Scott was stillborn, delivered in only his 20th week due to a tragic twist of genetic fate known as anencephaly. This condition, whose cause is generally unknown, prevents portions of the skull, and sometimes the spinal cord, from developing properly, condemning its victim to inescapable death.
Although his life had passed before we ever laid eyes on him, we loved our son from the moment we knew about him, and treasure each moment we had to spend with him, knowing in our hearts that he is waiting for us even now in heaven, our little angel. Knowing that our time with him would be short we tried to capture every memento of his existance that we could, and we would like to share some of them with you including some photos, his birth certificate and footprints, and a few other mementos. Scott's obituary from the Fort Worth Star Telegram is also here. We also would like to share a story which his father wrote to express some of the questions, as well as the answers, that we experienced in dealing with an anencephalic child. And here is another link to a poem which his father wrote, an attempt to put into words what cannot BE put into words.
Here we would like to take a moment to give our thanks to some people who helped us through this most difficult time:
* To the Martin Thompson Funeral Home in Grapevine, TX, with a big hug to Don Thompkins, whose kindness and compassion helped us in making the final decisions without losing our minds.
* To Dr. Chantal Spurdon, who was always there when we needed her, and who always went the extra mile to make the ordeal a little more tolerable.
* To Pastor Bob Towell of the Trinity Community Church of Bedford, who knew when to give wisdom, and when to admit ignorance, and who, above all, knew the power of heartfelt and sincere prayer. Thanks for being our adopted "Dad", Bob!
* To Mary Humphries, who was "Mom" to us, and "Murry" to Scott, and friend to us all at all the right times.
* To the staff of Harris Methodist Siratt Women's Center, and especially to LaWanza, who helped us capture the moments that might have slipped away, and who brought pride and smiles to a new mother even in the midst of sorrow.
* To Jennifer Hunter, who was there for us both when we needed someone to listen, and who cried with us and prayed with us as friends instead patients.
*And to all the other family and friends who are not mentioned here but who provided love and support through this challanging experience.