Sweet Caroline,

       Today will forever be etched in my mind as a day of sorrow... and joy.  Today, we found out that sometime over the weekend, your precious little heart had stopped beating. My heart aches that you were never able to take your first breath here on this earth... but my heart cries tears of joy because I know that you are safely in the arms of Jesus... that your face is a sight of perfection... your hands and feet have all their fingers and toes.... your brain is whole... and your body has been made new.
      Caroline Elise, do you know how many people have loved you since the day we learned of your existence?  Your precious name has been spoken aloud so many times that it could be etched in the sky and no one would find it odd. We love you and we have never even met you.  We love you despite your diagnosis.... despite the fact that we knew you were never made for this world.  At some point along the way... the words Trisomy 13 stopped being seen as a death sentence... and started being seen as a precious gift from your heavenly father.  You, baby girl, don't ever have to experience the pain of this world..... you, little one, got to be born into the warm embrace of your creator.
         Your mommy is one of the most amazing mommys I have ever known.  She loves you more than life itself and she would have given you her life had it been possible.  But because she couldnt, she instead chose to carry your little body within the safety of her womb. You were such a fighter.  We realized that every single week that your heart continued to beat even when we were told not to expect it anymore.  You survived 13 weeks longer than the doctors said you would.  Ironic that the same number that took your life, also represented life.  Your mommy never questioned carrying you.  She knew that she would love you just as she loves your brother... because you are her baby...because you were fearfully and wonderfully made.
          Your life is my light... and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to love you... to dream of you... and to marvel at your beauty when your perfect and precious body comes into this world. Thank you- for all that you are.  I love you sweet baby girl.

Miss A