Last night, our good friends Rusty & Lynette lost their 4 month-old daughter Olive Hope. She was born prematurely, and had been fighting -- hard -- for her life until she passed away yesterday evening.
In a few hours, I (Aaron) and some other friends are flying to Indiana to be with them during this unimaginably horrible time. Needless to say, Episode 65 will have to wait.
Thanks for your patience, and if you’re the praying sort, these 2 wonderful people and their families can use all you’ve got.
Rusty, Lynette, and Olive
UPDATE:
Lynette, Olive’s mother, made a video that was played at Olive’s memorial service, & put it on YouTube to share with the many people who’ve been following their story, so we wanted to share it with you.
Lynette wrote: This was the video I made for Olive’s memorial service. The first song, “Sweet Sweet Baby” by Michelle Featherstone was one that I sang to Olive often in the last four months. The last song, “Come to Jesus” by Chris Rice was the song playing when Olive took her last breath.
I’m not sure why I’m doing this. Our show is a comedy show. Maybe it’s just an outward processing thing -- I don’t know. I still don’t understand it. But your support has been very much appreciated by both us & the Polinder family.
If you have anything to say -- maybe you’ve even found yourself in a similar situation, maybe you’re just as confused as we all are -- please do so. If you want to know the whole story, you can read it at http://rustylynette.blogspot.com.



Meg's Mom
6 months ago
We send our prayers to these precious two that you love so…we have been praying for Olive since her birth….if any of you that read or listen on this website have any doubts as to whether or not God is real; His son is real…all you have to do is read the words of this precious couple on their blog (http://rustylynette.blogspot.com)as they have chronicled their daughter’s short life….yes,sin is real,yes,Jesus is real,yes,eternal life is real; these are words that some precious friends from Seattle sent them at Christmas in a care package:
“Lord Jesus;master of both the light and the darkness;send your Holy Spirit upon us this season;we who have much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day;we who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us;we who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom;we who hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence;we are your people walking in darkness,yet seeking the light;to You we say:come Lord Jesus,come.Amen”
May God’s prescence be with us all…and in Lynette’s words:
“My hope is that tomorrow morning when I wake up, and when I crawl into bed tomorrow night that I would be drawn to Jesus…the one who is “all kinds of beautiful”, infinitely valuable, all satisfying and everlasting. That He would be my treasure when everything else gets gray and blurry. “
ben
6 months ago
it strikes me as opportunistic and sad that you would pop up on here at this time to do your trite sermonizing. i know that you think this is “a witnessing opportunity” or something, but it’s not.
Jonathan
6 months ago
sorry friends, my thoughts and prayers (ecumenical and confused as they might be) are with your friends and their friends who are standing with them.
Aaron
6 months ago
Thank you, Jonathan.
Jen
6 months ago
I’m a new listener to the show, but I wanted to tender my regrets on hearing the loss of your friend’s child. There is nothing so devastating as that, and please do take the time that you need to help them grieve (and grieve yourselves). I look forward to the next episode of the Grapes of Rad, whenever that might happen. Meanwhile, I will catch up on the old episodes to tide me over.
ben
6 months ago
thanks jen,
welcome to the vineyard.
Dave
6 months ago
My thoughts and regrets are with Rusty, Lynette, and everyone who knew Olive. I’m very sorry and wish everyone well through this unimaginably difficult time.
Aaron
6 months ago
Thank you so much, everybody. Rusty & Lynette are very appreciative of the well-wishes.
Mary
6 months ago
I know Rusty a little and Lynette a little better from “Back in the day”. I’m so sorry and hope you (Aaron) and your friends will be a comfort to them-
Paul Y
6 months ago
Please give my well wishes to the family. It is one of the most heartbreaking things in the world to have to experience this.
stephy
6 months ago
Someone mentioned them at church Sunday and my heart twinged. Words don’t begin to suit what they are going through.
Tim
6 months ago
SO sad. So so Sad.
Jess
6 months ago
My heart breaks for them. I’ve been following their story for awhile now and my heart hit the ground when I heard the news. I’ve been sending them thoughts and love, and I don’t even know them. Sigh. Sweet Olive. Thanks for posting this, guys.
Jamie
6 months ago
well said, jess. my thoughts, exactly.
*love*
Tod
5 months ago
Before I had kids of my own my girlfriend (now wife) described having a child as having your heart living outside your body. Now as a dad I can’t honestly say I know what it feels like to lose a baby, but she was right, and this story breaks my heart. Sending all my love to Rusty and Lynette.
Rusty
5 months ago
Thanks all of you. I like what you wrote Tod”having your heart living outside of your body”. That is what if feels like. I do feel like a large part of my heart has died. Thanks Ben and Aaron for honoring our little Olives life on your podcast. I like you guys.
Rusty