Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Grateful!

As I was sitting in the silence of our home watching my "Amazing Angel" sleep I got such an urge to express to you how grateful I am for you all. (Please bear with me as I am not the writer my sister is)

I must admit, everyday I am so taken aback by all of the love and support that continues to pour in for "My Beautiful Bride." Your words, acts kindness, love, and support go so far beyond what I could have ever imagined and for that I am not only in awe but forever grateful. Your words of encouragement helps OUR HOPE to remain, your spirituality helps keep OUR FAITH as strong as it should be, your acts of kindness gives hope to a world where normally all we see on the news is despair, and your support and kindness towards OUR FAMILY (which means everything to us) shows us that OUR ARMY/VILLAGE/TRIBE (what ever you want to call it) is so much bigger and stronger than we ever imagined, stretching from coast to coast and from children to grandparents to complete strangers.

I love you all so very much and am so grateful for how you have touched our lives during this most trying of times!

You are all truly amazing and so appreciated! Please keep up the comments and know that each one is read to Our Girl as they come in and they really do make a difference.

God Bless You and Embrace You!

Robynn's Adoring Husband

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Forever in our hearts. Forever in our prayers. We are equally grateful for your love and friendship. May the fight never end, until victory is won.
Love,
Judy (choc. chip) & family

Anonymous said...

Brian, I think you are every bit the writer that Shelley is...and hope that you know that people are praying for your strength every bit as much as Robynn's. I think sometimes we forget how strong YOU have to be in order to support your family while they go through this. I remember reading something that Robynn wrote about how you had been sleeping in uncomfortable hospital chairs so that Robynn never had to be alone. I remember tearing up and thinking about what a sign of your loyalty and love that was/is. Brian, I think the strength that you have shown is AMAZING. Your love for your family has made me take a step back and look at my own relationship with my husband. I try to be a little less mad (although not always successfully) when he comes home later than expected or leaves his dirty clothes on the floor. I try instead to watch and smile while he plays with our children outside even though I know he would like to relax after HIS long day. And should anything unexpected ever happen to our family, I pray that he will have the strength and courage that you so obviously have shown.

Anonymous said...

Brian,

Your very kind words express such a beautiful sentiment. You are all so dear to us and always in out thoughts and prayers. All of us are grateful for all of you.

Love,

Sylvia, Pat, Kernan and Liam

Anonymous said...

Good morning all. Brian, what a beautiful message to all ~ so happy that Robynn was getting a little rest while you were writing it.

Yesterday I found a quote from, believe it or not, "Mulan" - "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." I couldn't help but think that it was thrown in my face (via a scrapbook magazine) because it is perfect for the beautiful flower of friendship and support that has bloomed in Robynn's honor. All of you are so loved - by people that know you well, know you some, or don't know you at all! We are all here with you - everyday.

When the blood drive was over, I got mad. Yes, the event was fun and funds were raised and people were helped via blood donations but it didn't CURE Robynn. Darn it! But I realized that getting mad didn't help a bit and that I needed to get back to work in support and prayer.

Last night as I went to sleep, I looked at my favorite picture of your "beautiful bride" and asked God to PLEASE help all of you and comfort you but MOSTLY if there was any possible cure out there, to PLEASE cure Robynn now. Hate to hear she is hurting.

We all love you guys are are here for you 24/7 - hug each other for us!

Love, Kim & The Funk Family

Anonymous said...

Brian abd Robynn I have not said a whole lot though these trying times for the family, but know that i think about you on a day basis and keep you and the kids in my thoughts and prayers everyday. may God bless you, Haily and Brady.

Your Cousin
Brad

Anonymous said...

Brian,

I will always be here for Robynn, you, Hailey and Brady, no matter if it is a large task or a very small one. Each one of you are so very dear to me and my family.

Robynn, I started roller blading again and had a huge wipe out. It tickled me so much to remember that even though I dislike early mornings, I secretly enjoyed being with you and Dina to catch up.

I love you guys so much and look forward to many many years of friendship!!!!

Hailey and Brady when can ya'll come out to play again????

