A few experiences have made me appreciate the magnitude of the blessing it is to be a mother and I want to share at least one of those.
One of our dear friends lost their baby boy when the mother was a mere 24 weeks along in the pregnancy. But to them, this 24 weeks was a miracle after a miscarriage and difficulty getting pregnant for quite some time. When I heard the news, I was devastated; I had just spoken to the mother a few days before. We had shared delight in both of our experiences as mothers (as she was carrying her child, and after labor and delivery I had mine home with me).
For some time, I didn’t know whether to call her or make much contact with her at all.
Finally after listening to Elder Uchtdorf’s talk from the Relief Society broadcast I felt it was time to call. I cried as she was more than willing to talk about this hard experience and explain what had happened. Her attitude was one of gratitude. I couldn’t believe how well she handled this unbelievably tragic death. I, on the other hand, couldn’t find my words. When I mustered a mere, “I’m sorry this happened to you” I could barely talk.
From the beginning I felt honored to have Ruby in my life but my friend’s words and experience helped me become even more grateful. She was kind enough to share some photos from the delivery and a sweet letter read at his memorial written by her and her husband. I looked at the photos through tears and couldn’t believe amount of love radiating from each one. Not only the love for a perfectly beautiful child, but the love of a husband for his wife. I still tear up thinking about them. Next came the letter. I don’t know if there has ever been a couple more deserving of the role of parents.
Byron and I both felt slightly inadequate in our preparation for parenthood after reading their touching words to their beloved son. But, more importantly, we felt the need to improve ourselves from then on out to be more deserving of our new roles.
A big thank you to our dear friends Brock and Lindsey Hansen for the positive influence they’ve had in our lives and now in sweet Ruby’s life. We love and admire you.
3 thoughts:
Ruby is so lucky to have you as parents. Reading this reminds me how lucky I am to have such inspiring friends.
how sweet you are. I too meet people like that and think, "what chance do I have against such celestial people in this world!" But, I want you to know that I look to you and Byron with that same thought. you are incredible people with a very lucky daughter. I really hope your friends find success in more children. My heart aches for people who want them but have trouble having them. Thanks for sharing this experience. It really uplifted my day.
You're so cute! Thanks for your comment and love your beautiful baby. I still think you're a great friend!
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