A Story of a Special Family

I have a dear friend named Gaylene. We grew up together in California and have been very close through the years. She has 5 kids, I have 4. She got started a few years before I did but our kids have grown up as friends as well. It really is cool ! Her oldest son and his wife have two kids. A girl 3 and a boy almost two. About 9 months ago they found out they were going to have another baby. After the initial shock of another baby settled in, they were excited. In an ultra sound somewhere around the 25th week they learned they were having a little girl, but that was not all they learned. Their baby had problems, big problems. She had water on the brain and it was not developing. Her head was abnormally large and she had an open spine and possible heart problems. They were devastated. The chances of the baby living through the birthing process were very slim and if she did she may live only for a day, a week, a month. They could only say that she would die they just did not know when. Kelly continued on with her pregnancy knowing that she would not raise this child in this lifetime. This was a very stressful time in their lives. People don't always react the same way to stress even when they are married. Kelly being a women wanted to talk about the baby and try to bond with her as much as possible. Eric had a hard time talking about her and did not want to become attached. These poor kids were in such pain. They counseled with doctors , specialist, researchers and their Bishop all of whom showed great compassion for them. Satan shows no mercy when your spirits are down. They learned this quickly and were able to come together and make decisions for their baby's future, what ever it may be. Kelly went just about full term. She was induced a little early because the doctors knew the head size would be a problem in a regular birth. Through the labor the baby's heart beat was strong. The labor was very long. Still you know, you hold out hope for a miracle. When Joanna was born it was quiet and she was blue. There were tears from everyone. They wrapped her in warm blankets and took a few pictures of her tiny hands and feet. Something to show that she had come to earth for a short time. In the time that Gaylene spent with her granddaughter she said the baby's color seemed to pink up it was a tender mercy for them. A lady came in to get the name for the birth certificate . Kelly told her that their baby had been still born and would not get a birth certificate. The lady looked puzzled and excused her self from the room. A nurse came in and told them that the baby had an Apgaurd test of 1 at birth which meant her little heart was beating even if she never took a breath. Joanna did get her body and felt her mother's warm embrace. She had just a moment here on earth. She was such a special child. Joanna could not stay on earth but she made it possible for three other babies to stay with their families. Kelly and Eric wanted Joanna's life to count for something. She fulfilled her purpose and gave priceless gifts to others while on earth. Kelly and Eric chose to name her Joanna Elaine after their two great grandmothers who they feel will be taking care of their little girl until they are together again as a family. Joanna was truly a Special Child.