Merry Christmas to you! The past year has been the hardest yet, but our faith has grown and we are full of gratitude. Our God is good and we will praise Him during the hardest of trials. Why? Because this life is not about us, it's about giving God the glory and having our lives molded to be more like Jesus.
We learned we were expecting a baby at the very beginning of 2010. We were overjoyed and began to plan and dream of what was to come. Sadly, we learned our baby was very sick during an ultrasound in April. The doctors did not give us any hope that the baby would live; she had multiple issues that were deemed "incompatible with life". We cried, we prayed and asked others to pray for us, we mourned, we were angry and we prayed some more. At another ultrasound in May, we discovered that her heart had stopped beating. I was induced into labor at only five months pregnant and gave birth to little Hannah Abigail on May 14th. She was tiny - only 6.8 ounces and 7-3/4 inches long, but I knew that her body was made perfect in heaven, resting in Jesus' arms.
This was by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do - say goodbye to my daughter, who I never got the chance to know. The only way I held on at all during that time was clinging to God for peace and comfort. He has carried me through and taught me more about His heart. Some things you can only truly learn through great heartache and loss. While I am still saddened, I am also strengthened and encouraged to look to the future and see how God can use me in His plans.
We are so very thankful to be in our new house this Christmas. It has kept us warm on nights of record cold temperatures and cozy with ample space. Living in a house that literally contains much of your blood, sweat and tears is a rewarding experience. It has been wonderful to live here after almost 3 years of planning and building.
Adam and I are thankful for steady jobs, supportive families, loving friends, our God-centered church, and future opportunities. This past year was beyond difficult, but we have grown so much. We look forward to the future and wish you a very happy New Year.
Love and Merry Christmas,
Adam & Stacy
1 comment:
Stacy, what a great post. Thanks for sharing so much about your journey and the pain of the past year. You and Adam have certainly been through a lot, but your unwavering faith has been such a great example. Praying for great blessing in the year a head.
Ashlee
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