Last week was so hard. Hard almost seems like a silly word to use because that doesn't really even touch the hem of the garment. I was really consumed (mentally and physically) with what was going on, so blogging about anything else just wasn't going to happen. While I don't want to go into too much detail, I am going to share a few thoughts about last week.
On Monday, I spent the afternoon at the hospital sitting with my friend as her labor was being induced. We already knew that baby Lucy was gone at that point, so it wasn't a joyful time. She delivered their sweet baby girl on Tuesday morning, and that same afternoon I returned to the hospital to see my friend and the baby. Lucy was beautiful and whole, weighing almost 7 pounds and measuring 19 inches long. I didn't hold her, but I did touch her full, thick, black hair. I told her that she was beautiful, that I loved her, and that we wanted her so badly. I can say with certainty that that was the hardest hospital visit I have ever made in my life.
On Saturday, we had a beautiful service to honor her precious little life. Chris was asked to lead a prayer at the funeral, and I was so proud of the job he did. He held himself together well as he led us in comforting thoughts. There were a few times that I could tell that he was swallowing back tears, but I don't think others could. Speaking at a funeral was a first for him. He also read a scripture at the graveside service, and did well with that, too.
Our friends have handled this nightmare with grace and faith. I know that this is just the very beginning of a lifelong journey for them, but I believe that the way in which trials such as this are handled in the beginning are a testament of one's true character and strength. They have clung to God in this storm and have truly relied on Him. We had congregational singing at the funeral, and Ross insisted that he lead the song service for his little girl. There is so much more I could say about this, but I really wish to respect their privacy. However, I will say that their behavior this past week made me feel so honored to call them friends.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us and our friends by praying, sending thoughts, calling, etc. The pain of this is still raw, but we have such a peace knowing that baby Lucy is safe in the arms of Jesus. It is truly our hope in the Lord that is carrying us through.
3 comments:
I'm sitting here crying over this baby. I don't know your friends personally, but even so I grieve for them and for Lucy. I'm so lucky that even as a doula I have yet to see a stillbirth, but with my path to becoming a midwife I am sure that eventually I will be the one to deliver a baby in such a way. I don't know how I'm going to do it without breaking down in tears myself...
Very sorry to hear of your friends loss. They seem like great people and prayers of comfort will be sent their way.
Their faith and attitude are so inspiring. We can only hope to be as graceful in situations that test us like this.
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