Emma was born at 8:45am. She lived for 21 sacred, precious minutes. Minutes in which Cole and I both held her, looked into her eyes and spoke the words we’ve been waiting to say; “We are proud of you, baby girl.” “You did so well.” “So many people love you, Emmy.” “Do you know how big of an impact you’ve made?” “Jesus is ready to hold you, Emma Noelle. “You can go, sweet girl.”

At one point, while being held by Cole, Emma heard me talking to the doctor. The nurses still remark about her head jerking toward me, recognizing her mama’s voice. She then passed in her Daddy’s arms. I am confident she felt loved.

Just as much, I’m confident that Cole and I have felt loved; by Emma, by you, by our Heavenly Father.

There’s a reason one word flooded my heart upon the diagnosis in that ultrasound room that October day. I didn’t know it then, but my God, I know it now.

“Emmanuel.”

Emma Noelle.

God with us.

I believe our personal Savior was telling me; I’m here. This is going to be hard, but I’m with you.

I wish I had the time to tell you every way in which that came true, every detail that was meticulously orchestrated and miraculously provided. Emma Noelle changed our lives. Emma Noelle showed us Emmanuel.

We are now looking forward to celebrating Emma’s life, along with all families who have experienced infant loss. We want to come together, whether we know you personally or not, to honor these precious lives and hear about the powerful purpose each of them have. Will you come? Saturday, April 27th at 10am at Traders Point Christian Church in Whitestown.

I’ll be speaking about our experience, and you’ll also be hearing from others about what these sweet babies are experiencing, and why, dear God, why tragedies like this are allowed to happen under the watch of a loving God.

I hope to see you and to be able to say thank you in person. You have made our story so incredibly special.

We love you, friends. Thanks for loving our little girl so well.

Brooke, Cole & Max