Friends and family, this is Jay, Candace's Dad.  It's with great sorrow that I tell you that Penelope went to heaven this morning.  

Candace and Richard received a call from the medical staff at about 4 AM advising them to come to the hospital.  The doctors were trying to revive little Penelope when they arrived, but to no avail.  The sweet little thing had just had enough.  She was a fighter, but her ailments were so overwhelming that her little body couldn't pull through.  Candace and Richard were grateful to be able to hold her one last time.  

Inasmuch as she would have had a very difficult life without miraculous healing, we view this as God's mercy to her so that she wouldn't suffer any more than she already had.  

While we all are in mourning over the loss of this precious one, we're also not without hope.  We are convinced that God exists and that he loves each of us more than we could ever imagine or know.  Based on God's Word and books like Heaven is for Real (the story about Colton Burpo), we know that heaven is a real and spectacularly amazing place. We're confident that Penelope is there with her Heavenly Father and that we'll see her again because we love Him.  

I know you'll agree with me that the way Candace and Richard approached this horrible situation has been an amazing example and encouragement to each of us.  They are people of strong faith, courage, and character; we're incredibly proud of them.  They're heading out of town for at least a few days for some quiet time with each other.  I gently ask that you honor that time by not trying to contact them until they get back and are ready to re-engage with us.  

Dick and Norma Dyas and my wife Barbara and I thank you from the bottom of our collective hearts for all of your thoughts, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.  I'm sure Richard and Candace do as well, and will do that personally when the time is right.  

We love you Penelope; we can't wait to see you again!  Love, Poppa