Tuesday, June 9, 2009

April Rose (I don't have the answers)...but

even if this is a hoax, in which it appears it could be.  I will continue to pray for the people behind April Roses blog.  

Now let me start fresh here.  

I have received several emails from many blog readers asking me if I knew of anything personally about this April Rose blog.  Asking my opinion on it because they heard it was false. I even had several emails from readers simply taking the time out of their day to inform me of this possible hoax, because they cared enough about me as person, knowing that I cry and pray over stories and babies like this.  

With that I didn't want to take any of their emails lightly, or blow them off.  Instead, I read every word they said to me, and responded to each one of them personally.  I then followed the sites, links and photos they provided to me, in effort to learn for myself if April Rose is real or not.  

What will be most frustrating about this is that I have personally been in communication with "B" several times.  She has emailed me a few times on a personal note, thanking me for the comments I left on her blog and expressed how much I encouraged her.  We were even in communication the weeks she needed help with His Will Wednesday's because I offered to help her, in which she accepted.  

Her emails seemed (as well as her blog and post) very genuine. So, all that I am writing in this post here is very confusing to me, and a bit frustrating at the same time.  I don't have the answers, but I do have my recent concern about all of this.  

On the other hand, I would feel completely and totally ashamed of myself if this did turn out to be real, and then I expressed my doubts here in this post. 

With that and for my readers I am going to express only my personal concerns, questions or whatever else you want to call it.  Because I think that it is only fair that if I can post asking my followers, readers, friends and family to pray, while personally praying and thinking of this family or child on my blog.  Then I surely also have the right to express some concern or doubt the same way, along with the info that has been provided to me, so that you all can make your own minds up about this. 

Now that being said.... 

Here are the things that ONLY I thought of and noticed myself.  None of which I am listing below was brought to my attention or emailed to me.  I will provide you the links that were provided to me as well.  However, these are the things that for a split second came to thought, but I surely never lingered on them, nor did I question or doubt them...they were simply that, "thoughts" that came and went on their own. Until now. 

With the several emails sent to me yesterday, in which I have to say is the most email or communication I have received I think from my blog ever, and its a shame it had to be about this topic.  

But, it is what it is.

1.  The first thing that came to mind and seemed strange to me, but again I didn't second guess it, or linger on it or question it.  It was just a simple split second thought. I never have guessed or thought this to be a hoax, ever.  

But, the first thing that struck me odd was that they posted a picture of April Rose on the blog, but posted a very dark picture of her and placed it on their sidebar, with a little note in the post saying "check her out".  I assumed it was taken by a cell phone explaining why it was so dark. It looked like this. 

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I trying to do B a favor, took the photo, lightened it up, softened the skin tone and put a frame around it with Aprils name on it, and emailed it to Reachel and B.  Never did I get a response, which was fine, they are dealing with much bigger things over there (I assumed).  That one looked like this.

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Then I got an email by another reader who used the same photo I posted on my blog on hers and she was asked to take it down. Out of respect, but not having been asked, I also took mine down. I didn't want to cause any stress on what was already a stressful and heartbreaking situation.  

The next thing I know is that picture was take down.  Thought nothing of it.  But did wonder why, they posted MORE pictures and why ALL the pictures seemed to be so dark and gaining looking.  Obviously they were not strangers to the tech and computer world, that they could have lightened up the pictures and post the pictures in her POST, not just on the sidebar. After all they were announcing and showing a picture(s) of THE April Rose.  The purpose of that blog.  The moment we all had been waiting and praying for.  

The dark pictures just seemed a bit off. Look at them here again. Again, I really didn't think any of it, other than "I wonder, why?" and moved on.  Again, being so thrilled and happy she was here, ALIVE and giving praise and thanks constantly. 

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Then "D" the dad, wrote his post yesterday about someone having drawn devil horns and tail on the first photo they posted.  I was shocked, and thought to myself "wow, they really are getting hateful stuff said and done to them, I don't blame them for taking the pictures down. What a shame." 


2.  The signing off of her friend Raechel the night of April's birth.  This seriously came to mind, but again I was so wrapped up in this entire thing, I didn't think twice after the split thought came to my mind.  

When her friend Reachel signed off that night, it seemed a bit casual for someone that was concerned for her friend, who just gave birth to a live baby, but that was reported to be quickly decreasing in her heart rate.  They left us thinking that April Rose may not make it through the night.  Reachel then said "I'm signing off, after all it is my wedding anniversary." Or something very similar to that.  

