I have a very special friend named Amy that I would like to share with you. Amy & I actually met through the internet and through my website. Her husband worked for a news channel in town, who featured our site in one of their stories, and he told Amy about it and she decided to visit the site.
Our friendship grew through emails exchanged back and forth and we were so surprised by how much we had in common. Amy has a similar quirky sense of humor, she has a computer hubby, she & I both had one little boy…oh, and her name was Amy too!
When I got the opportunity to talk to a mom’s group in another town, Amy happened to be friends with the moms and had been planning to go too. She emailed me and said that she was willing to drive and I could ride with her to the meeting. It was a bit like a blind date for us, but we talked all the way there and back, enjoying great conversation about motherhood and all that goes along with it.
Amy later joined my mom’s group and quickly became a leader in our group. Sadly, her husband found a job in another town, and Amy had to move to another city. I have discovered though that Amy has found an awesome congregation, has found a rock-steady faith in God, and she has made a new and wonderful life for herself in her new town. We were sad to see her leave, but who can argue with all of that good stuff?
Recently though, Amy has went through one of the most heartbreaking experiences that a mother could ever go through. When she was only twenty weeks pregnant, they discovered that their child was diagnosed with a rare and fatal disease called anencephaly. They were told that they had to make the decision on whether to terminate the pregnancy or asked if they would want to deliver their little daughter to term, not knowing if the baby would even be with them when she was born.
They made a very brave decision to carry their daughter, named Lydia Grace, to term knowing that this was the best choice for their family. I can’t imagine how heart wrenching that decision must have been, but they knew that it was the only decision and proceeded on with her pregnancy and making arrangements that no parent should ever have to make.
Lydia Grace was born on December 3rd and she spent only 28 minutes with their family before going to be with the Lord.
I just ask that each of you lift their family up in prayer and help them during this difficult time. I have been so thankful for Amy and her friendship and I know that God has a reason for all of this and for all of the people who have been touched by their family and by Lydia Grace.
If you have any kind words to share with their family, please leave them here!
We are praying for you Mike, Amy, & Alex!
Oh my word, Amy – I will keep this family in my prayers.
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Amy,
This post gave me chills. I cannot imagine the heartbreak they’re experiencing but can join you in prayer for strength and peace.
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She was born and died on my son’s 2nd birthday
. Soo sad…I am so sorry for that family and will be praying for them!
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Oh my Amy (and Amy), I’m so sorry. I will definitely keep the entire family in my prayers.
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Praying for Amy, Michael and Alex.
God gives us strength in the greatest trials.
Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
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Oh, I’m so sorry for your friend and will certainly be praying for them. It’s strange how much Amy’s story reminded me of another young mother, who also found out early her baby was suffering from a fatal condition. She and her husband also chose life, and their daughter Poppy was born and lived three and a half hours on Dec. 1, just two days before Lydia Grace.
Your friend might find some comfort in reading about their experience and the faithfulness of God through it all:
http://poppyjoy.blogspot.com
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I REALLY appreciate you posting this. And wow, you recalled our initial connection and meeting exactly! What a good memory…and you’re just so darn articulate/such a good writer, girl. No wonder you have your big following
We linked you and this entry (and I boasted about you) on our Lydia page. Thanks so much for sharing our story with your readers and just passing on the glory of God through Lydia’s birth and passing.
I miss you!
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I will keep them in my prayers. We too have friends who found out that their 4th child a little girl was going to be born missing her 18th chromesone. They too chose life for Mary Clare. She was born in Nov. and lived 3 hours in her mom and dad’s arms. The Lord has blessed each of these children with very special parent. May God comfort them. Pam, South Bend
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Amy, I am so sorry for your friend, Amy’s loss. How heartbreaking.
Blessings,
Sher
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I will continue to pray for this family. I can’t imagine going through this. Remember that God doesn’t give us anymore than we can handle and He loves you so much.
Blessings to you.
Jodi
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I just prayed.
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I started crying when I read this, my heart goes out to you and your family, Amy! I will keep you and your family in my prayers…
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I came over from Meredith at LMS, read this post, and wanted to comment.
I am so sorry for your loss Amy, Mike and Alex. My heart goes out to you during this heartbreaking time. October was the 9 year mark of our second sons birth and death. I know it is so hard and God is faithful. I will pray for you.
Roberta
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We are going to pray for this family to have peace. God has a special purpose for everything, although we may not know it now. God bless this family, give them the strength they will need to get through this. We know you will hold them in your arms and comfort them Lord and we thank you for that!
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