Gifts

Inspired by the post below, a reader sends this:

My friend Amy is a navy wife who's first child was diagnosed as
anencephalic. She ws away from home and her husband was at sea for most of  her pregnancy. This is part of a letter she sent out after the birth (and  death). She started it off with the DeVinck quote, ""His presence among us was a mysterious sign of that peace the world cannot give.":

Patrick and Amy McNamara
proudly announce the birth of their son
Adam Christopher McNamara
June 15, 1994
5 lbs. 9 oz., 19 in.

"Adam was our son for nine months and four hours on this earth. The
duration of his life was spent in our arms and in the arms of his
grandmothers. Four hours was enough time to baptize and confirm Adam, to appreciate his perfectly formed body, to shower parental affection on him, and four hours was enough time for Adam to touch our hearts in a way that we would have never dreamed of only a few months before."Our son brought an immeasurable amount of joy into our lives. When we miss Adam and sadness begins to descend, we recall this joy and pray that the strength of this memory will sustain us."

This is a poem she wrote to her husband on Father's Day, which was only a few days later:

A Father wants many things for his child. . .
To always be there for him through joy and sadness.
To hold him close in warmth and comfort.
To see him triumph despite hardship and struggle.
To watch his life unfold and mature into greatness.
To guide him toward truth and goodness.
And, ultimately, a Father hopes his child will rest for eternity
In God's embrace.
Very few Fathers can say,
"Yes, I was there every moment he needed me, I held him from
birth until death, his every action was a triumph, the span of his
life was never wanting for truth, and I know for certain that he
will rest for eternity in the palm of God's hand."

Comments

[Dan]

This is so beautiful. I hope you can thank the McNamara's for sharing it.

[Veronica]

That was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. Every child is a blessing, even if many people are unable to see it as such.

[Donald R. McClarey]

In the presence of such love even Death is rendered powerless.

[Karen in Canada]

Very few things that I read on the Internet can move me to tears. This is one.

What a wonderful witness to the value of life!

[Bridget]

That was absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing it.

[Paula JL]

I am crying as I write this. What wonderous love, faith, hope and trust Amy and Patrick have. Adam may have been with them for only 9 months and 4 hours but he truly enriched and blessed their lives into eternity.
God give them hope and courage and may the memories of Adam lighten their hearts and bring joy to their days.