I came across your site while compiling thoughts on hope. 16 years ago my firstborn gave birth to her firstborn, a daughter, who lived about 45 minutes. Her parents named her Elisabeth, which means "consecrated to God." Their first ultrasound had shown she would not live but there were many miracles that assured my daughter that Heavenly Father was aware of them; that Elisabeth was to be born into this family and receive her mortal body but would not tarry on earth. He softened the pain and grief and we could sense the presence of others who loved her as she passed through the veil. It was a cold, windy, stormy day when she was to be buried. My daughter prayed for one last blessing, "Please, Heavenly Father, do not let it rain on her graveside service." As the hearse pulled up to the gravesite, the wind stopped. The clouds parted and a ray of sunlight surrounded the tiny casket as it was removed from the car.

Thanks for sharing your story.

Marinda,
I remember seeing you and Mike in the temple while you were pregnant. I think you had just found out about Hope's diagnosis. I remember feeling so bad that you would have to go through such a difficult trial. It's something no one ever expects to go through. But what a blessing little Hope is in your life! And what strong faith you have. The Lord is aware of us and loves His children. I'm so grateful for that knowledge and the knowledge we have of the plan of salvation! Thank you for sharing your tender feelings about Hope and her short life here on earth. Thank you for sharing your testimony of the Gospel and eternal families. It has strengthened mine. Hope is a beautiful baby and I know you will get to be with her again! I hope you and your family are doing well. You have such beautiful kids! Lots of love.
Beckee Becker

Thank you fro sharing your story of Hope. I also had a daughter with trisomy 18, however she passed away when i was 7 months pregnant. I was 15 when this happened and alone. I also found comfort in knowing that someday I would be able to meet my Shyla. I have often wondered what she would have looked like and blogs like this have helped me. Thank you for the ability to remember Shyla through Hopes' memories.

Mike and Marinda,

I have never been more moved by a story in my life. I to am LDS and was born in the church but I have never heard anyone that had such faith in the Plan of Salvation as you. I lost a sister when I was about 12 (I am now 23) and I have struggled with that ever since. We are sealed as a family however, I never was able to come to terms with everything. I have a daughter (she is my first) and if I went through what you and your family did, I dont think I would have the same attitude towards it all. My testimony has grown from reading about your story and how much faith you have in our Heavenly Father. Hope is beautiful and I am so thankful that you will all return to her some day.

Thank you so much for Hope's beautiful story. My first grandchild Charli Jo just went to Heaven this past Monday June the 7th, she had trisomy 18. My daughter was induced at almost 35 weeks. Charli Jo only lived a few moments. We had prayed for God to heal her and knew that he could if it be his will. He did heal her but he healed her by taking her home to Heaven. Maybe her and Hope are best friends up there! The pain is great but my daughter trusted God competely and I know he is going to bless her as I know he is blessing you all. I read your story a couple of months back and I gave my daughter a bracelet for Charli Jo on Mothers Day, this idea came from your story. Thanks again for Hope's beautiful story!!!! Paula

Thank you for the beautiful story of a faith filled journey. We also Had a beautiful little girl Helen Marie die with Trisome 18 after 6 days of suffering(she was full term and we were not aware of any problems,despite having ultrasounds, until she was born by emergency c-section). I wanted to share with you because of a slight,but I believe significant connection. We are catholic and celebrate certain feast days of saints in the church, and Helen Marie died on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows Sept. 15. Our Lady of Sorrows is Mary the mother of our dear Lord Jesus Christ.You were drawn to Mary's visitation of Elisabeth in scripture. I will hold these thoughts in my heart, read scripture and pray. I'm so thankful for the opportunities He gives us to see more of what we all have in common. May the Lord continue to bless your family abundantly!!!

Thank yoy for sharing your story. My third pregnancy was going really great. I did the 12 week triple screen was told everything is great. Its likely a girl after already having two boys. I was so excited. I did my second trimester blood test. Everything was great. I went in for a 19 week ultrasound. I was told that my little girl was actively dying w/ trisomy 18/ It was very severe. Her heart stopped the next day. I was devastated. So thank you and God bless you for sharing your story. It brought some comfort.

Mike and Marinda,

I was reading your blog when I discovered a little link called "Hope's Website." I cried as I read your story. I had heard bits and pieces from you as well as Shana, but never the whole thing in such detail. What a great service you are doing for people who are expecting a child with Trisomy 18. As I read through the website, I kept thinking that if I were expecting a baby with the same disorder I would feel comforted by the testimonies both of you have and your knowledge of our Savior's plan for us. How wonderful it is to have the Gospel plan to get us through difficult times like this.

