...bailey's story...


Our story is a story about a MIRACLE. It is not the kind of miracle that is so often shared in Christian circles. We have heard stories about untreatable cancer that disappeared and of a child that was never supposed to walk or talk and is now a healthy adult. These are often the kinds of stories people share with you when you are experiencing difficult circumstances. Stories about the TRAGEDY that was avoided or the near miss that is now in the rear view mirror of life. We value these types of stories and we CELEBRATE them!

Ours was not that kind of story. Our daughter Bailey Hope was born on February 20, 2009. She died on August 13, 2010. The eighteen months in between were horrible and heart wrenching as we experienced our worst fears coming true. We were not rescued FROM heartache and tragedy.

Our miracle was that we were joined IN this journey by friends and family that gave of themselves and by our GOD who held us in unexplainable ways. This is our story. We do not share it to garner pity. There are others who have similar stories. There are so many others who have more tragic stories.

We share our story because it is impossible to talk about our beautiful daughter, without talking about our beautiful God. We must talk about our daughter. We must talk about our God. It is the MIRACLE behind the MIRACLE.





Tuesday, 14 July 2009

Canvas

Heather and I recently watched a message in which Louie Giglio states that, “God paints on a canvas that is larger than what we can see. Through a key hole the cross looks like a horrible mistake. Like God has lost control. But in stepping back and looking at the larger picture it is the most beautiful part of the story!”

This is such a beautiful and powerful visual picture. Although it sometimes feels like that door is locked and we are only left with the “keyhole” view, it is our prayer that the door would continue to be pushed open at least a crack. One way that we continue to gain a glimpse of the larger story is through the thoughtful words and support that we continue to receive from friends, family and even strangers. Thanks to so many of you for your willingness to enter into the messiness of life with us!

A quick prayer request. Bailey will have an upper GI tomorrow morning at 9:45 in which they place a scope through her esophagus, stomach and the opening to her small intestine to check for structural abnormalities that may be contributing to her pain with tube feedings. In preparation she will not be able to eat after going to bed tonight. Those of you with young children know how challenging a hungry infant can be so please remember her (and us). Also that we may know better how to make her comfortable during feedings.
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3 comments:

  1. Unknown15 July 2009 at 16:35

    You are all in my heart everyday! Love you guys and praying for strength in every moment.

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  2. Anonymous6 August 2009 at 07:26

    I heard through the grape vine that Bailey is experiencing less pain with feedings. Great news!! Need to focus on the positives - right?

    I think of you guys all the time - how full and rich your life but yet so challenging. You are such a beautiful example of strength and love. At least, that is the face you are putting on for the world. We all know there must be times of great sorrow, of questioning, of frustration, of despiration. Sigh - chocolate can take away only so much of the heart ache. It doesn't even taste good when the pain gets so deep.

    My heart is with you always.

    -Laura

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  3. The Traynors17 August 2009 at 19:06

    Thank you for the beautiful pictures and lovely note. That you find the time to share your family and love with those around you continues to...well, AMAZE me. I love you and love those twins. Hugs to all your family.

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