To me (now that I REALLY put thought into it), if this where YOU and your friend, and it seemed as though her baby was dying and may not have much longer to live.  Wouldn't you want to stay available the entire time to support her?  And would it even cross your mind to announce on April Rose's blog, that it was your "wedding anniversary, AFTER ALL?" This was a VERY serious and sad situation, but she just casually 'signed off' while announcing it was her wedding anniversary, as if her friend just just had a birthday party or something and she was calling it a night; not as her friend just given birth to a live baby that wasn't supposed to live, and is now 'supposedly' still alive and breathing as I write this.

Here is what appears to be Raechels blog, in which she writes a post about her wedding anniversary.  No mentioning of April Rose, or her friend B at all, other than the pray for April Rose button on her sidebar.  Interesting?? (The button with in the last hour has been removed from her blog.)

What I have just read about Reachel may explain things.... its been said that she is B's friend only through the blog world. They live thousands of miles apart.  It is said that Reachel is simply a victim in this as well.  She really believes in B and April Rose, and as a christian was honoring her sister in Christ and doing what she could to help, with posting the updates she was given.  I can appreciate that, but why no mentioning of April Rose on her own blog? 

The first question that comes to my mind then is ..... if they gave this Reachel girl access to April Roses blog to post updates, what there not anything exposed to Reachel about this? Like any 'draft' post that where not posted yet? Anything? And I think its pretty brave that if B and D are frauds, for them to allow some girl they barely knew to sign in on their blog and post updates.  ???  Again, it all doesn't add up. 

Here is a comment response from Raechel's husband, Ryan, that he left on HER comment box post on their wedding anniversary.  

Blogger uberryan said...

RE: Anonymous:
If April Rose is not fake, why are you deleting things? Were you not updating for her? People were invested in this. If you are as good a person as you portray yourself to be, please let us know what is going on?
-------------
This is Ryan, Raechel's husband.

Comments are being deleted from this blog because this is our family's PERSONAL blog. 

This is here for our friends and family and not as a sounding board. A blog post about mine and my wife's 6 wonderful years of marriage is no place for this drama.

We have offered support to a friend through her pregnancy. That does not merit questioning the spiritual walk of my wife. 

I would kindly ask you to no longer include Raechel in your opinions on this issue. On her blog, or by e-mail.

Thanks,

Ryan

I just had to take a moment here and say that I will not remove what I said about Reachel, because I was being honest with what I knew before reading her blog today.  As I did mention and thought, she was a victim in this and has posted a post on her blog today, alone with MckMamma (Jennifer) and Angie (Audrey Carloine), both blog women I adore and follow and TRUST.  

I would like to ask for your prayer for Reachel as well as all the readers who have devoted their prayers for this April Rose story.  I just wanted to come back here this evening and say that I have read Reachels blog from the beginning this evening and what a BEAUTIFUL women of God she is.  Please give her some support.  Thank you. 


I feel bad, because part of me feels like I am being judgmental here.  Maybe, I sort of am.  I am not trying to be, and I typically am not a judgmental person at all.  I just feel very confused about all of this, and so I express my thoughts openly on my own blog.   

3.  I emailed B before giving birth and asked about their families being present and giving support to her and D. Surprisingly, I stopped getting responses from B out of no where, when she was the one keeping the communication in the first place with me.  Again, thought nothing of it, but that she must simply be busy and has a lot on her plate. My job was to support and pray for her as her sister in Christ.  So I did. 

However, none of their families were mentioned to be at this home to watch and meet their grandchild be born. A child that may have died soon after her birth.  Wouldn't all family want to be there to witness that?   Where none of their family members there for this? Nothing was mentioned.  

It just seems odd, but then again, their families may have distanced themselves to this couple for their embarrassment of this pregnancy being out of marriage.  Again, I didn't question this. I was just so thrilled and giving praise and thanks to God that April was here and alive, meeting her mom and dad face to face.  A miracle and answered prayer of its own. 

In truth, I still want to believe that to be the case, not all of this hoax stuff.  I am really torn over this. 

4.  I was ecstatic that April was "still alive" yesterday morning when I woke up. I woke up a couple of times during the night thinking of her, and she was the first thing on my mind when I woke up yesterday morning. A 6:05 AM post is an early post to be writing for someone that's being called a fraud, wouldn't you think? I was so thrilled to have read she was still alive.  

