It has been a long road traveled. It was so hard to keep up with this blog. There was nothing I could say when I knew what I was preparing for. I felt so obligated as an aunt and a sister to let my two nieces shine as they grew in their mother's womb. The moment we knew about the girls complications I was so deeply sadden and hurt. If it wasn't for the strength I saw in my sister and her husband, I myself would never had been able to be strong for them!
It was a blessed experience for me to have had the chance to share this with my sister. I was able to create this special bond with Hope and Grace, as I carried my own baby girl for the past 7-8 months. I was scared for this day ...that came on June 23, 2009. I honestly thought I wasn't going to be able to handle it. But the second I entered the hospital room I felt this peace go through me. I saw my sister on her hospital bed with her two baby girls lying on her chest. And as my own baby kicked and jumped inside me, I picked up my nieces and held them tight. I have never felt such peace in my heart before. I was looking at two of God's miracles. I wasn't angry, or upset like I thought I would have been. But instead I was happy at that moment. To hold them, kiss them, and to tell them how much I love them meant the world to me. They were angels! The smile on my sister's face was priceless as she was so proud of her two baby girls. Although I hurt for my sister, Luci, and her husband Chris, I know that the many prayers that are being said for them will carry them through. Christ is all around us, and His presence has been so clear this past week!
God had given a gift to my sister, and that was to give life. These two lives have been the cause of so many people's conversions of their own hearts. The selflessness that Luci and Chris gave to their babies, and the love they have for them and one another, have change so many lives.
Luci and Chris have been the most inspirational people I have ever met, and I am just lucky enough to have them as family.
As I prepare to have my own baby girl, Sophie, in a couple of weeks, I can't wait to share this beautiful story with her. Hope and Grace will never be forgotten, and their spirit forever lives within all of us.
