Tuesday, November 2, 2010

God's Answer

11/2/10………for Hannah Helen Hasslen is “Hannah’s home in heaven.” Early this morning Larry told me our son, Buddy, called last night with news of Hannah’s death. I felt punched in the stomach, sad all over, and at the same time grateful for God’s mercy. Just yesterday I had cried out to the Lord for mercy for that sweet little girl and an extra measure of grace for the family. Death was God’s answer.

Though death seems like a hard answer, God's goodness was evident as Hannah spent her last 3 nights at home. Doctor Hannah was able to see some folks, trick or treat (briefly) alongside her brother, Iron Jake, in a wagon & then have the best night’s sleep of the last month---in her own home. Sunday night did not bode so well as nausea and pain resumed along with anxiety of returning to the hospital. Monday’s plan was to take her to the American Doll store to look for a Ruth doll on the way back to the hospital for her noon appointment---as I understand it Hannah was never “fully” readmitted to the hospital but was sitting quietly in the transfusion area with her mom and dad as they stroked her hair when, as her father said, “it was as if the Lord just swooped in and took her home.”

Last “tweets” from the family that give insight into her final day.
November 1 Updates:
  • 7:24 a.m. From best to worst! Han & Amy had rough night with no sleep! Han nauseated all night---anxiety about going back to hospital today. (Remember the night before had been best night of sleep in over 1 month! Thank you Jesus!)
  • 1:03 p.m. Need prayers for Han! Very sick in doctors office! All main blood tests came back worse! Jesus - we need You now!!
  • 1:39 pm Waiting for dr. on next steps. Giving her fluids, blood & anti nausea meds. Prob readmit to hospital. Should feel better soon.
  • 5:30 p.m. Update - doctors had decided to let Hannah go home after blood but then Han had crazy reaction. She's being admitted to hospital.
  • Tonight @6pm, Hannah Helen Hasslen passed away & went home to the Lord! Her death was unexpected, sudden, peaceful and without pain.
11:01 pm We would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of prayers, support & love given to Hannah in her last days and to our entire family!

Hannah’s parents have requested that her service be a testimony to the character of God and a celebration of Hannah’s life. Also, in lieu of flowers, gifts could be given to the Samaritan's Purse - Operation Christmas Child because “Han loved filling those shoeboxes.” They have asked that the song “Majesty” be sung as that’s the song they sung over her when she was born.
Majesty, worship His Majesty 

Unto Jesus, be all glory,
Power and praise 

Majesty, Kingdom authority 

Flow from His throne, 
Unto his own, His anthem raise. 

So exalt,
lift up on high
The Name of Jesus

Magnify, come glorify,

Christ Jesus the King

Majesty, worship His Majesty 

Jesus who died, now glorified,

King of all Kings.
Hannah Helen Hasslan was God’s answer to a young couple’s prayers and now, though heart broken, her parents accept God’s answer as His best for Hannah and look forward with great hope to the day they will see her again.