My cousin Diane (and her twin sister Denise) is just 6 months older than me. She and I have been inseparable at times in our lives and have (usually) been great friends! Our friendship was really solidified while I was in law school at BYU. Diane was living in Orem. We had season football tickets together each year; and, we were both single, so we would frequently get together to hang out--watch movies, go to dinner, BYU volleyball games, etc.
Shortly after I graduated from law school, Diane married Chad Goodwin. She and Chad are a great couple--their personalities and strengths compliment each other well. After a miscarriage and thinking they would never have children, Diane found out that she was expecting...a little boy. I found out right after Christmas; and, I was so excited for Diane! Unfortunately, however, these things do not always turn out the way we want them to.
Edward Alma Lee Goodwin was born yesterday, March 16, 2010, at 3:30 a.m. Despite a typical number of weeks of development in utero and a healthy birthweight, he had multiple other health problems, including under-developed lungs. He lived only until 4:45 a.m.
Medical explanations aside, I will never understand why Edward lived such a short time. Diane (and Chad) deserved the chance to have and to raise this little boy in this lifetime. I do know that, at times like these, I am grateful for a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, which assures us that Edward's short life served a purpose. We know that he was able to come to Earth to receive a body. We also know that his mom and dad will have the opportunity to raise him in the next life. In the meantime, he is well-looked-after by his Grandpa Keith Durfey who preceded him in death shortly before Christmas this past year and his Great Grandma Carpenter who passed away just over a year ago.
This afternoon, Chad sent out a few photos of Edward. The photographer did a fantastic job! (The hospital has a photographer that families can use in these types of situations.) He's darling!
2 comments:
You're mom just told me about him last night. I didn't even know Diane was pregnant. I feel so awful for them. I can't imagine what they're going through right now. They are great people and defiantly deserve to have a baby. There are so many things I will never understand. My love and prayers go out to them!
Jennifer,
Thanks for sharing the photos. He is precious! I have been broken-hearted for Diane and Chad and the entire family throughout the past three days. Often, in situations like this, we say that the couple or mother "lost" their baby. How grateful I am to know that little Edward is far from lost and is being loved and watched over until he can reunite with his wonderful Mommy and Daddy. xo!
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