Update: Newborn daughter of Christian singer Todd Smith passes away
Update: Angie has posted photos of daughter Audrey and the family at her blog, as well as a letter to her late daughter.
Originally posted April 7th: We are saddened to report that Audrey Caroline Smith, the newborn daughter of Selah member Todd Smith and his wife Angie, passed away Monday, April 7th, just hours after her birth at 4:31 p.m. A family friend posted on Angie’s blog for Audrey,
Everyone in the family is doing really well, all things considered, and they fervently believe that the time they had with Audrey was miraculous.
Todd and Angie became aware of numerous complications at the 20 week mark, which led the couple to believe that Audrey would not survive long after her birth. They decided to continue with the pregnancy. To read about Audrey’s journey, please click here.
Audrey leaves behind her parents and sisters Ellie, Abby and Kate.
Our thoughts are with the Smith family at this time.
Source: Bring the Rain
Thanks to CBB readers Annie and Celeste.
- Posted on Apr 14, 08 at 3:02AM
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- 65 Comments
April 7th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
How terribly sad. My prayers are with this family. My they find strength in their love for her and their faith.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
I’m sad to hear that, but I have to say that I love that name.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
So sad to hear that. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
My prayers and thoughts are with their family.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
So very sorry for this family’s loss.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
It’s nice that she lived a couple of hours so the family could spend time with her. It’s a very sad situation to have to prepare for and my thoughts are with them.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
How sad
Kind of struck a chord with me, seeing as how my daughter is to be named Audrey Claire Smith. I did a double take on the name, thinking I saw my daughter’s name at first. My prayers are with their family.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I am not familiar with the parents, but just read the blog, with tears streaming down my face as I so thankfully listen to the quiet baby monitors of my own two precious girls. My prayers go out to this family.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
the blog is amazing – what a sad story – but they sound like an incredible family!
April 7th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
how sad
April 7th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
That is heartbreaking, my heart goes out to the family.
April 7th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I read her entire blog. I am going to go hold my baby girl now.
April 7th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I love Selah. Their music gives me goosebumps. I’m so, so sad to hear this news
April 7th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
My heart really goes out to this family. How sad. Their story shows amazing faith.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I just took the time to read the entire blog as well. So, so sorry that Audrey had to leave
April 7th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Wow… what a sad situation. It was obvious how excited they were for her birth (I went through a LONG way back to see why she didn’t make it) and I’m very sad for them. I wish them all the best in the world and will keep them in my prayers.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
I just read the whole blog – my prayers are with Audrey and her family, how devastating to lose her so soon. I cried while reading their story, and now have to slip into my son’s room for a thankful snuggle…and pray for my little one that we’ll see on the 20 week ultrasound at the end of the month.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
my thoughts and prayers have been with todd and angie for sometime. :[ glad that they were able to spend time with their amazing blessed daughter.
April 7th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
heartbreaking
April 8th, 2008 at 12:00 am
WOW! I think the only way to get through such pain at least for me Is to have faith in the LORD! That doest not mean that you can’t get mad at Him or ask why? She seems to have tremendous faith. Although I will be honest She has more than I think I might have. I wish her only the best.
April 8th, 2008 at 12:22 am
I went back and reread Angie’s blog from the beginning and cried my eyes out reading her words and finding myself speechless at the faith this woman showed even in the face of tragedy.
And then I came back here and cried again when I saw the Moms comments about going to hold their babies.
Thoughts and prayers with the Smith family and their loved ones … and blessings for the Moms who are reveling in the miracle of their childrens lives.
April 8th, 2008 at 12:47 am
I read through the entire blog too…heartbreaking. My thoughts are with everyone, Angie, Todd, Ellie, Abby, Kate and little Audrey in heaven
April 8th, 2008 at 2:58 am
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for this family right now. My heart and prayers go out to them! May God be with his faithful servants now in their time of need!
April 8th, 2008 at 3:59 am
God bless this family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. What amazing strength they have.
April 8th, 2008 at 5:18 am
I can’t even imagine what they are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
April 8th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Oh that is so sad to hear of a wee one not making it past a few hours after birth. I did go and check out the blog, but I am not certain exactly what it was the baby died from. Does anyone know?
April 8th, 2008 at 5:58 am
I do not know of the family, but I wanted to write, because this is such a horrible thing to have happened. I think the family should be really proud that they were brave enough to continue with the pregnancy so they were able to spend a short while with their baby daughter. My thoughts are with them.
