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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Enriched

I was reading about Trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) on Wikipedia and came across this under the heading prognosis:

In 2008/2009, there were 495 diagnoses of Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18) in England and Wales, 92% of which were made prenatally. There were 339 abortions, 49 stillbirths/miscarriages/fetal deaths, 72 unknown outcomes, and 35 live births. Because approximately 3% of cases with unknown outcomes are likely to result in a live birth, the total number of live births is estimated to be 37 (2008/09 data are provisional).

Major causes of death include apnea and heart abnormalities. It is impossible to predict an exact prognosis during pregnancy or the neonatal period. Half of infants with this condition do not survive beyond the first week of life. The median lifespan is 5–15 days. About 8% of infants survive longer than 1 year. One percent of children live to age 10, typically in less severe cases of the mosaic Edwards syndrome. (edited by Beth:  our little one, unfortunately, does not have mosaic Edwards syndrome.)

Parents with surviving children who take part in support groups report that these children enriched their family and their couple irrespective of the length of their lives.

I already knew the prognosis - that our baby will most likely be stillborn and if she's not, she will most likely live only a few days.  But what struck me as I was reading this was that of the 495 babies in the study that were diagnosed with Trisomy 18, 339 of them were killed through abortion!

What a sad and sobering  statistic.  Because that last sentence in the article stated that every single person in a support group reported that their baby enriched their lives no matter how long they lived!

And just in case you were curious, enriched means:

1. To make rich or richer.
2. To make fuller, more meaningful, or more rewarding.
3. To add fertilizer to.
4. To add nutrients to
5. To add to the beauty or character of; adorn.

And I can tell you right now, this baby has already enriched us even though we have yet to meet her.  Because of her, we have hundreds (or maybe more) people praying for her healing and praying for our peace and comfort!

We don't deserve all of that love and support but we are receiving it anyway and it is all because of our sweet little one.  And if that's not making us richer, making us fuller, making our lives more rewarding, helping us grow or adding to the beauty of our lives - then I don't know what will!

12 comments:

RR Mama said...

What a precious gift your sweet little girl has given you: richness, fullness, hope, and more faith that you ever thought possible.

Jenny said...

Amen.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Wow. Just WOW.
XOXO

Anonymous said...

Say it, sister. Amen. Amen. Amen.
Thank you, Beth. These are powerful, powerful words and I just love you all.

Mari said...

So sad to think about how many abortions have occurred.
The way you have included all of us in this, and share what's happening, along with praying for all of you has enriched my life too.

Colleen said...

Love you, Beth.

My dear friend, Marijanna, just lost her baby yesterday at 19 weeks, and it really puts it all into perspective, ya know?

Her baby and your baby were wanted, loved, and prayed for. They are gifts!!!

Elise said...

Yes, Beth. Thank you for sharing your bold and beautiful faith. God bless you! Continued prayers...

Rebekah Es said...

This is beautiful Beth, your life is indeed enriched and in turn you enrich others.

Sandy Cain said...

Just reading about your daughter has enriched my life.

Unknown said...

Yes, Beth. Blessings do come in all shapes and sizes. Your words resound joyously in my heart. So happy to read your faith and abounding love. You have my prayers.

Dianna@The Kennedy Adventures said...

Beth,
I'm stopping by via Team Whitaker. Lifting you and your family, especially your tiny baby girl up in prayer.

Kim said...

Oh my gosh I didn't come back to check up on you on until now. What amazing strength you have! My daughter was also stillborn in 2000 at 40 weeks. She definitely enriched our lives and changed it forever. I hope the best scenario possible for you guys.

I came across a website recently somehow where people gave their personal stories about why they aborted their babies-- with medical issues. It was so painful to read. It made me sick to my stomach yet on some level I understand their painful choices. I just feel they were misguided and desperate.

I find you an amazingly courageous person. God Bless your family.