Faith Renee Duarte passed away peacefully in mommy's arms at 1:30pm. It was our priveledge to be Faith's parents and I do not regret any second, good or bad, spent with her. She was a miracle of a child and had the strength of a million. I doubt I will ever see another like her...she was far too special.
Faith had the ability to make you feel like you were the most amazing person in the world. She loved her family, friends and life in general to the fullest. As her daddy said, she was a magnetic personality. Those that knew her couldn't get enough. And even during this incredibly hard journey, she was still able to touch the hearts of many, even many who did not even know her. She showed true courage and the ability to fight for what she loved. Fight to stay with the family that loved her so dearly.
I don't know what life without Faith will be like. She was the center of our world and it will never be the same. But, I am proud that we were picked to be her family for 5 amazing years.
Faith will now be able to sing, dance, run and play and have no more "owies" or hospital stays. I am sure her grandmother will read her lots of storybooks and pick lots of flowers with her. She will be free.
We love you Faith. You touched our lives in all the best ways. No regrets. Nothing but neverending love for you, my precious baby girl.
Can't wait for the day I see you again Faithy. Love you forever.
We love you and we love Faith. Let us know what we can do for you....anything.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Oh Shelly and Monty---while I'm so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful girl, you know she is with her Grandma and she is free from pain and suffering!!
ReplyDeleteAs lucky as you two were to have this special little girl in your life, she was blessed even more to have the most loving parents in hers!
She's in Gods Arms now....and thanking you for all you did for her.
Love,
Lisa froling
My prayers are with you and your family. I just have no words. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteDenise Poarch
I am so sorry to read this, I have been praying for a miracle. I cant imagine your pain. Please know that a stranger in Southern California is praying for you. I wish I could do more.
ReplyDeleteSuzy, Tanners mom (VSD's, PDA and PFO)
I"m so sorry. My heart aches for you. I'm glad I got to meet Faith and I will always remember those precious orange fingernails. Thnkas for letting us come to the hospital to visit. May the Lord bring you and the children comfort as only He can do. Please let us know how we can help. Praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteLove, Anissa
I don't know you but I have joined the Hearts of Hope support group and have been following Faith's blog for awhile now. I am completely heartbroken for your loss. Your faith and perseverance through this experience has been amazing. I hope to meet you someday. Prayers for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteCarey McCulloch
I'm so sorry, Shelly and Monty. I'm glad that you were able to hold her in your arms as she left this world. Faith will forever be in my memory. I hope that she and Grace find each other and become friends once again. Thank you, Shelly, for sharing Faith with so many of us.
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Amy (Angel Grace's mama)
So Sorry Shelly and Monty.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful life you gave Faith and what joy she brought to yours. We are strangers but I will carry Faith's memory with me always and will think of her when I think of the trials of my own little fighter.
Thank you for opening your life and Faith's to us in the blogosphere. Faith has made an indelible mark on my heart.
My heart aches for your family, I have been following Faith's stort for quite a while. I will keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sad. we never met Faith or her family but we felt so close to all of you. I aim at a loss for words. Faith will always be in our hearts. Thank you for sharing your wonderful little girl with us. Prayers and more prayers Barbara and Nick. NH.
ReplyDeleteI had heard/read about Faith through Valeries FB. As I read Faiths story and her final goodbye I find myself sitting infront of my computer crying wishing that I could have known such a brve little girl and her wonderful family. You and your family will be in my prayers. Misty
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you all, Fighter Faith you are an inspiration and everyone loves you so much! Please let me know if we can do anything for your family, I am so thankful I got to peek into her room and see her beautiful little face during my dinner delivery. She is an amazing girl!
ReplyDeleteShelly & Monty,
ReplyDeleteI'm writing with tears streaming as I think of your incredible loss. Faith was an amazing spirit, definitely one of a kind. I praise God that your family was chosen to love, care and learn from her. May you feel His loving embrace as He sheds tears with you. I will always keep Faith in my heart. I am here for you, whatever you need.
Love,
Andrea
Dear Shelly and Monte,
ReplyDeleteWe are so incredibly sorry for the loss of your precious one. You probably have so many other people to share with right now, but if you ever want to have someone help you fight this out with God (if you get to that point), we'd be honored to grieve with you.
Jeff and Laurie Jennings
916-487-5123 (work#)
I was introduced to Faith and your blog by a friend whose daughter also has a heart deffect and a 22q11 deletion. Your Final Goodbye post is such a lovely tribute to your beautiful girl and her lovely spirit. Thank you for sharing this journey with us all. You will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss. Faith was such a strong little girl (we have been reading for quite a while) and she has left an impression on many people (including us). We will pray for peace for you in the next days, weeks, months. God bless you all! xo
ReplyDeleteMegan, Dan & Elijah
Your precious one is truly free and we share in your joy for her - in having her and in letting her go. We are also so sorry for your loss and ask God for his comfort for all of you!! Monty and Shelly, thank you for sharing this journey with us - you have deeply touched our lives.