5.  Then all of the sudden we get the post from "D" (the dad, named Dan I think) out of no where, expressing his anger and frustrations.  I felt so bad for them, I wanted to get on their blog and write a post telling all those mean and negative people where they could go and do. I stopped and prayed again for them, and totally respected and appreciated their choice in closing off the blog for the day.  

If April's heart rate was in the 70-80's yesterday morning, and we still have yet to have one update, until late last night around 9:30 PM, expressing that April was STILL alive but that they finally went to a near by hospital because her health was declining and the mother B also wasn't feeling well.

Health Declining?  

Wasn't her health declining the day she was born?  We were all told her heart rate was in the 100's at birth, but down in the 80's when they "signed off" for the entire night?  Almost 24 hours later, they then say they take her to the hospital for "blood work"....?? And that B also wasn't feeling well?  This all doesn't add up at all.  I am a pretty realistic person. I think I am anyways. 

I am going to list all the links and info that HAS been volunteered to me. I did not search it out, nor think about searching it out.  It was all handed to me, and I then took the information I was provided, looked into it and will form my own decision.  I will not say what is or isn't.  I still feel very strange about this, because secretly I hope that April Rose is real.  At the same time, if she isn't real, although I will be disappointed that people would do this.... I will take it as a relief to know that there is one less baby that isn't dying or have died over these last few days.


Here are the links:

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "April Rose (update)": 

There are many sites saying that April Rose is a scam and that pic you have on your blog is actually a bunch of pictures of a 'Reborn Baby' (besides picture 4 and 6). If you look at the pictures, 4 and 6 look like a real baby and the others look fake.

Search for 'Avery Reborn Baby' and you will find the pics look exactly like the ones she posted.

http://littleaprilrosequestions.blogspot.com/
http://littleaprilroseisfake.blogspot.com/
http://gibsontwins.blogspot.com/

All of those sites expose her for a scam.

We are all sad that we got sucked in! 
*****************


Also, here are the pictures that I found that you can compare yourself.  You make your own choice on all of this.  I am just providing to you the possibilities of what all this could really be.  A hoax.  

Here in the link to Bountiful Babies website.  They designed and customize these dolls called "born again dolls".  Its purpose I believe, is to make a doll of your child that has died as a keepsake.  These dolls look amazingly real.  

Here is Kelli's Blog, the friend that is supposedly there in person with B and D, helping us with updates.  Why are all the other blogs all closed off and private??? 

Here is a photobucket link that shows these dolls that appear and look EXACTLY like baby April Rose.  Do they look a lot of like?  No, they look EXACTLY alike.  I have attached a picture of a girl that posted the comparison on her blog.  Also, the picture I have that I highlighted for B of April, it has the same kind of wispy blond hair. I couldn't see that until I highlighted the picture.  See for yourself.  

The top picture is the "doll" and the bottom picture is the very first picture they posted and took down of April Rose, same picture in pink frame, as well as picture number two in the photo strip they provided last. and also removed.   


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Now what about the other photos?  Well, from what I see, all the pictures look to be like the doll except for two pictures (4 & 6).  So what gives?  

I don't have the answers. 

6. Last.... they said that April Rose was 4 lbs and something.  I am around babies at the hospital a lot lately and I see them weighing in at all sizes.  I have two kids, and ton of nieces and nephews, in which I was there to witness three of their births.  I said to Mark, the day April was born, and they posted that very first picture.  I said, "wow, that baby has a full face for only 4lbs."

In truth, what I was thinking when I said that was very positive stuff. I was thinking, "I am so happy they waited until B went into labor, giving this baby all the time to grow and come out so full and healthy looking." 

But after all this stuff yesterday, I went back and started to look at pictures from Morgan when she was "just born" and weighing in at 7 lbs and 11 oz.  Even Morgan's face didn't look as full at this 4 lb baby April Rose did.  The photos of baby boy that passed I photographed, he weighed right at 6 lbs.  His face doesn't even look that full in the pictures I took of him.  Not saying it is impossible. It may be that it is such a close up and the angle of the photo, the baby could appear to be bigger in size than 4 lbs.  

I don't have the answers.

All I do know is this.  

Something isn't adding up.  I want it to add up, because I still want to believe that we are witnessing another miracle.  I want to believe (and part of me kind of still does) that April Rose is real. 

I went to bed still believing that she was real, and left a comment on their blog with that 9:00 PM update they gave.  I felt reassured that she must be real after that update last night, went to bed and said another prayer totally thinking about deleting this post I began writing yesterday.   

