Hello.  We are Garrett and Meghan, and last summer we were anticipating the birth of our third child.  Our two older children were beyond excited!  However, after a normal pregnancy and crossing the "full term" mark of 37 weeks, we suddenly learned this birth would be very different than our first two: our baby's heart had stopped beating, and we were admitted to the maternity ward for a stillbirth.  Our precious little girl, Sybil Lois, was born on June 30, just two and a half weeks before her due date.  She was perfect in every way, with a full head of dark hair, just like her big sister.  After she born, a "true knot" was discovered in the umbilical cord.  Apparently, as birth approached, this knot tightened and her lifeline was gone before anyone even knew she was in distress.  Although Sybil's birthing day was extremely challenging, it was also beautiful - it was the day we finally got to hold our little girl, to see her sweet features, and to gather together as an almost-whole family.  But the simultaneous farewells were heartwrenching.

It is difficult to describe the subsequent days and months - it often varies moment to moment.  However, one thing we have been profoundly grateful for is the support of family and friends, including a new community of "loss parents."    Connecting with other families who are grappling with similar losses has been invaluable on our journey.  One avenue for building this community is Faith's Lodge, a special place less than two hours from the Twin Cities, that welcomes families facing the death or medically complex condition of a child.  Garrett and I recently had the opportunity to spend a long weekend at Faith's Lodge, sharing time and conversation with other couples on this difficult road.

As Sybil's first birthday approaches - and we prepare to (hopefully) welcome her younger brother - we are eager to share our love for her and all the love that has flowed into our family over the past months.  In this spirit, our family is participating in a 5k walk on May 20, to raise funds for Faith's Lodge.  We would love for you to join Sybil's team, and join us at the event!  I will be 37 weeks pregnant, so no pressure to walk fast :-)  If you are interested but can't join us in person, feel free to support Sybil's team with a donation.  Thank you!