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Aaron, Lorri, and Dave
Shelly, Monty, and Family,
ReplyDeleteMy heart cries with saddness as we say goodbye to one strong brave little girl. "FAITH". My heart also cries for relief "FAITH" now can be free with the angels. Play, pick flowers, and watch over her family and friends. God Bless all of you during this difficult time.
Stay Strong,
Renee and Peter
I have been silently following your journey with Faith and have been moved by your strength and her spirit. I am so sorry for your loss
ReplyDeleteDina Sommers
I'm so sorry. There are no words...Sending prayers to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Olden
Shelly & Monty,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I am amazed at how strong you two are. You loved this beautiful child with all of your hearts and souls. You provided a forever family for Faith. Adoption is truly a beautiful thing. You made her so happy. As she passed away in your arms, you held her providing her with the peace and love to move on to our Heavenly Home in the arms of Jesus.
Todd & Amy Hanaway
An angel in heaven who will be waiting for you all one day!
ReplyDeleteShelly and Monty and family,
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. May peace come to you after this time. Your daughter was a precious gift that was given to you by God and now has returned to his loving arms. May He be with you and yours through your grief.
My deepest sympathies on your loss. May God carry your family in the palm of his hand as you enter this new journey without Faith. May God welcome Faith into heaven on the wings of Angels and may be she be blessed forever more.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I know your pain, I know what you're going through. I can't find the right words.......just know that I'm here for you. If there is anything I can do, I'm here for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThere's a celebration going on in heaven....Faith is up there and she's whole and perfect! No more pain, no more sufferings. She's now playing in God's garden, and someday, she'll be waiting for you all in the pearly gates of heaven.
God bless!
Desiree Burrier
Shelly, Monty and family,
ReplyDeleteWe are all so sorry to hear, but know that Faith is in heaven and at peace. The strength of such a little girl and an amazing family is one we will remember for the rest of our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Harshmans (Bruce, Gretchen, Christopher and Matthew)
Shelly, Monty -
ReplyDeleteI can't begin to express my sorrow for your loss and know that Faith will always be alive in your hearts and the hearts of so many others. I have never met you or Faith but I have read all of your postings and am incredibly inspired by both Faith's amazing strength and yours.
Many prayers to you,
Estrella
I am so sorry for your loss and at the same time so much in awe at your strength and tone at a moment like this. This is a rallying cry for everyone to live their lives, take our chances and most of all cherish our loved ones. Give them a hug every single day as if it's the last.
ReplyDeleteI pray that peace finds you as you move on to this next stage in your life without your baby girl, but I suspect it already has. You seem to be a very special family and are quite blessed.
Eric
Shelly and Monty-I don't even know where to start. All I can say is that your little angel is now home. What a strong and brave little girl to go through everything she had to. All we can do now is believe and KEEP FAITH in that she is no longer tied to all those tubes and the hospital. We love you all and will continue to keep your family in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteWith deepest regrets,
Bahar Torrente
I just read, again, all the comments here. It's amazing how many lives this little girl touched and how much she meant to so many.
ReplyDeleteShe's got a special place in Heaven, no doubt.
Love to you all!
Lisa Froling
Shelly and Monty: I am so sorry-I wanted a happy ending but I know that Faith is in heaven now-healthy and happy not sick and in pain. Think of her as the guardian angel for the rest of the HOH kids. I cannot describe in words how much Faith and the rest of your family have touched my life.I will never forget any of you. If I can help in any way just ask. Heaven just called one of it's sweetest angels home...
ReplyDeleteLynne B
My sorrow for your loss has no words. I have loved little Faith through your blogs and through Andrea's words. Your family will always be in my prayers. I will KEEP FAITH in my heart always. I can practially see her with her grandma with that beautiful smile on her face and the love in her heart that you and our Lord put there.
ReplyDeleteLove, Anne
No words I write can even begin to touch the loss and pain your family is enduring with this loss. It is a loss for so many. Your little girl touched my heart and with tears of saddness my heart it heavy for you and yours. Faith has reminded me to not take a minute for granted and to love, hug, and play with my children every minute I can. Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to help you and your family. The strength of Faith and you family has truly been inspirational, you are all amazing.
ReplyDeleteShelly & Monty,
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I had only had Faith in our school for a short time, but in that short time she touched my heart. I will miss her. Thank you both for letting me have the special time I had with her. Faith's teacher Erica from Headstart.