Until THIS MORNING...

All of the sudden the entire April Rose blog has been taken down.  Its questioned if they took it down themselves, or if blogspot took it down. People wrote into blogspot about this blog being a scam, so they now wonder if blogspot took the blog down. 

Blog has been removed

Sorry, the blog at littleoneapril.blogspot.com has been removed. This address is not available for new blogs.

Did you expect to see your blog here? See: 'I can't find my blog on the Web, where is it?'


Typically when a blog has been removed by the owner, it opens up that name to be used again. However, this one has been taken off and can not be available for new blogs.  ???

All the other links I have provided to you, provide some pretty interesting stuff.  Please feel free to check it out, and then you decide what you believe.  

As for me.  I am confused.  However, I will continue to pray.  I have already prayed to God about this, and I said to Him "God, you know my heart, and I know the world is not always a safe place.  You are always my safe place.  If April Rose exist you know my heart for her.  If she does not exist Lord, I then pray for the people behind April Roses name and blog. I am sorry that they use your name for evil doing and I pray that they realize their sin and that you God handle them the way you will.  Allowing the rest of us, to forgive them and pray for them, because it's clear they need you more than anything." 

What makes this so hard to let go and believe it is a hoax for me? 

Because this "B" girl wrote so beautifully.  It is all too detailed to seem fake. The birth stuff all seems questionable.  I agree. All of these links and photos circling around, seem questionable.  I agree.  

However, the rest of her blog leading up this these last few day seemed very real. She seemed very transparent, with a heart of God and the love for her Savior.  

Now she has almost 1000 followers, I am sure she doesn't take the time to write all 1000 of them thanking them for their comments as she did me.  Her her emails seemed so sweet and kind. However, they did stop suddenly. 

Why would a fraud, take all that time and energy to post hundreds and hundreds of prayer request weekly on her blog. She could have taken the easy road and said leave your prayer request in the comment box, but she didn't. She took the effort and the time to post each one individually on her blog for others to pray for.  

Her day to day stuff, all seems too real. It doesn't seem inconsistent or odd.  So this part of it all keeps pulling me back in to believe this can't be a hoax.    

So the question then arises.  

Is it possible that April Rose is real, and can she look that much like that doll, causing all these crazy rumors? 

Again, I don't have the answers.  

All I know is that I believe in April Rose, and I don't, and that I will continue to pray for the people, behind that blog and I will move on with my life now.  God knows the truth.  God knows my heart isn't looking to bring anyone down or expose anyone, or judge anyone or question anyone. He knows my intensions are honest and pure.  

So with this post, I can walk away in peace and sleep without any guilt or doubt.  

Another interesting blog with a couple of post to check out, including a post on Biblical Confrontation, with scripture for how we as believers should handle and approach these situations.  I don't feel that anything personally was done to me, although I guess you can say it was done to all of us. I don't feel it was personally towards me, so I do not feel the need to take the biblical stance in this and confront her.  However, some may think that I am also not taking the biblical stance by expressing my thoughts, as well as others thoughts and links on all of this.  

I don't have the answers.  

Also, apparently, she saw on her blog log that the IP address recongnized as "B's" computer, was on her blog, at the same time it was said that the doctor had arrived to B's house to check on the baby.  It would seem odd that anyone on B's computer during those hours to be browsing other blogs. 

Im not stating anything as 'facts'. I am only stating things as opinions and providing you all the info I have and been given, so you can make your own choice in all of this.  

A lot of info can also be provided on MckMama's community chat forum. Its rumored that she may post her thoughts on all of this at some point.  

At this time, I am letting it go and moving forward.  I am very thankful and appreciative to those that emailed me to warn me or inform me.  Thank you for caring enough to take time out of your day for me and others.  And for reading and following my blog.  I hope that you enjoy my blog and can trust that I am REAL.

As for this April Rose topic, it will be the last for me to discuss on this blog at this time.   Please continue to pray for these folks no matter what.  That's what we as christians are called to do. 


God Bless and have a wonderful day.






48 Personal Thoughts:

Angela said...

Very, very well written.

I personally have always thought there was something suspicious about this blog and the story.

I am sorry that you were taken advantage of.

Anonymous said...

