Many of you didn’t even know that our son Loren and his wife Anne were expecting a baby.  We were waiting to tell everyone until she was a little further along.  They went for their first prenatal visit thinking the pregnancy was about 12 weeks along and being concerned about signs of a miscarriage.  They discovered that the pregnancy  was really 19 weeks along and that due to complications, the pregnancy wouldn’t be able to continue and their baby boy would be born that night.

At 9:10 pm August 18th, their first child and our first grandchild Toby was born.  He lived 1 hour and 53 minutes.  He weighed 9 oz and was 9″ long — he was a teeny, tiny perfect little boy.  Alan and I were able to be there to help name him, hold him, sing to him and love him.  It was a surprise, disappointment and gift that none of us were expecting.  Loren and Anne were amazingly at peace with everything and while disappointed that they couldn’t have more time with their son, were thrilled to have him to be a part of their eternal family.

A wonderful “bereavement specialist” came to the hospital to provide very loving service.  She took prints and made molds of his darling little hands and feet.  She cleaned and dressed him, wrapping him in the blue blanket that I had crocheted for him. Then she took some precious photos for Loren and Anne to treasure.

As family and friends have found out about our unexpected loss, everyone has been so kind and sympathetic.  We feel so blessed.

Loren and Anne have created a blog for Toby, to give people a chance to express condolences and offer service in Toby’s behalf. If you would like to submit an entry, you can fill in the submission form.