Shelly (Monty and the family),
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey, and your little one, Faith. Your openness and vulnerability brought so many people near and far, friend and stranger, in prayer united together as the body of Christ. It has been an honour and priviledge to hold Faith in prayer. I look forward to meeting her one day.
May God bless you and keep you, may He be your Rock and refuge.
My spirit groans for your loss.
A sister in Christ,
With love,
Jackie Lipuma
Shelly, Monty, and family,
ReplyDeleteI know there is nothing I can say to comfort you during this time and even to say that I am sorry is insuffient. No words can make the past two months any less that what they were. You and Monty did everything you could do, please don't doubt that. As with Tristen, I feel that she was holding on long enough for you and Monty to accept that which was to occure. When we would look at Tristen it was as if he was looking into our soul. Even though he could not talk he spoke to us through his eyes, and taught us so much in the short time he was with us. They both had wisdom that exceeded their years. Shelly, I was so praying that you would not have to endure the lost of another loved one after all you had lost in your moms' passing last year, and know as hard as that was, and is, this well be even harder. Eric and I want you and Monty to know that we are here for you no matter what your needs are, please call us. It is a terrible thing to lose a child, one in which you never get over and may never come to terms with, I hope that is not the case, but it is okay to feel that way. You both need to know that it is FOREVER okay to feel however you feel no matter what. She had two amazing parents. I hope your one saving grace is knowing that as you were holding her and saying your goodbyes, your mom was holding both of you and giving Faithy her warm welcome. Keep Faith in your heart always. Please remember with all of the love around you you can still reach out of your circle of closest friends and famliy, Eric and I are here for all of you.
With sincerest sympathy and love,
Tina and Eric
I've been following Faith's story for the last few days and you and your family are held in our hears in prayer. As for little Faith; "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain...."
ReplyDeleteMy heart is so...broken for you. I can't begin to imagine the pain you are experiencing.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post...about an amazing little girl. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Dear Shelly and Monty,
ReplyDeleteYou are two amazing people. God chose you specifically to watch over Faith while she lived here on earth. She was so lucky to have you and your gift for taking care of her was her limitless love. Love never dies. It will surround you forever. And someday, we will all be with Faith again and rejoice in being together.
It was such a gift to me to be able to see Faith last week when she was awake. What a precious child.
I will never forget her and her little voice will be forever ingrained in my mind. I will forever hear her cheerful "Hi, Barbara"!, when I walked into the classroom.
Please know that my heart goes out to all of your family. I feel that it was such a privilege to be her teacher this last year and I will always hold her memory dear to my heart.
Placer County Office of Ed. Teacher, Barbara Montague
Shelly, Monty and family
ReplyDeleteMy love, strength and caring is with all of you. I know Grandma Judy has Faith in her arms, how wonderful that is for both of them. She was a very loved little girl.
Love, Pattie Goodson
Our prayers are with you. You are an amazing mother and your strength is inspiring. We are all blessed to have the greatest opportunity to be involved in Faith's life.
ReplyDeleteAlways,
Your friends at Sutter Pediatrics
Shelly, Monty and Family,
ReplyDeleteI know there are no words to comfort you at this time. Like you I have suffered great losses the last two years. My grandson Tristen, my grandmother, father, my sister in law and best friend your mom. Each time a loved one passes you wonder why- what purpose did God have for taking them from you. For my dear friend your mom I now believe God took her when he did so she would no longer suffer and to be there for Faith waiting with open arms. My thoughts and prayers are with you, I'm here for you if you need me.
All my love, Debbie
Our hearts break with yours. Our tears flow with yours. We that never met you or Faith have still shared in your sorrow, fear, joy, loss, anticipation, and hope. Thank you for showing us your selves and your daughter. We are enriched.
ReplyDeleteNow a new era for Faith and for you, while we remember her life here with wonder.
She is free from pain now.
Andy (father of Ramona, 22q11 + ToF)
I've been following your vlog and praying for a miracle for Faith. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
ReplyDeleteAgnes,
Dear-Shelly,Monthy and Family
ReplyDeleteYou have all truely been blessed to have enjoyed, known, loved and been loved by such a wonderful little girl. I had never met your baby girl but i can relate to the experience that you and your family have gone through and are now going through.
I also was blessed to to have known,loved and been loved by my baby girl. She taught my family alot in the few 4 years she was with us.
