“I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20
In early October 2018, during our 21 week ultrasound, doctors discovered that our baby had a "significant heart defect" and referred us to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. While in Iowa City, we learned that our baby boy had, in addition to his heart defect, enlarged kidneys and a shortened cerebellum. Because multiple anomalies tend to suggest a genetic condition, we agreed to an amniocentesis. Just a few days later, our sweet boy was diagnosed with Trisomy 13. Trisomy 13 is a very rare chromosomal disorder deemed “incompatible with life”. To say that our lives were turned upside down - was an understatement.
Over the next few months, we prayed and tried to prepare ourselves for what was to come. Despite the very high Trisomy 13 miscarriage rates, all we could do was pray for the opportunity to meet Matthew. If our prayers were granted and we were given the chance to meet him, we would be grateful for the minutes or hours or days or months...
On January 30th, 2019, we made our way to Iowa City for our regular 38 week check up. We could have never imagined that the next time we'd return home, our life would be forever changed.
Matthew made his arrival at 4:09 am on Thursday, January 31st. The next 33 hours were the most incredible, joyful, peaceful, sorrowful hours of our lives. Matthew graced us with 33 amazing hours on earth. In his final hours, Matthew showed us how strong he was. He knew his time was limited and he wanted to give us every second he could.
God called Matthew Home at 1:25 pm on Friday, February 1st, 2019. Despite the heartache, there was overwhelming peace - both in our room and in our hearts. We knew Matthew was now in the arms of Jesus. There was comfort in trusting that Matthew was welcomed by a baby brigade of all those who had gone before him. And, while we build friendships down here with other parents who have experienced loss, we know our babies are all looking down over us, together.
We cannot begin to thank those of you who have been here for us through this difficult journey. To the amazing team at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, we owe so much to you for the love and sensitivity you showed our family.
As we begin to navigate our “new normal”, we know two things for certain. We WILL always have a guardian angel watching over us...for Matthew IS forever a part of our family.
Kaleb and Haley Admire
IN HONOR AND CELEBRATION OF MATTHEW, DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE. ON BEHALF OF THE ADMIRE FAMILY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT.
