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Miles & Berklye Bonifield
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Evelyn Bonifield
On August 15, 2013, our exact due date, Miles and I welcomed our precious baby girl, Evelyn, into the world. She came with eyes wide open and loved to see what all was going on around her. She was soft-tempered and so easygoing. Being nervous, first-time parents, on August 26, we took Evelyn to our pediatrician because she had some pesky eye boogers that would not go away. The pediatrician looked at her and noticed her color was slightly off. We tested her oxygen level and it was low. The pediatrician told us we needed to go to the hospital and let them look her over to see why her oxygen level was not where it should be. We went straight to the hospital for testings. |
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The doctors found Evelyn had RSV and did a sonogram on her heart. The doctors also realized she had pulmonary hypertension. Within hours, our sweet Evelyn was called home to be with Jesus. We were blessed with 11 beautiful days with our “Evie.”
Evelyn was the light and love of our life, and a part of our soul left that day with our baby girl. She will always be loved and never forgotten. Though we only had a short time with her, her life was meaningful and had a purpose. She was able to change lives and show the love of Jesus to so many. How inspiring she has been to us. We decided that instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, it was time we did something in her honor to bless others. That is when we decided to open Our Childrens Blessing. Through this non-profit, Evelyn’s legacy continues to live on as we help others who have gone through this horrific journey. |
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Scarlett Bonifield
After losing Evelyn, we decided to start trying to have another baby six months later. I got pregnant right away and I thought it must be a God thing. I was in constant prayer and anxious throughout the entire second pregnancy. Miles and I did triple-testing on everything while pregnant with our second child, Scarlett. All the doctors did everything they could to double-and triple-check everything because we lost Evelyn. The doctors induced me two weeks early because Scarlett was not growing like she should have been — I'm sure it was due to my anxiety. However, Scarlett was born 4 lbs. 13.oz. on October 28, 2014. She had a healthy birth despite low blood sugar. It was because she was so little that she could not keep her body temperature at a normal temperature. As a result, the doctors wanted to keep her in NICU. She spent one day in an incubator and a total of three days in NICU where the doctors checked everything again. She was perfectly healthy and we were allowed to take her home. |
Once home, Miles and I took every precaution we could with Scarlett. Only immediate family were allowed over, and when they came to our home they were required to wear scrubs. We gave Scarlett monthly RSV shots and took her to our pediatrician once a week.
After two months of healthy reports with our pediatrician, we thought we were in the clear. At nine-and-a-half weeks, Miles thought Scarlett’s color was off. I noticed it too, so he called the pediatrician (it was around 6 p.m. on 1/2/15) and she instructed us to take her to the hospital to be safe. Better to be overcautious we thought!
In the time it took to get Scarlett ready for the hospital, she really starting turning blue. With me holding her and giving her CPR in the car, we drove 100 mph to get the hospital.
After two months of healthy reports with our pediatrician, we thought we were in the clear. At nine-and-a-half weeks, Miles thought Scarlett’s color was off. I noticed it too, so he called the pediatrician (it was around 6 p.m. on 1/2/15) and she instructed us to take her to the hospital to be safe. Better to be overcautious we thought!
In the time it took to get Scarlett ready for the hospital, she really starting turning blue. With me holding her and giving her CPR in the car, we drove 100 mph to get the hospital.
When we arrived at the hospital, we rushed her to the ER where the medical staff were waiting for us. There were about 12 different doctors and nurses at the ER. Some of them were not even on call. They came from their homes because they knew our story and wanted to do anything they could to save Scarlett’s life.
Within hours, after numerous attempts to resuscitate her, our Scarlett was gone, leaving us broken. More than broken — I don't even have words to describe how we felt. We were blessed with nine-and-a-half weeks of loving our beautiful baby girl, Scarlett, and seeing our little girl grow.
Although it was too short of a period of time, we are thankful to have all the precious memories and moments shared with. The joy and love she brought us will forever hold a permanent spot in our hearts. We are so grateful that we were able to receive such a blessing. She was our healer.
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Ty & Rachel Stout
On Tuesday, March 19, 2013, I was 33 weeks and 2 days pregnant with our first child, Lainey Abigail, who we affectionately called "Lainey Bug." Ty and I had just celebrated our first anniversary, and we were looking forward to the birth of our daughter in May.
Lainey's check-ups had been going great; our doctor even used the word "perfect" at our check-up the week before. However, I woke up that morning feeling "off," and Lainey wasn't moving around like she normally did. I went to work and waited for my doctor's office to open. When I called, the nurse told me to drink a Coke, eat something and call back if Lainey didn't move after that. I did as she said, but Lainey still did not move. When I called back, the nurse asked me how fast I could get to their office. I was teaching at a school outside of Amarillo so it took me about 15-20 minutes to get there. I called Ty and my mom on the way, telling them both not to come. I think deep down I already knew what they were going to say, but the whole way there I just prayed and begged the Lord for my baby to be safe.
