Leeanne’s
Story
We were anxiously awaiting the birth of our fifth child, Joshua. I never dreamed we would be this blessed. Almost 5 years earlier, in my 35th week of pregnancy, our first child Joseph was stillborn. We were devastated, but as my mom had promised, God was faithful. In just 5 short years Benjamin, Olivia, Lydia, and Joshua were born.
Joshua was born on May 5, 1999. From the minute he was born, I knew that he was special. Now I know that all mothers say the same thing about their children, but having three others before him I could tell. Even other people noticed. Upon meeting Joshua for the first time, my sister, who has children of her own, declared that there was just something special about Joshua. Maybe it was the way he snuggled into your arms when you held him or his constant pleasant demeanor. Joshua left an impression on everyone he encountered. My brother Chad, who vows never to hold children before their sixth month enjoyed holding Josh at a very young age. They would sit for long periods of time watching The Three Stooges.
As my Joshie grew he just became sweeter. His laughter and smile were infectious. He just seemed to want to give a piece of himself to everyone he met. In church one week, an older gentleman smiled at Josh. He gave the man the only thing he had to offer – his beloved binkie. My Joshie Bear (as I often referred to him) had so much love to give. My mother would often comment that any other babies I may have after him would have a hard time living up to him.
As with all of my children, each day with Joshua was a gift from God. Without warning the gift of Joshua was instantly snatched away on July 14, 2000. He had been on the earth a mere 14 months, but what memories he left. The church was full at the funeral mass for Joshua, and an amazing 75 cars followed the funeral procession to the cemetery. I am sure that people watching this line of cars thought someone really important had passed away…. and they were right. No words that I write could possibly describe the loving, adorable Joshua that we knew, or the pain we feel over the loss of him. Therefore, my husband Craig and I knew we couldn’t let Joshua die in vain. We had to celebrate, memorialize, and share the life of this special son. God gave us the gift of Joshua so that we could in turn tell others of the gift we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our hope is to create a retreat house called the Joshua House where people can come to worship, love, serve, and meet the Lord perhaps for the first time. The task at hand is overwhelming, but as He has proven to us before, we know the Lord is faithful. If it is His will, we know it will be.Go Back 1 Page :||: Home Page :||: Contact Us