I've read all the sites, all the accusations, all the "proof" and I appreciate your post so much. It is kind and gentle and reflective of your faith in the One who knows all. It is so nicely written and free of accusations and I believe that at this point that is best. I too am feeling much like you are but by no means am I willing to assume this is a lie because what if it isn't? I'll continue to pray for B & D and April Rose. If I have been deceived, then my Father will be the one to seek justice for that. No harm shall come to me for believing the best in others and praying for them.

jord,ali,hal,kam and grae too! said...

I hate to be negative but Sunday late night I stumbled across your blog and when I looked at the pictures (strip of photos) I thought..weird..those don't look newborn or even really like the same baby..I am so sad that someone would use such a situation to get donations etc if that's what was taking place. That night I got onto the april rose blog..and a few minutes later someone logged onto mine from Oak Park...I used to live there so I thought this was weird to take place. I have an ex husband that still lives there so for a split second it made me nervous..I didn't realize it's where these people lived. I was just glancing at blogs. I pray it isn't all hoax and more so that if the child is real it is doing well. I have several friends who have had home births though and not all smooth experiences. If the child had been in distress I would think a hospital visit would have been necessary earlier on. Praying for those who either took part in the scam if it is one or have been hurt by it...and if there wasn't praying that they are getting the support they need!

Oliver'sMom said...

Well said, well written. Non-judgemental, with a more positive spin and a "lets move on" attitude that I think all of us sucked into this need to adopt. Thank you for your time on this!

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

Very well written and thought out.

Love Being A Nonny said...

I can tell how very careful you were in writing this post not to offend anyone. Very well written... with a heart for those in need.

Brigetta Schwaiger said...

I wasn't aware of this blog, but it seems that people who are fraudulent are going to be fraudulent and the blogging world gives them a perfect forum. They don't even have to be seen and can create whatever picture they want.

You did a wonderful job writing that post. I think that people are desperate right now and perhaps that was the motive. I am thankful that the darkness cannot withstand His light.

Cheryl said...

misty,

This is very well written. Thank you for not being judgemental. We may never know the true heart behind this (whether it was a fraud or not) but He does. I will continue to pray for this situation and know that even though I don't have the answers, God does.

2blessed2stress said...

Thank you. I have been following this for sometime, have cried, prayed, and hugged my children closer because of this (April Rose, not the hoax/fraud aspect) I have been looking for answers, knowing in my heart that we probably wont get them. Then I stumbled on your blog. Thank you, how well spoken and uplifting from a Christian Woman! I needed this today, although I had already come to some conclusions, I'm thankful and actually was able to Praise God that another family wasnt loosing their little girl (hopefully) and that if this was some trick, that God would use it for his glory and praise. So "B and D" if you're reading these blogs, know that we still love you and are praying for you. Whether April exists here or just in our hearts, I dont feel it matters. I feel its important for them to know that God will bring something good out of all this!

Thanks again for your post, It really was what I needed today!

Hugs!
Dawn

Anonymous said...

I believe it was truly a hoax. Even in the ‘blog’ world some people are psychology impaired.
I pray for all involved.

Anonymous said...

I believe it was truly a hoax. Even in the ‘blog’ world some people are psychology impaired.
I pray for all involved.

Kristi said...

Excellent post, Misty! You couldn't have spelled it out better. I agree, we need to pray for all who may have been involved in this. I've read on another site about this, that the motive for "His Will" was for financial gain. All of the hits to the blog generate money from advertisers.

I think "His Will" was an amazing way to lift up so many in prayer, so if it turns out April Rose was a fraud, we can just be grateful that some real good came out of the site. What pains me is that spiritual harm may come to non-believers and those who may have got down on bended knee for the first time (or in a long time) to pray for this baby (if it is a fraud). It saddens me that the goodness and love in the Christian community may have been taken advantage of.

Kristi said...

I wanted to add, when I saw the first photo of April Rose, I had the same thoughts as you; she had such chubby sweet cheeks for a tiny newborn who hadn't been thriving inutero and was surprised there were no facial deformaties from her two diagnosis'. Of course, then, my thoughts went to maybe it was a miracle of God that she was healed. I just didn't want my mind to go there with doubt.

I did see the photo you had up on your site yesterday where you lightened and fixed up the photo. May I say you did a beautiful job, and I believe any parent, especially one who is in the process of losing their child, would greatly appreciate your artistic touches on a photo they would no doubt cherish forever. Not speaking specifically to the April Rose situation, but I just wanted to you to know how thoughtful of you that was to do.

More Than Words said...

Oh my gosh..that would be so sad if that blog was a hoax!!

I think if the Lord gives us checks in our spirit, we should not ignore them.

