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Baby Zion's mother: Even through loss, we are 'anchored in hope'

When they found out during pregnancy that their son had a fatal genetic disorder, Robbyn and Josh Blick decided to make the most of whatever time they had with him. Devout Christians (Josh is a youth pastor), they documented their time together with pictures and video. The video of Zion Isaiah Blick’s 10 days of life has gone viral, touching hearts all over the world. Here, Robbyn Blick explains
Robbyn Blick and Zion
robbynblick via Instagram

When they found out during pregnancy that their son had a fatal genetic disorder, Robbyn and Josh Blick decided to make the most of whatever time they had with him. Devout Christians (Josh is a youth pastor), they documented their time together with pictures and video. The video of Zion Isaiah Blick’s 10 days of life has gone viral, touching hearts all over the world. Here, Robbyn Blick explains why they did it.

About 20 weeks into my pregnancy, my husband and I received news that all parents fear. Our son was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder described as "incompatible with life." The doctors told us the facts, statistics, and their experiences of babies with this diagnosis. Every word brought fear, questions, uncertainties, and doubt. Our faith and everything we've ever believed in since a young age was challenged. But we made a choice.

As we continued with the pregnancy, each doctor’s appointment and the anticipation of Zion's arrival brought more moments of fear and uncertainty. There’s a passage in the Bible that has been written on my heart for many years: "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul…" (Hebrews 6:19). This hope is where we found the strength to carry on. God has given us the most amazing family and church and friends who have walked alongside us, supported us, and prayed throughout this unthinkable journey.

Every life, no matter how small, is important and has a purpose. Knowing this truth and also the diagnosis of our son, we chose to celebrate his life, no matter how the odds were stacked against him. We decided to document as much of Zion's life through pictures and video because we knew our time with him was uncertain. We were blessed with the most precious gift for 10 days. After Zion's passing, our talented friend took these precious memories and created this video as a tribute to our son. It is priceless.  

I am amazed how Zion's story has spread across the world. A story of a family who loved a little life. A life that was seen as imperfect to earthly eyes. A life that was given very little hope. Psalm 50:2 says, "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth." We prayed from the very beginning of this journey, that whatever the Lord chose to do with the little life, our precious son, that God would be glorified. If even only one life is changed, one person learns of the love of God, then his life brought glory to God.  

Our other children walked this journey with us and learned their little brother was not healthy, and expected to die. My first thought was to protect them and keep their innocence. They are too young to know of death and loss. Then, as we prayed together as a family, I saw my boys learn that life has purpose and meaning beyond our understanding. There is a God who loves us and carries us through our pain and suffering. We began to see the truth and hope of heaven as our home. One day, we will reunite with our precious son, their brother. 

The journey was long. My heart was broken. My body grew weary. But my soul was anchored. Anchored in hope.