Friday, August 10, 2012

Last night, August 17th, at approximately 11:30 pm, sweet Collin Presley, our Bubba, passed away peacefully. Although heroic work was performed by the great men of the firemen, God had a more important work for Bubba, and he sent his Angels to bring him back to His presence. We have been blessed by his love and smiles for 12 years, and will miss him terribly. I am Don Presley, Collin's grandpa, and Julie asked me to post this for her. Funeral arrangements will be announced when we know them. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

51 comments:

Christine said...

I feel like I've been punched it the gut, and I only know you're family through this blog.

"I am so sorry", doesn't seem to be enough, but it all I have. I can not imagine what you are all going through, or what you will continue to go through. I truely wish I'd figured out how to send hugs via computer. All I can do is take your advice and hug my mostly healthy babies a bit tighter.

Love to all of you!

brodiefiles said...

There is nothing adequate that I can write here that will make anything easier. I am so glad you have so many summer memories and pictures of Bubba smiling and being happy. I am so glad that he passed peacefully. We hope and pray for love, peace and comfort for you.

brodiefiles said...
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Cindy Price said...

Oh, please accept my deepest condolences! I have been reading your blog for about a year now and you have truly touched my heart! I pray for your whole family, that the peace the gospel brings fills your heart with love and comfort.

Foursons said...

Oh Julie, my heart breaks for you, your husband, Regan, and all of your dear friends and family who love Collin so very, very much. I wish I could be close and do something tangible for you. My prayers are with all of you for peace and comfort beyond understanding. I'm so sorry.

Laura said...
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Laura said...

My deepest and most sincere condolences for the loss of your sweet boy. I am so sorry for your family's loss. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about Bubba and your family and I pray that you find comfort and peace in this most difficult time. Sending love.

Jim and Allison said...

We are so saddened by this news. Our deepest sympathies and love for you and your family.

MaryBeth said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know about your blog until today and used to check on Collin when you updated Caringbridge. ((((hugs))))

MaryBeth
Alex's Mom
www.caringbridge.com/vt/alex

Unknown said...

Julie & family, I am sitting here speechless as I just read about your adorable Bubba. I wish there were words I could say to take your pain away but I know too well there are not. All I can tell you is how terribly sorry I am and that I feel very blessed I feel to have read about Bubba through CB for so many years.
May the many wonderful memories you hold dear help you through the difficult road ahead. Bless you all xoxo
Debbie
^Katelyn's^ Mumma

Karen Hayes said...

I was so sad to hear about Collin passing away. He has been such an amazing example to so many people. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in our prayers.

Hoskins Family said...

Julie, Jason, Regan and all the Presley family. I'm so deeply sadden by Bubba's passing. His smile was the brightest light. Your family is such a beautiful inspiration to all. All we can offer is our prayers and love.

Hugs, The Hoskins

Scott Wright said...

Presley Family,
Jim and I are so sad to hear of Bubba leaving. I know you are the best family he could have been in. Please accept our love and prayers for you family.
Love all of you,
Jim and Pam

Kim said...

I was so shocked and sad when I opened your blog today. I am so sorry to read this. :( You are all most definitely in my thoughts...

sylviamyoung said...

There are no words to express my sympathy to you and your family! Bubba and your entire family are such an inspiration to everyone who knew you, even if just through your blog!!! Lots of love, hugs and many many prayers for you all at this time!
~Sylvia

Anonymous said...

Words are indadequate, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and thoughts your way.

EvaMarie said...

Collin and your family have been heroes to us for so many years. He will be missed and our hearts and prayers go out to your family during this time. He will always be remembered in our home for his smiles.

Stephanie Waite said...

Julie and Jason and all the Presley family,

Jonathan and I just want to express our most heartfelt condolences. My heart is hurting for you yours. Please know that we are praying for you. Julie if you want to join my private angel blog for those who have lost children, let me know. We love you guys!

Stephanie and Jonathan Waite and family

Anonymous said...

julie, your such and inspiration to so many. your bubba was such a fighter and you were his hero. you will be in our thoughts and prayers. the paniagua family

The Josh Bird family said...

I am so sorry Julie, you guys are in my prayers.

