tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post7875509177530292424..comments2023-12-25T16:50:19.805-08:00Comments on Baby Cate's Family: Quiet HopefulnessCharlie Cantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12615670463955127364noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-53736406349128237582008-07-14T07:50:00.000-07:002008-07-14T07:50:00.000-07:00I know that it may seem so hard to let go, but you...I know that it may seem so hard to let go, but you have to. God called her home and she is in a good place now with God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-77612324761032091762008-07-05T14:25:00.000-07:002008-07-05T14:25:00.000-07:00Your blogs have made me cry,but, have given me so ...Your blogs have made me cry,but, have given me so much strenght.GOD is always with us,especially at the most difficult times of our life.HE has given you so much strenght!! Always remember that you have your own SPECIAL ANGEL watching ove you. I have one too. He has been watching over me for 36 years.<BR/>GOD BLESS YOU !<BR/>YvetteAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-57575470634870281152008-07-03T06:41:00.000-07:002008-07-03T06:41:00.000-07:00Charlie, Ali, Ella, & Dude,I cannot begin to tell ...Charlie, Ali, Ella, & Dude,<BR/><BR/>I cannot begin to tell ya'll the impact Cate's celebration had on my heart. I have never been to a mass and felt such a power of emotions surrounding me. The celebration of Cate's life was unbelievably beautiful. Everything was just perfect, and the music made me want to jump up and sing. It was AMAZING! The carrying up of the gifts touched me deeply. Ya'll are such beautiful people, and I pray that one day I can be a parent like you and Ali. Ya'll are a fine example of faith, love, hope, and what life is all about. You give a great meaning to life. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. And once again, job well done for the celebration of Cate;)I thank ya'll for sharing this experience. I pray for ya'll!<BR/><BR/>Love,<BR/>Jade<BR/><BR/>p.s... I love the blog. I read it every morning. It is an awesome daily booster to get me going and put a smile on my face.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-33897987087939199902008-07-03T04:50:00.000-07:002008-07-03T04:50:00.000-07:00Charlie & Ali, thank you for the update. I was am...Charlie & Ali, thank you for the update. I was amazed when I read that you stated that it took 12 days for God to bring us all back all nations. First thing I thought about were the 12 apostles. He used the apostles to bring us all closer to him and then Baby Cate was given the 12 days to bring us closer to God as well. I know that you do not want to here these words, but that was awesome. Thank you again for the update and please keep us in touch. We love you'll Janet, Randy BertrandAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-48336750542355194492008-07-02T20:34:00.000-07:002008-07-02T20:34:00.000-07:00Dear Charlie and Ali, Do you see how so many of...Dear Charlie and Ali,<BR/> Do you see how so many of us want to be right next to you....and at the same time, are so relieved that we have not been asked to endure what our God has asked of you? It reminds me of the two disciples,asking to be one on His right and one on His left...and Jesus knew that they had NO IDEA of the weight of their request.<BR/> Getting closer to God can sometimes mean so close to the fire that you feel your own skin burning. I would imagine that you both have felt the heat, as Cate's parents--the searing pain that only a parent can feel at the loss of their beautiful child. It is unimaginable to most of us--to me, especially--too painful a place to go to. Yet, you showed us the wounds, exposed the pain--and let us share in that...in a way that has united us in prayer, that has brought us all together, in hope. It was a gift of grace for all of us, following your daughter's life.<BR/> Little Cate spoke not one word. She did not have to. Her life spoke volumes. <BR/> Most times when I pray for your family, I only "picture" the five of you--it's a visual prayer. No words...they are so not necessary.<BR/>God's love can be so quiet--a roar of quiet. <BR/>Prayers of Peace, Charlie and Ali.<BR/>All Our love to your precious family!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-21841330607624033692008-07-02T20:10:00.000-07:002008-07-02T20:10:00.000-07:00that is just so beautiful and awesome and i am gla...that is just so beautiful and awesome and i am glad that you have reminded everyone that God did in fact show up. it;s easy to think sometimes when prayers aren't answered in the way we want them to, that he failed us or didn't show up or whatever..but this little girl was able to be the biggest witness at such a young age and has done much more in 7 months..or 12 days...what so many of us just hope to do over the course of a lifetime...so while we won't want this as humans b/c we want to hold our baby girls, we know and can be proud of the fact that our children have done what we always hope that our children will do, and that is to be a witness and to lead others to HIM!