Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Brody John Purcell

Our 6th grandchild, Brody John Purcell, son of Jared and Nikelle and little brother to Molly was silently born Friday, June 23.  He was perfect and beautiful. 

Nikelle felt that something was not right on Thursday morning and went to the Doctor's office where they could not find a heart beat, and did an ultrasound and confirmed that little Brody had passed on.  Nikelle called me about noon and told me the unbelievable news.  She was 37 weeks along.  Blake happened to be off work that day, so we headed for Idaho Falls to be with Jared and Nikelle.  There were many tears shed, and hugs given.  Blake and Jared gave Nikelle a blessing and soon after, I could feel a peace enter their home.  Nikelle says as the afternoon went on, she felt like she had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders.  She was still scared, but felt calm and peaceful.  Soon, Brian came, then Randy, Courtney and Ryder.  Blake, Randy and Brian gave Jared a blessing, and the feeling of peace just increased.  Celia, Maden, Annie and Clark came soon too, we all just needed to be together and be as supportive as possible.  

Jared and Nikelle left for the Mountain View Hospital at about 6:15.  They asked for me to come to the hospital after they were all situated in the room.  I got there about 8:00pm and they were just putting her epidural in.  There were many little and some large tender mercies that night, I am sure they were not coincidences.  The staff at the hospital was so kind and respectful, the epidural worked great and was a wonderful blessing for Nikelle. Her nurse was amazing, so sweet and kind.  As the night progressed, she told Nikelle that she had gone through a similar ordeal and that is why she went into nursing because her nurse had made all the difference. Nikelle's parents live in New Hampshire and when Nikelle called her mom to tell the sad news, her parents were 10 minutes away from the Boston Airport, taking some friends to catch a plane to Salt Lake.  Lori was able to get on the flight with with their friends and got to the hospital about 1 hour before the delivery. 

As things progressed and the delivery would be soon, Lori and I left the room.  The delivery went really smoothly and Nikelle said she was calm and peaceful. He was born about 2:30am.  The staff told them to take as much time with Brody as they needed. Lori went in to see the baby and I waited for Blake.  Blake had gone and slept at his mothers for a while. When he came, we went in to see Brody and Jared and Nikelle.  He was 6lbs 9oz and perfect.  I knew when I held him that I was holding an angel.  There was no doubt in my mind that this was just his body, and that his spirit is living and he is where he should be, it was a very sacred experience.  After awhile, Randy and Courtney came, then they went back to stay with all the kids and Brian and Celia came. We were all sad, but all felt the peace in the room, I don't even know how to describe it.

I am so thankful that we have some pictures to help us remember Brody.  We now have one grandchild that did not have to be tried and tested, he just needed to get a body.  I know that he waiting for us to join him!


All I could do was tell Brody that I love him and to prepare the way for us.  Blake had to work at Mountain View that morning, so came one last time before he started work.

A sweet photographer came and took some precious pictures.  

They did an autopsy and determined that his cord had been twisted so much that it wouldn't let the blood and poisons leave his body. Jared and Nikelle have been so strong and have such faith that Brody only needed to get a body, and he did that and now is living on and waiting for them to join him.

The next step was planning a graveside service.  We would have liked to have had it Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon, but due to some things out of our control, it was decided that it would be held on Saturday, July 1st.  That turned out to be another blessing because Cindy and Ken surprised us by showing up at our house on Friday.

It was a beautiful service and so many many people came to support Jared, Nikelle and Molly.

I am so grateful for my knowledge that this family is forever!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

My heart hurts so much for the little family and I am amazed at the same time by the faith and inspiration they (and you) have been through this. It's made me be what I hope is a better mom by being a little more patient with my kids, giving them more hugs and holding them closer than I did before. Love you all.

chelseyandmatt said...

Thanks so much for sharing your sweet testimony! Nikelle and Jared showed so much strength through all of this, it's such a great example to us all.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry for this trial for your family. You are wonderful examples and I'm glad to know you. Thank you for sharing your testimony of eternal families.