Benjamin James & Lillian Ruth

This isn't about the tears that fell or the events that will be missed. This story is about the miracle of life. This story is about love.

It began with the joyous 20 week ultrasound where Mommy and Daddy discovered the life of their twin boy and girl. Making plans to buy their cribs on Saturday. Friday morning, 4:30 AM, Mommy was getting contractions, followed by her water breaking. Doctor's were afraid that there was an infection in Mommy's uterus. Preparing to do an ultrasound, Mommy began bleeding. Without a choice, Mommy had to deliver.

Baby Boy was born first. Daddy took Baby Boy in his hands. He was so tiny, only 9 inches long. He blessed him with a name, Benjamin James. Daddy told Benjamin that while he may not be here long, he is loved dearly by his parents.

Baby Girl was then born. Daddy took Baby Girl in his hands and blessed her with a name, Lillian Ruth. Lillian Ruth, Daddy said, you are dearly loved by your parents and take care of your brother.

They lived for 45 minutes. Daddy held them as they left this mortal world.

Mommy and Daddy held their babies, held each other, and cried.

Family gathered together for Benjamin and Lillian's funeral. Wrapped together in blankets of love. Surrounded with treasures of love. Friends of Mommy and Daddy shared their thoughts of love for this little family.

With tears in her eyes, Mommy shared her thoughts and knowledge of the tragic events. But most importantly, Mommy shared the miracle of life with her friends and family. Along with the miraculous Atonement. How special our my babies, Mommy shared, that "they are far too perfect for this imperfect world".

Daddy didn't want to be speaking at his babies' funeral. Benjamin is more reserved and laid back, like his Mommy, Daddy said, Lillian is more spunky. Daddy shared stories of what Lillian would be saying and doing, even though she's no longer here. And she will be taking care of her brother.

Family and friends followed Mommy and Daddy to the grave site. Daddy shared how gorgeous the day was and that's the way it should be for his babies. Without knowing what to say, family and friends sang:

God be with you til we meet again
Keep love's banner floating o'er you
Smite death's threat'ning wave before you
God be with you til we meet again
God be with you til we meet again

Daddy picked up the babies' tiny casket, preparing to put them in their grave. He stood there, holding them, crying. He didn't want to do it. He didn't want to have to bury his own children.

He knelt down and lowered the babies into their tiny grave. Daddy didn't want someone else to bury his babies. He did it himself as tears rolled down his face. Friends gather round, each taking a shovel to help him bury his children. When the task was done, Daddy knelt, buried his face in the ground, and cried. Mommy's tears flowed without a halt. It had happened. They had buried their only children. They held each other and cried.

While friends and family's eyes had also filled with tears. The feeling that had filled their hearts had turned from sorrow to peace and love.

As a final gift to Mommy and Daddy, they had been given a blanket for each child with their name and birth date. And also, a painting. When Mommy saw the painting, tears flowed down her cheeks. A boy and a girl were happy. They were with Jesus and they were happy. Mommy believed that her babies are like that at that moment.

Such sad events, these are, but an eye opener to the miracle of life and the love of parents. While I had cried for Mommy and Daddy's loss, I was awed by the life of Ben and Lilly. The connection between parents and children was evident. Amazed by the likeness of Ben and Lilly to their parents. I could stare at their pictures all day and continue to be awed. I am blessed for being at their funeral and I hope that anyone who reads their story will also be blessed with Ben and Lilly's spirits of peace and love.

For it is true. They were loved.

Here's your song, Mommy.