When I arrived, they immediately hooked me up to the fetal monitor, but the nurse was having a hard time finding where Lainey was. She said she detected a heartbeat, but she wasn't sure if it was mine or Lainey's. She was going to have the doctor do an ultrasound.
At that time, my mom walked in. Thankfully, she didn't listen when I told her not to come. She prayed with me in the room while we waited on Dr. Davis. After what seemed like a lifetime, we were taken to the room for the ultrasound. Dr. Davis studied the ultrasound, but I couldn't make myself look. I just watched his face and waited for the words I knew were coming, "Rachel, I'm not finding a heartbeat." I immediately asked what happened, but realized I couldn't focus on the answer. I wasn't even hearing what he was saying; I sat up and told him I couldn't listen and began to sob.
My mom held me, and I asked her how I was going to tell Ty, who I didn't realize was also on his way. He walked in right after that, and I had to tell him our baby girl had gone to be with Jesus. We sat and cried together for awhile, and then we were taken across the hall for another ultrasound to see if they could determine what had happened. Everything was perfectly normal, except our little Lainey's heart just wasn't beating. We were given the choice of waiting until I went into labor or being induced Wednesday night. We chose to be induced.
On Thursday, March 21, our beautiful Lainey Abigail was born at 11:44 a.m. She weighed 3 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 18 inches long. She had the prettiest curly, strawberry-blonde hair and long hands and feet like her daddy. We were able to spend several hours with our treasured daughter. While we were at the hospital, they ran a lot of tests to see if they could determine what had caused Lainey's heart to stop beating, but the tests all came back inconclusive. We were discharged from the hospital on Friday, and on Saturday, we buried our Lainey Bug. Throughout the entire week, as well as in the weeks to come, our families, friends and co-workers stood by us. Our parents paid for Lainey's plot and the opening and closing of the grave. My co-workers at Lakeview Elementary collected enough money to pay for Lainey's headstone and the vase for her flowers. Ty's co-workers at Highland Park collected money that we were able to put toward medical bills.
Lainey's check-ups had been going great; our doctor even used the word "perfect" at our check-up the week before. However, I woke up that morning feeling "off," and Lainey wasn't moving around like she normally did. I went to work and waited for my doctor's office to open. When I called, the nurse told me to drink a Coke, eat something and call back if Lainey didn't move after that. I did as she said, but Lainey still did not move. When I called back, the nurse asked me how fast I could get to their office. I was teaching at a school outside of Amarillo so it took me about 15-20 minutes to get there. I called Ty and my mom on the way, telling them both not to come. I think deep down I already knew what they were going to say, but the whole way there I just prayed and begged the Lord for my baby to be safe.
When I arrived, they immediately hooked me up to the fetal monitor, but the nurse was having a hard time finding where Lainey was. She said she detected a heartbeat, but she wasn't sure if it was mine or Lainey's. She was going to have the doctor do an ultrasound.
At that time, my mom walked in. Thankfully, she didn't listen when I told her not to come. She prayed with me in the room while we waited on Dr. Davis. After what seemed like a lifetime, we were taken to the room for the ultrasound. Dr. Davis studied the ultrasound, but I couldn't make myself look. I just watched his face and waited for the words I knew were coming, "Rachel, I'm not finding a heartbeat." I immediately asked what happened, but realized I couldn't focus on the answer. I wasn't even hearing what he was saying; I sat up and told him I couldn't listen and began to sob.
My mom held me, and I asked her how I was going to tell Ty, who I didn't realize was also on his way. He walked in right after that, and I had to tell him our baby girl had gone to be with Jesus. We sat and cried together for awhile, and then we were taken across the hall for another ultrasound to see if they could determine what had happened. Everything was perfectly normal, except our little Lainey's heart just wasn't beating. We were given the choice of waiting until I went into labor or being induced Wednesday night. We chose to be induced.
On Thursday, March 21, our beautiful Lainey Abigail was born at 11:44 a.m. She weighed 3 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 18 inches long. She had the prettiest curly, strawberry-blonde hair and long hands and feet like her daddy. We were able to spend several hours with our treasured daughter. While we were at the hospital, they ran a lot of tests to see if they could determine what had caused Lainey's heart to stop beating, but the tests all came back inconclusive. We were discharged from the hospital on Friday, and on Saturday, we buried our Lainey Bug. Throughout the entire week, as well as in the weeks to come, our families, friends and co-workers stood by us. Our parents paid for Lainey's plot and the opening and closing of the grave. My co-workers at Lakeview Elementary collected enough money to pay for Lainey's headstone and the vase for her flowers. Ty's co-workers at Highland Park collected money that we were able to put toward medical bills.
