As some of you know, my sister-in-law Kristie Gardner was pregnant with her second child, a baby girl, that was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. Trisomy 18 is a fatal condition, causing cysts on the babies brain and holes in their hearts, as well as physical deformities. Most babies with Trisomy are miscarried or still born. Kristie carried Kate full term.
She was born alive, on January 25, 2008. Kurt and I received a phone call, on a night that our kids were at co-op and told that Kate was born and we were invited to meet her. We hurried to the hospital and as we pulled into the parking lot we found out that Kate had passed away moments before.
We still headed up to the room to see her. I can't even begin to describe the spirit that filled that room. It actually ended up being such a sweet experience and Kristie, although she was heart broken, was so strong and she knew that there was another plan for Kate. Kate was a perfect spirit that needed a body.
Her funeral was on the same day as President Hinckleys. It was a sweet service and all the cousins, including Raegan sang "I Am a Child of God". I wasn't able to keep my composer through that. How grateful I am for the gospel and the plan of salvation. I really don't know how anyone without the knowledge that families are forever can deal with the death of a loved one. I know that we will see Kate again. Kristie and her husband Clint have been such a great example to me and it's so wonderful to know that they can be at peace knowing they will be with Kate again.
Click on this link: 99 Balloons and try not to cry. I watched it and was mad that no one gave me any warning. I went to church with puffy eyes.
Big brother Cooper kissing his baby sister.
All the cousins singing"I Am a Child of God" Raegan is in the dark coat.
