We found out we were pregnant around Thanksgiving, and after our first sonogram at 14 weeks, we were referred to a specialist. We learned our baby had a life-limiting brain anomaly and several other abnormalities. Almost immediately, we decided to name her Joy, after James 1:2-4, which talks about counting it joy when you experience trials because God uses them to grow your faith in Him.

On July 1, Joy was born. She had no eyes, no thumbs, one kidney, a couple heart defects, and a severe brain abnormality. But to us, she was perfect. We spent a week with her in the hospital, and after getting trained on how to feed her through her feeding tube, we got to take her home! We spent a week feeding her and taking turns holding her 24/7. Then, she stopped tolerating formula, and we and hospice assumed we had one or two more days with her. Actually, we had eight.

On July 25, JJ entered the presence of the Lord. Se finished her race, and we already miss her so much. We are incredibly proud of her and can’t wait to see her again.