The Newest Angel

Little Frederick was born just two weeks ago, after his heart stopped beating.  It is through tears that I post this, as I understand the ache for these angel children, and for what this beautiful mother is going through.  Hearing this story brings back so many memories of saying an early goodbye to our little Eric 15 years ago.  The veil of heaven is thin at times like these.  Frederick's older siblings, Lyla and Griffin are adorable; and parents, Kalei and Jake, show such strength and gratitude for this little one who came and went so quickly, but who has impacted many lives forever.

On July 10, 2009 we gave birth to our first child. She was a 7 lbs. 14 oz. healthy little girl. We named her Lyla. Our hearts were overflowing with joy and gratitude; we didn’t think that life could be any sweeter.

On Valentines Day 2012 we learned that baby number 2 was on the way. The pregnancy was going smooth until 28 weeks when we learned that our baby Griffin was measuring small. We were advised to go to the hospital and do non-stress tests twice weekly. At 34 weeks during our bi-weekly appointments the doctors spotted something very concerning and delivered Griffin via emergency C-section. He was 3 lbs. 5 oz. which was small for his age, but he was perfect in every way. After a 4-week stay in the NICU we brought Griffin home where he has enjoyed running and playing with his big sister Lyla ever since.

In October 2015 we learned we were pregnant with our 3^rd child. This brought us so much joy because we had tried for 18 months to get pregnant, and we had experienced a miscarriage along the way. Our hearts were full of gratitude when we hit 16 weeks and learned we were having a boy. This sweet boy was given a name early on. We called him Frederick and July 24, 2016 could not come soon enough. We were so excited for Griffin to have a little brother. At 20 weeks we had an ultrasound where we discovered that Frederick was measuring small. Because of the complications with our last pregnancy they were monitoring us closely. Every 3 weeks we had an ultrasound and they would measure every part of Frederick. It was clear that Frederick was behind on growth, but Griffin also measured small so we had hope for another miracle.

On Monday, May 2, 2016 we learned that our sweet Frederick’s heart stopped beating around 7:00 pm. Our hearts ached, we couldn’t bare the thought of life with out our sweet Frederick. At 6:34 am on May 3, 2016 we meet Frederick’s little body. His sweet spirit filled the room as we looked and admired every little part of his 1 lb. 14 oz. frame. We spent 9 beautiful hours with him as we spoke to him, bathed him, dressed him, prayed over him, and just loved every minute we had with him. Lyla and Griffin came and met him as well, they held him and touched his cute hands. As sad and heart wrenching as the experience was, it was the sweetest moment of our lives. Frederick, just like Griffin was a beautiful miracle.

Friday, May 6, 2016 we held a funeral service for Frederick. Frederick’s Papa prayed, his handsome dad spoke, his big sister Lyla sang, and then his uncle Josh blessed and dedicated his resting place. Frederick D Luekenga has brought so much joy, love, and learning to our lives. We know there is a greater plan for him, and we are elated to be a part of this same plan. While our hearts still ache, we find great peace in knowing that we will be with our sweet Frederick again soon.