All that matters is that the Lord knew where your heart was in this matter, and He knows whether that blog was real or a fake.

Stewart Family said...

Gosh, I don't know what to say--or think. Thanks for writing this and for leaving it up to "us" to conclude what we want. I am very confused and shocked.

Whether "April Rose" is real or not, they need our prayers. Whether it be for the reason we all thought or for the total opposite.

Thanks Misty for being such a sensitive and genuinely sweet person.

daniella said...

I agree, girlie! Of all the blog posts I've read out there from people who are concerned over this (whether they hate this "B" or are still supporting her or those confused, left with thought and heart in the middle) I think you have the very best one. I have this opinion because your writing clearly demonstrates that your heart is in the right place - given to God and gentle but not gaulable and naive. Good for you, I'm proud :-)

Susan said...

Misty,

Thank you for taking the time to share. You spoke so softly, yet so truthfully and we all appreciate that. You are exactly right: All we can do is pray!

Take care,
Susan in NC

Nadine said...

Thank you for taking the high road approach to this terrible situation. I have read some of the other blogs that are "exposing" this and I just feel sick about it. I feel sick that people are being so harsh. I understand that there are things about this that don't add up but it's just sicking how they are speaking about the parties involved.

Thank you again, God Bless! Great writing!

House Queen said...

I hadn't been aware of this blog or this story until the other night when you asked for prayers. I went to this blog and have been shocked to see what has happened since then. If this is indeed a hoax, it is a terrible shame! You have written a great post about this topic. I love reading your posts!

crone51 said...

