Seven years ago, on a Thanksgiving Day, I made one of the best decisions of my life when Matt and I decided to give this relationship thing a go. In the years since then, we have had some amazing experiences and blessings that have us shouting hallelujahs toward heaven. We have also had some heartaches that brought us face to the ground in brokenness. Always grace.
Shortly after we were married we started trying to build a family. For four years we rode the roller coaster of fertility treatments, pregnancy, and loss. Four miscarriages. Never a “viable” embryo. We decided that the best decision for our family was to stop the fertility treatments. My body was exhausted and our hearts were worn thin. We were told that without the extra help of fertility drugs, there was a less than 1% chance of us becoming pregnant. So much grief. Always grace.
Then, in June of 2012, two weeks before we were to move back to the US, a positive pregnancy test. We headed to the doctor with discussions about the inaccuracies of statistics and percentages. We knew what was going to happen, because we knew what always happens when we get pregnant. As the doctor began the ultrasound he turned to us with tears and said, “Do you see that?” A heartbeat. Amazing grace.
In October of that year we found out we were having a little girl. Our Madeleine Grace. In November we had a doctor’s appointment to check on a concern with her spine. As the doctor started the ultrasound, we knew immediately. No heartbeat. Our Maddie went to meet her Jesus. Grief beyond measure. Always grace.
This I know – our deepest grief is not beyond the reach of God’s redemptive hand. In this last year, I have asked the Lord to show me the redemption he’s working through our loss. His answer has been mighty. It has been gentle. It has been loving. And it has been, always, grace.
This morning, on Thanksgiving Day, I woke up to the most beautiful, most precious answer the Lord has given me to my prayers. The sounds of a brand new life. Matt and I are fostering a sweet little baby girl. She came to us yesterday at just a week and a half old. She came into this world immediately experiencing tremendous grief and great loss. The kind of grief and loss that only the Lord can redeem. I cannot wait to journey through life with her. I cannot wait to rejoice in the good and hold her tight through the bad. I cannot wait to see her meet Jesus. I cannot wait for her to learn that it is all, always grace.
a beautifully written post!!!! !that’s wonderful news, Trish and Matt!! congratulations!! enjoy all the time you have with her — oh, and I hope you get some sleep – LOL!!! post a photo soon? Happy Thanksgiving indeed to all 3 of you!!
btw, do you get to name her?
I am soooo proud of you both. As always you bring me to tears.
I love all three of you!
Sure is a day full of Thanksgiving!
Mom
Oh WOW! Congratulations on the new little Angel! What a wonderful Thanksgiving for you! Enjoy! Hugs!
this is beautifully written. Wow…what a gift of…grace. Herzlichen Glückwünsch!
Hi Tricia, this is wonderful news, and such a lovely gift for Thanksgiving!! I hadn’t realised all you’d been through, sorry to hear about the tough time you’ve had and so pleased there’s a happy ending xxx
Praising the Lord for His goodness to you!
That was so Beautiful Trish. You know Grace is a Beautiful name. Good luck with your new baby.
Congratulations Trisha and Matt! What wonderful news. Thinking of you both
Congrats! Such a special Family for this little one to begin life with!
Tricia…my heart breaks for you both and then rejoices with you at the same time. So happy for this wee little one who is in your care now. Praying for such deep moments of grace and healing and love and joy in your midst!! Happiest of Thanksgivings for you all!!
Love, just love.
Wow! Amazing! Beautifully written and expressed. Can not wait to hear more and see more pictures!
Ich freue mich sooo für euch!!! Die Kleine hat die perfekte Familie gefunden!!!
There are no words to express our deep joy over this news with you!! Grammar, anyone? Somehow, between German and English, I get messed up lots! but your lives are such a testimony to the Lord’s faithfulness, and I KNOW you will treasure every single moment with this precious little one…may the Lord give you strength! <3
I am sorry for your losses but rejoice with you in the precious addition to your family.