tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post7107103059242636165..comments2023-12-13T02:23:37.161-05:00Comments on Baby Rachel's Legacy: The Truth About AnencephalyRachel's Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085949875951256158noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-56449310883489222682017-09-17T23:05:10.662-04:002017-09-17T23:05:10.662-04:00I understand what you are saying, but you missed m...I understand what you are saying, but you missed my point. I meant that sin (as in when it entered the world in the garden and caused sickness and death - that didn't previously exist - to also enter the world) caused the fact that it happens at all, not that God was punishing me. I have NEVER felt like He was punishing me for sin with Rachel. I saw her, and even her death, as a beautiful gift, even though painful, in my life. God didn't make NTD's and they will not stop happening completely, no matter how much our human minds can accomplish, until heaven. I hope that nothing I said truly sounded like I felt I was 'victim of God's wrath about sin' because I've never felt that way. Maybe reading more of my blog posts will help.Rachel's Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05085949875951256158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-26833538822719572092017-09-16T08:11:19.129-04:002017-09-16T08:11:19.129-04:00Your story has resonated amongst many so please do...Your story has resonated amongst many so please don't feel that Rachel's condition happened because of sin in the world. It absolutely didn't. God gave science it's gateway to discovery, to knowledge, to skills for doctors to heal and repair and research to save lives and improve lives. NTDs are indiscriminate, they happen, we are not sure why just yet but we are getting closer to reducing the number. God is allowing this despite sin remaining as prevalent as it was 1000 yrs ago. We must give thanks for the breakthroughs in research that God has brought about. Sin will continue, NTDs may also, but not to the extreme they are today. Just like certain cancers that have become preventable, cancers that took lives not so long ago. God gives the scientists the skills to make such breakthroughs. He does not say these cancers will continue because of sin in the world. Why is there no longer polio or diphtheria or tetanus in those countries who vaccinate? Why is there no longer certain death from many diseases that now have successful treatment. God would not allow such healing and stamping out of disease while still taking babies from their mothers, using sin as the reason. Be comforted that Rachel's short time on earth was not because of sin. If that were true, there would have been no reduction in the deaths and sorrow from horrible diseases over centuries because sin has not reduced. God is good. He will help doctors find a cause. Try to think of it as you were chosen to be an instrument in the quest to prevent NTDs rather than having been a victim of God's wrath about sin. It has helped me to believe this about my own childZashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07445580879655381887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-33030447933851969132017-04-29T18:31:56.953-04:002017-04-29T18:31:56.953-04:00Every heartache comes with strength and YOU are so...Every heartache comes with strength and YOU are so strong. This is beautiful. God bless you!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17409982170539900694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-61062360394123524982017-04-27T21:35:54.509-04:002017-04-27T21:35:54.509-04:00blessings to you and your beautiful girl in heaven...blessings to you and your beautiful girl in heaven.Sunshinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09325237930811252070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-38410265590314711462017-04-15T21:51:58.681-04:002017-04-15T21:51:58.681-04:00❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️kymthemomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05494965219719062916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-17568972681234533442017-02-10T10:57:24.132-05:002017-02-10T10:57:24.132-05:00<3 <3 <3<3 <3 <3Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-12338009262761730492017-01-31T14:34:49.500-05:002017-01-31T14:34:49.500-05:00Thank you so much for sharing your story with the ...Thank you so much for sharing your story with the world. Your daughter is such a beautiful little girl and it truly warmed my heart to read this as I am now experiencing the pain you have experienced. My husband and I just recently found out that our little girl has anencephaly and it has been devastating. We were also offered abortion and told that we have limited time to decide since I am 22 weeks along now. We could never do this to our precious daughter. We want nothing more than time with our angel even if it is for a short time. Reading your story has brought me to tears and has also brought warmth to my heart. Your love for your daughter is truly amazing and I feel that for our sweet baby as well. Thank you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15595746394093397720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-58679088957298542982016-11-18T21:12:26.458-05:002016-11-18T21:12:26.458-05:00Thank you for sharing this heart touching blog wit...Thank you for sharing this heart touching blog with the world. I was doing a search on anencephaly for a school assignment and I came across it. I am so deeply moved that I have cried a river and felt your pain even though I know in reality it does not compare. I'm a mom and my children are healthy. I recall the anxiety of every ultrasound appointment and can't even imagine how devastating a diagnosis such as this could have been. I am not ignorant to the fact that just because they were born healthy, they will always be that way. I can only pray to God that they will always continue to be healthy but as you stated in your blog, our suffering is not his plan. I agree with you 100 percent.