Devin and Steven were high school sweethearts in their early twenties, engaged, with a baby on the way in the spring of 2013.
While many other young, expectant parents may choose to abort a child and have a family after they are better prepared, this couple was beyond thrilled and never doubted the purpose of their baby. It was finally the week of delivery and they were ready to bring their daughter home.
On the way to the nearby city where they were set to deliver, an oncoming driver hit them at high speeds and lost his own life in the process. The crash was devastating and left Devin and Steven in critical condition.
After both were flown to the hospital, Steven underwent surgeries for multiple crushed bones and treatment for a severe head injury.
Devin was left in a coma for days barely surviving a crushed pelvis, shattered arms and legs, broken ribs, and every other injury you can imagine.
When Devin woke up, she asked about Madi. She was more than devastated to learn that her beautiful full term baby girl did not survive the crash. Madalyn Dutson was killed just before her scheduled delivery and her loss broke the hearts of all who knew of her.
How can anything good come from such tragedy?
Madalyn saved her mother’s life. If Devin had not been pregnant, she would be dead. Not only that, Madalyn protected her mother’s vital organs. Because of this, a younger brother was able to be born. Madalyn’s memory keeps her parents close together and inspires others. Many people live long lives and do little of value, but Madalyn lived only nine months in the womb, and she is a hero to her parents.
Devin says Madi had personality, moved to the sound of Steven’s voice when he came home, and flinched at vibrations and loud noises. She was a real human being – not a “clump of cells” or a mere “fetus.” This preborn child was just that: a child. She was unique, beautiful, and treasured. The tragic loss of her life has made people realize a preborn baby lost is a life lost.
Madalyn’s story has been spreading across the nation as a sign that the unborn truly do matter. People who supported late-term abortion have changed their beliefs after hearing her story. How can you claim the loss of a preborn baby in a car accident is tragic while supporting the killing of others just like Madalyn? How can you cry over miscarriages and stillbirths if you swear there is no real human to be lost until after birth?
Madalyn’s story reaches the hearts of everyone who hears it. Nobody can deny she was her own person. Madalyn showed people how much the preborn matter. She lived only in the womb, but she lived greatly. She may not be here today but she has already changed countless lives by proving an unborn child lost is a real child lost.
Madalyn will never be forgotten. She was not a mistake or an accident but rather a beautiful gift to the world, a hero to her mother, and an angel who made the way for her baby brother (pictured right, with Steve and Devin).
Showing the world the humanity of the unborn is so vital in the fight to defend them. People can’t continue to claim the children in the womb are anything other than children. By sharing Madalyn’s story, we can save countless more children by showing the world the beauty and humanity of the unborn.
Author’s Note: I was blessed to write the song, ‘Dolce Angeli’ for Devin and Steven. Written from Madalyn’s viewpoint, it is a song that lets parents know their child in Heaven is doing okay. Many women and men have said it has brought peace and comfort to them. I give Madalyn the credit for this song, as I feel as if it wasn’t me who wrote it, but that Madalyn and God were using me to give comfort to her parents.
You can listen to Madalyn’s song here. All profits from ‘Dolce Angeli’ downloads go to Devin and Steven’s medical expenses.