Aimee Bird

susan said...

Julie, Jason and Regan,
I am completely heartbroken over your loss and have no way of adequately telling you how sorry I am. Your Bubba has been such an inspiration in his life journey, and you have been so kind to share him with us. Our own hearts have been lifted many, many times by the most precious grin in the world, and our prayers have been answered so many times by Bubba's fighting spirit to go on. Knowing that it could not last forever did not keep us from wishing it would. While it is a comfort that he will not experience pain any more and has earned his rest and everlasting health, it is no comfort to think of your sorrow over not having that sweet child in your daily presence. You will continue in my prayers that those around you will give you comfort and compassion, and share their own favorite memories of your precious Collin. He will always be with you in so many ways. I know you will do wonderful things in memory of him. Sending hugs from Missouri.

B said...

I feel like I can't even breathe, I don't know you personally but I have been following this blog for probably 2 years now. My heart breaks for you, sending love beyond measure...

shanan said...

My heart sank as I read this post. You and your family are in our prayers. Your sweet Bubba was an inspiration to many - and, no doubt, will continue to be as an angel watching over his loved ones.

Karen said...

I am at a loss for words and can barely type this through my tears of sadness to read that your sweet Bubba passed. I too like all the others, who have written a message before me have so enjoyed reading about your Bubba and Oh, that smile, that beautiful smile...I will so miss that beautiful smile. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless your family and Stanley too! I wish I could get on a plane and fly out to hug you! The world lost a hero and God gained an angel.
Love, From Wisconsin
Karen Miles

Anonymous said...

Bubba touched so many hearts. I never even met him in person but I will miss seeing his beautiful smile terribly. My deepest condolences to your entire family. He certainly left his lovely mark on plenty of lives and changed every one of them for the better.

Rochelleht said...

Now that I have calmed down, I think I can try to write something, but it will not even come close to what I am feeling. Know that we love him with all our hearts and you guys, too. I never could imagine a sweeter sister than Regan. My heart is broken.

If our video brought me nothing more than our friendship, it was worth it. What a blessing you and your family have been to me. Knowing there was such a darling boy in the world gave me a touch of the spirit of Christ and every time I saw his picture, I felt it even stronger.

I will always cherish the afternoon we spent together. As a fellow 'special needs' mom, I can NOT imagine the heartache that this passing brings into your life. Parenting a special needs child in many ways becomes your identity, your full-time job. You did it better than anyone I have ever seen. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I admire you in more ways than I could ever even begin to express.

Thank you for fulfilling your God-given mission in such a radiant, incredible way. Your inspiration has changed my life. Your boy brought so much joy to this earth.

Our family was so touched by yours and we loved him SO much. I read your father in law's post and cried, "Oh, Bubba died!" and burst into tears. Grace, who was with me, screamed, burst into tears and ran out of the house. She sobbed for over an hour. It took me slightly longer to recover. Of course, I still haven't. I don't know if I ever will.

Greg is putting your names on the prayer roll in the morning. I am hugging my boys longer tonight. I am thanking God for him and for your family and for the plan of salvation.

But, mostly I am just sad and that's all I can say about it. My heart broke tonight.

Ben Dutton said...

Our love and prayers are with you. His courage and your devotion have inspired me.

sandi said...

Big Hugs! Love you Julie. How lucky Bubba was and is to have you as his Mother.

Jerelyne Nemanich said...

Prayers to you and your family.

Bubba has been an inspiration to me - his big smile warmed my heart every time I visited your site,

Jenny said...

Julie, I wish I could give you the biggest hug right now!! I'm so sad to hear about Bubba passing. Although I never got to meet him, he has truely touched my life. I wish that I could be there for his funeral, but we will be in Utah next week. Praying for your family...

Anonymous said...

Julie, you don't know me, but I've followed your blog for the last couple of years. I've gone back and ready your story from the beginning and I am so sorry for your loss! I could not imagine what you, your husband, Regan, and other close friends and family are going through right now. Even though we've never met and I don't know you personally, I was heartbroken to see this post! I pray the Lord will give you strength and peace that only He can give during this time.

Tiffany said...

