Baby Brighton by NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer Stacey Fishel

On the morning of November 3, 2021, I was praying very specifically for a friend who was in labor with her daughter, who had been given a life-limiting diagnosis. I could not fully understand the depth of her pain, but I admired her courage. She had carried her daughter to term and made the most of every moment of her short life.

Just a few hours later, I found myself at my own 12-week ultrasound appointment for our second baby. Our first pregnancy had been smooth, and I expected this one to be the same. When I left the ultrasound room, my nurse shared devastating news. Our baby had received the same life-limiting diagnosis as my friend’s daughter and would not survive outside the womb.

The timing felt impossible to comprehend. On the very day my friend was delivering her baby, we were receiving the same heartbreaking diagnosis. Yet even in that moment, I felt God’s presence. I knew we would not walk through this season alone. My husband and I made the decision without hesitation. We would choose life for our baby for as long as we were given, and we would make every moment count.

Soon after the diagnosis, we chose to find out the gender of our baby. Genetic testing revealed we were having another little boy. We named him Brighton Wilder. The name Brighton held special meaning for us, as it is a place in Utah we visited on our honeymoon.

We shared the news with our families during a Thanksgiving gender reveal and surprised them with his name. On the name cards, we wrote:

Our brave boy has made our lives lighter in his short time with us, and we pray his story makes this world more cheerfully colorful. He is ready for a more wild experience than Earth can provide, and he is living for a Heavenly adventure.

The following months were filled with countless examples of God’s provision. We were surrounded by compassionate doctors and nurses who supported us every step of the way. Friends from across the country prayed for us, and despite the sorrow we carried, we also experienced an overwhelming sense of joy.

                                                                                   Baby Brighton by NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer Stacey Fishel

During this time, I read I Will Carry You by Angie Smith. The chapter about finding joy in the midst of sorrow became something my husband and I held onto. Our faith in Jesus deepened as we realized that true joy, even in grief, could only come from Him.

Brighton’s life, though brief, was full of meaningful moments. During my pregnancy, he traveled to five states by car, airplane, and boat. He climbed mountains in Tennessee, hiked trails throughout Indiana, visited the beach in Florida, and even went swimming in the ocean. He joined me on runs while I pushed his big brother in the stroller, went camping with our family, and enjoyed plenty of ice cream along the way. Every moment with him was intentional and filled with love.

On April 30, 2022, Brighton was born at 37 weeks and 3 days. He was small but mighty, weighing four pounds and one ounce. He was perfect. In his short time in our arms, he showed us his strength and love before being peacefully carried into Heaven in the arms of Jesus.

We knew his birth day would hold both deep sorrow and great joy. We had prayed for joy to fill the room as we finally met our son, and that prayer was answered. The nurses and hospital staff cared for our family with such compassion, helping create a space that felt both sacred and beautiful.

One of the greatest gifts we received during that time was remembrance photography through Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS). Our photographer captured images of Brighton that we will treasure forever. These photographs have become some of our most meaningful memories.

We have Brighton’s pictures displayed throughout our home, and we love sharing him with others. Speaking his name and showing his sweet face has brought healing to our hearts. Through sharing his story, we have also connected with other families who have experienced infant loss, forming deep and meaningful friendships.

Looking back at his photos brings us comfort and joy. They remind us how loved he was and how intentionally every detail of his life was honored. These images also allow us to offer hope to other families facing a life-limiting diagnosis. They show that choosing life is worth it and that even in grief, there can be joy.

Brighton’s story is one of answered prayers and God’s faithfulness. Even as we walked through one of the darkest seasons of our lives, we could see how He was present in every detail.

We are so thankful that Brighton is our son. We chose to give him life and to fill his nine months with love, purpose, and joy. Even though he is not physically with us, he will always be a part of our family.

We know that Brighton’s life has meaning and purpose. God continues to show us how deeply He loves him. Our prayer is that Brighton is never forgotten and that his story continues to bring hope to others.

We hold tightly to the promise in Revelation 21:4:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

We believe this with all our hearts.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit, offers families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss with complimentary remembrance portraits, capturing precious moments with their babies. Your generous donation can help us extend this heartfelt service to more families in need. Please consider supporting us here.