Caleb finally got to come home. We thought it would be really hard, but there was actually an overwhelming feeling of peace. We had never been apart from him that long and it was so comforting to have him with us again. I was able to hold him close...to love on him. Then Pastor Mike came over and prayed over Caleb & our family, as Caleb's earthly body was to be put to rest in our home. We had family around us, it was a beautiful moment. We shared memories, we cried, and we laughed. Thank you Pastor Mike for all that you do to help our family find peace in such a difficult time. A dear friend of mine, Chontee, will be helping me sometime next week to decorate Caleb's Memorial Cabinet...I can't wait to make it look as beautiful as he was...always will be.
Edwards Syndrome : Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) is a chromosomal abnormality where there is an extra chromosome present in every cell of the body. This is an example of where “the more the merrier” is not true. This extra chromosome means that every cell has extra information encoded into it. The extra information causes confusion in the way that the cells are formed and results in the potential malformation of all of the body systems. Sadly, this condition is considered "not compatible with life". Just like with Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21), there is a wide range of how this condition will play out (what the doctor's will refer to as your child's phenotype). Unfortunately because there is more information encoded on the 18th chromosome, the severity of this condition is greater than that of Down's Syndrome. Current studies show that while 1:1500 children will be diagnosed prenatally with trisomy 18, only half that number (or 1:3000) will be born alive at full term. Of those who survive to birth, only half will make it to two months of age, and only 10% will survive to their first birthday. Children who live can be an important part of their family and community, but are profoundly developmentally delayed.
Caleb finally got to come home. We thought it would be really hard, but there was actually an overwhelming feeling of peace. We had never been apart from him that long and it was so comforting to have him with us again. I was able to hold him close...to love on him. Then Pastor Mike came over and prayed over Caleb & our family, as Caleb's earthly body was to be put to rest in our home. We had family around us, it was a beautiful moment. We shared memories, we cried, and we laughed. Thank you Pastor Mike for all that you do to help our family find peace in such a difficult time. A dear friend of mine, Chontee, will be helping me sometime next week to decorate Caleb's Memorial Cabinet...I can't wait to make it look as beautiful as he was...always will be.
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