Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Gracie Belle

9 comments:

  1. Beautiful Emily. I especially loved the video footage of her, I had never seen that. She is so precious, my favorite is seeing her sucking her pacifier, so cute!
    Gracie Belle is so loved by so many, I for one can't wait to meet her someday.

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  2. HUGE lump in my throat. Precious beyond words.

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  3. I found your blog posted through a friend. I don't know if they know you or not. I went back and read your posts from her birth. There was one thing that really struck me. I too lost a child. My special-needs son passed away suddenly in an accident. And, although my husband and I were there when he was pronounced dead, he was gone long before and its always really hurt me that I wasn't there when he passed away...that he had a die alone. You were so blessed to be able to be with her through her whole life. I always feel a connection to those who too have lost young children. Its always comforting. Thanks for sharing your story.

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    1. One other little thing I meant to add. One thing struck me in your post. You talked about how doctors suggested you save yourself the heartache and end the pregnancy. It reminded me of this line from the movie Shadowlands (which is amazing if you've never seen it). It says (something like) 'the joy now is worth the pain/sorrow later". As I've gone through trials and watched others go through trials I've come to understand the principle of 'opposition in all things' more and more. Sure, you could have ended the pregnany and had less sorrow, but you would have had much less joy. Not just now, but in the life to come as well. Frankly, the easiest/less painful thing to do is to NEVER have children. They all come with a great amount of sorrow and pain...some more than others. But we agree to it, because we know the joy that also comes with having children. Its harder to see that joy at first when you're faced with a special needs child. But, its there - and in great abundance. I have a tender place in my heart for Elder Wirthlin and some of his talks...long story why. Right before he died, he gave an incredible talk called "Come What May and Love It". (he also gave a incredible one called "Sunday Will Come") - in it he says "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." To me...that says everything. I take that to mean that I will have more joy than I can imagine someday because of the sorrow I have had. It doesn't always get me out of the depths of depression and sadness, but it almost always helps at least a little. Sorry for the long post. Death of children...and special needs kids especially...has a special place in my heart.

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  4. I wish I could give you a hug and cry with you. Thank you for sharing that. I admire your faith and love your heart. I can't put into words how that video made me feel, grateful, blessed, humble, sad and happy. I am so happy you know families are forever and so grateful she had two wonderful days with you. Much love to you.... I don't think I will ever forget your story.

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  5. What a beautiful video. What a beautiful family. Thank you for sharing your decision and your journey.

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  6. Thank you for sharing such a personal and difficult time in your life. I cannot imagine what you went through, but I'm grateful for strong women like you who are willing to allow those spirits to come to the earth, even if for a short time. She is beautiful and I believe, like you, you will see her again. My heaven pour out all the love and comfort and blessings it can on you and yours.

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  7. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I am friends with a lady in your ward, and your story came as a reminder to love our sweet children for as long as they are with us. I really needed this right now. Your family and sweet Gracie have blessed my life, thank you. You are in my prayers.

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