Love you my sweet friends
Victoria

Anonymous said...

Oh, Brian,
You have no idea how much all of us out here just can't stand what you and Robynn and Brady and Hailey are going through. If there were something, anything we could do to take just a little of the burden off of you and dear Robynn...we would. I woke up quite a few times last night just thinking about you and Robynn...and a couple of times getting 'nudged' for grinding my teeth...oops :) I find myself with a feeling of panic when moments pass that I am not praying and then I pester God about how I meant to be praying at that moment..and I tell him how even when I am doing something else...that deep down I am praying! I tell him to please remember that with every beath we all take, WE ARE PRAYING!!
Brian,
You are precious, and you are a good writer...and it means so much to all of us to get on the blog and see a message from you. You have no idea. Robynn, you are absolutely precious yourself. You have no idea of how many heart felt conversations you have been the topic of. It is just crazy how many lives you have and continue to touch. When I pick my kids up at school mothers come up and ask how Robynn is doing....and when I start to tell them...they stop me by saying...'okay, I read that on the blog, but I have not had a chance to get on SINCE THIS MORNING...is there anything new?' Mind you this is like 11:20 in the morning when I pick up Joe at Kindergarten. It has become my technique to now when asked about Robynn...to ask first...'what is the last time you read the blog?'...only to find out that their answer is typically...THIS MORNING or LAST NIGHT. You have reached CELEBRITY STATUS!!! WE ALL LOVE YOU!!! (Brian, please don't yell at Robynn when I write in CAPS ;) It is just me trying to emphasize :0) Okay I am going to stop being BLOGHOG. Just please know that you guys are on our minds around the clock!! And if you see Julian, please let him know that he is also in our daily prayers and when we think of him...we smile :)
God Bless you guys!
B.

P. S. I am sure you all are familiar with, but if not....if you google THE LAST LECTURE you can watch this man give an amazing and inspirational speech in its entirety. I think everyone would benefit from watching it.
So much love and prayer for all of you!
Brian, can you give a round of hugs for me?? And get one back!!!

Anonymous said...

Brian & Robynn:
I just wanted you to both know that you are truly changing lives...It may be hard to see from a hospital bed or a waiting room, but please know that your struggle and story has brought lots of extra hugs, love, appreciation, and faith into our home and so many others. The giant community of support that has rallied around you guys is really a testament to what incredible people you both are... I guess you can't really know what you are made of until you get tested and it's pretty clear that you two are the real deal. Hang in there. We are checking on you every day and praying as hard as we can...
Love,
Katy Raytis (Katy Mac)

Tonya Sandoval said...

Brian,
So glad to know that your family is feeling the love and support that is sent with each message. Although the main focus has been on Robynn and her health, we all know that Robynn's loved ones are fighting right along side her. Her ups and downs are your ups and downs. But, through it all, you and your family have continued to face each hurdle with courage and perseverence. This army is not retreating any time soon. If these words bring comfort to Robynn and her family, then we'll keep them coming. Hang in there Goodell family. We are with you every step of the way.
Tonya Sandoval & Family

Anonymous said...

Hi Brian,

I almost missed this post until Carol told me she was crying when she read it this morning. Yes, she checks on Robynn daily too. I then went directly to the computer to read and the tears started to flow for me too.

I am not only touched by your sweet message but impressed with you as a husband, father, brother, son, and friend. I want to thank you for all you have done for our girl and your family. Knowing you are there for Robynn and taking charge of everything is comforting and inspiring. You're a wonderful person, just like Robynn, just not as cute (just kidding).

I also want you to know that there are a lot of people out there who don't post much but pray for you all daily. I know Carol does and so does Stephanie and my family on the east coast too.

You are all loved so much, I hope you may find some comfort in that. I wish there was more I could do for you all! I do promise to continue praying and spreading the word for others to do the same.

Please God, cure Robynn now! We all love her so very much and her suffering is unbearable!

Hang on Robynn! This will be over soon! I love you dearly!

Love, hugs, and prayers,
Kristy
xoxoxo