(These first seven blog posts were originally letters, written and emailed to our friends and family. I am including them here because they are a big part of telling our story.)
Dear Friends,
We thank you for your continued prayer and loving support for our family as we mourn the loss and celebrate the perfect healing of our sweet baby girl.
Some of you have asked where you may direct gifts in Evie Grace’s memory, and it has occurred to us that we have not shared that information beyond our church family. In lieu of flowers (although so many of you have already sent us such lovely arrangements), please send any gifts to the Evie Grace Memorial Fund at Parish Presbyterian Church. Our plan is to place a fountain in her memory at the new church here in Franklin.
Pictured above is a rendering of our vision for this fountain. The almond tree represents “hope” and the rosemary around the edge is for “remembrance”. The fountain will be raised in Evie’s memory, but will exist in memory of all of the children in our covenant community whom we have loved and lost by miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death. On the edge of the bench near the water will be an area for the names of those babies with Evie’s.
We believe what God’s word says in Psalm 127, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth”.
We also believe that it is important to acknowledge life – particularly in this world of varying opinions about when life begins or becomes valuable. We believe that Evie’s life began at conception and that her life was of great value not only to those who loved her, but to the Kingdom as well. The Lord has given us an amazing heritage in the life of our little arrow, Evie Grace. We would love for this fountain to be a testimony – a celebration and acknowledgement of life and the hope we have in Christ’s resurrection.
You can mail donations to:
Parish Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 1593
Franklin, TN 37065
Please be sure to write “Evie Grace” on the memo of your check.
Again, we want to thank you all for walking this journey with us. We are still very sad, and there are times when our arms feel painfully empty. We are so grateful to have lovely photos and keepsakes to remember our daughter by. Even more, we are grateful for the more lasting blessings and insights into God’s perfect and all-sufficient character that have come out of her life with us. What initially seemed like a cross to bear has now taken the shape of a great blessing which we are honored to have been a part of. It blesses us immensely to hear how Evie’s little life has changed so many others.You all are a part of this story, and we want you to be able to see who you have been praying for. Here are a few photos of our sweet Evie-girl so that you can finally put a face with her name.
The photo of her hand in her Mom’s is particularly special to us. In one of our ultrasounds in January the doctors were studying her left hand and had a difficult time understanding what her fingers were doing. It appeared that her pointer finger was stuck in a bit of a crooked, straightened position. We had forgotten about that conversation until she was born and we saw that sweet left hand again. We believe that Evie’s effectual work in our midst was ultimately to point us to Christ. Holding her in our arms and seeing her crippled little pointer finger again reminded us of what a wonderful purpose God has accomplished in her life. If God can use the life of a crippled, unborn baby for His glory, think of how he can use each of us!
May we all point to Christ with our lives the way that Evie did with hers.
All our love,
Ryan, Raechel & Oliver Myers
Just stumbled onto your blog…am reading about Evie’s story. What beautiful pictures that you have to treasure forever. What a precious blessing! On a side note, my sisters name is Evie, too. :)
I just read your letters…I'm sitting here weeping at my keyboard…I can't imagine such grief. You're faithfulness and commitment to the Lord is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story, Raechel!
I work with a non-profit organization similar to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep here at a childrens hospital in Florida. These pictures have me in tears. I photograph terminally ill children every week. Tomorrow is my day to go in and I just love getting those shots of feet and hands. I think that is a beautiful little photo of her crippled hand.
God Bless.
Im sorry if I love a few comments I read. Your story is very touching and uplifting.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and for clearly pointing to Christ.
Yes, children are an heritage from the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
Thank you for reminding us.
Blessings,
Kimberly – Mommy to 9 precious blessings
I am also crying at my keyboard. Your faith is an inspiration to me, especially in the midst of your immense grief. Your little Evie is beautiful. Praise the Lord that you will see her again in heaven.
I just came across your blog and just finished reading your letters. All the bible verses, your transparency and the way you point to Christ even through your grief and pain is an inspiration! I have lots to learn. Thank you for sharing your story. It has been a blessing to read it! Thank God we can rest in the promise that we will see our lil ones in heaven (I lost 2 babies recently)! Praise be to the Lord! You have a beautiful family!