Monday, December 29, 2008

The Difference of a Year

I believe that God renews & redeems.  I believe that God mends broken hearts.

Last year on December 23rd we began to lose a baby that we had hoped & prayed for & already loved.
This year on December 23rd I went into labor.

Last year on December 24th we sat with friends, weeping as I continued to miscarry.
This year on December 24th, our daughter was born.

Last year on December 25th, the miscarrying continued as we tried to plaster on happy faces while our hearts were breaking.
This year on December 25th, we spent a quite & joyful Christmas in the hospital, getting to know our little girl.

Last year on December 26th, the doctor confirmed that the baby was gone.
This year on December 26th, we brought Annie home.

My heart still grieves the loss of last Christmas & I believe it always will, but at the same time my heart has fallen in love again with the arrival of this little one.  I don't believe the timing of this was a coincidence.  I believe it was perfectly planned by the one who perfectly loves us.

12 comments:

Doublebanker said...

Glad to hear that this past year has been so much better for you. Hope it continues!

Kaele said...

Tears of joy here....for you!

Give your little one a cuddle for me please!

Melanie said...

I was remembering last year the other day, too. God redeems.

Tirzah said...

You said the so well Andi. we love you.

Leslie said...

Amen!

KKeyes821 said...

Thanks for sharing that Andi, and so beautifully written. A little time and perspective offers amazing insight, doesn't it? I'm so happy for your family and the joy you are experiencing with the birth of Annie!

Grandpa G said...

Those last days before Annie I think each of us were silently waiting to exhale ...

We have all been blessed this year.

Heather said...

I didn't realize how perfectly aligned the dates were, Andrea. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to meeting Annie!

Emily T. Holcombe said...

How beautifully written, Andrea. What a special, special year this has been for you all. Love you.

Tiffany said...

We've been through that a half a dozen times, Andrea, so I can relate. It's a loss that never goes away, but what a miracle God performed in aligning the dates of the journeys of these two babies so clearly. We had a similar "miraculous" moment at our youngest's referral, and still 5 months later, whenever I see her I think of God's providence in her life. The baby's beautiful! Much love to you and John

Anonymous said...

This was so neat. Thanks for sharing.
-Indra

Rebecca said...

I had never known about your miscarriage. I am so sorry. I know that as a mother, a baby is precious from the moment you conceive...

I am so happy that you have little Annie now. What a blessing! She is so beautiful! I am looking forward to reading about her adventures in the future...