Obviously this pregnancy is different in countless ways, and there are things that simply don't apply to me anymore. One of those things started immediately after we learned about Hailey's condition when we received sympathy and 'thinking of you' cards in the mail. Of course we were comforted and appreciative knowing that we had a backbone of support to lean on. We knew that everyone was praying and thinking of our little girl, but it wasn't for the same reason as before. It was going to be different, and these were the kinds of things we would be getting for Hailey. Prior to the news, we received one baby gift, a cute little blanket and card, for Hailey and it was hard knowing that it would also be the last. There would be no need for a baby shower. No need for outfits, blankets, diapers, toys, bottles, rattles or teethers. No point in playing embarrassing 'pregnant' games, guessing who the baby will look like, or predicting what she'll be when she grows up. That's just the way it was, and that was OK. I had a different future to plan for now, and I was going to make it as special as I could.
Never have I expected or anticipated a shower of any kind, but on Saturday I was surprised beyond belief with a shower far greater than any other shower or celebration. A shower of family and friends celebrating life, Hailey's life, and the amazing gifts of faith, hope and love that Hailey has come to remind us of. A shower filled with a deeper meaning and appreciation of the things we value most in this world, but so often have taken for granted. A shower that I will never in my life forget.
The invitations read:
Hailey's Hope
A Shower of Faith, Hope and Love
Celebrating Hailey Marie's Life & the Tender Embrace of God
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Inspirational gifts, writings & cards suggested
This special memory was far greater than anything I could have ever imagined. Each and every gift and card meant more to me than any baby gift ever could, and just the presence of everyone there was enough to make the shower complete without the need of games or small talk. Our focus and thought was on Hailey's precious life, the greatness of God, and the gifts of life He's given us. I'm thrilled that I now get to have a 'Faith, Hope and Love Shower' page to include in Hailey's baby book, but more than that, I am humbled and blessed to have such a special and treasured memory of this time with Hailey.
I thought I would share one of the inspirational gifts with you so you can get an idea of how truly special the day was. This is a poem that was written by one of my aunts.
God chooses a gift for every one,
And Hailey is your gift to hold.
He knows that the both of you,
Are wonderful, courageous and bold.
He knows that you appreciate,
The life you have within.
He knows you will love her,
Even before her life would begin.
God has a special purpose,
For everything that He does.
No need to ask Him why or how,
There is a better reason than just "Because".
He prepares us with little baby steps,
For all the wonderful things to come.
He tests our forever faith in Him,
And rewards us when He is done.
God has given little Hailey to you,
Because of the gift that she will be.
To add to all the wonderful things,
That God is giving to your family.
He has chosen for you to carry His gift,
To give her a place for her soul.
And for what ever the purpose there is for her,
Will eventually reveal God's goal.
The spirit we can all see in your eyes,
Is only seen in a few.
God knows all the love you have for Him,
And that is why He chose you.
Remember that what ever comes your way,
Is just the beginning of even more wonderful things to come.
And because of your growing faith in Him,
You are truly the blessed ones.
We will all be with you on your journey,
No matter what your journey holds.
Remember all the blessings that are coming,
As your gifts from God unfolds.
Thank you one and all for your love. The memories I will have with Hailey are few, but they are greater than many. I love my life, I love my God, and I love my family and friends.
I am eternally blessed!
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
