Heavy Heart

My heart is just heavy today. I am missing Isaac a ton... I don't know if it's the fact that with all the warm weather, more little kids have been out playing on the playground behind our house and I am reminded of what could have been with Isaac. I can't believe that I have been without him almost as long as I had him with me.

My heart is also especially heavy for my dear friend Monica. Though we've never met in person, Monica has been such a source of support and warrior of prayer for us over this last year. She has encouraged me, cried with me, and beckoned God on our behalf... and now I would like to ask you to do the same for her.

I received an e-mail from Monica this past weekend and the subject line read, "Sharing in your grief in a new and profound way." My heart just sank. Monica was 24.5 weeks pregnant with their second son. In her e-mail she shared that she had not felt the baby move, despite all of "tricks of the trade" to get him to do so. She went to the doctor, who confirmed that their sweet son, Duncan Thomas, no longer had a heartbeat.

Monica delivered Duncan yesterday evening, and this is the e-mail I received from her this morning...

Family and friends,

With weary hearts, we sadly announce the birth and death of our second son, Duncan Thomas.

We learned on Saturday that Duncan's heart had stopped, and Monica was induced Monday afternoon. Duncan Thomas was born into our family at 8:14 pm Tuesday, May 19, and went directly into the joy of heaven.

Duncan weighed 1 lb., 1 oz, was 11" long, and had Seth's nose and HUGE feet! =) We were able to spend time with him, hold him, photograph him, and introduce him to his grandparents. We feel blessed for the six months he was with us, and choose to rejoice in his life, though we don't understand its brevity.

We covet your prayers as we grieve and heal, and as Monica recovers from delivery. Circumstances were such that we were actually in Toledo when all of this happened, and barring any complications with Monica's recovery, we will return to Nashville soon.

Jim and Monica

Would you please pray for me on her behalf?

I would encourage you to click on her name to link to her blog and leave her a comment. Or, you are welcome to leave a comment here and I would be happy to pass them along to her via e-mail.

Thank you for praying...