April 8th, 2008 at 6:33 am
i have just spent the better part of two hours eading Angie’s blog, and whilst I am not religious there is something so inspiring and courageous about her outlook on this chapter of her life that I sadly admit I probably wouldnt share if put in the same situation. Little Audrey’s story is by far the most meaningful thing I have come across on CBB. I feel thankful I got the opportunity to hear it so beautifully and honestly told.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I do not know this singer, but went through and read their blog and was so incredibly touched by their story. My prayers and heart go out to them in this difficult time.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:13 am
I never thought I would see someone I know appear on CBB. Todd and Angie are amazing people and I know they appreciate your prayers more than anything in the world. Thanks CBB for putting this on here.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:16 am
DLR–Audrey had an enlarged heart, no lung development, and no amniotic fluid. Since this is on the blog I think Angie would be OK with sharing this.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:30 am
My thoughts and prayers are with their entire family. I know that this must be such a hard time for all of them. Keep praying….It is the best medicine.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:51 am
oh my God…selah is my favorite christian band,i’m really sad for todd and his all family i’ll be praying for them.he’s touched my life with his music when i was going through tough times.todd hang in there,and keep having faith.God bless
April 8th, 2008 at 9:14 am
My heart soars and aches for them all at the same time. I’m grateful that God gave them time with Audrey, no matter how little, but I’m still sad for them the things they won’t share with her. Their faith is immense and inspiring, and it’s a comfort that in two hours of life that wonderful, blessed child has already helped bring peace, faith, and the love of Christ to so many. My prayers are with them as they walk through this valley of hurt. I hope the sun begins to shine brightly in their lives again soon and that Audrey’s memory and spirit becomes a comfort.
April 8th, 2008 at 9:33 am
so sad. They definitely have my prayers…
April 8th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I am so sorry for this family. I hope they stay strong in their fath. I will pray and send my love to them.
April 8th, 2008 at 11:17 am
I can never find the words to do loss justice. I just hope that they hold on to their faith and are surrounded by love and support.
April 8th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Like many others I have been deeply touched by the Smith family and their story, their strength is awe inspiring and their unfaltering faith increasble.
Todd, Angie and their girls (Audrey included) are an inspiration.
April 8th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Many thoughts & prayers going out for this family. We lost our third child, Alexandra, during birth almost 9 years ago. She was 9# 2oz., 21 1/2 inches long. She was born on her due date. She was alive and healthy when we went in to the hospital and died due to doctor error. Things never get better. For that to happen, our Lexi would be with us. Things do change, though. We live our lives being extremely thankful and blessed for the miracles in our lives to include our two children running on earth, and our little one being spoiled in Heaven with her grandmas and grandpas.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I am not a parent so I can in no way imagine how this feels. I am however a child who grew up with the knowledge of a big sister who died days after birth. My mother has only started speaking about this recently and she said that the thought that kept her going when she thought God had turned His back was not “why me?” it was “why not me?” She believed that there was nothing that made another person deserve to loose their child more than she did and this kept her strong.
I was reading the blog and it seems that she is pretty solid in her faith and I hope this family stay strong for each other.
April 9th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Jessie, thanks for the information about why the baby died. I did not know if it was a particular disease or syndrome or whatever that caused the heart and lung situation plus the lack of amniotic fluid. It sounds like it was a case of too many individual problems happening at once the baby’s body could not handle it and there was no pre- or ante-natal surgical options. So sad.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. They have an angel watching over them now. I am inspired by the strength and courage of Todd and Angie and their girls. I will always think of this, their journey, when I find my own times of trouble. God bless them. What an incredible testament of Faith!
April 9th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
DLR- I also read the blog, and Angie also mentioned that Audrey’s kidneys were non-functional (which was probably the reason she had no amniotic fluid. Most of the fluid is actually made up of fetal urine).
April 11th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
If you have been following the Smith’s story, you should go back to their blog, Bring the Rain @ http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ as they have updated today with some of the most amazing images of Audrey and their family. Angie writes from a place of loss, love and an unwavering devotion to God. Bring a box of tissues as this is the real deal, raw and heartfelt.
April 14th, 2008 at 4:11 am
Audrey is so beautiful. God Bless them all. They have so much faith in God even though he took their daughter. They are so strong. I don’t think I would be that strong.
