Still In the Arms of God

You never think things like this will happen to your family. You hear of it, and you fear it with your own children, but it's not something that seems real until it hits your family. And it hits hard. My brother and sister-in-law were expecting a baby girl in June. But the baby was stillborn on May 22. No one knows what happened, she was fine just a few days before as the doctors ran a bunch of tests, but she was too perfect to stay with us. They named their angel baby Makayla, which means "who is like God." A very fitting name.

Nothing can make this right, or bring Makayla back, but we have found comfort in the Plan of Salvation, knowing that she will be with her parents and brother forever. There have also been many people placed in our path that have been through the same thing, or that can offer the help we need. We know that Heavenly Father was taking care of her, and of us, there's no other explanation for the way things worked out.

I wish I could put my thoughts and feelings into better words, but nothing seems to fit right now, but at the same time I want to say something and share the picture and lyrics...

Jon's family has experienced loss as well, and when his cousin died after fighting cancer they had a picture of Christ hugging him drawn. It's a beautiful drawing and one of my first thoughts when we heard the sad news was that we needed something similar. Jon mentioned the thought at work to the right person who knew the right person who happened to be an artist. We sent him the pictures of Makayla that were taken by "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" at the hospital and he gave us the amazing drawing above.

While on my mission a friend sent me a CD with mission songs, and then a song about a stillborn baby was the last track. It's a beautiful song, but I never thought I would have such a connection to it. I included the lyrics because knowing that Makayla. is "still in the arms of God" is the only thing that really helps.

As I look at my own sleeping baby I'm overwhelmed with how blessed we are. We are so lucky to have him with us. Nothing I feel can compare to my brother and his family, but they have our love and support. And we have the plan that will make it ok.... eventually.

"Born Still in the Arms of God"
Written by Michael Hicks and Tammy Robins

Your daddy and I knew that you'd be a girl
You'd probably sing grow blond hair with curls
And twirl all around as the princess you are

But the day came too soon and in a hospital room
The word that I feared, was the word that I heard
I prayed and I mourned, for my princess still born

Now my heart has learned, the truth of that word
Born still, in the arms of God
Resting now, midst a royal applaud
You will dance, you will sing about heavenly things
Born still in the arms of God

Now the task is to place a name with the face
Now resting so perfectly
You have the prize won, through the life of the son
A name divine, Celestial is thine

Born still, in the arms of God
Resting now, midst a royal applaud
You will dance, you will sing, about heavenly things
Born still in the arms of God

Born still...

MAKAYLA is still in the arms of God

Here are the websites we have been directed to.
http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/
http://www.angelbabiesinfo.com/
http://pinwheelsfromheaven.blogspot.com/