Emily's Story

A third child was going to be added to the family! How exciting! 'June Bug' became the temporary name and doctor's appointments were scheduled. One of those appointments included a routine ultrasound. A heart defect was discovered. A journey of trust in our God and emotional ups and downs began as our lives became acquainted with the medical world. Family and friends began praying for this new little one. We prayed for our God to heal our baby, but the weekly ultrasounds continued to reveal a stressed and swollen heart.

June Bug grew, the due date came closer, and still people prayed. We discovered June Bug was a girl and we named her Emily Grace. 'To strive' for life by the 'Grace' of God. She was an active baby, kicking and punching out towards the world. Sometimes Daddy could just barely grab a foot or a hand that forced Renee's belly to form into odd shapes. Big brother Joshua began to be excited about having two sisters.

Emily was born June 2, 2008, and she cried! Her lungs, being forced at a standstill in growth due to the swollen heart, might not have worked properly. But she cried and cried! She was beautiful and sweet. Her big, blue eyes looking up and around, her tiny fingers wrapped around mine and wouldn't let go. Her soft skin and short black hair smelled so sweet. Surgery on her heart went well, but the next day was her last. Her nine days with us will be treasured. Jesus holds her now, and someday, we too will hold her again.

To see all blog posts pertaining to Emily click here. 

A letter from Mommy to Emily.

Daddy playing Resurrection Morn near Emily's grave. A song inspired by her short life and death.

Emily's Fifth - a beautiful, musical composition by her Daddy

In the summer of 2012 (four years after Emily was born and went to heaven) Renee did a series of nine blog posts in honor of Emily Grace. You can find the links below. Please read them in any order you wish. God Bless you.

June 2 (Day 0): Pictures and poem regarding Emily's birth

June 3 (Day 1): Our children's grief

June 4 (Day 2): Meet Emily via video

June 5 (Day 3): Learning from Emily and comforting others

June 6 (Day 4): Emily's first Christmas; poem

June 7 (Day 5): A Parent's heartache 

June 8 (Day 6): Trusting God; poem and music video

June 9 (Day 7): Nurses, forgiveness and holding Emily

June 10 (Day 8): The full story of Emily's surgery day and the day of her death

June 11 (Day 9): The Joy of Heaven; pictures, songs, music videos, bible verses, quotes

Books that have helped me (Renee) along the grief road:

"From Grief to Glory" by James W. Bruce III (The book's website here.)

"I Will Carry You" by Angie Smith (Angie's Blog here)

"Heaven" by Randy Alcorn

"Streams in the Desert" by L.B. Cowman (Devotional book)

"Disappointment with God" by Philip Yancey

"Safe in the Arms of God" by John MacArthur (This book helped destroy the haunting feeling of Emily not being in heaven)

"A Path Through Suffering" by Elisabeth Elliot