At the Browns’ 20-week prenatal appointment, Pearl was diagnosed with alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE), a neural disease with low chances of survival. Despite a grim prognosis and a doctor’s encouragement to induce labor and end the pregnancy, the Browns opted to embrace life and hope and carry Baby Pearl to term.
Pearl Joy Brown was born on Friday, July 27, 2012 — 4 lbs 3 oz, and very much alive.
This week, all across the big and wide interweb, folks are writing letters to Pearl Joy Brown as a keepsake, an encouragement, and a testimony.
Well. You know how I feel about letters.
To start, to understand, you should read Ruth’s (Pearl’s mamma) letter and then come back.
(photo taken by Pearl’s dad, Eric)
Dear Sweet Pearl,
I’ll keep this short… I know you are a busy girl with lots on your plate at the moment. But I wanted to take a minute and say hello, say we love you here in Michigan, and say we are so blessed to know you.
I think mammas everywhere took a collective deep breath when we heard about your 20-week appointment. If you’ve been through it, and maybe even if you haven’t, something in your heart kicks into high gear when you hear about another mamma needing a miracle. It’s instant. The desire to help and pray and cry and laugh with other moms- it’s instant. We started praying immediately, Pearl. We prayed for grace and wisdom and hope… and a miracle.
And there you were. You are nothing short of a miracle. You don’t have to do anything, Gorgeous! You, just by being here, are a miracle. Every thing else is BONUS miracle. We celebrate all of it.
We know a little bit about miracles over here. We know that they are not only to be found in the Old Testament, but on the modern streets. In the homes of the wealthy and the porches of the middle class. We know God works in waiting rooms, on Facebook, and in soup kitchens. On the football field, in grocery stores, and in earthquake rubble. We know they show up when least expected and with a mighty message. Child, what you have told us in your 6 weeks of life! Such a huge heart in such a little body. Our God is so poetic.
Pearl, you have changed and strengthened and pierced the hearts of so many in the short time we’ve known you. You are a game-changer. “And though she be but little, she is fierce. ” – Shakespeare. That’s you, Little. That is you.
You keep fighting,Pearl. Fight for every ounce, every inch, and every breath. Keeping reminding us that medicine is not limited to books and machines. Remind us that every second has a purpose, be it rest or journey or battle. Remind us that we can do- with God’s help– impossible things.
We are praying for you. We are praying for your doctors. And, we are praying for your amazing family. We love you, Pearl. We love you, and your God, so much.
always,
the Mulders
•
more Letters to Pearl HERE throughout the week (at the bottom)
Washington Times article about Pearl
And if you need a place to tithe this month, may I suggest the Brown’s Van Fund HERE.
We can do really big things, Friends. Really big things with teeny, tiny steps of hope and faith.
September 10th, 2012 at 7:56 am
Great letter…you put words to some of what was swirling in my head as I thought about what I would say=)
September 10th, 2012 at 9:14 am
Oh, I could not love this more. So lovely and so true. Thank you for sharing your letter and for your loving kindness toward Pearl and her family. I am grateful. xoxo
September 10th, 2012 at 9:38 am
So beautiful – “Remind us that every second has a purpose, be it rest or journey or battle.” Thanks for sharing.
September 10th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
it is amazing…every life has strength and purpose. praise GOD her parents kept her! Keith’s big sister Ainsley was diagnosed inutero with “Clover Leaf Syndrome” (that’s the not complicated name), a genetic mutation. They gave her less than a year to live…if that. My in-laws of course decided to keep her and she will be 35 next year! 35!!! It has not been easy. She has had over 80 surgeries and has always been wheelchair bound…but she has had an amazing life. She has blessed so many. She has so much personality. I truly believe parents of these wonderfully unique children have a special mansion in heaven. 🙂
September 10th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Ains HAS had an amazing life. That girl danced more at your wedding than I did! She is very loved… and an incredible Messenger.
September 10th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Oh, KatieKate, I love your heart! Thank you for praying for Pearl and the Browns and for loving them so well all the way up in Michigan.
September 10th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Thank you so much for writing to Pearl. I loved all of the places you mentioned where miracles could happen, so full of truth. xo
September 10th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
You and these letters. A gift my friend. Thanks for sharing I love the hear the good, especially when the bad can dominate.
September 15th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Wow, you’ve left me speechless here, Katie. So much comes out of you. Where do you hide it all? Thank you.