Unconditional Love – Trisomy 13

When the joy of pregnancy becomes mixed with a Trisomy 13 diagnosis for your unborn child, a mother’s love doesn’t quit.  It grows stronger each day that little one grows inside, even when she knows that his birth might also mean his end.  I was blessed to teach Hannah, her senior year in high school, and we’ve kept in touch over the years.  When I saw this letter, I knew it needed to be shared on a site dedicated to caregiving of all kinds.  May you be blessed by this mom’s beautiful love for her baby:

Dear Jedediah,

I love you. I am so thankful you are mine.

The doctors say you have a severe chromosome abnormality called Trisomy 13. They say you aren’t going to live.

But you are living now.

And every moment with you is precious.

So kick me, punch me, roll, and turn. Remind me that you are alive right now. Remind me how lucky I am to be your mommy.

You are so precious. You are so loved.

Your name, Jedediah, means “Beloved of the Lord.” Every time I hear your name I will be reminded that God loves you even more than I ever could. It is comforting to think of how much God loves you.

There are so many people who love you too, Jedediah. Daddy and I love you. Your family and friends love you. You have many friends who are praying for you and hope to meet you someday. I hope that somehow, in some way, you can know that we love you.

I can’t wait to hold you in my arms, yet at the same time I dread that day approaching because I know what it will likely mean.

So take your time dear one. If you are comfortable in mommy’s tummy, stay for a while. And kick me, punch me, roll, and turn.

And let me love you.