<BR/><BR/>love you guys<BR/>ben, maria, hannah, michaela, helena and gemmaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-67588176784954641452008-07-02T19:36:00.000-07:002008-07-02T19:36:00.000-07:00Ali and Charlie,The funeral was simply beautiful a...Ali and Charlie,<BR/><BR/>The funeral was simply beautiful and could not have been more perfect. You remain in our prayers and at the forefront of our minds as you being to move through your mourning and grief.<BR/><BR/>We love you guys!<BR/><BR/>The PerkinsMegan Perkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11729157161680654160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-65545093419279438682008-07-02T16:51:00.000-07:002008-07-02T16:51:00.000-07:00The mass was really beautiful and moving. I feel ...The mass was really beautiful and moving. I feel like my outlook at many different things has changed. The music was very powerful and had a huge impact on me as I listened to the words. Still praying daily for you guys<BR/>love you<BR/>aprilAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-38586713232574250432008-07-02T13:20:00.000-07:002008-07-02T13:20:00.000-07:00Dear Cantrell Family,First of all, our deepest con...Dear Cantrell Family,<BR/><BR/>First of all, our deepest condolences to you and all your families! Your witness has been so life changing! God is truly touching so many lives through all your actions and words! The Holy Spirit is alive and well with you!<BR/><BR/>I usually don't leave comments, but have been compelled to mention my thoughts with your last entry. Numbers are very strong in the bible! The number 7 is for completeness or fullness. Of course there is the creation story in Genesis, the Jericho story in Joshua, and in Revelation is the 7 letters, seals, trumpets, and bowls. Other examples of 7 (obtained by A Catholic Dictionary) are the 7 deacons appointed and ordained by the 12 Apostles, the 7 churches of Asia Minor that St. John was directed to write in a vision, the 7 basilicas of Rome, the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the 7 words (the recorded utterances of our Lord from the cross). There were the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles (the continuity of the 12 tribes from Old Testament), and the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit.<BR/><BR/>Isn't it amazing in the fullness of Cate's life (7 months), the continuance (12 days) of charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, modesty, self control, chastity, and FAITHFULNESS was so complete, and yet, ongoing!<BR/><BR/>May God's peace and love embrace and comfort you! Thank you for sharing your incredible family with us!<BR/><BR/>Yours in prayer from Rochester, MNAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-42890459635427554252008-07-02T13:03:00.000-07:002008-07-02T13:03:00.000-07:00Jesus is the only genuine heroe in this world...Do...Jesus is the only genuine heroe in this world...Don't forget HE Rose!!!Carinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12959124284773044263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-19575496563066689052008-07-02T13:01:00.000-07:002008-07-02T13:01:00.000-07:00I'm sorry I missed the funeral...i heard it was be...I'm sorry I missed the funeral...i heard it was beautiful. You guys are still in my prayers. Thank you for sharing Cate and your family's beautiful and corageous story with us all. I'll keep reading as long as you keep writing!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-282530593823956132008-07-02T12:02:00.000-07:002008-07-02T12:02:00.000-07:00Oh, Charlie, I am sooo glad that you updated the b...Oh, Charlie, I am sooo glad that you updated the blog. I know that I "needed" to hear from you...to know that you and Ali are ok in the midst of all this. Those thousands of people who prayed before Cate was called back to heaven STILL stand with you and your lambs today.<BR/><BR/>On our Facebook page, I saw that we now have 1,026 members. New members keep coming. Charlie, I really believe that Baby Cate came to teach us to pray as Jesus prayed. Your 7 month old baby captured an audience that many preachers would only wish they could command. She did it all in the name of Jesus. And, she did it without speaking...without saying a word...she was just living her life as God laid it out before her. I guess St. Francis was right when he said something like, "When evangelizing, use words only when absolutely necessary." <BR/><BR/>I thank God for Baby Cate and I thank God for you and Ali. You have tasted what Mother Mary endured. You are in good company...all of you. I love you both!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-65075416205784798502008-07-02T11:17:00.000-07:002008-07-02T11:17:00.000-07:00Ali,I worked with you at Martin Petitjean Elementa...Ali,<BR/><BR/>I worked with you at Martin Petitjean Elementary and just in the few months that you were with us, you touched my heart. You're such a WONDERFUL person. I just found out from Paula D. all that had happened. She babysits my little girl. (A special gift from God that was given to us after 9 years of trying) Paula had told me that you were pregnant when school had first began last year, but that is all I had known. My heart truly goes out to you and your family. After reading your blog, words cannot express my feelings. How AWESOME that you and Charlie have taken your child's life of suffering and turned it into a way of blessing this world. You have got to have FAITH to do that! I was looking at your pictures of Ella...it is hard to believe that she's the same little girl that you brought to school while we were planning that one time. They just grow so fast. