Dear friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. A sweet friend of mine lost her baby today. We have been praying for this family for months now, and it saddens me greatly to know that our friends are in such great pain. Hope had great obstacles from the start, but was improving daily. Through her journey this beloved family has kept their eyes on the Lord and they saw miracles each step of the way. You can read the entire journey about Hope’s amazing story on her blog Eyes Closed & Heads Bowed.
Here is the email I received today:
Today at 1:33pm our daughter Hope Asaiah was born by emergency C-section. She immediately needed help breathing and a team of wonderful doctors started to work on her. They took tons of fluid off of her lungs and placed a breathing tube to try to assist her in her breathing. They rushed her to the NICU to continue to try and revive her. I was taken to the recovery area and we waited for news. Her doctor and my doctor came in and said she was not going to make it and they rushed us back to the NICU. As soon as we got there they placed our 4 pound 5 ounce Princess in my arms and she drew her last breath at 3pm. What a privilege and honor to be holding her as she met the Lord.
Andy and I are in so much pain, but we also have a peace that God is sovereign and His ways are SO much better than we will ever understand. We have been surrounded by dear friends all day which has been a blessing. Friends brought the kids in and we were able to spend time as a family of seven. Each of the kids held their sister and kissed and loved on her. It was a beautiful time that God gave us and I will be forever thankful.
At this time we are unsure of what the next steps are going to be. Funeral information will be given when we know something.
” He performs wonders that can not be fathomed, miracles that can not be counted. “ Job 9:10
Hope was the miracle that God gave to us to impact our family eternally. How thankful we are for her and will be forever.
Andy and Jenn
I am putting up a donation button here if any of you feel led to help this family with funeral preparations and with hopes of relieving some of the financial burdens during this difficult time. I know this family would much appreciate it. Please know that 100% of funds raised will be donated directly to the family.
Edit: Thank you everyone for your prayers and donations, the family is very grateful for your kindness during this difficult time. I am taking down the donation button now, but if you feel strongly lead to donate, please email me. Thank you.
Please join me in praying for Andy, Jenn, and their children as we know their sweet baby is with her Jesus tonight.
In loving memory of sweet baby Hope.
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My last (3rd) child was from a 2-vessel cord pregnancy. I know the fear that comes with that diagnosis. So many tests. So many prayers! Thankfully, my outcome was different – my son is 6 years old and healthy. I know that we are very blessed to have him with us in this life. I will keep your friends in my prayers!
Thank you Cara!
I will keep your friends in our prayers. We can relate to the pain that they are going through, as we lost our little one last year at 20 weeks. Hoping for healing, comfort, and strength in their time of loss.
How sad to hear. I hate hearing of babies dying. It's great that this family puts their trust in God and knows that their sweet Hope is with Jesus and they will see her again one day.
I'm so sorry for your friend's loss, and yours by way of her friendship. It's so painful when you lose a baby and all the potential that could have been.
I am very sorry to hear this. I will pray for everyone.
Many, many prayers for this family. We lost 3 babies at 8 wks, 18 wks, and 22 wks before having our two miracles.
I'm so very sorry about your friends loss. I will be praying for the family.
Posted on behalf of Michelle:I cannot access any blogs right now, since I am at work, but the story of Hope has moved me deeply. One of my dear friends gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, on May 11, 2010 at 1:33PM, thanks to God they are both doing great. Another of my good friends loss her baby at 12 weeks into the pregnancy. I had twin boys 3 years ago and one of them was 4lb 6ounces at birth (close to baby Hope's weight). Both of my kids were healthy in spite of their prematurity and birth weight, and none of them needed assistance. I was able to take them with me when I left the hospital. For that I give thanks to our Lord… As I read Hope's story, and with pain wonder why some of us got our babies while the others watched them go I noticed the posted note on my monitor: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them". I may never understand, but I'll pray your friends will continue to be strengthen in the Lord. My heart and prayers go to them. Michelle
Thank you for this news. Somehow I was left out of the email. Jenn directed me to your blog, but I didn't realize you were friends! I've known her since Jr. Hi. (Glad I've been lurking here daily lately!;-)I too have been praying feverishly, and am now grieving, and SO glad they have such peace in our Lord. Thank you for doing this for them.