Julie, you don't know me, but I've followed your blog for the last couple years. I've gon back and ready your story from the beginning. I am so sorry for your loss! I could not imagine what you, your husband, Regan, and other close friends and family are going through right now. Even though we've never met and I don't know you personally, I was heartbroken to see this post! I pray the Lord will give you strenght and peace that only He can give during this time.

Anonymous said...

Been reading your blog for years. I'm sending thoughts and prayers from Wisconsin. You and your family has my deepest sympathy. God Bless.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry :( Prayers for your entire family.

ColleenandKendra said...

I've followed your blog through a friend's blog because you have completely inspired me. Your positive attitude and sunny spirit through unbelievable trial is beyond amazing. I am incredibly sorry for the loss of your sweet son. Prayers are being said around the world for your family, I just know it. I am adding in mine.

Amy-Sue and Gian Del Bello said...

Julie, Jason and Reagan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We pray that the Lord will comfort you each and that your faith will help you at this time. Thank you for sharing Bubba with us and his smile will forever in our hearts and minds.
Love,
Gian, Amy-Sue, Sabrina, Tabitha and Charlee Del Bello

Skeller said...

Oh, Julie. I type thru tears. You and your family have loved Collin well and deeply. I can't even fathom the depth of your sorrow. I pray God wraps you all closely in His love and comfort and grants you peace beyond understanding...

Skeller said...

Oh, Julie. I type thru tears. You and your family have loved Collin well and deeply. I can't even fathom the depth of your sorrow. I pray God wraps you all closely in His love and comfort and grants you peace beyond understanding...

Anonymous said...

I have been thinking of your family non stop since I heard the news about Collin. I am sending the biggest (((((((hugs))))))) and lots and lots of prayers..
Jodi Malec

Jonny said...

I too, am at a loss for words. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Andrew said...

I cannot express enough my sorrow at Collin's passing. He has touched my heart and I will never forget him. I feel blessed that I was able to experience his beautiful spirt and amazing personality. I take solace in the fact that he is in a better place, free of pain, and free of any of the physical constraints his body put on him.

Collin I will miss and love you always.

Mr. T.

Camille said...

I read about you and your sweet Collin on Rochelle's blog today, and wanted to tell you I'll be praying for you and your family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Wendy said...

I'm heartbroken for you. Your family has consumed my thoughts since Jonny told me this news last night. Thanks Bubba for touching my heart with that amazing smile of yours, even if it was only through the computer. Big hugs to all of you. You're in our prayers.

lex said...

I am so sorry to hear about Collin's passing. His incredible strength and courage, the courage of your family has brought me so much inspiration and admiration. Bubba was a blessed spirit and how great a gift that God chose you to guide him through this part of hi journey. I will always remember his smile, the great joy he had in life and be inspired by your faith. I am so saddened and sorrowful but so blessed i found your story by chance and was able to be touched by Bubba's amazing spirit over the last 18 months. May you find peace through this difficult time. God bless you all.

Unknown said...

I am so deeply sorry for your loss.. There are no words. Your family had been in my thoughts and prayers. He is truly an inspiration.

Unknown said...

I am so deeply sorry for your loss.. There are no words. Your family had been in my thoughts and prayers. He is truly an inspiration.

Stephanie said...

I am so sadden to hear about your family's loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my prayers. God Bless you.

Stephanie said...
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Amy - said...

I too am just a reader that found your blog when you won an "I heart photos" contest and I've been following ever since. I've felt joy at your joy and now have been shocked to read this sad news. I am thinking about you and your little family at this time.

The Baldacchino Family said...

I am simply a follower of your blog, who you have inspired since my first reading. You and your family are amazing and Bubba was so blessed to have been chosen for your family. My heart aches for you as you travel through these difficult times, please feel the love and prayers being sent your way. If everyone LOVED as much as your family, the world would be a better place.

The Baldacchino Family said...

I am simply a follower of your blog, who you have inspired since my first reading. You and your family are amazing and Bubba was so blessed to have been chosen for your family. My heart aches for you as you travel through these difficult times, please feel the love and prayers being sent your way. If everyone LOVED as much as your family, the world would be a better place.