We knew we would never have made it through this tragedy, emotionally or financially, without the love, support and generosity of the people who loved us. That is why we chose to join the Bonifields and McGehees to create Our Children's Blessing. Now, 18 months later, we still miss our Lainey Bug, but we celebrate the fact that she never knew pain or sorrow, and that she had always been in the presence of the Creator of beauty and love. We are so thankful she helped pick her little brother, Zeke Benton, who joined our family July 1, 2014.
"...He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
"...He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
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Kamron & Diana McGehee
In January 2014, I was at work as a teacher when I felt something wasn’t right. I thought I was leaking fluid, but wasn’t certain. On the way to the doctor’s office, I began to experience lower abdominal pain. I met my husband, Kamron, at the doctor’s office and went in to have an exam to discover the cause of pain and fluid. The initial test did not show the presence of amniotic fluid, but the nurse practitioner knew my symptoms were not normal.
I proceeded to have an ultrasound. Everything looked fine: fluid levels were good, and there were no signs of anything serious. We went back to see the nurse and she told us the doctor thought there was some presence of amniotic fluid and wanted us to go to the hospital for more thorough tests.
As the nurse was speaking to me, my lower abdominal pain became more noticeable and I believed I was having contractions. I went to labor and delivery at the hospital to run tests, and the staff began to monitor her contracts. The doctor came in and told us the test showed my water had indeed broken, but they didn’t know to what extent.
I proceeded to have an ultrasound. Everything looked fine: fluid levels were good, and there were no signs of anything serious. We went back to see the nurse and she told us the doctor thought there was some presence of amniotic fluid and wanted us to go to the hospital for more thorough tests.
As the nurse was speaking to me, my lower abdominal pain became more noticeable and I believed I was having contractions. I went to labor and delivery at the hospital to run tests, and the staff began to monitor her contracts. The doctor came in and told us the test showed my water had indeed broken, but they didn’t know to what extent.
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The doctor told Diana if it was a pin-size hole that sometimes, but not very often, the body could seal the hole on its own. The doctor wanted to monitor Diana for the next 48 hours for signs of infection. The next day nothing had changed — no fever, no signs of an infection and baby Harrison was still doing great. But early on the second day, Diana felt more intense contractions. She timed the contractions and they increased to 15 minutes apart. The contractions became more intense, and the nurse placed a monitor on Diana. Diana’s pain became so intense that she called the nurse once more. The nurse came in and told her that her contractions were two to three minutes apart and that she had called the doctor. Diana was in active labor at 21 week gestation, and there was nothing the doctors could do to stop it. Harrison Reid McGehee was born 17 hours later. He was 1lb and perfect in every way.
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Harrison Samuel Woolsey
After three long years of specialists, shots, tests, and surgeries; we had decided to give up on getting pregnant and pursue adoption. We were so excited to start the process of adoption and met with an agency in May 2015. We were praying and deciding on which adoption agency to go with, and to our HUGE surprise, we found out we were pregnant on July 3, 2015. We were ecstatic and couldn’t believe it! We were still planning on adoption, but put a halt on it until after this baby was born. Everything was going well until around 12 weeks. My doctor found some unusual fluid around our little boy’s bladder. Doctor’s weren’t sure of what was happening and so we just went back every two weeks and hoped it went away. Around 18 weeks, the fluid was getting bigger, so we were sent to a specialist. The specialist did many ultrasounds and gave us three options: to abort, to leave it alone and the fluid would take over his little body, or to intervene. We absolutely chose to intervene. We were then sent to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. We spent two very long weeks at Texas children’s Hospital. The doctors had seen a bladder obstruction like our sweet baby’s before, and were confident they could help us. After many meetings and much prayer, it was decided that we would have a fetal surgery to try and fix the problem. On Wednesday, October, 21, 2015, we had a successful surgery and baby boy was so active and strong. They sent us home early the next day because everything looked so good. We got home and knew that we would travel back to Houston to deliver him and that we might have a hard road ahead, but we were so prepared and so thankful for our son’s life. Over the weekend, I noticed that he wasn’t moving near as much as he usually did. I called my doctor right when they opened on Monday morning, and went in. Deep down I knew something wasn’t right, but was begging God on the way to the appointment to please keep our baby safe. We got to the doctor’s office and heard the dreaded words, “I’m sorry but there is no heartbeat.” The moment of looking at your perfect baby on the screen with no heartbeat absolutely takes your breath away. After inducing, I ended up delivering him on Thursday, October 29, 2015. He was absolutely perfect. Harrison Samuel Woolsey weighed 1 pound 3 ounces and was 11 inches long. We had chosen the name Samuel from the verse “For this child we have prayed”- 1 Samuel 1:27
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The birth was an amazing experience although not the one we had planned. We got to be with our sweet baby all day long and our family got to meet him. I couldn’t help but think that the first time he opened his eyes, he saw Jesus. He is whole, happy, and healed now and that’s more than we could every hope for him. He helped his mommy and daddy fully understand love. We learned so much that day and can’t put into words how a 1 pound 3 ounce baby boy has drastically changed our lives. We are forever thankful for that short time we had with our HSW and we can’t wait to see him again! “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” – Romans 12:12 |
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Skyler & Alisha Walden
On September 27, 2014, Skyler and Alisha were blessed with a 7 pound 9.5 ounce, 20 inch, want-to-be linebacker named Jackson Leon Walden. Jackson’s delivery could not have been any better except for the timing. Skyler had just got home from coaching a football game in Midland at 3:00 AM. Right when his eyes were about to close, Alisha got up to use the bathroom, and her water broke at 4:00 AM. They knew then that Jackson was always going to be keeping them on their toes!
