Tuesday, May 19, 2009

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...

19 comments:

Misty Rice said...

I can see how this would spiral all your emotions downward today. That is so heartbreaking. Its so scary too. How does something like that happen? I am very heartbroken for you both today.

Hang in there sweet girl.

Ill send Monica a comment and prayers too.

Thanks for sharing her story.

Hugs

Holly said...

My heart breaks.... :'(

Sonya said...

Praying for your sweet friend. I am so sorry for their loss. She is lucky in the fact she has such a great friend to help her on this journey of grief and heartache. You will certainly be someone she can lean on.

mandie lane said...

Stacy, I am so glad Monica has a friend like you. I spoke with her over the weekend and my heart's been broken ever since. As much as I hate that you CAN understand, I hope your strength and friendship will be a source of comfort to her in the hard times ahead.

Praying for Isaac and Duncan and their sweet mommies.

Sara said...

Monica is a dear friend of mine & I thank you for getting the word out to pray for her & Jim. Thank you, Stacy.

Anonymous said...

Stacy I have commented at Monica's blog to offer my sympathy and I want you to know you are also in my prayers tonight. Each milestone is hard, because even though Isaac isn't here, all our love for him is. Loving and thinking of you. xxxx

erin w. said...

I'm sorry for your tough day Stacy. I am praying for you (and Monica)!

Rach said...

Stacy, I don't know you. But I found your blog as I was looking for support after my last miscarriage. Your story has touched my life and my husbands. It's beyond words for me how much I admire your faith and trust in God's plan for your life. I don't know how you met monica, but it is clear that God put you in each others life for a reason. Thank you for sharing your story. You're an inspiration for all of us that wonder why we must go through such hard life circumstances while still leaning on God and beliving he has our best interst at heart.

Miche said...

Lots of virtual hugs, thoughts, and prayers for you and Monica today.

Laura - Ex. Dir. said...

I am so terribly sorry for your friend's loss.

Angela said...

Oh my goodness, I am so heartbroken for them. I started following Monica's blog probably close to a year ago. I am so, so sad for them. Praying for them and for you, always, as you miss Isaac.s

Lea said...

I just started to read your story and am heartbroken, yet again, to read such a truly sad story. I am so sorry that your sweet Isaac is not in your arms where he belongs.

Thank you for pointing us in Monica's direction... I am off to send her some love.

Tammy On the Go said...

Okay, I am going now to visit with them. Thank you for sharing.

Ang said...

OH my goodness. I am so sorry to read this news. I know your heart as well as many others go out to her. I will pray that God puts his loving arms around her and give their family comfort in this time of grief. I am so sorry!

Susan said...

I'm so sorry that you are having a hard time right now. It's got to be expected, but makes it no easier to go through I'm sure.

Thank you for bringing Monicas' loss to our attention. I'm off to send her some love right now and many prayers for you. I hope your week gets better.

Susan in Indiana

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

I always enjoy reading your blog.
Hope you will stop by and see me...Every comment enters you for the 10 big giveaways this month....in honor of Parker's 10th birthday! I will resume our Disney posts in a few days. Tonight I have such a heavy heart and a huge prayer request.

Linda said...

So sorry for your heavy heart today. I will be praying for you and for your friend Monica.

May God wrap His loving arms around you both.
Linda

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

I am so sorry for the loss of both beautiful sons. Here from LFCA.

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

Thanks for letting us know about this, Stacy. I was following Monica's blog for awhile and then lost touch. It's hard to keep up on the blogging sometimes. Anyway, my heart was broken to hear this news. I am definitely praying for Monica and her family. And...I would like to send her a Dreams of You Memory Book and Comfort Bear. Do you know how I could get it to her?

Thank you again...and, as always...praying for you too...

Love,
Kelly