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| Dorea and Baby Elijah |
Every expecting parent prays, "Lord, please bless us with a healthy baby." Those were the sincere words of Dorea and Jessie Nunery. After experiencing a previous miscarriage, they couldn't have been more excited to welcome their third child. They began planning and preparing for the arrival of their sweet baby boy; not knowing his transition to heaven would occur only three months after his birth.
Many would agree there's no greater pain than losing a child. Two years later, I talked with Dorea about their family loss. She was illuminating, serving us tea and cheese straws.
She said, "Since losing Elijah so many people have wanted to talk with us. They have experienced a loss of a child as well. Some parents are angry and just don't understand."
I listened intently, holding onto my teacup, understanding their pain really couldn't be put into words. She went on to say, "If it were not for my faith, I would have responded differently."
Going on was not by any means easy, but she had the incredible support of family and friends. She said, "My pastor has been with us every step of the way with guidance and teaching through God's word."
She explained six months into the pregnancy they began praying, "Lord, your will be done." After a routine ultrasound, the amniocentesis test confirmed baby Elijah had down syndrome. Dorea and Jessie were shocked, confused and scared. She recalled, "I knew nothing about down syndrome." The parents found themselves on an emotional rollercoaster, also learning Elijah had two holes in his heart and an intestinal issue known as "double bubble."
The couple never let go of their faith and found God's hand with them. Elijah's challenges began to affect Dorea's breathing. In utero, his urinary fluids would not dissipate. The increasing fluid and enlarged abdomen put pressure on her lungs.
The family found themselves surrounded by prayer warriors. Without medical intervention, weekly appointments showed the fluid decreasing and Elijah's stomach issues completely healed within her womb. Unexplainable moments like these continued throughout her pregnancy and even during Elijah's life. She and a friend began calling these divine moments, The Elijah Experience.
Sweet Elijah Daniel Nunery was born on February 2, 2015. His spirit was absolutely amazing! Physically, he was doing well beyond the medical professional's predictions. A couple months later, he had surgery to correct the holes in his heart. The procedure led to Elijah being placed on life support for two days. Once again, an amazing experience followed. Elijah came back stronger than ever. His mom, recalls, "He amazed everyone -- the specialists, nurses, and doctors."
Sadly, his recovery took an unexpected turn. Dorea recalled while staying with her in-laws and two older children she had an uneasy feeling. The feeling was confirmed with a phone call requiring their immediate return to the hospital. Elijah's condition was declining, as his organs were shutting down. "The doctors did all they could to save him," she reverently stated. "This was God's will." Elijah transitioned to heaven on May 3, 2015.
Understanding God's will did not diminish the overwhelming grief. In the family care area of the hospital, Dorea and Jessie didn't know how they would say goodbye to their precious baby boy. He was only three months old. A nurse encouraged her and they found the strength to hold him and say goodbye.
She remembers, "The entire staff was devastated. While holding my baby, I told them, they were some of the best-trained physicians and specialists in the world. This was a part of God's plan. Tears flowed throughout the room." The staff stared in awe, explaining that her strength was amazing.
Since losing Elijah the family has gained The Elijah Experience. We all have dark, confused and painful moments. Still, there are moments of unexplained grace, light, love and miracles.
Dorea encourages any family in a difficult situation, "Begin to gain interest in God. Start a conversation with Him. Write down everything you're feeling, even anger and remember to give God the glory."
Since Elijah's transition, Dorea's catering business, Radiant Delights has taken off. The success has allowed her to resign from her full-time job. Working from home affords her the opportunity to be available for her children. She's grown out of her dining room space that is well-stocked with catering supplies. She said, looking at the crowded space, "This is temporary."
Her dream is to open a cozy restaurant/bakery. She said, "I really want a place where people can truly wind down."
The Nunery's incredible family spirit is proof having a healthy recovery after a loss is possible.
What difficult experience are you going through? How are you going on?
Until We Meet Again,
Brook Lynn
Brook Lynn Dorcent
Author/Coach/Inspirational Speaker
Host: JUST WRITE REVIEW
Founder/Facilitator: JUST WRITE! - A Club for Writers
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