Hope Elisabeth Wessman

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...