Love,
Emily G.

How wonderful it is that we have the gospel in our lives. To know that Heavenly Father has a plan for each and everyone of us, that through the gospel we know that we shall all be united with our dear loved ones, especially those sweet spirits who were so very anxious to come to this earth, to gain a body and return to our Heavenly Father.
My nephew and niece were just with a baby with Trisomy 18, and although I'm LDS and have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation, they don't have that same comfort of knowing that they could have this sweet spirit again in their lives. I pray that I might have the opportunity to teach them, and Heavenly Father will help me bring some comfort to them. Thank you for sharing your story about your sweet Hope and the Joy she brought to your life. I was doing research on Trisomy 18 when I came across your story, and am truly thankful to you for sharing it with us all, as it pulled me out of the sadness I was sinking into, and reminded me of the True Plan of Salvation.
Thank you once again, Brother and Sister Wessman

Your story has impacted my life more than you will ever know. I was blessed enough to have worked with you when you were expecting Elisabeth and at the time I too was expecting my first child, a little girl. I remember after the funeral a teacher coming in and telling me your funeral talks were on line with other information. The students had gone to lunch so I sat down to read your story little did I know what an impact it would have on me and my life! I ended up gong home from work early crying and getting my husband out of work to comfort me. Your story had touch the deepest part of my life and I remember telling my husband how I could never be that strong. Four months later we arrived at the hospital to deliver my little girl only to be told that she had already passed away. I broke down in tears and wept in my husbands arms. After a while the spirit spoke to my heart and reminded me of the story I had read months before, your story. I knew at that point that I could do this and that with faith, hope and love I too would get through this. I was able to reflect on the things you and your family did with Elisabeth and I knew I wanted that experience as well. Thank you for sharing you story and your daughter will always hold a special place in my heart because when I think of mine I can't help but think of yours!
With much love,
Laura

Let me first say that I am truly sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and your family.
But please allow me also to tell you a story....I recently gave birth to healthy twin boys on May 29th 2009, but while I was pregnant, I was told that my littlest twin, Nicholas, could have Trisomy 18 and when I got home and looked it up, I broke down b/c I found it hard to come to grips w/ the idea of saying goodbye to one of my little men.

I didn't think of myself as being strong enough to handle something like that, and I allowed myself to become comsumed w/ grief and worry until the day my boys were born and saw 2 perfectly healthy baby boys.
As I was reading Hope's story this evening, I found myself saddened that such a beautiful angel was taken too soon, but found a silver lining in the fact that God has a beautiful angel at his side.

Hope's story also made me realize how God has blessed me, and when my little Nicholas started crying in his crib this evening, instead of walking into the nursery and patting him on the butt and telling him that everything is alright, I picked him up and sat down in my rocker w/ him.

I listened to him breathe and watched his eyes close as he fell asleep in my arms.
I kissed the top of his head and thanked God for all the blessings in my life.
Hope's story will always be in my heart as will you and the rest of your family.

May God continue to bless you.

As a mother of a baby diagnosed with Trisomy18, my heart goes out to you and your family. She was a very beautiful baby and I'm sure her beautifully innocent spirit will live on in all of you forever.

My prayers, as well as my deepest sorrow, to you.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I am a nursing student at the University of Texas, who after spending a clinical day in the NICU, was given the assignment to learn about Trisomy 18 and report back to the group. Not only did I learn a lot from the details in your story, but I was also very moved by your experience. I feel like God blesses us in so many ways, and some of the most precious are the ones that take place in the shortest amount of time. I am glad that y'all were able to spend as much time as possible with your daughter. It thrills me, as a future RN, that the hospital and your nurse were so accommodating! I know the memories you made in that short time will last a lifetime. Thank you once again for sharing your story, and may God continue to Bless you!

What a beautiful story and such a beautiful baby girl. Congratulations to you both, you've done very well.
Much love to you both.

'Kia Kaha'

God bless you. What a touching story.

I found your story while helping my brother with a biology assignment.
I am truly sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, she looked so lovely and peaceful in your photo's. I admire your incredible strength and courage during what I image will be the hardest time in your lives. I would like to thank you for sharing your personal story, it has helped me understand this devastating condition, but shown me that there are true miracles in this world as i believe the love you have for Hope is inspiring.. congratulations on the birth of your second daughter & I hope that your lives will be filled with happiness once again.

I am very sorry for your loss, but l admire your strength. My cousin died of Trisomy 18 also, before birth. I wish l knew my cousin as l feel l know Hope by your story.
Hope Elisabeth Wessman is a beautiful baby who will always be with you.

i think hope is a lovely baby girl

I am a nurse at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and recently had a patient with this condition and wanted to research it, your information is great and thanks for sharing your story!

