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.

11.07.2010

finally...

...it's here! 


after weeks of editing drawings and measurements, we are so pleased with the final product.  "gulf coast monuments" in fort walton beach did a fantastic job.

the top part says "our gift from God" because that is what jonathan's name means.  hence, the scripture at the bottom which reads "Every good and perfect gift is from above..." ~James 1:17

the picture we chose completely represents where we believe jonathan is now...in the arms of Jesus.  i can't even explain it in words, but the feeling i felt when jonathan died in my arms and the moments that followed...i know with absolute certainty that there was a holy presence in our hospital room that night.  i've never felt it so strongly before in my life and i haven't felt it as strongly since.  God was with us.

and so, just over a year after jonathan's birth and death, the headstone also represents to us the final thing that needed to be done for our son, almost like a large granite bookend to the past year.  there's not much left for us to do now; maybe occasionally wipe off any dirt left from a rainstorm, or pull any weeds around his plot, and bring him seasonal flowers and other items.  sadly, this kind of maintenance takes the place of us caring for him like we would if he were here with us.  how i'd love to give him a bath, or have the opportunity to change a dirty diaper, or clean off his muddy hands or face after he had played in the dirt.  instead, we get to parent a headstone. 

wow, the perspective i've gained from all of this.

6 comments:

  1. It's beautiful...so familiar to me in that Matthew's says "Gift of God" on the top and has a beautiful Bible verse "For this Child I prayed... 1 Samuel 1:27" on the bottom...

    Lauren, it's just beautiful. Sending you lots of love~

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  2. This is precious. I love your choice of Scripture, so appropriate for Jonathan. This is the one thing we have left to do also... we decided it will be Henry's first birthday present. The perspective... you said it!

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  3. What a beautiful resting place for sweet Jonathan. We have the same engraving of Jesus holding the baby on Landon's headstone. It always brings me such peace to know that is where my little boy is...safe in the arms of Jesus. Praying for you!

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  4. Wow, what a true inspiration its been to read and continue to follow up on your blog. My Husband and I lost our 1st son Jonah David Hefflinger on Feb 2, 2004. Reading our beautiful blogs just brings back so so many nice memories. Thanks for always sharing your blogs with us all.
    God Bless you and your cute family.
    Rochelle Hefflinger
    Gilbert, Az

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  5. Its beautiful, Lauren! I am so glad that you and Greg were able to create something that is not only meaningful to you, but a testimony of God's goodness even in the midst of our deepest pain.
    Love you.

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