THE SAD NEW AND THE GOOD NEWS

Some time ago I told you about Gilmore Girl's sister-in-law who was carrying twins. One of the twins had severe health problems. The whole family and us too--we feel like family, we love her so much--fasted and prayed and then Phil and I have fasted for her each Sunday since. All of a sudden the baby was doing better. She even started gaining weight like her sister. Here is the baby shower. Both babies were doing well and then the mom-to-be had to go into the hospital and be monitored--the little one who had health problems had to have a monitor on her portion of her Momma's tummy 24 hours a day. The healthy twin had to be monitored 2 hours a day. The new mom-to-be was so patient, did everything the doctors told her to. The babies got bigger. She was patient in the hospital for a long time but knew that everything she did right gave her babies a better chance.

I don't have all the details but the little twin who was in distress didn't make it. Her sister was born fine--5 pounds 12 ounces, I think. I know the new Momma and Daddy are grieving for that little lost one they loved so much. I also know they are so thrilled to have their other little one here safely.

This new little baby will grow up knowing her sister is with her Heavenly Father. I know she will feel lonely, I know she will wish her sister had lived. We all do.

I think her sister was granted a special blessing. I think her health improved so that she could stay in the womb while her sister got big enough to be born healthy. What would have happened if her health had deteriorated earlier? Would her sister have survived? I don't know.

I do know that her parents will miss her every day of their lives. They will have her sister to watch and love and teach and love some more. They will always know just how big her sister would have been if she had lived. They will watch their daughter's progress, watch when she turns over, learns to crawl, gets her first tooth, takes her first steps, says her first word. It will be a joyous time. They will miss all those firsts of her sister but her sister will never be forgotten. She will always be loved.

Only those of you who have lost a child or had a miscarriage will know how they feel. I know how they feel.

I am so sad for their loss and so happy for the new little one that will fill their hearts to overflowing. I can't wait to get my hands on her. I want to look into her eyes and tell her that I love her, too. And I will whisper into her ear that I loved her sister. And then I will tell her that she and her sister will be reunited one day and it will be a joyous day, more joyous than all others.

So, amidst the sad new is the good news and also the joyous news of reuniting one day when all will be together again.