April 14th, 2008 at 4:34 am
I just read what the mother wrote about Audrey! WOW! Just WOW!
Beautiful pictures! Beautiful family. Very sad, but they seem strong and they will heal.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:04 am
I read the blog about Audrey and her family and saw the amazing photos of Audrey after her birth.
What an amazing little girl and an amazing family. Their strength and faith in the Lord is so humbling to me. I am in tears.
God bless this family.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:11 am
I am truly in awe of this family’s strength and unwavering faith in the face of such a heart-breaking loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to them!
April 14th, 2008 at 8:14 am
All I can say is,,,, if everyone had the Faith that this family has — the world would be a much more beautiful place. God’s peace in them shines thru so amazingly.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:19 am
I was sobbing the whole time I read her blog. The family has shown so much strength and love throughout this whole process. I don’t know if I could have handled this a situation as well as they have. My heart goes out to this family for everything they have been through and will go through in the future.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:19 am
I can’t stop crying. What a beautiful memorial to her sweet baby girl. I don’t know this family but I can already tell they are wonderful people, what a beautiful letter her mommy wrote to sweet Audrey. God bless them all and I offer my deepest and sincerest condolences. No family should have to go through that, I pray for their healing & strength.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:51 am
As I read her letter I sobbed, partly because I have letters of my own written to the babies that I have lost. I had 4 that never were born, and 4 that have been.
My heart breaks for them and rejoices for them all at the same time. How blessed they were to have her in their lives, if only a couple hours. How blessed the girls were to meet their sister. The pictures define the meaning of priceless.
My prayers and love are with this family in this time of extreme loss.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:58 am
I have never read anything more heart breaking than this mother’s letter to her sweet little daughter. I am in tears.
God bless this family, and thier sweet baby.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:58 am
i just read the entire blog and my thoughts are with the family..what an emotional thing to have to go through..and the baby is just beautiful. They have so much strength and courage.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:38 am
This is so very very sad. I have them in my thought and prayers. I read the blog and I think, they gave baby Audrey a beautiful life even though it was short. They respected her life. What a wonderful family. I’ll be thinking about them.
April 14th, 2008 at 10:25 am
I just read the letter that Angie wrote on her blog to her daughter Audrey. That was just heart wrenching. The tears streamed down my face as I read it. I was so touched hearing their story. I admire their courage and faith. So sorry to hear about the loss of Audrey. God bless them.
April 14th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I couldn’t even read the whole blog post. I was holding my 7month old son while trying to read it and just started to cry.
taking pictures with their daughter and smiling must have been so hard but the will treasure them forever!
April 14th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
aw… i definitely intend to make and send a card. can’t imagine how painful their situation is.
April 14th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I read her blog and cried. That she found so much beauty and love in something that most would consider a tragedy has really touched me.
April 14th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Such a beautiful little girl.
I was pleased to see that they had taken “memories” of her.
This breaks my heart to know that yet another family has joined “the group”. I am part of it as well…..
May Audrey rest in enternal bliss, and may her family have gentle days ahead in this unbearble journey.
April 14th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
My thoughts are with this beautiful family. Angie has shown such strength and courage throughout this experience. I admire her for having the strength to write as often as she has in her blog about her daughters and husband. She is an amazing woman. Her blog brought me to tears multiple times and I am not even a mother. My best wishes for you all at this time.
April 14th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I think Rev. Run and Justine Simmons should totally reach out to the Smiths during this time. It always helps to have someone there for you who has actually gone through the same thing.
April 14th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
It was heart wrenching to read Angie’s beautiful letter to her sweet little girl. Audrey’s story is such an inspirational and touching one.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family…may God bless them and continue to strengthen them each and every day. Their faith and courage is so admirable, and it’s wonderful that they cherish the time, no matter how short, that they shared with their precious little angel.
April 14th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
This is such a sad story. My prayers go out to this family. In her blog, Angie mentioned the organization “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep”, which is a free service available across the U.S. that takes beautiful remembrance photography of terminally ill and deceased newborns. A friend of mine had a son who was unexpectedly born brain-dead and was taken off life support at 3 days old. NILMDTS took beautiful photographs of her son and it has been a great tool to help them heal and to remember his life. Maybe CBB could include an article about NILMDTS and their services in the future. Many have not heard about it and it is such a wonderful organization.
April 14th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Oh those pictures were so lovely! Even though it was a time of grief, there is such love and appreciation showing in those pictures.