March 7th we visited your site.

March 7th, 2010
Hi sweet child. Today your father and I went to visit your resting site. We hadn't been to see you for one year. I am sorry that it took us so long to return. But your father reminded me that only your body is there. I can talk to you and feel your spirit anytime. And I am so thankful for that.
Yet, it was peaceful seeing the rock with your name on it. Visiting your site keeps you alive. Looking at your picture and your gown on our wall keeps you alive. Kaden, you very much are a huge part of our family. You are my son and I am so excited to meet you in heaven. I am thankful for the memories I have of you. I am thankful that I got a chance to hold you and love your small body. And I am thankful that your spirit can be felt in Adam-Ondi-Aham. I love you.
While visiting you, Leif asked me to pray. I hope you can hear my prayer for you. Because they are for you. Please remember that we love you and miss you. I love prayers.
In my prayer I told you that we are expecting 2 babies now. Please look after your mother and your siblings. If you have any extra power, please bless your siblings to grow. Leif and I so bad want to have children on this earth. We wish it could have been you. But we all know that the Lord has a bigger hand in things. I know you are being taken care of. I thank my Savior for that.
Kaden, we love you. It was so nice to visit your little tomb stone. Visit us often.

Your First Birthday

Kanden,

It has been a long time since I have written to you. I am sorry that I haven't been more diligent in writing to you. But I do pray for you almost each and every night. Your thoughts are always with Daddy and I, and we love you dearly. We are expecting again. This time, it is twins. What a special surprise it was to find out that we are having two. This shows me that the Lord is merciful. He knows and cares for our family. Please take care of our family up there. You are the older brother.

Your birthday was a very special day for us. It was fast Sunday and I had a testimony of you in my heart all day long. I never shared it openly, but I kept it in my heart. I know you live. I know you are doing a wonderful work up in heaven. I know that you have a huge testimony of the Gospel. I know you are a wonderful missionary. And I know that we get get to see you again someday.

Kaden, I made you a cake. I couldn't decide between a lion or elephant. In the end I made you an elephants. I hope you like elephant, I think you do! We also got you a book. Daddy and I read it together and watched your video. The book is entitled, "You are Special". It talks about a young man who finds out how special he really is.

Kaden, you are so special to this family. Always remember that. I can't wait to raise you. Hopefully by that time, I will have some earthy experience of being a mother. Happy Birthday Son.

Scriptures that helped your mother

"I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way

and to bring you to the place that I have prepared."

Exodus 23:20

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths."

Proverbs 3: 5-6

"A little shile and ye shall not see me:

and again, a little while, and ye shall see me,

because I go to the Father."

John 16:16

"I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of

accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven."

D&C 137:10

"May I say for the consolation of those who mourn,

and for the comfort and guidance of all of us,

that no righteous man is ever taken before his time.

In the case of the faithful saints,

they are simply transferred to other fields of labor."

Joseph Fielding Smith

Your Love In Our Home

Today is January 24th. It has been 3 weeks since your delivery. Daddy and I still miss you very much.
It is hard for your mother to go to church and see little children being cuddled in their mother's arms and running around. I wish you were cuddled up in my arms. It is also hard to go to Nursery and see these precious children learn about the gospel. I again wish you were here. But I do know that you are learning about the gospel and probably have a better understanding then your parents.
Kaden, I wish everyday that you were still within me. But I am starting to understand God's plan more and more each day. Your memories will always stay near. I want you to know how we miss and love you very very much.

This is the bassinet I bought for you. It is filled with your gifts from people who loved you.

Flowers from the neighbors and your little footprints.

This is the shadow box I made you with your precious little feet.

Kaden you are our Guardian Angel. Stay near sweet one.

A Letter From Your Father

Hey little Buddy,

Your sweet mother wanted to make a book out of your blog, so this is a wonderful opportunity for me to write you a note. I am thankful for the short time that we had you in our mortal lives. I am sad that we do not get to hold you in our arms at this time. I understand that this must be and was from the beginning. It was for you to simply receive a mortal body, a righteous spirit and already proven. If possible, please visit us from time to time. Your earthly father is weak and needs all the help he can get, maybe you can convince your Heavenly Father to toss a bit more "divine assistance" my way, haha.

I am so thankful we have the knowledge of the gospel and am so thankful for the plan of salvation. Without it, my life would be full of despair and not full of joy, hope, and anticipation for what is to come. Kaden, your mother and I love you very much. I look forward so much for the time that I get to meet you. Our first child, our first boy, our little Kaden.

Love, your Father

Adah-ohdi-Ahman

After sacrament meeting on Sunday January 11th, Leif and I drove out to Adam-Ondi-Ahman. We went there for the purpose of burying our sweet little Kaden. It was sunny and beautiful. The wind was light. It was a perfect day to spend at this sacred and special place. As we entered the grounds, we can just feel the spirit. It's so comforting to know that this land is still honors as sacred land. How thankful I am that our son, Kaden, can rest here. His body will be in the right spot when the millennium comes.

Leif and I walked around for some time before we buried Kaden. We even walked out into the field and across to The Grand River. Everything was beautiful; the saints picked a wonderful place to settle. After some time, Leif and I then set out for the perfect burial site. We then found this small grove of trees right off the trail and close to the field. We thought it looked perfect. Just the right spot for our perfect son.

The site from the front (Kaden is next to the left tree).

The site from the trail. (my finger marks the spot)

Leif then dug a hole for our sweet little Kaden. I know Kaden would have liked the spot. We then filled the hole with his sweet little ashes and covered him back up. After the tome stone or marker was placed we give Kaden a small funeral service. Leif gave the eulogy. I then read the poem my mother wrote for Kaden, and I read the letter I wrote him. After the readings, Leif said a prayer. He asked that our Kaden would be protected. He asked that Kaden would remain safe. And he ended by telling Kaden we loved him. It was a special moment.

Daddy digging Kaden's burial site.

Kaden's Marker (made by his mother)

We then placed a larger rock over Kaden's burial site. As we walked away Leif said, "We love you buddy." I told Kaden we loved him. It's true .... Kaden we love you. I can't believe how much joy you gave your father and I for these couple of months. We can't wait to see you again some day. We are finally at peace, and now may you rest in peace.
We love you Kaden Leif Kanooth.

A poem from your Grandmother

Dearest Kaden

So small, so sweet, so innocent
You came into our lives
And stayed but for a moment
But then you said, “Goodbye.”

Your hands so small, so perfect
You tiny little feet
Your lips so full, your soft blonde hair
Is beauty so complete.

Kaden, oh Kaden,
What can we say?
Our hearts doth ache for thee
With each passing day.

Your Mother and your Father
They love you oh so much.
Your Grandmas and your Grandpas
Long to hold and feel your touch.

Your Cousins, Aunts, and Uncles
Want to romp and play with you
And in Heaven these great blessings
Will finally all come true.

So you see, our dear sweet Kaden
God provides for us a way,
To be a forever family
And live with you someday.

Always and Forever,
Grandma Raine