A simple "thank you" doesn't even begin to convey our deepest appreciation for the overwhelming support we have received from family, friends, and those we've only since met through Hailey. We are truly blessed to have so many praying and thinking about our family, because we can feel it. We feel it as we grow stronger day by day, and I feel it every time Ms. Hailey moves and kicks. The power of prayer is truly amazing, and I want everyone to know that your prayers matter very much to us, and they are being heard.
We also appreciate everyone forwarding Hailey's Hope to share with others. For those of you that know us personally, we are a pretty conservative family. I never would have thought we would be sharing such a personal life changing journey with the rest of the world, but like I said it has been literally life changing. With the strength and courage God has given us, a door was open for us to share our hearts and our minds so that others may come to recognize the amazing gifts God has blessed us with - even though we may not see it right away. We really didn't even second guess ourselves, we just did it! We aren't nervous or scared, but rather excited and committed to share the moments and memories we have with Hailey. She is an inspiration and we would be selfish not to pass that inspiration on.
We also want to thank our parents, both on earth and in heaven, for the unconditional love and support they have showered us with. I know that they too will suffer a great loss, but just know that we love you all very, very much, and we pray for your comfort through this as well.
I also want to send a special thank you to Dr. Dodson, my OB/GYN at St. Mary's Women's Clinic, and Dr. Martin, my maternal-fetal specialist at the Center for Maternal-Fetal Care in Columbia, who had the tough job of 'breaking the news' to us about Hailey's condition. You both are amazing women, and we greatly appreciate the extra care and consideration you have given us. I feel confident that Hailey and I have, and will receive the absolute best care we can get. I also want to thank my employers and the people I work with for their unlimited support and understanding. You all have seen me through a lot in the past year, and I am so greatful to each of you. It's something to think about how God puts people in your life. It's like you meet them at exactly the right time, and you can't imagine where you would be if you hadn't.
THANK YOU!
God's Gift...Our Angel Baby
Twenty weeks into life, Hailey was diagnosed with alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE). Further testing showed that she had full Trisomy 13, also called Patau syndrome. Trisomy 13 affects about 1 in 16,000 babies. HPE affects about 1 in 10,000 babies and of those only 3% survive to delivery. With the severity of Hailey's condition, she is given little chance of surviving to term. But our family was dedicated to giving her that chance, no matter how small, and she gave us every hope for the future.
On June 12, 2009, our angel baby was born and delivered into our loving arms. There is where she spent her life and gave us the best 42 minutes of ours. Our journey led us to this moment in time, the moment we met our little girl face to face, and the precious time we shared with her. Now Hailey is safe in the hands of God until we meet again.
God has blessed our family in ways we didn't understand at first. But through our faith and trust in Him, we came to realize just how much purpose Hailey's life serves on this earth. Hailey has unlocked the deeper meaning of faith, hope and love, and has forever changed the lives of many. We are blessed to be part of such an incredible life and incredible journey.
On June 12, 2009, our angel baby was born and delivered into our loving arms. There is where she spent her life and gave us the best 42 minutes of ours. Our journey led us to this moment in time, the moment we met our little girl face to face, and the precious time we shared with her. Now Hailey is safe in the hands of God until we meet again.
God has blessed our family in ways we didn't understand at first. But through our faith and trust in Him, we came to realize just how much purpose Hailey's life serves on this earth. Hailey has unlocked the deeper meaning of faith, hope and love, and has forever changed the lives of many. We are blessed to be part of such an incredible life and incredible journey.
Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
But Jesus said, "Let the little ones come to me, and do not keep them away; for such is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 19:14