Tomorrow is the 1 year anniversary of Joseph's birth and death due to complications from Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). Since I am going out of town, I am posting this today.
In my mind the last few weeks, I've been thinking of ways to best honor him, his family, his life. I can't really express my feelings; for some reason I am having difficulty putting my thoughts and feelings into words. The Lord has just really layed it on my heart to tell everyone AGAIN about what a special little boy Joseph was/is, and the incredible strength his family has. To honor his short life, my post today is dedicated to him. I am including links that his family feels are important, and my hope is that this will help spread awareness of CDH.
I also want to share how God has used Joseph to bring me, and undoubtedly others, closer to Him. Romans 8:28 says that the Lord works all things together for good. The Olson family has suffered terrible pain and loss, but God has been working in their lives, and here are some examples of good that have come from Joseph's life, and most importantly, death: because of Joseph, I have gotten to know Carole. Because of him, I have grown closer to the Lord through prayer for her family. Because of him, I have grown closer to my family through prayer. Because of him, I have grown closer to Joanna. Because of him, I am more thankful for my own children. Because of him, I have learned about a little-known birth defect called CDH. Because of him, I am helping to spread awareness about CDH and NILMDTS.
Carole, if/when you read this, I hope you know what an honor it has truly been to share in your journey the past year. My memories of the day, and days leading up to his birth, are still very vivid. I felt your pain and heartache deep into my soul. Being pregnant myself, I woke in the night crying at the thought of your pain and what was to come, especially because I could have easily been in your situation. Those sleepless nights led me to do the only thing I could do for you: pray. I have just really learned so much about compassion this past year. I won't fully understand because I'm not in your situation, but in a different way, I do get the sense of loss you feel. Please know, I will never be the same because of Joseph. His life and your story helped to change me for the better. Again, I appreciate so much you sharing your story with others. Thank you!
In my mind the last few weeks, I've been thinking of ways to best honor him, his family, his life. I can't really express my feelings; for some reason I am having difficulty putting my thoughts and feelings into words. The Lord has just really layed it on my heart to tell everyone AGAIN about what a special little boy Joseph was/is, and the incredible strength his family has. To honor his short life, my post today is dedicated to him. I am including links that his family feels are important, and my hope is that this will help spread awareness of CDH.
I also want to share how God has used Joseph to bring me, and undoubtedly others, closer to Him. Romans 8:28 says that the Lord works all things together for good. The Olson family has suffered terrible pain and loss, but God has been working in their lives, and here are some examples of good that have come from Joseph's life, and most importantly, death: because of Joseph, I have gotten to know Carole. Because of him, I have grown closer to the Lord through prayer for her family. Because of him, I have grown closer to my family through prayer. Because of him, I have grown closer to Joanna. Because of him, I am more thankful for my own children. Because of him, I have learned about a little-known birth defect called CDH. Because of him, I am helping to spread awareness about CDH and NILMDTS.
Carole, if/when you read this, I hope you know what an honor it has truly been to share in your journey the past year. My memories of the day, and days leading up to his birth, are still very vivid. I felt your pain and heartache deep into my soul. Being pregnant myself, I woke in the night crying at the thought of your pain and what was to come, especially because I could have easily been in your situation. Those sleepless nights led me to do the only thing I could do for you: pray. I have just really learned so much about compassion this past year. I won't fully understand because I'm not in your situation, but in a different way, I do get the sense of loss you feel. Please know, I will never be the same because of Joseph. His life and your story helped to change me for the better. Again, I appreciate so much you sharing your story with others. Thank you!
Comments
I am so touched by this. I cannot ever thank you enough...
~Carole
And thank you for bringing awareness to CDH. It is a really ugly thing and has taken so many of our precious children. You are to be admired for what you are doing!
Thank you-
Jessica (Carole's Friend)