rest in peace, nudge

last night  on ravelry i learned the sad news that i had been dreading for months.  a woman on HAPL gave birth to her little boy, nicholas, also known as nudge.  he had bilateral renal agenesis and was born without kidneys or a bladder.  he lived for two hours before passing away in his mother's arms.

t learned of the child's grave condition a few months ago and was advised to terminate the pregnancy.  she and her husband chose not to, and she carried her child to term, knowing that he would not live very long after birth.  both had the chance to hold their beloved son, bathe him, dress him, cradle him and love him before he slipped away.  

i am in awe of this woman's strength and grace during pregnancy.  i cannot fathom how i would feel about carrying a child knowing that he would not survive very long.  sadly, this family lost another son to the same disease a couple years ago.  their anguish must be palpable.  

i hold this family in my heart and grieve for a little one who was so wanted.  how blessed nudge was to have a mom and dad who loved him so much.  all children in this world should be so lucky.  

my thoughts and prayers are with t, her husband, their loved ones, and especially little nudge.  rest in peace little one.

ETA:  you can read nudge's story here