This is the face of a precious baby. This is the sweet baby of some friends and members of our Sunday school class, Rich and Ashley. Their baby boy, Jacobsen, was born September 14th, 2007 and was put on this earth for 4 short months. He had a neuromuscular disease that prohibited his lungs from functioning properly. There is no cure for this disease and the life expectancy that the doctors gave Rich and Ashley was less than a year. This is a genetic disease, although they have 2 year old who does not have the disease and is all-around healthy.
I cannot express to you the amazing strength that this couple had during the four months of Jacobsen's life...and I cannot even begin to describe how they glorified God in this situation and even through his death. It was the saddest funeral I have ever attended, and the situation has touched my heart.
Rich and Ashley wanted a large family, and after a few months, announced that they were pregnant again, and the baby would be due this October. About three weeks ago in Sunday School they reported that the baby was a baby boy! This week, we found out the heart wrenching news: this baby, like Jacobsen, has the genetic disease. There are a couple of treatment options that they could possibly do to prolong his life. One little boy has lived to the age of two with certain treatments.
I have not spoken to Rich or Ashley as they are trying to sort things out on their own right now; and I would not be able to find adequate words. However, I do hurt for them as parents and friends. I cannot imagine the pain that they are experiencing at this point, and I PLEAD with you for your prayers for this family. If you are a parent, you know how this must hurt them, and if you are not you can only imagine.
I leave with you the verse that Rich and Ashley had printed on Jacobsen's funeral program:
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
There is a reason and purpose for this, I know. And I know that for me, it makes me ever grateful for the healthy child in my life. Love on yours today and thank God for them!
1 comments:
Mom told me the news last night. I cannot even begin to imagine what they are going through. I cried and prayed to God last night for strength for them. And I told myself the same thing . . .there is a reason. Maybe we will never understand that reason, but there is one! I will continue to pray for Rich and Ashley and this child, just as I did for Jacobsen.
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