I am not a religious person but I did want to comment that you represent Christians well by your comments about this April Rose mess. Obviously if this is a hoax it is the work of a deeply troubled person who feels the need for this sort of weird attention and needs understanding. I feel bad that so many good people were hurt by what appears to be a hoax. I just stumbled on the April Rose story by happenstance - I have a niece who is raising a special needs child and I think I ended up here by following some of her blog links ( you all know how lost one can get in the wilds of the internet!) . Anyhow, just wanted to comment. I am a former psychiatric social worker and have seen all sorts of odd things over the years. People often don't even understand their own motivations for making some really hurtful choices. I also think that there is a degree of depersonalization on the internet that makes folks not care about others feelings as much as they would " in real life". I am sure I have been guilty of that myself at some point. This technology has such potential to bring folks together- it is sad when people use it to alienate and confuse.
Have a great day and it was good reading your thoughts. Be well.

~~~~~ The House of Big Cheese~~~~ said...

Thanks for all this. This literally makes me feel sick.

J. Peterson said...

So well written. You seem like such an honest, kind soul.

Thanks for the update. Praying for all who are involved.

Erika said...

Thank you for sharing that and writing that. You voiced my thoughts exactly. I have been following "B" and April Rose for some time now and praying so hard for them. There have been a few times when I felt something was "off" but I like to give people the benefit of the doubt and I brushed those feelings off. Then I seriously began to doubt things yesterday when I saw the pictures and was reading parts of the birth story/timeline. And when "D" deleted all the posts. That just didn't make sense to me. I won't go on any further as again - you pretty much said exactly what I have been thinking.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts in such a godly way. I have read a lot of the other blog posts about her and it saddens me to see such hatred. Regardless of the validity of "B", these people need prayer.

Thank you for reminding us of that.

God bless!
-Erika

Pineapple Princess said...

I love the way you carefully wrote this.
I'm so glad you posted this. I appreciate you and love your heart.

Anonymous said...

Will continue praying for B & D and April Rose. I got all wrapped up in this at first and now the new blogs and comments are just making me sick.
A little tidbit before I zip it completely, did anyone else think that it's strange the founder of "april rose is a fake blog" is talking about those baby dolls so much and just happens to work for the company? Just a thought.
But that wraps it up for me. What kind of Christian woman would I be to sit and speculate and blame all day long.

Aspiemom said...

I can tell how carefully you wrote this, Misty.

I wasn't familiar with this story. I tried to check their blog once and couldn't access it for some reason.

Someone 'hoaxed us' on the CF.com board once and it made everyone so very distrustful and hurt. We had invested our time and prayers and MONEY in this person and checked on their condition every day. After quite a period of time it came out that this person never had CF and had never been in the hospital. We'd been under the impression that she'd been in the hosp. for a year and was a death's door and we donated a Wii and all kinds of things. It's very sad that people will take advantage of people's feelings, etc. like that.

Elizabeth said...

Misty
THanks for updating us. Wow, I'm just speechless. I don't really know how to feel about this one. I didn't look at the links you gave, but it does seem fishy. That is just sad......I got so involved with this baby that I, like you, woke several times through the night, and prayed throughout the day. I think I actually cried myself to sleep that night thinking of what this family is going through. Now to learn it's quite possible a hoax is unreal. It's sad that someone would make up a story like this about a baby when so many people really do experience that with their children. I'm going to continue to pray for April Rose as she is real though.

Rebekah said...

Nothing to say except a Thank You for writing exactly what was on my mind and in my heart - your writing is thoughtful and amazing - though the subject is hard and we are all at a loss for words - you amazed me with what you wrote and I will continue to pray for B&D and April ... if there is one or not ... God Bless!

Rebekah and her girls

Anonymous said...

Sadly, I did read quite a bit in Raechel's blog and it desrcibes her last child as a baby with a chromosmal abnormaility (trisomy 9) and who passed away about a year ago. Something makes me wonder whether there are some psychological issues going on here with the loss "blog" for April Rose. I think we should be praying for all involved, not just "April Rose" and her parents.

Kate

Sarah said...

I've been following April Rose's story for awhile now... I did wonder when she was still pregnant in May and June what was going on. My thoughts were that she was really pregnant with a healthy baby and was making up the part about her baby being sick... to get more attention? That was kind of my thoughts all along, honestly I still wonder if that's not the case. I hope to find some sort of resolution to all of this...Either way, I think she still needs our prayers.

Love Mom said...

Misty,

I appreciate how kindly, gently and non-judgementally you wrote this post. You put the info you had out there and that is it; there is no accusation in your words or your "tone".

It has saddened me how harsh and mean some other people have been about this and yes, we may have been conned (and we may not have been - time will tell for 100% sure) but we need to take the high road and you made me so proud because you did just that (not that the cheers of a stranger will mean too terribly much). You were truly graceful, poised and lady-like about the entire thing. Kudos to you!

Lianna Knight said...

Thank you so much for posting about this. I too have been in contact with April Rose's mom to be included on His will Wednesdays. I am still in shock and refuse to believe that anyone could create such a story. I have been and will continue to pray for April Rose, her mom, and everyone involved with this entire situation.

I appreciate your honesty and know that all of this is in God's hands.

Many blessings to you :)

Taking Heart said...

I stumbled on your blog from a link. I am guilty of reading all of these responses to the April Blog. Yours is the one and only I will comment on, I have removed my own April button and "praying in pink" photo of my own little girl on my blog.

As a daughter of Christ, and a mother... I am so sad. My heart is broken. I prayed for her, I asked God for a miracle.

As a labor & delivery nurse, things didn't add up... but I let my heart do the believing.

Like you, I still wish Baby April is real. So, now I'm left to think like a nurse... and there is one less baby suffering, and one less family who is experiencing a loss.

