I’ve been following Danielle Walker’s blog for some time now. A few weeks ago, she shared some tragic news with her readers about the daughter she was carrying:
During this appointment, we were told that Aila had severe growth defects and potentially had a life-threatening form of a skeletal disorder. After declining the immediate recommendation that we end my pregnancy, we decided to seek a second opinion at UCSF and get a clearer diagnosis. We were told the unfathomable news that Aila has what’s called Lethal (or type II) Osteogenesis Imperfecta. It’s a genetic mutation that causes a lack of collagen in her bones so they do not grow properly and break over and over again in the womb. Only .19 in 10,000 of these babies are born alive, and the ones that are only live for a few minutes to 24 hours.
She chose to carry her daughter and treasure every single moment she had with her:
Our darling Aila was born Tuesday night June 24th at 7:53pm and passed peacefully in my arms at 8:39pm. She weighed 1 pound 5.8 ounces and had her brother’s nose and daddy’s lips. She was just the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
We had the immense joy of knowing her on this earth for 46 minutes before she went to be with Jesus. I was able to hold her for 12 hours and study her sweet face all night long. The pain that we feel from missing her each day is inexplicable. I ache for the day when I can kiss her forehead and hold her in my arms again.
She goes on to share about the joy they are experiencing, even in the midst of all the pain. This little one was their daughter. And she was deeply loved. And they are thankful for each moment they had with little Aila, inside and outside the womb.
The pictures taken of these precious moments are tender and beautiful. Follow the link to view them.
I’m praying for Danielle Walker and her family.
by 
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