By Guest Blogger Brooke Menoni

Nearly six months ago, I discovered some news that made my heart very full. I had a permanent grin on my face knowing that what my husband and I had hoped for, had finally come true—we would be extending our family by one more.

keep-calm-we-re-having-a-baby-4

Unfortunately, not long after that, I learned that my perfect plan was not in fact what I had envisioned. My happiness deflated as I faced days of news and decisions that would forever change me, and test my strength.

Before finding out what really lie ahead of us, I came up with what I thought was a fun idea to break the news to everyone. I had our good family friend, Kathleen, help with the photos and artwork for it.

Untitled5

Very shortly after though, the concept seemed silly given the situation.

I spent nearly three months thinking about how I wanted to share our news with others. I knew that I wanted to stay true to my festive spirit, but also knew it was important to let those close to us know the truth.

I finally came up with an idea how to share our happy news, but also to let those we care about know the challenges that we’d be facing, in a way that felt right for our family.

I mailed our close friends and family a package with a photo and small wrapped box enclosed.

Untitled2

 

Inside of the box was a letter with photos:

Untitled4

Sometimes you receive a gift that you never expected.

Untitled3

A few weeks ago we received news we weren’t expecting.
With time, it has become the gift we weren’t expecting, but are now anxiously awaiting.

Our baby-to-be has Trisomy 18—he or she was created with an extra special something–and, although this disorder has been defined as “incompatible with life”, we know that God has a plan and a much better definition.

It is a gift we have yet to unwrap and may never see the full intention of God for giving it to us, but we feel truly blessed that He trusted us to carry this special creation.

We ask for your support and prayers and know that by being there for us, you will also be part of a miracle.

We are full of hope and joy waiting in anticipation for what’s to come, because our family has a whole lot of love to give this baby for as long as we can.

Hearts full,
Dave, Brooke, Hunter, Emerson, Cash and baby-to-be Menoni (due December 13th—also Hunter’s birthday!)

“Some bloom for a whole season, some bloom for a day.
But would a gardener even think of pulling out his daylilies
because they last such a short time?”
–Mother Teresa*

My husband and I know that we have many challenges ahead of us and the mountains look steep. No one prepares you for situations like these, and certainly no one prepares you for accepting the loss of a child.

We feel relieved that we’re not hiding anymore and have the support of our family and good friends to help us through our journey.

Amid what we’re facing, we feel blessed. We are so thankful for every phone call, text, card, gift and prayer we have received. This is what keeps us going, because we are determined to climb every mountain and come out the other side stronger people, knowing greater love than we ever have before.

Life is a series of challenges and choices, and it is up to us to determine the road we will take—to let it engulf us or to let it teach us. I have chosen the latter and am daily learning that even in the worst of times, goodness can be found if we keep searching for it.

untitled 6

About Brooke Menoni

P1050284

Brooke Menoni is a family-loving, coffee-drinking, book-reading, fashion-obsessed, crafty girl that’s all heart with a little sass!

You can also read Brooke’s first post on WomenOnTheFence.com titled: Trading a Career for Mommyhood: 5 Power Tips

I would first like to start off by praying for Brooke, her family, and her unborn child. Brooke, you are so very, very, brave. This blog is titled WOMEN ON THE FENCE,  and I don’t think we have seen a more ON THE FENCE topic than today.

I think this post begs the question: “If you discovered you were carrying a child with trisomy 18, would you have the baby?” I am pretty sure many of us would not be as brave as Brooke. I do not believe I would be.

 

Erica3