Unfortunately, there is a blog community of mother's who are hurt, angry and mourning right now... and not only does "B" need our prayers... but the blog community as they work through such raw emotions.

Your blog is beautiful, I will bookmark it. God bless you and your family.

Blessings from the Reeds said...

I had no idea about all of this. we just got back from a trip and this is one of the blogs I often check. Your post was carefully written and like you said at the end they need prayer. No matter if it is real or not. I feel God tugging on my heart to pray anyway. I appreciate you writing this post and the way it was written. This is why I love your blog so much.

Megan said...

Bless your heart. You are just lovely.

Anonymous said...

I knew the moment the pictures were posted and then removed that some was up. And then seeing the picture...that baby did NOT look newborn and was NOT 4 lbs. My daughter was born at 4lbs 11oz and trust me they just don't look that -unnewborn like.

I hate that someone could do this, but I know its possible...

Very nicely written blog

Anonymous said...

This saddens me but prayers are still needed...just for a different reason if she truly did mislead everyone.

You might want to take a look at Raechel's blog if you haven't already

http://raechelmyers.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your post. I actually just found your blog a couple of days ago and I have already been reading old posts. You have a gorgeous family and your little girl is so precious! I look forward to continuing to read your blog.

Again, wonderful and non-judgemental post. I thank you for showing your faith so wonderfully to the world.

Love Mom said...

I just wanted to add to my earlier comment to you, Misty. You are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside!

Melissa said...

The person who created 'April Rose Is A Fake' does NOT work for Bountiful Baby (the reborn doll kit company who produces the 'Avery' sculpt)! She is an artist, though, that posts (with many other artists) on their forum, but is definitely not an employee for them! The reason she knows April Rose is fake is because she is a reborn doll artist and recognized the 'Avery' sculpt that "B" was trying to pass off as her newborn baby. I am also a reborn artist (not the one who created the above blog) but when you are a reborn doll artist you recognize all the sculpts very easily...kinda like how certain people will know the make and model of a car as soon as they look at it. 'Avery' is a widely recognized and well known reborn doll sculpt in the reborn world, and I GUARANTEE you that the April Rose photos are of a reborn 'Avery' doll as I have seen this doll reborned many times over. That is why people are questioning "B". If her story and baby were so real, why post a fake baby? There are many scammers out there...this is another one. People, internet scammers are, sadly, a common thing in the internet world.

Beth Herring said...

I applaud the way you handled this. I too, think that the main thing is that "beccah" needs our prayers. She is obviously troubled and needs a touch from the Master. In a way, I am glad that April isn't real. That means a precious little one didn't die.

In Him,
Beth

Anonymous said...

I am deeply saddened by this. I was one who was totally invested in helping B out any way that I could.

After reading more posts through out the blog community and yours here, I am 100% certain we were all taken for a ride.

While I will continue to pray for those behind this hoax, I sit here sick to my stomach. Of course, I am deeply saddened by this. I am hoping and praying that if there is an April Rose out there, she is OK. However, it makes me sick and brings tears to my eyes about the dolls. If "she" or whoever is using a picture of one of these dolls in their elaborate hoax, she is using an image of a child, someone's child that is no longer here. As I understand it, these dolls are made to resemble a child that has passed away. Correct?

As a Mother who has lost a child, if this were me, if this was my child's image, I would.... I just can't even finish that sentence.

Anyway, thank you for your very informative and very well written post.

badgermama said...

Misty, I love how you handle this and write about it, with such fierce attention and yet with so much kindness and balance. Best, Liz aka badgermama

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for not hiding your feelings/thoughts from us. I spent a lot of time on my knees yesterday and got up anxious this am to "nothing" Then when the 3 bloggers came on and stated it was between Beccah and her Lord, I admit I got angry. Those of us who were praying so hard and lovingly and sincerely deserved some type explaination.

You did it wonderfully. Now we kinow some of it it makes it easier to pray for the family and possibly April Rose. I wish it were true, but after I saw what a beautiful baby she was on her first spic, I couldn't believe she should have abnormalities. She looked more like a 2 or 3 mo old.

I did wonder about a home delivery if you know your child is expected to have all these difficulties and may not live..Usually midwives refer them to the hospital.

Thank you for your honesty, and the way you wrote your article. I'm glad you were brave enough to put into words what we were all wondering. I will continue to pray, for prayer never hurts, and foryou, I will pray that you always have the love, heart and wisdom to share with all and let them make up their minds.

You are a very special child of God. and very brave...

Hippy

Anonymous said...

Thank you . . . very nicely written/ analyzed. I'm confused too, so is there no baby? no B? no D?

For info: Blogger policy is to not allow blog names to be reused, period. Doesn't matter if the owner deletes it, or Blogger deletes it.

Melissa said...

Rachel-not to worry, 99% of the time these dolls are not created to be "memorial babies". :) So, most likely the doll B. used was not created to be a memory of someone's real child. Most of these dolls are created to be sold to doll collectors who collect them for the plain love the art. I have created and sold close to 50reborns in my time being a doll artist and have never once had a custom order come up for a memorial baby of a deceased child. Go to Ebay and type in: "reborn doll" and you will see lots of lifelike dolls for sale...(type in "Reborn Avery" to see some of sculpts that are the same doll April Rose was). Hope that helps! :)

Unknown said...

Very well said! This is such a hard situation for those of us who were praying for that baby. I hope you and your beautiful family have a great day.

Jennifer said...

This is the first I am reading of AprilRose. I try to steer clear of other's sad/reality stories. I sometimes want to stay in my bubble of "naiveness"...and don't want to subject myself and my emotions to it. Heartless, no, not really. I am also weary of the Internet....and how if depersonalizes people. People are like camelions (sp?). Sad, really.

I think you wore your heart on your sleeve in this post and shined as a very well balances Christian woman, Misty.

Makes me curious to what the truth REALLY is. The doll thing really has me thrown!

Nighty night. jen

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