'll never be married; I'll never have children; I'll never have grandchildren...but Cate didn't know any of that. She had 7 wonderful months on earth with a very loving family and she is where we all hope to be someday. That's pretty good, huh? Plus she knew what God had planned for her to do and she did it. I'm still trying to hear what my mission is!!! Oh, guys - my heart hurts for you but I still got that 'God is an awesome God' feeling at Church tonite. See, you guys have really touched me in my faith life.I love you so much. Lois

Anonymous said...

All Angels, Saints, Mother Mary, pray for this family- grace to fill in the lost parts of their hearts..In Christ's name amen.

Anonymous said...

I found your site through Elizabeth Foss's and felt called on to comment, although words fail me. God bless your family now and always -- and may your new family patron saint intercede for you! Thank you for sharing your daughter's story with unnamed strangers, and spreading a little more hope and joy in the world.
Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Unknown said...

Hello my brother and sister in Christ,
Your family's victory in this battle has shone brightly, and have truly reflected God's Love in the Vocation of family and Sacrament of Marriage.

You know how a brightly a crystal chandelier shines? We are like the broken pieces of crystals hanging fron the chandelier, and God is the light bulb. When the light hits the crystals, it reflects an awesome amount of light. God uses our brokeness to reflect His Glory and indeed your family has truly shone through this ordeal, reflecting the light of Christ.

Together with Baby Cate, your family has shone light into thousands throughout the world. im from Singapore and already I am touched by your obedience and humilty towards God's Will. Indeed, a lamp that is lit, cannot be hidden under a tub, but must be put on a lampstand for all to see.

I was reading your blog and suddenly the words from a Bible passage came to me, and I am certain it is for Baby Cate and Family, " Well done good and faithful servant."

God looks upon you with pride in His eyes.

The Nunc Dimittis sums it up beautifully,
"Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised; for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have made ready in the sight of the nations; a light of revelation for the gentiles and glory for your people Israel." Luke 2:29-32

Love,
your sister in Christ Cheryl-Anne
Singapore

Anonymous said...

Charlie and Ali,

Please check your facebook email. I have sent you a message. I'm posting here in anticipating that you will be checking this area possibly more frequently than regular email.

Love you both,
Jane W

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