Once pulled from his mother’s womb and away from his source of oxygen, his heart stopped. Immediately, the doctors resuscitated him, and as their machines began to breathe for him, his heart came back strong.
In the span of a day, it became abundantly clear that Jacob lacked both the lung and brain stem capacity needed to sustain life. So yesterday, our friends and family each had the opportunity to meet, pray beside, and say goodbye to Jacob. His grandparents then gathered with us and a pastor/friend as we asked God to gather little Jacob into His arms. Kira and I stayed back to say our private goodbye, and as we comforted Jacob in our arms, the sweet nurse tearfully withdrew life support.
Our hearts are so broken to let go so soon, but there is joy and peace knowing God’s promise for Jacob and the complete healing that awaits him.
Later, Kira and I were alone in our hospital room when we received a phone call. A man on the phone from the tissue bank explained that the valves of Jacob’s strong heart could be donated for use in as many as two to three heart-sick babies. We gladly agreed to this donation.
…While we would not begin to assume or understand God’s plan behind Jacob’s short time with us, it was a timely encouragement for us to know that Jacob’s steadfast heart may give life to others.
Your prayer and encouragement continues to give us strength in this sad time.
We rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trial, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God love us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5)
21 comments:
Crying with you...
Thank you for letting us into all this with you.
we love you
Scott and Kira-your hearts are amazing
His heart is so strong, Kira and Scott. Jacob will bring another child a second chance at life, and that is truly amazing. I hope you find out who receives his precious heart.
Thinking of you both,
'Gonna'
We are so glad that Jacob is helping others to have a life. How proud you should be of your son!!
Kira, Scott--Just learned of your loss from your parents (via their ABF). Cannot imagine all you are walking through right now. So thankful for your steadfast, courageous faith. Crying with you as I write. Praying His comfort & strength as you walk through the valley of the shadow. I love you both.
I was reading back on why you chose Jacob's name. Your prayers have been answered...his life is making a huge impact on many people's lives! I hope that as we wrestle with God through this time of grief that He will show Himself in new a powerful ways!! We ache with you and celebrate his beautiful life with you.
I didn't sleep well last night thinking of you both. When I read your blog again, I cried yet again! What a comfort to know Baby Jacob will be able to give life to other babies and their families! We personally know someone who has gotten a heart transplant so we have seen first hand the work that God can do to through the gift of organ donation.
Dear Kira,When my sister, Stacia, told me of Jacob months ago, she asked us to pray for him. From that day forward, my entire family included Baby Zick in our prayers every night. Our prayer was, "please bring Baby Zick into this world healthy and happy." Tonight, we prayed for Jacob and thanked God for our newest Angel. My heart goes out to you and we will continue to pray for your and your family. I admire your strenth, courage and your trust in God. Jacob will be on our Angel list forever.
Querida Kira and Scott,
Please know that we are grieving with you and rejoicing with you that Jacob is resting in the strong arms of our precious Jesus.
Gloria a Dios!
The Lord keeps putting this song in my heart this week as I have been praying for you. . .may the Spirit of God grant you peace and strength.
"Be still and know that He is God. Be still and know that He is holy. Be still O restless soul of mine, Bow down before the Prince of Peace, Let the noise and clamor cease. Be still and know that He is God. Be still and know that He is faithful. Consider all that He has done, stand in awe and be amazed and know that He will never change. Be still. Be speechless. Be still and know that He is God. Be still and know He is our Father. Come rest your head upon his breast, listen to the rhythm of His unfailing heart of love; beating for His little ones, calling each of us to come, be still."
--Steven Curtis Chapman
Con mucho amor en Cristo--
Lauren and family
Scott and Kira,
How our hearts broke and tears flowed when we read your post. We thank God for the both of you, baby Jacob, and the grace the Father gave to enable you write what you did. As parents, we cannot even begin to imagine the level of pain and sorrow you must be experiencing. Our prayer is that He will grant grace to sustain, courage to believe in His goodness in the midst of something so terrible, and a supernatural awareness of His love for you and presence with you. We love and appreciate you so much.
Chris and Jodi Sarver
Kira, I don't know you but received an email from the Muncie MOPS coordinator about your son. I am new to the area and have yet to visit MOPS but Lori has me on her email list. I am deeply saddened for your family and hope you will feel the prayers of those who know and love you and those like me who don't know you but love you as a sister in Christ. I have been following a blog site that I think would really minister to you as you endure the pain of losing your son. It may not be something you look at now but at some point I believe it will be a great source of encouragement for you, knowing there are others out there who have walked in your shoes: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
In the meantime, my prayers are with you and your family and I am deeply sorry and saddened for your loss. Love, Heidi Brown (Muncie, IN)
There is comfort in knowing that God is in control and everything that he does...he does it well. Both you and Scott are in my prayers.
"There is no sorrow that God can not heal"
Love you Sra!
What amazing people you are!! Our hearts ache with you. Much love Karri, Brad and family
I'm so sorry for your loss - my thoughts are with you.
Once again, Senora I am so sorry for your loss. Jacob was only here for such a short time, but has touched so many. A blessing has come from something that has saddened all of our hearts. Jacob will be able to help many more people with the gift of life.
Still praying for you,
Brit
Beautiful about Jacob helping heartsick babies.
I love you guys.
You are in my prayers and there are no words to express what my heart feels right now. Jacob is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing, I am blessed and greatly encouraged by your faith. May the presence of the Lord and comfort of his people sustain you through this very difficult time.
Scott & Kira you are in our thoughts & prayers. Thank you for sharing your updates. The fact that Jacob's life will help another child leaves me in tears. If there is anything that you need please let us know.
Scott and Kira,
I am in California visiting family but you have not been out of my heart or my prayers. I was so very touched by the pictures you posted of Jacob with both of you. You will be so glad to have these down the road and how thoughtful of your friend to suggest it. You continue to be at th heart of my prayers. When I see the strength of the ocean that our awesome God created I am reminded that He has the stregnth and love to walk beside both of you and your families on this journey ahead.
loving and crying with you, Deb
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