Remembering Maeve

We got our call at about 1:30 in the morning. Maeve Alice Miller had been born.

When Jon and Melissa went for their second ultrasound it was discovered that their baby had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. She was missing an important component of her chest cavity, one that would seperate her abdominal organs from her heart and lungs. They didn't know how bad it would be but knew that Maeve could be on any part of the CDH spectrum - either needing a simple surgery within a few days of birth that would end the problem or potentially not making it at all.

Maeve needed help breathing immediately. She was flown from a local hospital to a children's hospital 2 1/2 hours away from where she was born. She remained there her entire life. Beautiful Maeve passed away after only 20 short days for us, but 20 very long days for her.

That little girl was a fighter. Much like her big sister, she kept people guessing and she surpassed odds in many ways. Her parents and family were by her side constantly. She was and is greatly loved. She was prayed for, fasted for, advocated for, fought for. Her brief life touched so many others and her parents are doing everything in their power to make sure that doesn't end.



This past weekend was the first annual Maeve Alice Memorial Run and it was one of the most inspiring events I have ever been to. They had 80 adult runners who ran for 3 1/2 miles over challenging terrain with hills, rope climbs, mudpits and hurdles. My husband ran. I took pictures.

I am not a runner and have never aspired to be. I have to say though, if anything would inspire me to run, it would be this.

From my standpoint, I overlooked the cliff to see people struggling up the rope climb. Turning 180 degrees was the finish line. I watched people challenge themselves in ways they never had before with little to no training, climb up that rope only to have to come back and do it again 3 more times before finally finishing the race. The look of victory on their faces when they made it to the top was incredible.



I feel honored to have seen Maeve run her race. She had hurdles and challenges she was able to make it through that no adult would have survived. That little girl fought. And she emerged victorious.

I watched both Jon and Melissa run the race for the last year since their precious baby was born. I have seen them struggle yet emerge victorious. This weekend they both ran the race set before them. Jon finished the race first and then ran Melissa's last lap with her, backing off at the end to allow her to finish the race amid cheers and encouragement of those who love her. It was an incredible testament to the fact that they continue to be united despite an experience that would test a marriage in ways beyond comprehension. They have stayed together.



I wish I could describe with words the inspiration of this baby girl and the beauty she radiated. Her parents will continue to show others Maeve's inspiration and fighting spirit as they continue to run their race. They will emerge victorious as they continue to trust in the Savior who holds their daughter in His arms.