Your daughter is absolutely beautiful! She looks like a little porcelain doll. With the grace of God I'm sure you will have more children and a large family to enjoy in the future.

I'm sorry for your loss, but your strength is admirable. God Bless You!

I am so sorry for your loss, i have a 2 year old son and he is the love of my life, you seem to be so strong in all that has happened. That's wonderful that instead of mourning her passing you celebrated the beautiful life that was too short lived. She is a gorgeous little girl , you both did well. God bless you both, your daughter and your family.

i am a 14 year old high school student. i cam across your page while doing a research paper for my biology class. your story is touching and your daughter, hope, was beautiful. i wish you three the best of luck in the rest of your life.

i'm an 18 year old genetics student in indiana. i came across this page while doing a research project. your love for little hope, even though her life was very short, is inspiring to me. when i was seven, my mother had a baby boy, named michael, who only lived for a few hours. we shared similar experiences with him. I'm glad i found this. And i hope you are doing well.

This was a lovely piece to read. My sister in law is expecting a Trisomy 18 baby in the next few weeks and your story has been very helpful to me to understand what possibly is going to happen. Thankyou for sharing.

I am so happy that it worked out for you guys.At 5monuts pregent i lost a baby they said there was something growing on the baby outside. and i have one that is 20monuts.

I was told that I have a 1:5 chance of having a baby with Trisomy18. I am a Christian and felt at such a crossroad about what to do if the amnio came back positive. After reading your story, with many tears, I know that I would want to meet my baby and that one day, we will all be together in heaven. Thank you for helping me make that choice. Hope is beautiful.

Some never know how much joy a child can bring in only minutes. Your love for Jesus and understanding his plan for you daughter has made you stronger, more spiritual people. I am sure that in your future there will be healthy, happy children! God Bless!!

Hi

We too had a trisomy 18 baby. Despite the doctors prognosis she was a feisty girl and lived for 4 months.

Having the pictures is indeed a comfort even now - she would have been 21 years old last year.

We are lucky in having two other very healthy children - now teenagers and beyond.

Good luck to you both.

ii THiiNK UR BABii S SOO BUTIFUL! iim in hiighschool & im taking infant development and ii got really interested in trisomy 18 wen ii heard ur baby story

An amazing and beautiful story, you, your strength and compassion are an inspiration. That's what Love is all about... I cried when I saw the pictures of Baby Hope, but am happy that she was SO LOVED by you. Best wishes, always
x x x

I am a first year nursing student at University of Central Florida and I was researching Trisomy18 and came across your page, I was very touched by your story and learned alot. You are a beautiful couple and im sure your new baby is perfect, and may Hope rest in peace. Thank You

she is a beautiful little girl and i am 16 and is new at this whole thing i have a little girl coming in 4 months and i want her to be all right and again you do have a beautiful little girl there

Hi
Sad, but touching story. My friend has given birth to a child with edwards syndrome, she is 1 week old, and apperantly she is doing quite well, but there is a good chance she wont see her first birthday.

Ad Astra Per Aspera, to the stars trough difficulties!

your story is sad but beautiful. hope was a great human, i think.

I came upon this site by chance. How beautiful. It is truly amazing how these sweet little spirits can change your lives. Hope has a great mission in preparing others for accepting the gospel and being reunited with her family. Her Heavenly Father knew she was much too pure and perfect for this world and her works would be best served in the spirit world. But she got her body and fulfilled her mission. What a blessing to your family. Isn't it such a blessing to know that you will see her and hold her again? To know that you will raise her as your baby in the millenium? Wow. Such a blessing!

Your daughter was a beutiful baby i was researching trisomy 18 because my friends baby has just passed becaue of it you two are very strong and i wish you noting but the best

I was at work, looking up pictures of newborns (mostly because I was thinking about the long hours spent away from my newborn son) and I stumbled upon your site. It was very touching and you both are so strong. Thank you for opening your lives and sharing this with the world, it was eye opening and very touching. I'll keep you in my prayers for the future :)

That was a really moving experience. Thank you for sharing. It opened my eyes to something I didn't even know existed. May God bless you!

may god be with you!

May God bless you.

I came across this website while researching Trisomy 18 and I was truly touched by your story. You have a beautiful daughter and both of you are so strong. God Bless.

Thank you for sharing your story.

What a beautiful story. God bless your strength. You are an inspiration.

I to lost my child (son)to trisomy 18.Arnt they beautiful, so innocent and so so perfect.You shared great memories with hope.Our children are with us.

