Stunning Photos and Emotional Story of 19-week-old Baby who Lived for Only Moments after Birth

Lexi Fretz : Jul 2, 2013
LifeSiteNews.com

I'm still in shock at how much his photos have been shared and commented on. In his short life of just a few minutes he has touched more lives than I ever could have imagined. I have gotten messages from people all around the country who have experienced a loss or were just touched by his story.

The following are excerpts from a poignant article written by Lexi Fretz about the birth of her son Walter, who lived for just minutes after his birth at 19 weeks. Lexi's heartfelt account, and the remarkable photos taken of her beautiful tiny boy are striking reminders of how precious a life is—no matter how short.

Read Lexi's article in its entirety at the link provided.

Walter was breech so we were waiting on my water to break on its own and let nature progress at its own pace. I don't remember what time I started pushing, but I was not feeling the contractions anymore after my water broke, so I did have to push several times to get his tiny body out. He was born at 9:42 PM and he was handed up to me as soon as his cord was clamped.

I was crying so hard at this point but he was perfect. He was fully formed and everything was there. I could see his heart beating in his tiny chest. Joshua and I both held him and cried over him and looked over our perfect, tiny son.

I am so very glad that Joshua went to our vehicle and got my camera. At first I did not want any photos, but they are the only thing I have to look back on now. I'm still in shock at how much his photos have been shared and commented on. In his short life of just a few minutes he has touched more lives than I ever could have imagined. I have gotten messages from people all around the country who have experienced a loss or were just touched by his story.

I've even had a few people tell me that they were able to use his photos to reach out to a hurting woman who was contemplating an abortion. Just because the child within cannot be seen by us does not mean that he is a blob of cells. Walter was perfectly formed and very active in the womb. If he had just a few short more weeks he would have had a fighting chance at life. I don't understand why the Lord took him home, but I have to trust in His perfect timing. I may never know why, but it is a comfort to know where he is and that I will see him again. For now, he's with his Heavenly Father who loves him unmeasurably more than I, as his earthly mother ever could.