Carleigh McKenna

Carleigh McKenna is the daughter my cousin gave birth to this morning. She was stillborn. They knew this day was coming, and they have been preparing for her since August. In December they found out she has a disease that effects her brain. It's long and complicated, but also sad and fatal. The chances of Holly carrying to full-term was a long shot, and the baby living was even longer. I know the doctors talked to Holly about aborting the baby in the beginning, when they found everything out. But Holly told them no, and that the baby was a gift from God, and she was going to honor him with this gift. So the journey began of "Caring for Carleigh" (this is the name of Holly's blog).

I remember back to when I was pregnant with Molly, all the excitement, joy, and anxiousness of meeting this little one. Holly is blessed to have another child, Kyndra. They celebrated her fist birthday in January. So, Holly knows all the joys of pregnancy and motherhood, but this time is different. This time it's not as exciting, it is a little more cautious. When most mothers are making plans for the nursery, Holly was making funeral arrangements so she didn't have to do it after Carleigh was born. When people are picking out patterns for swings, bedding, and car seats, Holly and her husband, Anthony were picking out a casket for their baby girl. And when mothers and fathers are picking out a baby announcement card, my cousin is picking out songs and doing paperwork for a memorial service.

Why do bad things happen to good people? What is God trying to do here? Why is he using a child's life to teach to a lesson? I just don't understand.

Holly had a birth plan, she had everything planned, she has been blogging about this journey, sharing her story everywhere, and connecting with others who have been through the same thing. She is so strong, so faithful, and so amazing. I have learned so much from her through this.

The time came when the baby stopped growing, and they needed to induce labor. This is not what Holly planned, or wanted, but it was necessary to try and save Carleigh. Saving Carleigh became the most important thing. On Friday they induced Holly at 7:30 in the morning. She was slow to labor, then finally a little after 3:40am on Saturday morning, Carleigh McKenna was born. They no longer could save her, God had already taken her home. I don't know the emotions that were in that room, and I am sure none of us ever want to experience some of them. I know I sat crying, while reading it on the blog. I know first hand the physical aspect of labor and delivery, I know what it is like to work so hard, but when you see your baby, it is all worth it in the end. But when your baby is not breathing, not alive, what does that feel like?

I know Holly and Anthony believe in God, I know they are faithful to him, I know they have ministered beyond their wildest imaginations with their story, but I also know they are hurting, they are grieving, and they need your prayers. Please pray for them. I know Holly and Anthony's parents are hurting for their kids, and for the loss of their granddaughter. Please pray for them. Pray everyone around them, just pray.

Holly- you are the stronget, bravest woman that I know. You are a wonderful mother, and you have shown such strength and courage. God will bring you through, he never lets go.

To read Holly's blog please visit...http://carleighmckenna.blogspot.com

It's March, already?!

Hello! How are you all? We hope great! I can't believe it is March already! Time flies! Well a little update-we didn't get the house! Boo! At least for now we didn't get it. The bank would not go down enough, and it needs a lot of work before we ever could move in. So we decided to pass right now. Our realtor said they may come back once they realize no one will pay what they want. So until then, I guess the looking continues. It's hard because nothing compares in my mind to that house, but I know God has something out there for us. I hope soon! The walls of this apartment seem to be closing in on us!

Things at church are going good. We are feeling the economic crunch a little bit with the giving. So please pray for that. Pray for everyone in general, not just the people at The Ridge. I know churches everywhere are being pinched. We just finished a series called "One Month to Live", and I personally thought it was great. I learned a lot about myself, and about God. It was very challenging. Last week we started a new series called "Life According to Jim." We are going through the book of James. Then the church is going to start a reading plan to read the entire Bible together. I am very excited about this. I have read the Bible before, like front to back, but it was all when I was at college and it was homework. So I don't remember a whole lot, I just remember having to read it. We are ordering books with reading plans, if any of you are interested please let us know and we can get you one.

Neighborhood groups are booming! We are starting a new one this week in Muskego. This will be the third one in this tiny little town! It is awesome to see people who are willing to commit to a neighborhood group, and who are committed to doing life with each other. God is awesome!

The Ferguson family is doing well! Eric is busy with church, students, leaders, and life. But God is great and still blesses us daily with stories of people who have been helped by The Ridge. I am officially finished with books and tests! I am seeing clients now, and it is going great. Thank you all my volunteers! Molly is wonderful! She is talking a lot, and is so much fun to be with. She is definitely going through the terrible twos, but we are managing so far. She loves people so much, she is not afraid to go hug someone or kiss little boys, which her dad just loves!

We hope Spring brings new life to you all, and the sunshine reminds you of God's faithfulness. He is so good friends, and we pray that you know that. Blessings to all!