Edith Pierce Williams

On March 5, 2012 (one day after her Uncle Christian’s birthday!), the sweetest little girl was brought into my family’s life.  I had no idea how much she would change my life or affect the lives of so many.
 
At 6 lbs, 5 oz., 19 inches long and a whole-lotta-Aunt Kat’s-sass, Edith “Edie” Pierce Williams was born!! Welcoming my second niece was so special and sentimental and our suspicion that Edie is a lil’ diva only makes Aunt Kat love her more.  She is less fussy in a cute outfit from her extensive wardrobe and likes her legs massaged…not to mention she has people wanting to hold her 24/7.
 
It has taken me a while to write this post because first and foremost I’ve wanted to respect my brother and sister-in-law’s privacy. In addition, I haven’t been able to muster up the courage to write anything. However, as a Christian and believer, I know that every prayer counts and prayer is powerful. This is why, with Patrick & Anna’s permission, I’ve chosen to share this with all of you.
 
On the Monday afternoon of Edie’s birth, my family received some devastating news. News that has proven to be the hardest journey of all of our lives thus far. On the day of her birth Edie was diagnosed with an extremely rare and fatal chromosomal abnormality. Her life will be short and it is up to God for how long – all we can do is love, pamper (Aunt Kat’s job) and care for her while she is here and support Patrick, Anna and Edie to the best of our ability – and as a Southerner I take that to mean prayer and food (WWPDD what would Paula Dean do) y’all. 

I cannot describe the love I have for this child or the admiration and respect I have for her parents…this child has captured the hearts of so many, most of whom have never met Edie.

 

When I see this incredible photo, taken in the first week of Edie’s life and captured by my brother and Edie’s dad, I will always remember a comment on CaringBridge:  “Newborns don’t normally smile with their eyes open. She has already seen the face of God! His beauty radiates through her face- which blesses us all.”

One diva to another–yep, she’s looking at me at only 2 days old…she gets it.

If I may ask something of all of you, my friends and friends of CBL, I ask that you send love, thoughts and prayers to this precious family. Please pray that Edie will learn to swallow and tolerate feeding by mouth. Please pray that as long as Edie is here with us that her life will be comfortable and that we can do everything possible to keep it that way. And please pray that God will continue to give Patrick and Anna strength and positivity and unite them as they handle this situation they have been placed in. As Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture, once said, “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”

To learn more about Edie, you can visit her CaringBridge page here.

“He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength.” Isaiah 40:29

“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

Your thoughts and prayers mean so much — so much that you will never know how appreciative we are. XO – 

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23 thoughts on “Edith Pierce Williams”

  2. Keeping ALL of you and the sweet baby girl in my daily prayers. God works in great ways that’s what we have to remember. Precious Baby girl we are all thinking of you and sending you more love then you will ever know 🙂

  3. that is the most beautiful baby girl! lots of hope and prayers y’all’s way

    Psalm 5:11-12
    But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

    swayze

  5. Making me cry this early in the morning would happen the one day I wear makeup to work, ha ha.

    You know I have my family praying for yall. In my thoughts always.

    Love all of you, esp the little one in pink I haven’t met yet.

  7. My heart goes out to the Williams family! I so wish I could send a meal or do something to help. You know I will add you all to the prayer list. She is such an angel.

  8. Oh my, I’ve already started to tear up. As a reader of your website and someone who is studying to become a nurse, I pray that God will have his healing hand on Edie. Please keep us updated. The fight is not over and Edie is surrounded with people of such powerful strength. She too has enormous strength.

  10. Kathleen,
    Well said…what a beautiful expression of your love and support for Anna and Patrick. Prayer works and I certainly join you in praying for Edie and her ability to swallow. I know God does have his hand on Anna and Patrick (and your entire family). He WILL give you strength and He will be close to the broken hearted. You may be a “diva”…but your heart is pure gold. Love and blessings from Dalton, Georgia.

  11. Kathleen,

    Thank you for posting this beautiful story on your blog. Adding love and prayers for this family is such a beautiful expression of your love for them. I continue to pray for Edie, Anna and Patrick and know that God will give them the graces they need to care for their little angel.
    Janice Ford

  13. Hi Kathleen,

    I came across your blog awhile back after finding Caroline’s, from when we all interned at Southern Progress. I’m so sorry to read of this news of your family. I have two older brothers who both recently had baby girls, so I know how amazing it is to be an aunt. I can’t imagine what your family is going through right now, but I hope that Edie’s progress continues to improve and that you can all endure through this difficult time. I will be thinking of you and your family.

    -Betsy McCallen

  15. Sending lots of love, prayers, and positive energy to your family and your beautiful niece.

  17. Hey girl, My warm wishes and prayers are with you and your entire family. I just know little Edie’s life will be so full of love! I’m wishing her all the happiness in the world 🙂 love ya!

  18. Thank you all for the incredibly sweet and touching words. Prayer means SO MUCH to all of us and we are so thankful for people like all of you.

    Ellen — thank you for that blog link!! My cousin, Ann Marie Smythe, mentioned this family to us and I hope that we can all get to know each other over time.

    Thank you all SO very much!!! XO

  19. Even though I do not know you personally, I am praying for sweet Edie, your brother and sister-in-law, and your family and friends. As a mother of a 2.5 year old, I can onlt begin to imagine what your brother and sister-in-law are going through. The thought of someone losing their child, especially their new baby, absolutely breaks my heart.

  21. It is with sadness that I am just now reading about your precious niece. What a joyful life she had (I just relived her first birthday). I am currently a physician in a pediatric palliative care training program and your experience is one I am all too familiar with! Try to focus on your blessings and time you spent together. As someone who reads your blog for fashion I also respect and relate to your personal posts. Stay strong!

  22. THE BRAVERY OF ALL OF YOUR FAMILY IS AMAZING. SO MANY HEARTS HAVE BEEN WITH YOU DURING ALL OF THIS……AS I WRITE THIS THE ANGELS HAVE COME FOR EDIE AND SHE IS IN THE ARMS OF OUR LORD.

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