Seven years ago today I held my first daughter, living and breathing, in my arms. It's a beautiful and amazing, yet simple thing most expectant mothers look forward to and anticipate happening. But I spent the last half of my pregnancy wondering if I would have that opportunity. During my 18th week of pregnancy my baby was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 and given a very grim prognosis. She most likely would not survive birth and if she did her life would be limited to a few moments, hours, or days at best. I had to constantly remind myself that the baby I had living and moving inside of me may never have life outside my womb.
I had an easy labor and delivery, and when Faith Anne was born I'm sure I held my breath until I heard her gasp and take her first breath. That sound was my miracle. For the next 31 hours I held her and watched as family and dear friends held her and loved her. I experienced life with her, and when her final moments of life with us came I whispered words of comfort as she left my arms and entered heaven.
It's impossible for me to put into words everything that God has taught and continues to teach me through Faith's short life. I miss her terribly. A day doesn't pass that I do not think about her multiple times. I wish with everything in me that I had reason for a bakery cake and seven candles today. But more than that I marvel at the life she did have and the legacy she still has in our lives. And although I miss her I know it is only for a time....
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1
