Perhaps no 13-week-old baby has touched the world like Nathan Isaiah (you can read the original story here). His family chose to share his story and an image of him, and it went viral. His story was shared countless times, and has been featured in many online publications.
A year later, Nathan’s story is still tugging at heartstrings, showing the humanity of children inside of the womb. Nathan’s mother, Allison, remains in awe of the impact of his short life.
“I mean, it means so much to me (more than words can say) that God has used Nathan in such a profound way. It does my heart so much good. The response to his little life was astounding and overwhelming to watch unfold in the days and weeks that it was first shared. I couldn’t believe how far it reached and I just pray that his life has been used to save the lives of others. “
Allison said she shared the image of Nathan because it powerfully shows that preborn babies are not “blobs of tissue,” as the abortion industry claims.
“I know some think that sharing his picture was over the top and even disgusting, but I would not have shared something so personal had I not known that, shocking as it may be, it could be the one thing that stops someone in her tracks before having an abortion.”
No one will ever replace Nathan, but his baby sister is a picture of redemption to the family. Allison and her husband have longed for more children, and this year, they found out Hadassah Joy was on her way.
Allison says this little girl quickly became the delight of her womb, even as she also reminded Allison of the loss of Nathan. While she was pregnant with Hadassah, Allison said:
“At first, when I found out I was pregnant once again, it hit me in a way I never expected because of how badly I longed to have another child: I first felt a strange sadness and protectiveness over that place that she now occupied because it still felt like Nathan’s place. My arms still felt very empty and that the only one who could fill that was Nathan. And in a way that is true—there is no replacement for Nathan, but, God redeems, heals, and brings new life, so it didn’t take long for my heart to celebrate the new life inside of me.”
When Allison went in for a routine ultrasound at 37 weeks, the doctor discovered Haddy only measured at 33 weeks. Due to intrauterine growth restriction, an immediate C-section was ordered to ensure safe delivery. Little Haddy was born June 29, healthy, though slightly small at 5 pounds, 15 ounces.
Haddy may have been born a few days before July 4, but Allison calls Haddy her “little firecracker.” Haddy was born with a full head of gorgeous red hair—a trait shared with Allison’s mom and sister Amy.
Two redheaded “firecrackers”: Aunt Amy and baby Haddy
Although Allison has experienced one of the greatest tragedies a parent can face, she has seen God’s redemption in this situation more than she could have dreamed. Nathan Isaiah’s short life has helped change lives, impacting individuals all over the world.