I was doing reasearch for a school paper on trisomy 18 when I came across Hope's story. I was trutly touched and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

I cried when I read your & Hope's story. It was beautiful to read how God's strength helped you through such a difficult and painful time. It's a strong reminder that He is always there, holding us in the palm of His hand.

Thank you.

I cried so hard while reading your story. Your little Hope had a precious, beautiful little face of an angel. I'm sure she will be loved and missed always.

..Hope was beautiful <3.

i read your story and i dont think i cried so hard in a long time as i was reading your story my 39 week old babys was moving like crazy in my belly and would not stop and made me cry even more ; ( .. your photos are beautiful hope looked like shes a lil angel .i was happy to read your family was able to see and met mer as well as spend a few mins with you

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. It was a great reminder of how precious life is, and God has plans for his children. Hope is an adorable little angel, how blessed you were to have her, even for the short time. She was so fortunate to have wonderful parents like you.

I almost lost my son twice while still in me and once after he was born, and you have strenght that I don't even know of... I'm am so sorry you had to lose her but "Hope" is with us all.

I cried so hard as I looked at your precious little baby girl Hope. All I can say is that I am glad that God granted you peace through this time in your life.

I'm touched at looking at this beautiful baby. I couldn't stop smiling, she is wonderful and a gift from god. I pray many blessings for little Hope. She's gorgeous! Congrates!

God gave you a preveiw of what beautiful children you will have. Hope was meant to be an angel soul as by veiwing her picture i couldnt explain how such a cherubic face could not be anything less than

Mikie and Marinda,
I look up to both of you so much. Thank you for being such a strength and for letting me be Hopes aunt. Loves you both and i want you to know i pray for my little niece. Love

Hi! Lost my daughter 10 years ago. Hope Elisabeth looks very much like my Sofia, she only lived for 9 days.

My little brother had this disorder. He was only with us a short time, but we were so blessed just to have him here for that period. It was God's plan for him to join him. As it was for your baby also. There is alot of good info on this site. I just want to tell you that I appreciate it. God Bless.

Thank you for sharing your story. It was very helpful.

I just want to leave a piece of my heart with you tonight.

Thank you for sharing your sweet angel Hope with us as well as your testimonies of her eternal life. I found her wonderful story while preparing to teach about trisomies at Primary Children's Medical Center.

What a beautiful little angel. Just passing by and thought I would send you my love.
Charlotte, uk

i feel sooo happy for you. Im studying this Syndrome in school

What a witness of God!
I just heard that a family member gave birth to a baby girl as well with the Edwards Syndrome. I am so far away from her! I live in Australia and she is with her family back in Brazil, my hometown Salvador-Bahia.
My only wish was that she knew you and then comming to know Jesus through her and other mum's painfull loss.
Your story and your words are amazing.

I am so grateful for your website. As a physician, I have a patient tonight in labor with a baby who has trisomy 18, detected by amnio. I have much hope for this baby now, and his family, after reading your wonderful website. I will be praying for and with this family over the next few days, and your words will echo in my mind. Thank you.

My name is heather and I am 5 months pregnant with a baby girl whom also has trisomy 18. I walk up everyday and feel her move and pray to God that a miracle will happen but God obviously has other plans for her. I was touched by hopes story and I am sure that all baby angels meet in the same place and have a special mission in Gods hands.God bless you.

I was very touched after visiting Hope's website. I had a nephew born with a trisomy over 16 years ago- he lived for twenty minutes. Michael and Miranda, your faith and trust in the Lord are great examples to others.
What a joyous occasion it will be when you can be reunited with your beautiful baby girl and hold her in your arms again!

I visited your city, and one place I went was the pretty cemetery in the Avenues. I saw the graves of many pioneers, and many other people, and one pink stone there had Hope's name and little face. I remembered her name well after I left, and when I looked for her online, I found her story and her family. I am glad she had love every minute of her life.

Thank you for sharing your life and Hope's. I also had a baby with trisomy 18 unfortunatly she was still born. Her name was Sasha. Like Hope she is still loved and remembered.

An angel in the Book of Life
wrote down your baby's birth.
Then whispered as she closed the book,
"Too beautiful for earth."

What a sweet angel. What a blessing to have given birth to a perfect child. You WILL have the opportunity to raise your daughter, and what a glorious day it will when your family is reunited. God bless you for your stregnth and love you have. I have 2 small children, and they are my life. Your example of courage gives me strength. Happy Birthday Hope!

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wessman,

I just read your story and my heart goes out to you. I work at a hospital in Salt Lake City in the Newborn ICU. I have seen a few trisomy babies including trisomy 18, 13, and 21. Your family has great faith and I wish you well in the future.

