Lillian James Ziegler was delivered on Tuesday, May 29 at 5:10 am without a heartbeat. We are still trying to digest everything that has happened in the last couple days. Melissa wasn’t feeling any movement early Tuesday morning so we went to the hospital and found out the heartbreaking news. She was 37 weeks 5 days and had a c-section scheduled for June 8. This was completely unexpected. We did get to spend a little time with her before saying our goodbyes...she was perfect. 7 lbs 3 oz and 20.5 inches. Melissa is recovering from surgery and coping with the postpartum aspects of pregnancy as well as can be expected. We are devastated, sad, angry and feeling a wide range of emotions, often at the same time. We really appreciate everyone’s thoughts, prayers, and offers of help. Melissa was discharged today, and we now start adjusting to our new normal which does not include welcoming Lily home. 

At this point, we don’t know what we need or how we can be helped. We’re taking things a couple hours at a time because a whole day at a time seems overwhelming. 
Even though this is the hardest thing we’ve ever done, we could not have asked for better care from the nurses and staff at Community Memorial who went above and beyond our expectations to provide unbelievable care and compassion at our most difficult time. 

We are so thankful to have Hadley for some comedic relief and share her experience through the innocence of a child who tells it like she sees it! She’s keeping our spirits up and gives us reasons to smile.

We are participating in and fundraising for Abby's Run to raise money and awareness about stillbirth education and prevention. We would love if you were able to join us on our team and walk with us while we remember our sweet Lily, and all babies born still. Everyone has been so generous to us during our grief, so donations are not expected, but a welcome addition! Please feel free to share and invite others to walk on our team!

“The distance between joy and sorrow can be measured by a heartbeat.”