<br />I am deeply sorry for your pain but I am also at pleased that you have found and developed a deeper relationship with God. My prayers go out to you and your beautiful family that includes "BEAUTIFUL" Rachel. May you all always remain with the presence of God around you consistently providing you with immense strength and love. <br /><br />VeebieVeebiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00902546668959754617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-25408682714102764932016-07-30T04:33:18.514-04:002016-07-30T04:33:18.514-04:00Thank you so much for sharing your story I also ha...Thank you so much for sharing your story I also had a baby with anencephaly I found on Thursday 12 February I now feel my descission was rushed as within 20 minutes I was advised to terminate as I was told there was a 0% survival rate I wish I had known more about this abnormality as i had said even of there was a 1% survival rate I would have continued I'm blessed to have 3 lovely children but I will never forget my first angle unsure if boy/girlAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00303560659477673301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-25538315254913814572016-07-30T04:30:31.133-04:002016-07-30T04:30:31.133-04:00Thank you so much for sharing your story I also ha...Thank you so much for sharing your story I also had a baby with anencephaly I found on Thursday 12 February I now feel my descission was rushed as within 20 minutes I was advised to terminate as I was told there was a 0% survival rate I wish I had known more about this abnormality as i had said even of there was a 1% survival rate I would have continued I'm blessed to have 3 lovely children but I will never forget my first angle unsure if boy/girlAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00303560659477673301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-90859582376292572372016-02-25T19:40:41.513-05:002016-02-25T19:40:41.513-05:00I was with my daughter today when we were told its...I was with my daughter today when we were told its anencephly. It is so hard to see your babies heart brake. I don't know how to comfort her. I pray for God to comfort her. I was so touched by your article. Thank you for sharing your emotions . It will help me understand what she will be going through. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-31280138779776326562016-02-08T08:42:37.287-05:002016-02-08T08:42:37.287-05:00Thank you for sharing your story and for loving y...Thank you for sharing your story and for loving your precious child until God called her home. When I watched the real time ultrasound of her little legs kicking, I thought "that child is dancing with joy." She lived a full life from the time of conception, until going directly from her family's loving arms to the Heavenly Father's embrace. God bless you and yours and may He fill you with the peace that passes all understanding.Karen Atwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07616744633613935814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-91477161930882324522015-11-26T09:46:54.951-05:002015-11-26T09:46:54.951-05:00i have a son 5months and 3weeks born of enecephlyi have a son 5months and 3weeks born of enecephlybrayenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15136957823942666664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-17666757424034933662015-11-02T14:52:04.753-05:002015-11-02T14:52:04.753-05:00Rachel is beautiful. You are both angels. I am cur...Rachel is beautiful. You are both angels. I am currently studying to become a nurse and hope to work in the NICU one day. As I was sitting here reading my medical terminology book, I came across the term, "anencephaly," which was followed by a description that sounded too sad to be true. I thought, if I'm going to work in the NICU someday, I better read more about this and see some pictures to get an idea of what anencephaly is. I read a few articles, mostly containing definitions, pros and cons of aborting vs. carrying full term, and then I came across your blog. Your words drew me into your experience, and with each paragraph I felt I was sharing somewhat in your journey, crying, smiling (especially at Rachel's picture), and remember how important faith and God are. Thank you for your courage in giving Rachel life, and for writing and sharing your story. Rachel is a blessing to so many. Now I can have a better understanding and more empathy if I meet a baby like Rachel, whether someday my own or someone else's. Thank you and God Bless you and your family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-84933813908765136952015-09-17T18:56:17.740-04:002015-09-17T18:56:17.740-04:00The reason things like anencephaly happen is becau...The reason things like anencephaly happen is because of sin in the world - it was not God's doing. But you should read the entire post because the parts that matter are probably the ones you skipped... the entire second half is about how GOOD God has been to me through this heartache. In this world, we WILL have pain, suffering, trials... they come because we live in a fallen and imperfect world. But God promises to be there through it all and to carry his children in a way that doesn't make sense. It's called the peace that passes understanding. Rachel didn't suffer. And she doesn't suffer now. She knew nothing but love here, safe inside my womb - and she knows and even greater and more amazing love in heaven with the Lord. Me, well, I have suffered. I have had pain. I still do. But I'm still here to tell you that through it all, I know God has used it for my good - He has made me a better person, more like Christ... He has shown me just how great and faithful He is and He has used my story and my pain to help thousands of other people. This has not been for nothing. And I'm willing to suffer for God because He was willing to suffer for me when I still hated him. I know to an unbeliever that probably sounds like gibberish, but I don't believe you found your way to my blog by 'accident' so keep reading and maybe you'll see how God has been there in your life as well - because I know He has.... Lots of love & Hope for you and thanks for reading and taking the time to write! - Stacy (& Rachel)Rachel's Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05085949875951256158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-40803862190259383682015-09-10T11:17:34.329-04:002015-09-10T11:17:34.329-04:00I read the majority of this article and even if I ...I read the majority of this article and even if I don't believe in God, because if he was real would he really want His children like Rachel to suffer like that? Back to the point, I recently discovered about anencephaly and was extremely interested in this medical condition however it was hard to look at pictures and imagine the heartbreak for them and their families. Therefore, I stumbled upon your website and was engrossed with your story, and I just really wanted to say I support every