Photo via PearlJoyBrown.wordpress.com
Dear Pearl,
I've been praying for you, baby girl, since a few weeks before you were born, when Amanda first told me about you. I prayed for you still more when I attended the fundraiser in your name, when artists I admired sang on your behalf and people signed up for silent auctions. None of us knew what you would bring into our lives, only that you were coming and we would pray over the mystery and joy of your birth.
And then, here you were! I woke up one Friday morning to a text announcing your birth and that beautiful picture of YOU. You, alive, fighting, here. My heart grew fuller than full at the knowledge you would be staying a bit longer than we knew possible.
Wouldn't you know, baby girl? You're still here. Each day and week a celebration. Some days filled with more unknowns and less rest for your parents than others. And yet, you're here.
You, with the red hair and tiny peanut body.
All I can think is: thank God your parents decided to give you a chance. And thank God your life has intersected with mine.
I didn't expect to ever meet you. I simply committed to praying for you before you were born and after.
I didn't know your parents before you came into this world. Our paths would have crossed eventually, given the friends we have in common, along with attending the same church.
And yet, we're meant to be in each others lives, Pearl. For so many reasons. For my privacy and yours, I won't write about the particular details though I continue to marvel over them. Your parents know those reasons and they are beautiful. I have been honored to play a part, small though it may be, in your young life.
Photo via Amanda's iPhone
A few weeks ago, I sat behind your parents at church and met you for the first time. There you were, content in your mother's arms. There you were, gazing into your dad's eyes. Beautiful through and through.
I dare say you will continue to surprise us all, Pearl. And I suppose that is the best sort of life to lead: one that does not follow a designated path but meanders with the twists and turns of our own unique selves.
{Though I hope and pray the medical aspect of your life will become less unique and unpredictable over time. Just saying.}
You will continue to touch lives, Pearl. Your story makes the rounds of the blogosphere, yes. But it is you, baby girl, who inspires this outpouring of love. It is you who has drawn a community together. It is you who teaches us all these amazing lessons of life amidst the bittersweet. It is you who points us to a God who does more than we ask or imagine, even in life's uncertainties.
It is you who lives. It is you who mystifies doctors. It is you who has caused a medical community to put the pieces together in favor of life.
And yet, you are still a baby girl. There is no pressure for you to be anything other than your lovely self.
We love you, Pearl Joy. And we all look forward to seeing what comes next.
With love,
Leigh
This post is part of the Letters to Pearl link up, hosted by Life. Edited. Be sure to read the rest of the posts.
This is not the first time Pearl Joy Brown has been mentioned here. If you've missed her story, please go here to read Ruth's letter from before Pearl was born or here to read a recent Washington Times article.
If you'd like to support the Browns, you can go here to donate toward a van so the family will be able to leave the house together. You can see how the fundraising is going here.