Carl Lavar McMillan

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Our third son, Carl Lavar, blessed our family on Christmas morning.  A fetal echocardiogram on December 23rd showed no heartbeat, I was induced at 11AM on the 24th and he was born stillborn at 1:15AM on December 25th.  We couldn't think of a better birthday for him to share than that of our Savior.  It will forever be a day of hope and celebration for our family.  We know that through our Savior we will someday be reunited with and have the opportunity to raise our son.  We are comforted that he didn't need to suffer in this life and that through Christ his imperfect body will someday be complete and whole.  It was a very spiritual and peaceful experience for us.  We are humbled and grateful that we were chosen to be his parents and were able to help provide him with a body to complete his mortal mission.  We felt the presence of Carl's spirit during his birth and were blessed with words of comfort that we will forever cherish.  

Comments

Chelle said…
Oh Danny and Heidi, I can't even believe it. My heart hurts for you, but once again I am so impressed by your faith. It IS so beautiful that we have the Plan of Salvation, and how comforting to know that you WILL get the opportunity to raise this boy, who will be absolutely perfect, in the next life. I am curious about the name--who is Carl? And wow, you are right--to share the same birthday as the Savior. As always, we are praying for you, you are always in our thoughts, and we love you so much.
Love, Jared, Michelle, and Siena
12/25/08, 2:50 PM
The Simmons Family said…
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You have a beautiful Angel Carl watching over you until you meet again. What a celebration to be born the same day as our savior! I'm sad for you loss, but lifted by your amazing faith!

Merry Christmas to you all!!

Andrea
12/25/08, 5:51 PM
ChrisnDave said…
I'm choking on tears thinking about what you guys have been through. What a special, unforgettable Christmas - and it will make every Christmas to come that much more important and meaningful.
12/25/08, 6:37 PM
Ashley said…
Heidi, you are Danny are so strong. I was brought to tears when I saw your post. I can only imagine the spirit there this morning and that is a great gift that i'm sure will comfort you forever. The Plan of salvation is so amazing and awesome, to know that we will be with our loved ones once again. I love you and you will be in our prayers.
12/25/08, 7:47 PM
mindy said…
Heidi and Danny,
Your family is always in our prayers and especially now. To have this event occur at the holidays must be a time mixed with reflection and love. We are content that this happened now because you have so much family with you to support each other. To be born on Christmas Day will be a poignant reminder of Carl and how he shared Christ's love and passes it to you. Peace, Mike and Mindy Hall
12/26/08, 7:43 AM
Penny said…
Heidi, Danny, and family, you have been through so much. Your faith in the Lord is so beautiful and we pray that faith will guide you through this difficult time. Gary, Emily, Justin and I have you in our prayers and we love you all so much.
12/26/08, 8:42 AM
Jill said…
I have tears streaming down my face...what a time for mixed emotions. I am so sorry for your loss, but like you said how wonderful that he didn't have to suffer through this world. Christmas will mean that much more to your family now.
God bless.
12/26/08, 1:18 PM
liz said…
we love you baby carl!
12/26/08, 4:09 PM
Sherrie said…
Danny and family-
This is Sherrie from Layton & 41/67 at BYU. Jen sent me your blog address and I hope it's OK for me to say hello. I just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you all right now.
12/26/08, 10:01 PM
The MacMizzles said…
Danny, Heidi, Scott, and Tyler,

We love you so much, what a beautiful name, and a beautiful photo. I will be sending all my love your way. Aiden asks about Scott constantly. :)
12/27/08, 12:54 AM
Katie said…
Danny and Heidi,

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. What a trying time for your sweet little family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Love,
Mike and Katie Baird
12/27/08, 2:52 PM
Julia M. said…
Danny and Heidi, my heart aches for you. What an emotional Christmas it must have been. What a beautiful name for your baby. So many people loved LaVar here in Murray--the sealer yesterday at the temple remembered him from years ago, "LaVar was such a good man."
I have no doubt that you will get to see your baby again and raise him. Oh, I wish I could take away the pain!
12/28/08, 9:09 AM
Cardalls said…
We're so sorry for your loss. We hope that you are blessed with peace and comfort and also that you might heal well physically, and emotionally.

Remember that you are loved and admired by many, many people.
12/30/08, 12:32 PM
Em said…
Oh my, I had know Idea. I was talking with Danny on Sunday and felt like something wasn't the same with him....Now I know why!
Some day you have to make this whole blog into a book of your testimony....You are truly an inspiritation to me....thank you for sharing your life with us that we might be a strength to you as you are to us! My heart just sank and sank with each day I read....If you are ever in need of a great big "Tall" hug I am a pro! Really your family is in our prayers...
12/31/08, 3:57 PM
Stan Crump said…
Hey Heidi and Danny,
Your mom let us know about little Carl. I am so sorry to hear about it. It seems to me that you two have had more than your share of heartache and trials. Holly and I will keep you in our prayers.

Stan
1/1/09, 8:07 PM
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