Elliott's Story

Last month Joe and I were asked to speak at a fundraiser for Perinatal Hospice of Washtenaw County. Janet Holtz, Director of Perintal Hospice helped us immensely throughout the pregnancy and during Elliott's birth. Her services are unique and of great importance to families experiencing a pregnancy with a terminal prognosis.

Joe and I with Janet Holtz

A few of our favorite pictures of Elliott

Memory boxes and information on Perinatal Hospice

Names of the babies Janet has helped over the years

The fundraiser was held at Christ the King Parish in Ann Arbor Michigan and included an evening of music by renowned composer and musician Eric Genuis and his Violinist, Alena Merimee, Cellist Sophie Webber and Soprano Holly Sedillos. His music is absolutely beautiful and more information about him can be found here. 

Joe and I with Eric Genuis

After listening to our video for the first time, I realized we left out one of the most important points, that Elliott was a gift from God, a true blessing and we are so thankful for her. Only God truly knows how long, or short, our lives will be. And as I've said before, life is not defined by days, months or years, it is fined by love. So love God with all of your heart, mind and soul. Love your family, love them with all of your heart, forgive them for their ways, their mistakes, those hurtful words they can't take back. Life is too short not too. Love your friends and don't hesitate to make new ones. You never know, they may just be the very ones that carry you through the darkest days of your life. Love your husband or wife to the fullest. Joe was my rock, my strength from the very day we knew of Elliott's prognosis. He was strong when I couldn't be. He held me every day that I cried and held back his own tears. He went to work every day and faced the impossible with grace while I stayed at home, hid from the world and sought safety in the comfort of these four walls. Joe handled the hardest details, the planning of Elliott's funeral, holding his first born and pouring all the love a daddy could offer in just one short hour, and handing her fragile body over to the funeral staff so I didn't have to. In the days following he made sure everyone else was ok before he even began to think about what he needed. Joe is an amazing husband and father.

A view of the beautiful church

This opportunity was truly a blessing and we are so thankful to Janet for asking us to speak. My parents were able to make the trip to Michigan from Illinois to be with us. They graciously agreed to video tape our speech and as you will find in watching our video it was an emotional evening for everyone. We decided not to edit the video but to give it to you raw, just as we spoke that night, with raw emotions and truth. Please forgive the shaky video.