Renee's Story

Here is a testimony from Renee in response to this blog! Please keep your stories coming.. I cannot even tell you how much your stories have inspired me.. I only hope they can inspires who are going through similar things!

"Heather, This is an amazing idea that has needed to be done for so long. I haven't shared my story in so long. I really haven't known too many who have been through what I have and would love to know others, so I don't feel alone. In 1995, I got pregnant. January 1996 I went for an ultra sound completely excited to find out the sex of the baby. My doctor had a grave look and sent us to the hospital for a level two ultra sound. The doctors said it was a girl, but she would not live. They said her brain and skull had not developed. They told me an abortion would be the best solution for me and the baby. I could not see what they saw on the screen and being a cocky teen I said no way, I’m going to let her live as long as God will allow it. For the next several months I went to the ob. At each ultra sound, I ask, is she still alive, the answer was yes, each time. My due date was May 25th. I made it till then and she was still alive. They let me stay pregnant longer. On June 24th I was admitted to the hospital because they said I couldn’t stay pregnant any longer. They started pitocin. June 25th she was born. No doctor was there just a nurse, they were not ready. She was born with what is called Anencephaly. She was missing the back of her brain and skull. I had them take her and dress her in an adorable little outfit and place a bonnet on her head. When they laid her in my arms she was so beautiful. She lived for 13hrs. June 26th, 1996 Taylor Nicole Zartman-Stephens when to be with Jesus. It was so sad yet Jesus brought an amazing peace over our family. I still have the pain, even after all these years. I am so thankful for the 13 hrs I had with her. Since Taylor was born, every other child I have been pregnant with has died. I am thankful to have 4 living children out of 10 pregnancies. I really don’t know how people go through hardships without having Christ to lean on." -Renee