This is the story of our precious baby boy, who was diagnosed prenatally at
17 weeks with a fatal chromosome disorder called Trisomy 13. Although
Jonathan's condition is considered "not compatible with life", we desired to give
him every chance at life. Our prayer is that those who are touched by our story
are drawn to God, who is Life Himself. John 14:6

To start at the beginning of our story, click here.

10.21.2009

meet our precious gift




"I Will Carry You" by Selah

There were photographs I wanted to take
Things I wanted to show you
Sing sweet lullabies, wipe your teary eyes
Who could love you like this?
People say that I am brave but I’m not
Truth is I’m barely hanging on
But there’s a greater story
Written long before me
Because He loves you like this

So I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All my life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen me
To carry you

Such a short time
Such a long road
All this madness
But I know
That the silence
Has brought me to His voice
And He says…

I’ve shown [him] photographs of time beginning
Walked [him] through the parted seas
Angel lullabies, no more teary eyes
Who could love [him] like this?

I will carry you
While your heart beats here
Long beyond the empty cradle
Through the coming years
I will carry you
All your life
And I will praise the One Who’s chosen Me
To carry you

25 comments:

  1. My words exactly, Leigh Ann.

    Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

    Thank you for sharing your lives and your hearts and your precious son with us. Through circumstances when so many would consider turning from the Lord, you have done nothing but bring more glory to Him.

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  2. This video is absolutly beautiful. As is Jonathan. He knew nothing but love in his precious time on Earth. You and your family are amazing people. I'm so happy you got to spend time with your beautiful little boy. He truly is a gift from God. God Bless you and your family, and thank you for sharing your story with us.

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  3. Such a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing it and for letting us be a part of Jonathan's life as he has been a part of ours. He is seeing the face of Jesus his Savior and he's so happy. He is where life has no end. Praise the Lord Jesus, our Savior!

    Angie

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  4. Lauren and Greg,
    Amazing! Jonathan is beautiful. What a blessing for you to have had him. God will continue to bless and sustain you. Our prayers and love are with you. I think somehow, tat Jonathan and Grace are pretty good friends by now.

    Linda Robinson
    Kim's mom

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  5. He's PERFECT. God's own image, in your arms. This video is amazing and beautiful. Jonathan is a gorgeous son, and I'm so proud to be blessed by his story, his mother, and how good God is. Jonathan has done more than more people do for others in 90 years.

    I love you all. Stay Strong. God is at EVERY turn.

    Much love, and blessings.
    ViolinMama and family

    P.S. We've been reading the other other entries as well. Words could not express how beautiful his story is. I'm so glad everything went as it did. You are a a beautiful mother of two. Both of you are radiant, proud looking parents. Many hugs.

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  6. Thank you so much for posting this. I have wanted to see it again. It was the most beautiful tribute I've ever seen! You both did an excellent job on it.
    He was such a perfect and beautiful baby.

    Jordan, Randy and I stopped by to see Jonathan today. What a gorgeous place Heritage Gardens is. Jordan had a lengthy conversation with Jesus and Jonathan. Quite a conversation going on there it was really something to stand back and watch.
    Our sweet friends I hope you know how much your family is so very blessed and so very loved!

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  7. in awe... full of tears... i have no words, only praise.

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  8. Simply beautiful and perfect,thank you for sharing your son Jonathan with us.

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  9. I am an old friend of Leigh Ann's (from FBC Alexandria) and I just want you to know that you are truly an inspiration to others!! sweet jonathan is such a beautiful boy and sharing your story is such a witness for others to see. thank you for allowing all of us to share your journey and the love that God has for each one of us! you are in my prayers!!

    In His love,
    Danielle Montgomery
    Orlando, FL

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  10. I was introduced to your story through the Yerricks. Your strength shines bright and is truly an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you. There are no words to describe your video. Thank you for sharing your amazing journey.

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  11. What a wonderful tribute to your precious son. That is a gift you will treasure forever. Thank you for sharing.
    Beth C.

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  12. Beautiful. Jonathan is such a blessing to so many as is your wonderful family. Thank you for sharing him with us.

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  13. Thank you so much for sharing your story!! Robin

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  14. Words can not express the feelings that I have for you family.
    God blessed you, God continues to bless you.

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  15. Again I am moved to tears by your sweet eloquent expressions of faith, by the knowledge that God truly met you, sustained you, and continues to give you comfort as you settle into your new normal. Praising God that Kate remembers her little brother and speaks sweetly to him, and will pray with you that she doesn't forget.

    Absolutely beautiful video and photos. You are radiant. Thanks so much for sharing. And it was SO good to see you guys at church on Sunday. I hope Lilly and I can get together with you and kate soon.

    Love
    Amy

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  16. Absoultely Beautiful! Jonathan is a true reflection of our heaven that he now calls home. He is a great and perfect gift from God. His life was lived in moments, but they were moments filled with life, love and joy. Thank you for sharing Jonathan with us!

    We continue to pray for you and your family, and for God to grant you even a slice of the peace and comfort that Jonathan has waits for you safe in the arms of God.

    Love,
    Rachelle Glavin
    Hailey's Mommy

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  17. Lauren,
    I think that was the most beautiful slide show I have ever seen. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing Jonathan, your most precious gift, with us!

    Love and prayers,
    Tami, Angeliyah's Mommy

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  18. Lauren, the song you chose for this is so completely perfect. Even at the funeral I was thinking, is it possible that there could be a song so perfect for this? And then as I read the words that you posted I was even more amazed...God is a God of details!!!

    Praying for you both...
    love,
    Stacey

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  19. I just cried and cried, that was sooo beautiful and the song is wonderful to go witht he video. GOD BLESS YOU! I am sorry for your loss......

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  20. I don't know you, you don't know me, but I must tell you how beautiful is your life story at bringing glory to our awesome God. I look forward to the day we will all be together at His throne. Thank you for allowing Jesus to carry you, I believe many will come to the knowledge of Jesus through your family. Many blessings to you!

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  21. Wow. I am amazed at the strength your family has and what show of faith. Your family continues to be in my prayers and in my home church's prayers as well. You have touched so many people worldwide. Thanks for sharing him w/ us.

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  22. Lauren and Greg,

    My name is Kris Thacker. We are complete strangers, but I feel is if I know some part of you. First let me say congratulations on your beautiful, sweet Jonathan! I came across your blog through a friend of mine and started at the beginning. I have been amazed and so inspired by your overwhelming faith and trust in the lord. You are truly an inspiration and I am so thankful that you have shared your story. I have tears streaming down my face as I type because I cannot even comprehend what you've been through and will continue to heal from. I have been deeply touched by your story and for the rest of my life I will never forget your family. You will be in my prayers daily. May you have many, many more blessings!

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  23. What a gorgeous baby boy. I had my precious Trisomy 13 baby 6 weeks ago who had full T13 also he was born on the 16th of sept and took a few gasps i miss him every minute of every day but we were so blessed to have him in our lifes.Thinking of u and all ur family

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