Jackson was one of the happiest boys. He loved to greet family, friends, strangers, dogs and cats with a smile. The people that were lucky enough to meet Jackson were touched by him in two ways: his joy and his spit-up. His parents are still finding spit-up stains to this day. Jackson got to enjoy many great times during his six months on earth: including Halloween, football games, Christmas, tourniquet toe (Alisha’s hair wrapped around his toe), walks in Palo Duro Canyon, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, 18 holes of golf with his Dad and Dad’s friends over spring break, fun at the babysitter’s, and even got to go with Mom to work during tax season. Even though Jackson lived a short life, he still got to enjoy many activities of what life has to offer on Earth. Skyler and Alisha believe they never really knew what love was until Jackson blessed them with six months of unbelievable love.
On March 30, 2015, Alisha went to work at 6:00 AM like normal during tax season while Skyler got Jackson ready to go to the babysitter. It was the normal routine of Skyler doing stupid things to try and make Jackson laugh while on his changing pad. And of course, getting it on video to send to Mom to make her jealous since she was at work and the boys were at home playing. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Skyler dropped him off at the babysitter at 7:15 AM. As he left, he gave the normal, “Love Ya, Buddy.” The babysitter put Jackson down for his afternoon nap, and when she came back to check on him a short time later, he was not breathing. She called 911, and he was rushed to the hospital. They allowed his parents in the room while the doctors were working on him, but it was too late, Jackson was already in a better place. He died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). There is not an explanation as to why or how Jackson stopped breathing.
Jackson lived an awesome six months. Skyler and Alisha are going to celebrate and remember those six months as some of the best months of their lives. They do not blame each other. They do not blame their babysitter. They do not blame God. Even though they do not understand Jackson’s death, they do understand this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5. Skyler and Alisha continue to find hope by using their burden to benefit others.
Jackson lived an awesome six months. Skyler and Alisha are going to celebrate and remember those six months as some of the best months of their lives. They do not blame each other. They do not blame their babysitter. They do not blame God. Even though they do not understand Jackson’s death, they do understand this: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5. Skyler and Alisha continue to find hope by using their burden to benefit others.
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Lizette Weinheimer
In the spring of 2016, we were so excited to find out we were expecting our second child. Everything was going great until the 20-week scan. In August we went in for the routine 20 week anatomy scan on a Friday. I kept thinking to myself that the tech was taking a really long time but we were enjoying watching our little boy squirm around so who could complain!
Monday morning was the first day of school. I was in the middle of meeting my new students when I received a phone call from the doctor’s office saying that they needed to speak to us about our sonogram. My heart just sank. Paul drove up to meet me at the doctor’s office where we were told the worst news that no parent wants to hear. The doctor told us that our son had a form of Skeletal Dysplasia and the chances of survival were very small. From there we were sent to several specialists and had dozens of tests run. Thomas’ final diagnosis was Short-Rib-Polydactyl Skeletal Dysplasia, a very rare genetic disorder.
Monday morning was the first day of school. I was in the middle of meeting my new students when I received a phone call from the doctor’s office saying that they needed to speak to us about our sonogram. My heart just sank. Paul drove up to meet me at the doctor’s office where we were told the worst news that no parent wants to hear. The doctor told us that our son had a form of Skeletal Dysplasia and the chances of survival were very small. From there we were sent to several specialists and had dozens of tests run. Thomas’ final diagnosis was Short-Rib-Polydactyl Skeletal Dysplasia, a very rare genetic disorder.
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At 32 weeks my amniotic fluid had built up so much that they had to make the decision to deliver him early. Thomas Walker Weinheimer was born on November 29. He was 5lbs 1oz and 19 inches long of perfection and beautiful blonde hair. Thomas was surrounded by his parents, both sets of grandparents, and his big brother Carson for three and half hours before he went to be with Jesus. I find hope and comfort in knowing that the first person he saw when he opened his beautiful little eyes was the face of Jesus!
Philippians 4:13
I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me. |
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