After you read about Our Story below, please visit The Abby Grace Project by clicking the tab above. We have started this project as a way to honor our baby girl and to allow her to continue impacting this world as was God’s plan.
Our Story
We are two ordinary parents who had our first child on September 30, 2011. Her name is Abigail Grace, and she is a gift from God. On May 20, 2011, Abigail was given the diagnosis of Alobar Holoprosencephaly. You can read more about this day in our post Friday, May 20, 2011. Our hearts were broken to learn that she may not live very long on this earth. That day we left the doctor choosing to live each day with purpose, cherishing every moment we have with her. Each day we lift her up to our God knowing that He has a plan, and in it, He loves our Abigail unconditionally. This blog is about our life’s journey through this heartache and joy. Although a blog about our Abigail, it is more about the love of our God and His presence in our lives.
Why The Father’s Delight? we decided that when choosing our child’s name, we wanted to choose one with intention. We did not necessarily want to choose one that sounded good (although we did spend a few hours finding one that seemed to flow). Instead, our goal was to choose a name that meant something and hopefully a name that our child would live up to. So, Abigail was our first choice. By definition, it means The Father’s Delight. And that is just what she is. Not only to our Father God, but also to me. She is the most amazing, beautiful, and precious little lamb and is already showing to be made in the image of God. We leave you here with a video of our Abigail.
With God’s Love,
Jo Anna and Lyle Workman
Hang in there you two. I am still praying for you daily.
You know our thoughts are with all of you.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. I will be praying for your family and know that you have the support of the North Texas Derby Revolution! Cherish every second you are blessed by Abigails presence and have keep faith that God has this all planned out.
Your story has touched my heart. Your family is in my prayers!
The love of the Lord never ever stops. You are a true treasure of the Lords.
The story, written with Inspired word’s , is almost as special as Abby – an Angel with a purpose. Every baby comes here with a purpose and Abby’s, I believe, is highly evolved. She knows things most people do not so she is able to touch our hearts in the deepest places. She can show us what miracles are made of. As she joins her parents, who have had the courage and insight to take the inspiration and share. As a result, we will never be the same.
May all 6-7 lbs. of Abby, from head-to-toe be blessed by the warm glow of God’s Grace. No matter how long your mission is here Abby, I thank you for coming into my awareness. Thank you for touching my life with your purpose. You are everyone’s princess, indeed! We love you. And, I know you will know when your life’s work is done on Earth. Only God and you know that. Right now, we celebrate you and glad you are ours! God bless you and your mother and dad…
Lyle and Joanna,
I love you very much. If there is anything that I can do,please call me immediately. God is in the plan. He sent you a heavenly angel as a blessing to you and to her. God answers prayers. May god continue to keep and bless all three of you and your family. Love Ella Matthews
Two years ago, I lost a baby in the womb at 35 weeks. I know the anxiety of having to deliver a baby who is not perfect. We never knew what caused our baby’s death, only God knows. The baby, a boy, was fully formed and looked perfect in every way. The heartache and trauma of this loss were huge. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to experience in my life.
I am so happy for you that, in spite of the odds, you are getting to develop a relationship with your daughter. There is no price that can be put on that. When I held my lifeless baby, fresh from the womb, I was heartsick at the thought I’d never hear him cry or make little baby noises. I would never get to see him with his eyes open. I would never get to know him and who God created him to be. So, do cherish, cherish, cherish every living, breathing moment with your daughter. Even if the days are few, they are invaluable.
You are doing the right thing by taking lots of photos. When our baby was born, the hospital provided a photographer to us free of charge. It was awkward having this stranger in the room with us taking photos of our blue, floppy baby. However, the treasure of photographs he gifted us with is priceless. I keep a small album of them in my purse and pull it out anytime I want to. I was so afraid I’d forget our sweet son’s face, but now I never will.
God’s very best to your family and your sweet precious gift.
Our God specializes in the impossible, its all over the place in His book. Believe and receive a miracle for Abigail Grace.
Our home Bible study prayed for you as parents tonight, and thanked God for Abigail Grace. Thank you for being faithful to the Lord. Even those you don’t know are praying for you and blessed by your trust in our Father.
You are an example to all in trust in Him in all circumstances. May God continue to use you and bless you richly as you have blessed others in sharing this journey. Much love.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. You are courageous. Our Savior does love each of us. He has felt your pain and because eof the Atonement He can heal your heart. I know your precious Abigail Grace is with our Father in Heaven. God bless you and your family.
I am a friend of Ketti and I have been keeping up with your post through Ketti. My prayers and thoughts are you all. Know that God will take care of you all in your time of need. I know we never want to here that God has something else in store for whom he is taking home to the heavens but he does. My family went through a lost of a child on two years ago, she die right after she was born. So I know the feeling that you are feeling inside. Know that God has your back and will guide through all the pain and sorrow. I will prayer for you all.
Thinking about Abbie and you two. Wishing you peace today and everyday. Christy
Hey guys…I had no idea and somehow missed this. I volunteer for http://www.nilmdts.com I have encountered this pain personally with many families over the last several months. I am so glad you made this blog. I am praying for all three of you. Thank you for sharing your journey and more so for honoring God through it all. I have seen the pain and I am so very sorry for your suffering. I am happy however for your love of God and i can’t wait to see what he brings you to through this. Much love to both of you.
Hey Jo anna and lyle i dont think you really know me but you know my mom Holly Kirby, i heard your story and cried so much! I loved abby in my heart even though i didnt meet her….. she was truly a miracle baby! Hang in there you too….. I love you guys! love Hattie Kirby
i feel sorry for you two! i wished i could have met Abigail Grace… she was a great baby! i hope she has a great life in heaven……:)
What a precious and touching video you had put together. I look forward to reading more about Abigail through your blog- and talking to you in person! It was great meeting you last night! Thank you!!
We very much enjoyed meeting you and your family also. It was a joy, and I hope that we will get together soon again! Always know you can contact us at anytime if you find the need!
Jo Anna and Lyle