We are sad at our house this weekend. Little Jonas Coleman, oldest son of Senior's sweet cousin Lindsay and Whit, passed away this week, a few weeks short of his third birthday. Born with SMA, a genetic, inherited disease that usually takes the little one's life before age two, Jonas' short life was not marked by typical milestones. He couldn't really speak, eat or move. But his beautiful blue eyes and strong, calm face as well as the strength and grace his parents displayed will always be imprinted in our minds. Because both Lindsay and Whit carry the gene that causes SMA, every child they conceive has a 25% chance of having SMA. The end of August their beautiful daughter Maggie was born. She, too, has SMA. You can learn more about the Coleman family on their blog http://coleman2family.blogspot.com// or check out a news story about them at http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=12164604
I am grateful that Jonas lived long enough to spend time here on earth with his little sis and that Lindsay and Whit could have the chance to see their two children interacting. Last month, Senior and I were out-of-town for a few days and Nana and Aunt Natalie and Aunt Missa took the kids to a fund-raising carnival for the Coleman Family. We were very happy that they were willing to fill in for us and support such a great cause. I like the quote Lindsay has on the header on her blog, " Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift...that is why it is called the present."
That's a very touching post. We'll keep the Coleman's in our prayers.
ReplyDeletei didn't know they were seniors cousins! my very dear friend from california knows them and i've heard her talk about them before. my friend's youngest daughter also has sma type 2. i've seen posts on her blog about the colemans. i hope they are doing ok. my friend's daughter just turned two so we are constantly praying for her - we have been friends with them before their youngest was born adn through all the trials and blessings that have come with their daughter. she is the sweetest girl. we'll add the colemans to our prayers as well.
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