A Letter to Baby Jessica
Dear Baby Jessica:
When I first spoke to your mother several months ago, I had no idea that I would someday be holding you in my arms. Your mom and dad had just found out that you were sick. They were so frightened for you. They wanted you so much, but all the doctors were telling them that they should abort you because your were "going to die anyway." When your mother called us, she felt as though abortion was their only choice - even though it wasn't what they wanted.
I talked to her about how precious you were to God - that He had created you, and that in His eyes you were of great value. That's how your mom and dad felt, too. They just needed someone else to say it was okay to continue giving you life. Your mom said that she believed that you were a gift from God. So, even though it would be hard (because of all the pressure from the people around them), your mom and dad decided to trust God, and carry you to term.
It was a privilege to walk beside them as they waited for your birth. You should be proud of them! They had so much courage. They loved you so much that they didn't let what other people said change their minds about you. Even though they knew that their time with you would be short, they were looking forward to seeing you and holding you.
Then the waiting was over. You were born on Tuesday, July 12, weighing almost six pounds. The doctors said that you would live only an hour, but, once again, they were wrong, because you lived for almost two days. You spent those two short days with your mom and dad. They held you. They loved you. They memorized your face.
Then, on July 14, they said goodbye when you went home to be with Jesus. Although our hearts are heavy and you are missed, you will always be loved, and we know that you are whole and you are happy. All your pain has been swept away, and the veil that hid your beauty from those who could not (or would not) see has been lifted and the angels are rejoicing in the wonder of who you are - God's creation.
Jessica, there are those who said that your life had no purpose - that it would have been more compassionate to "send you to Jesus" before your birth. But they were wrong. Your life did have purpose. You touched people in ways that no one else could. You've made your doctors and nurses reconsider their beliefs about the value of life, and whose life has value. Jessica, you've touched my life, too. And I'll carry the memory of holding you and loving you in my heart - always.
Rest now, in Jesus' arms.
Sharon
