Sunday, February 7, 2010

Grace

Today, Sydney Grace would have been one month old. We have all been through a roller coaster of emotions over this past month. I can say it has been the best and worst month of my life. The best, because we had Sydney Grace twenty more days than we ever thought we would have. The worst, because I have had to bury a child.

When I first found out about Sydney Grace having Trisomy 18, I really did not want to look online about the disorder or even about other T18 babies. I just could not bring myself to do it. My sister found lots of information and would share it with me, but I was not ready to look for myself. Even up until Sydney was born, I did not view many things online. Now that Sydney has passed, I feel like my purpose is to find out more about Trisomy 18 and read about other families experiences. This is what fills my days. I spend countless hours looking at other blogs and working on Sydney’s. My new goal is to make as many people aware about Trisomy 18 as possible. I know when I found out about Sydney, I had never heard of T18. I had no clue what it meant.

Now that I have been spending so much time working on Sydney Grace’s blog, I have noticed something. It is no great discovery, but it is interesting. There is a large number of T18 girls with their first or middle name being Grace. Why is that? I know that we decided on Sydney Grace’s name before we even found about her having T18. We named her Grace in honor of her great grandmother, Grace Fodrie. I have always loved the name. Joel and I have been married for almost ten years, and we always have said if we ever have a girl, Grace will be part of her name. So why are there so many other girls with the name, Grace. I know it is a popular name, but I think there is more to it.

In Sydney Grace’s obituary, Aly Dart wrote this:
Sydney Grace's life has been a true testament of the power of prayer and the grace of a loving Father in Heaven. "Grace" has been defined as, "A divine means of help or strength given through the love and mercy of Jesus Christ." How fitting for this angel who has certainly allowed all within her reach to feel the love and mercy of Jesus Christ, to be named Sydney Grace. In times of weakness, she has given strength to her family. Because of her life, thousands have been brought to their knees in prayer. She has reminded us all of the words of our Savior in Matthew 19:14, "But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

These special children do have a purpose. I know before Sydney was born, we really did not know what the reason was for her having Trisomy 18. Through Sydney Grace’s twenty days she touched thousands of people all over the world. She brought people closer to God through prayer. So many have shared with me how they have never prayed more than now, because of Sydney. My cousin, Corey, shared something with me at Sydney’s wake. He said “Sydney has made me want to be a better person.” That is the reason for Sydney Grace coming into this world.

It is no mistake that so many of these T18 babies have the name Grace. They have shown so many how to feel the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.


Thank you to Melanie, Noah, and Stephen from Chesapeake, VA. Joel, Rafe, and I went to Sydney's grave today. We found a little cherub at her grave from these wonderful people that we have never met. Sydney truly has touched so many.

10 comments:

  1. Hello. Our T18 angel's name is Grace Willow. We lost grace 3 weeks and 2 days ago. You're right about the name. There is no mistake. She taught us so much. By the way, I wrote your precious angel's name in the snow today when we were out. My e mail is scubaloo4@yahoo.com Send me an e mail and I'll reply with the pic! *hugs* You are so strong!

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  2. Lindsey
    I like you has never heard of t18 until a work clleague lost her little boy,but now although t18 hasnt touched my life, your beautiful daughter and your amazing family and friends have brought this condition to light,I personally am trying to get fitter so have signed up for a 5k walk to fundraise and i will have Sydney Grace Fodrie's name on my In Loving Memory body plaque to raise even more awareness of the condition and especially to tell people about your amazing little girl x x you are doing a great job of the blog i love it and tell everyone to come and have a look,love to you all Kim Scotland x x x

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  3. Lindsey--You probably don't remember me. I went to school for a few years with you and Joel. But I heard about Syndey Grace and I have been following your blog, and I just wanted to let you know how moved I have been by Sydney Grace's beautiful life and by what you have shared here. Your candidness, your strength, and your love for your family are overwhelming and inspiring. I am thinking of you all so much.

    Nina Riggs

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  4. Every time i read your blog, i am so humbled by your story, your sweet baby girl, and the faith and love you have. I do believe that I have become closer to God following your sweet baby girl. Even though we have never met, I fell connected to your family and pray everyday. You and your family seem to always be on my mind. I used to check your facebook everyday for updates on Sydney Grace and now i find my self checking up on you. I have lost a baby early on in my pregnancy about 4 years ago, I felt that pain would never subside, I know it is not the same as your story, i never got to hold my baby then, but i know this pain will subside for you and you will only have happy sweet memories of Sydney. I will continue to pray for you and your family every day. Never forget how strong you are, even when you feel you are not. You and your Sydney Grace inspire me to be a better more loving and caring person.

    Stephanie Kolasa
    Nc

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  5. I just have to say how I admire your courage. Everytime I come to your blog, I leave feeling blessed! I am holding you and your family in my heart and prayers tonight. Your beautiful baby is in Gods arms and tho you miss her dearly...he loves you all the more for letting her go - to him!

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  6. Just wanted to let you know I am still praying for you and your dear sweet family!

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  7. I am touched that in your grief you came to Annabel's blog to life us up. Sydney Grace touched many lives and surely touched ours. Your faith inspires me on a road that you are traveling and yet have I. Sydney's blog is beautiful. Thank you for continuing to tell everyone about her Gracefilled life and Trisomy 18. We chose the name Grace as Annabel's middle name. I knew that it was only by the Grace of God, only by His Grace that I would continue caring for her each day. Each night I pray for His Grace to do what is needed. I will continue to visit your blog even if I don't have time to comment. Again, Thank you...

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  8. Melanie Stephen & NoahFebruary 9, 2010 at 6:17 PM

    Hi Lidsey,
    I wanted you to know how much Syndney Grace has meant to our family.I wish I could put into words,but I dont even think that I can.I do not think this page could hold all that I would want to say.She brought thousands to get on there knees and pray not just a prayer,but to be in prayer all day and night. I may not know her but I will never forget her. I miss carried a baby long before her birth day and her name was to be Madlyn Grace. I never got to hold her or see her. But I know that she is in Gods care and is waitng to be with me someday. I have the faith of knowing that even though I did not get to spend time with her here I will spend an eternity with her in Heaven.Not that this makes it better but it does make it easier....
    I think you made a wonderful choice to bring her life and to give this gift to so many of us,who needed to remember that God works many mircles and what a perfect plan he has for all of his childen.
    It was us who placed the angel at the grave...I wanted to give her something, give you something and to let you know you are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
    Thanks again for sharing your most presious gift yor beautiful baby girl <3
    Melanie,Stephen and
    Always
    NOAH...
    Chesapeake Virginia

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  9. When I read this it makes me say Thank you to the Lord. I prayed for you and when i prayed i did not say for Sydney to live forever, because i wanted her to live as long as she was healthy and then when ever God was ready to take her do his work. I really think that this story changed my life.
    Quality Vs. Quantity and Quality always wins

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  10. The grace of God has sustained us as well. I have also noticed the number of girls with "Grace" in their names; several have also chosen "Faith" as a part of their children's names. God is receiving so much glory as a result of your willingness to share Sydney with so many others. Our children have so much value, worth and purpose...Sydney is obviously no different. Continued prayers for peace and comfort for you and your family, Lindsey.
    Angela Horner, mommy to Kaylen Grace

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