word of yours whole-heartedly, and even if I'm still a teenager who still hasn't experienced close deaths or bore any children, this alone still moves me so I thank you for sharing your personal story Megan and may Rachel's memory always remain in our hearts.World Sherrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07401369506159414743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-3817013704870010382015-06-16T21:11:01.204-04:002015-06-16T21:11:01.204-04:00I could not read this with dry eyes. So much of yo... I could not read this with dry eyes. So much of your journey resonates in my heart with what I have learned through mine. From my impression of the Christian faith based on the way I was raised I believed having addy be born with a liver disease was a part of Gods plan for me. One day on the Christian radio I heard Ravi Zacharias say that it is never Gods plan for us to have sick, suffering children. From that point on my heart was opened to see the enormous love God felt for me and the enormous pain he felt. More than even my pain at watching my daughter suffer while her body got more and more sick and she fought to stay alive. Knowing that God would never want me or addy to go through this was a turning point in my faith journey. Thank you for your words. Thank you for your faith. Thank you for sharing. I wish I had had had a blog to write down all of my journey to give hope and healing to others along the way, and also now so that I would have all those words, all that faith, all that growth in black and white. I've shared verbally, but I'm so glad for you that you've got more than I do. All I have is what this fragile mind can remember and a couple video interviews. As well as the hope in my heart and the deepening of my faith. These are enough to prove God's work in me through the way sin affected us through addy, sadly not enough to have concrete memory of each step in this journey. - Megan BeckerRachel's Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05085949875951256158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-25305618713595269082015-06-15T22:55:56.070-04:002015-06-15T22:55:56.070-04:00She is beautiful. God's perfect angel.She is beautiful. God's perfect angel.Susan Brookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15557762729802775382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-46395842993135185642015-06-15T11:25:07.000-04:002015-06-15T11:25:07.000-04:00"She was worth every ounce of pain." Exa..."She was worth every ounce of pain." Exactly. A child who receives a terminal diagnosis in the womb still deserves a family who will fight for her, love her and mourn her as much as any child who dies. A short life makes every minute more precious, not less.It's Just Mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14861746771429126606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-43473857934788955262015-04-29T20:31:46.553-04:002015-04-29T20:31:46.553-04:00Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Rachel...Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Rachel is a blessing and she is precious. I say "is" because she is with God. Healthy, happy and still beautiful. You will see her again. My friend is expecting twin daughters in 3 months. One of them has anecephaly. She is in the hospital for the remainder of her pregnancy. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13836558565037285542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-76910444040679781572014-12-31T19:43:54.061-05:002014-12-31T19:43:54.061-05:00I think baby Rachel is absolutely beautiful and no...I think baby Rachel is absolutely beautiful and not the least bit "yucky" at all. Before I became a mother I might have felt differently, but now I understand the unconditional love that parents have for their children. I have felt the sheer terror and breath that gets stolen away anytime you even think about something harmful happening to them. I can't imagine how it would feel if it was a reality. l am so sorry that she can't be with you in body, only in spirit. I know nothing I can say or anybody can say will ever take away the hole you have in your heart. But know that I'm supporting and praying for you and your family even though you don't know me. Keep your head up mama.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01448105140315624198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-66738114566478308312014-08-12T14:39:23.904-04:002014-08-12T14:39:23.904-04:00My heart goes out to you. My daughter went through...My heart goes out to you. My daughter went through this same thing last year. Dr tried to get her to abort.She chose life. God took him home to paradise 20 min after birth and he is dancing and singing with your baby girl. I'd like to share her video with you<br />Thank you for sharing your story.<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOQPaZSz1Dg&feature=player_detailpageAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03900185953464152103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-57348032370031133452014-06-04T13:00:04.389-04:002014-06-04T13:00:04.389-04:00I read this story because my dear friend just foun...I read this story because my dear friend just found out that her baby has anecephaly. I know how much I loved my little boy before he entered the world and can't begin to imagine how painful this journey is for you and your family. Rachel is so beautiful. I'm sure Jesus allowed her to feel your love during her short life. Thank you so much for sharing your story, as painful as it must be. Her life and others facing anecephaly are so worth the fight.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05403671941956108398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-31902574010878214742014-05-23T23:08:36.412-04:002014-05-23T23:08:36.412-04:00My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing yo...My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing your precious Rachel with me. She is beautifully made by our Creator.Lettihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07558940726458625861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-99400039966124695.post-33211711731096563582014-05-23T23:08:21.296-04:002014-05-23T23:08:21.296-04:00My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing yo...My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing your precious Rachel with me. She is beautifully made by our Creator.Lettihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07558940726458625861noreply@blogger.com