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...You all are AWESOME in the eyes of our Father! All I could do after reading the blog from the day of Cate's death was sit there and cry. My little girl came up to me and I just held her and thanked God for every second he has given her to me. How true that we realize what we take for granted when something like this happens. I have and will continue to, even more now, treasure each second of her life. Thank God that you both have Ella and Dude to hold onto that love of Baby Cate. May God continue to be with all of you and give you that AWESOME blessing of the faith that the 2 of you share! God bless, Jaimie LavergneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-56633836516746734252008-07-02T10:53:00.000-07:002008-07-02T10:53:00.000-07:00Charlie & Ali, I only learned of your challenge...Charlie & Ali,<BR/> I only learned of your challenges last week, First allow me to offer my sympathies & prayers.,Your faith is truly an inspiration,I have shared your story with several of my freinds, they are now following & praying for your family,it is so moving to read that this experince has deepened,challeged,and reaffirmed your faith, and that God's far reaching hand has been extended through Cate's life.Remember Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,and are called according to HIS purpose" Give my love to all of your family,<BR/>You are all in my prayers & thoughts,<BR/>Your Texas Cousin,<BR/>Melanie Arnett & FamilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-73543553785772696752008-07-02T10:07:00.000-07:002008-07-02T10:07:00.000-07:00Dear Charlie and Ali,It's Lorena Valencia from Nev...Dear Charlie and Ali,<BR/><BR/>It's Lorena Valencia from Nevada. I don't know if you remember me; I was one of the Covecrest Staffers in 2005. God truly touched my life through the two of you and the faith you shared with us back then, and He has touched me again today. I just found out about your daughter from another one of the staffers. I've been out of town for the last month and just checked the email. It's crazy how God works because you said that one of the songs at the funeral was "I stand and lift up my hands," and the last few weeks of June that song has been on my heart and I have sang it at random times of the day. You can ask the guys I was traveling with. It's a beautiful song, but I didn't even know I knew all the words. I feel like that song was a prayer for your daughter and you and your family, even though I didn't know it at the time. God is crazy how he connects us. I don't usually read blogs, but after the first sentence I couldn't stop. You and your family made a deep impact on me three years ago, and I've always been sad that I haven't kept in touch. So to know that God continues to keep us connected truly amazes me. Thank you for sharing your story, and for continuing to let God use you. You are in my heart and prayers forever. Peace, prayers, and love.<BR/><BR/>LorenaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04753839687519440988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-27830733522956563132008-07-02T09:07:00.000-07:002008-07-02T09:07:00.000-07:00Thank you for the update. I am praying for you. I ...Thank you for the update. I am praying for you. <BR/><BR/>I understand the feeling of emptiness in the house. You have a Cate-sized hole in your lives and hearts now, and I know how difficult that is to deal with. <BR/><BR/>Cling to your God and your friends like you have been doing, he will give you all the grace you need to walk through this wilderness. <BR/><BR/>Much love from a mommy who has been there, <BR/><BR/>Sumisumihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00740960649940247718noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-29013190940527267172008-07-02T09:01:00.000-07:002008-07-02T09:01:00.000-07:00Charlie and Ali Thank you so much for sharing Bab...Charlie and Ali<BR/> Thank you so much for sharing Baby Cate’s journey. As I read you blog for today Charlie, I reflected back on Sunday mass. During the homily the priest spoke of 12 being one of God’s "magic numbers". (He was speaking of the 12 apostles.) When I read the part of you blog that said how Baby Cate’s journey united so many people in prayer and brought us all closer to God in “12 days”. There is that “magic number” working again. Your faith and inspiration has brought me back to church, now to the number 12 and more prayers. Baby Cate’s is no doubt a saint. I will continue to pray for your family. Thank you!