Jonathan's Story

Jonathan Alexander was stillborn on Tuesday, March 13, 2001. My sister Kimberly felt erratic movement on the Thursday before his passing and little movement on Friday. She went to the hospital on Saturday, only to be told they could not find Jonathan's heartbeat. Kimberly returned on Monday to be induced and she delivered at 6 a.m. Tuesday.

Doctors aren't quite sure what caused Jonathan's death. There is speculation there was a placental abruption. There was also a tear in the umbilical cord, but because not a single nurse or doctor was closely monitoring Kimberly, she delivered unassisted and it is unknown whether the tear could have occurred then. Regardless of the medical reason, he was lost and left behind him bereaved parents.

Jonathan was buried on Saturday in a beautiful blue outfit, with two small roses in each hand and pictures of the people who loved him dearly placed beside him. He was laid to rest in a small, yet beautifully adorned blue casket.

Although he never took a breath, nor saw the light of day, he has impacted everyone. For those of us (like me) who were able to hold him, we feel like we were blessed with a moment to hold Jonathan and keep that memory in our hearts forever.

Jonathan is not physically here but I feel he is among us, watching over his grieving parents and looking forward to the day when he can sit on their laps and be held close to their hearts.