Take the gifts of love, lessons in strenght and endurance she taught you, and that will help you get through this difficult time and any others that come your way. Lean on each other and share with others what she taught you. The pain and emptiness never goes away, but day by day you will learn how to live with it and you will be able to laugh again.
again my tears and thoughts are with you and your family
Angie Lumley
Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We did not have the privilege of meeting Faith, but she was obviously a very special young lady who touched the hearts of so many. I will think of her new found peace and freedom and I will remember and draw from her strength and courage. In Christ - Eric and Kristi Heckelman
ReplyDeleteFaith is an angel now looking down on you from heaven. You have my prayers
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss! Faithy will always be in our hearts! She was always such a joy to see on the bus in the afternoons everyday! Anabelle and Izabelle will always have a special love for her. Your are such an example of what a family should be. We are so very lucky to have known her. Anabelle told me this morning that "her and Faithy will always be on the blue team". You have been such an example of what a Christ like family should be and even in this time of sorrow you still praise God for your time with her. That alone will touch the lives of many! You are in our prayers...
ReplyDeleteThe Saunders Family
We here at Auburn Gymnastics are praying for you guys. I have to say Shelly that I was inspired by your words, she was lucky to have such a wonderful Mommy and Daddy who have embraced her life in such a positive and inspiring way. I know your family and the blessing Faith was to everyone – she will be greatly missed. I wish I could reach out and hug the girls but I know you are loving up your family. Just want you to know you have our support. Natalie
ReplyDeletereading this is both inspiring and sad. i dont know what i would do if my brother died. he has been there for as long as i remember. i feel your loss. and i, like you, are blessed to have people like your daughter and my brother in my life. thank you for your wonderful page.
ReplyDeleteTeresa okeson's daughter,
Brittany Prater
Shelly,
ReplyDeleteYour compassion and honesty has touched me throughout the course of this incredibly painful journey. I sit with tears in my eyes, trying to stomach your unimaginable sorrow. Take heart knowing that Faith is in the Lord's hands now, and will no longer feel any pain. Your family continues to be in my prayers.
-Laura Jaeggi
(Andrea's friend)
Shelly and Monty,
ReplyDeleteOur heartfelt sympathy and empathy goes out to your entire family. We too know all to well what you're feeling. At this time I would like to invite you to become part of the answer; you've visited www.elijahslegacy.blogspot.com/
and now we have www.elijahslegacy.ning.com/
a social network to help families find the answers that they seek. I've also added the group: Angels among us-to talk about our angels with each other. Another helpful place for me, has been griefhaven.com .
Know that you will not walk this journey alone. sending e-hugs your way.
Michelle Greggs(Elijah's Grammie)
To the Whole Duarte Family,
ReplyDeleteYou are a gift, just as Faith was. You and she are always a part of our Colfax family...Faith has much to teach us still.
Thank you for who you are, and for being Faith's most loving family.
Jessica, I am thinking of you also, such a wonderful big sister....
You have my prayers, my caring, and my love,
mary curtis, colfax elementary
You do not know me... I am a friend of Andrea Himmelberger. But we have prayed for you on multiple occasions. I have followed you blog and and wept with you on your journey. Thank you that you have "Kept Faith" and thank for encouraging the rest of us to do the same in the face of adversity. I send our hugs and our continued prayers.
ReplyDeleteIn Him - Amy
I remember meeting you and Faith at UCD last year while she was on the pediatric floor. What a sweet girl! It was a pleasure to meet all of you -- a real blessing. Thank you Faith! God bless your family during this challenging time.
ReplyDeleteDear Shelly and Monty,
ReplyDeleteIt is truly a miracle of the Lord that I arrived at the hospital a hour after Faith passed. Thank you for sharing that precious time with me. Thank you for allowing me the priveledge of spending that hour with you, Monty and your little Faith. It was wonderful to have the chance to kiss Faith goodbye and reminisce with you both about our last two school years together.It was a blessing to be one of her teachers because her joy for life was contagious. Thank you for sharing her with me. Love, Teacher Lindsay
I was deeply saddened to hear of Faith making her journey to Heaven on Monday, you all were deep in my thoughts that entire morning and I was looking forward to seeing you all later that day. I wish I would of had a chance to meet this little girl who touched my life, and my heart. But you said it best, "Faith will now be able to sing, dance, run and play and have no more "owies" or hospital stays." Wishing you peace and strength, always.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your Faith with us. We learned of your journey through our daughter who is a friend of Andrea. Prayers are said for all of you in Texas. Your blog has touched us more than you know. You are an incredible family. May the Lord hold all of you in the palms of His hands and comfort you in this time.
ReplyDeleteBarry and Cindy Hampson
Plano, TX
Shelly & Monty, my prayers have been with you since the last time I saw you in the hospital. Faith was blessed with the best family in the world! I will never forget her smile, her expressive eyebrows, her sweet little "pointing finger" or her adoring family. It was an honor to meet all of you. My prayers continue to be with you, Diane
ReplyDelete