I was assigned to do a project for biology on trisomy 18, at first i didnt know what it was but after reading your stories and seeing your photos i became more interested and did tons more research on it. Your stories touched me, your family is really strong and i will forever have your family and hope in my prayers

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wessman
I studied Trisomy 18 for a science project. I expected to come away with knowing a little bit about Trisomy 18. After reading your family's story I came away with so much more and my heart goes out to your family. I was deeply touched by Hope Elisabeth's story and I think it is amazing that you went through such a difficult time in your life. Even though she had a short life I am sure your family made the best of it.

What an amazing story. And, the strength you have shown through this is a testiment to Jesus' strength. God bless you all!

Hi,

A couple of years ago, my aunt gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Lilly, who was ill with Trisomy 18. Lilly lived for a few short days, but was by far the most beautiful baby I've ever seen. My prayers go out to those who have been affected by this. It's great to see your faith in Christ has kept you strong.

Thank you for sharing your photos and stories. Your faith and family's strength is so inspiring. I wish for you the arrival soon of a healthy baby even as you keep those beautiful memories of your time with Hope.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

As a fellow Latter Day Saint, my heart goes out to you and your precious baby Hope Elisabeth. I am so thankful to be part of a church that believes family can be together beyond our time here on earth, and that one day we will all return to live with our Heavenly Father. I know Heavenly Father and his beautiful Son have helped you get through this trying time in your life. Your story has moved me, and I know Hope will be with you all someday. I know your family takes great comfort in knowing that!!!

Hello.
Thanks for sharing photos of your beautiful daughter. I to live in Utah and I am LDS. Yesterday I had an ultrasound for my 3rd child and found out she may have Trisomy 18. I hope all is well for you.

ELDER GARY AND SISTER SHERRY JOHNSON FROM THE ARKANSAS LITTLE ROCK MISSION OFFICE. WE LOVED YOUR STORY. THANK YOU FOR SHARING. WE HAD A GRANDAUGHTER BORN IN A SIMILAR
SITUATION. SHE WOULD BE 15 YEARS OLD THIS NOVEMBER 10.

Marinda and Mike- As I've read of your experience I have been impressed with your testimony and strength. My heart goes out to you! Your daughter is a light unto the world. Thanks for sharing your experience. Much love, Renee Manning

Hope was such a beautiful little girl. I had a friend in AZ that had a baby daughter, Sloan, with trisomy 18 but she never got to see her mommy and daddy. You are so lucky that you were able to share those precious moments with your beautiful daughter. God Bless!

Dear Marinda and Mike,
My heart is full of so many emotions every time I think about your beautiful little girl Hope. I love you guys and look up to you so much. Our prayers are with you and your whole family.

Hello,
My name is Joy Elizabeth Wessman and I was born on May 14, 1985. I was searching for family history and i came across your site. I was at first surprised that someone with so similar a name shared my birthday
and was then touched by your little girl's story. Your website is inspiring and I hope that you are continuing to find peace from your faith.
~Joy

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We love you very much.

Hope is such a precious girl. She must have a spirit too pure for this world. Thanks for sharing your beautiful testimonies of eternal families.

Marinda,
I guess I didn't feel that I knew you well enough at school to express to you my sympathy. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Hope is such a beautiful little girl! Your faith and testimony has strengthened mine. Your family is in my prayers.
Love, Emily Mecham

Our lives and testimonies of eternal families will ever be touched and strengthed by the life of sweet baby Hope. Mike and Mirinda-We are so grateful to know you and for your friendship.

WE HAD THE HONOR OF BEING HOPE'S NURSES AT THE HOSPITAL. THANK YOU FOR LETTING US EXPERIENCE HER WITH YOU ON THAT SPECIAL NIGHT. SHE IS CHOICE AMONG THE ANGELS WE ARE SURE.
JODEE AND DENISE

Know what an inspiration you both are and how Hope has strengthened so many testimonies. We hope you are doing well and continuing life the best you can. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Love always-

Thank you for sharing your story with us. It has touched me in alot of ways. Hope is a precious, special, admirable baby girl and what a legacy she has left! God Bless You!

We are so appreciative of the information you have shared about Hope. What a beautiful little girl! We have been able to talk to Emery about special little babies and help her understand more fully what happened. Thank you.

Beautiful little girl.
Beautiful story.
Beautiful Testimony.
Thanks for sharing it all with us.

Dear Marinda and Mike,
I was truly touched by your words and testimony. Thank you for your example. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you. I hope to see you soon!