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-37555674994592429092008-07-02T08:40:00.000-07:002008-07-02T08:40:00.000-07:00God certainly did show up in a BIG way! Thanks to ...God certainly did show up in a BIG way! Thanks to Baby Cate I enjoy my kids and my family even more. <BR/>Continuing to pray for us all and read about the journey!They call me the bosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01683309354755920106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-13903092605788395332008-07-02T08:24:00.000-07:002008-07-02T08:24:00.000-07:00Ali and Charlie,We are along for the journey and w...Ali and Charlie,<BR/>We are along for the journey and with you in prayer...always!! Baby Cate's celebration was beautiful and her presence is everlasting in our lives...thanks again for continuing to share with us! Will be praying hard and thinking of you during those "quiet moments"!<BR/>Remaining in hope....<BR/>Love, <BR/>Breyan and familyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-12808301812816530922008-07-02T08:06:00.000-07:002008-07-02T08:06:00.000-07:00I am honored to walk with you family in your conti...I am honored to walk with you family in your continued journey! I'm pray for all of you! And thank you for being a true inspiration to me! Sending love from Deep South Texas (Rio Grande Valley)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-5411392816790996082008-07-02T08:03:00.000-07:002008-07-02T08:03:00.000-07:00all of that is ture. but just remeber that Cate wi...all of that is ture. but just remeber that Cate will always have a place in yours and mines heart. When i read this my eyes started tearing up. also thanks for kepping the blog going.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-26380032015554865982008-07-02T07:47:00.000-07:002008-07-02T07:47:00.000-07:00Charlie and Ali...after reading your words I thoug...Charlie and Ali...after reading your words I thought I would share with you an excerpt from today's message from God Calling:<BR/><BR/>THE CHILD-SPIRIT - Does the way seem a stony wone? Have courage. Face the future, but "face" it only wiht a brave and happy heart. Do not seek to "see" it. You are robbing Faith of her sublime sweetness if you do this. Just know that all is well and that Faith, not seeing, but believing, is the vessel that will bear you to safety...over the stormy waters. According to your faith be it unto you...was My injunction to those who sought My Healing. If for wonder-working...if for healing...if for salvation, faith was so necessary then the reason is clear why I urged that all who sought entrance to My Kingdome must become as little children. Faith is the "child-attitude". Seek in every way to become child-like. Except ye become as little children ye cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven" <BR/><BR/>Both you and Ali have beautifully modeled this child-like faith. Thank you for setting a perfect example for the rest of us.<BR/><BR/>Tommy was recently discussing "loss" with his spiritual director. His director said that as humans, we connect the love we feel for the one we lost as being directed specifically towards the loss of that physical presence. He said that all love given and all love received totally comes from God, our Father...because God IS love. He said that when we lose someone we love in the physical sense, the best thing we can do is refocus on God, our Father...who was the author of that special love "through" that person. My heart aches because I know that you all long for Cate's physical presence but my prayer for you all is that you will refocus on her Father, our Father, who will gently guide you to where you need to be: not forgetting about Cate, but continuing to love her, through Him! <BR/>Jane WAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-88016428199042343072008-07-02T07:30:00.000-07:002008-07-02T07:30:00.000-07:00You are truly an inspiration to all, your hope and...You are truly an inspiration to all, your hope and faith are amazing. May God continue his work thru you and your family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-48545202570952308232008-07-02T07:22:00.000-07:002008-07-02T07:22:00.000-07:00Charlie and Ali, Thank you so much for keeping you...Charlie and Ali, <BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for keeping your journey alive. We can't wait to keep going with yall. You have help me with a special journey when I needed the most (lifeteen) and now you are helping me see a whole new light of things now that I am a parent. You and Ali have helped so many people and us see what love, parenting , and hope is all about. I read your blogs over and over again and I just feel God in a way that I never felt before. The mass was so beautiful. We love yall so much and we will keep praying for yall family. <BR/>Jenny, Jake, Peyton and Parker MenardAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4345543617741989942.post-39531012877219969182008-07-02T07:18:00.000-07:002008-07-02T07:18:00.000-07:00Baby Cate's mass was beautiful---thanks so much fo...Baby Cate's mass was beautiful---thanks so much for sharing your journey with us. Thanks for being such an inspiration to our family. We will continue praying for you and we promise to come by to visit next time I am home in Rayne if you are up to it. <BR/>Love, marinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com