The beginning of 2015 started out with excitement when Hayley and her husband Alex learned they were expecting a baby girl. Oh, the planning that began! The endless fun conversations of name choices, nursery ideas, future hopes for their daughter. And then one day, a conversation with medical staff that turned their world upside down. Their daughter was diagnosed with Potter's Syndrome. She would not survive birth. The new parents were encouraged to end the pregnancy. But these parents chose a different path. They named their daughter Payton Grace. Payton means "regal or royal" and also carries with it the idea of a warrior. Hayley chose to carry her baby as long as God allowed Payton life.
Stillborn - a term used to describe the death of a baby before or during delivery. Yet how do you describe the depth of loss felt by the mother as she holds her baby who was loved, prayed for, longed for, and yet passed straight into the arms of Jesus.
"Regal Warrior " celebrates Payton's life. And her parents courage. It's based on a Gladiolus, which symbolism courage and the warrior spirit - a fitting description of this family.
