Prayers for Corbin

Why would anyone want a child like that? Some babies are born healthy. Some babies are born sick. Whether it's mental or physical, some infants have to work harder than others just to survive.

This question has been posed (sometimes whispered, sometimes not) by some who don't understand why a parent would want to "deal" with a child suffering from one illness or another. They look at life in numbers: the survival rate is low; the medical expenses are high; the life expectancy is short; or the difficult road ahead is long. So why bother?

Because it's your child. Because the moment you hear that heart beat, you promise to love and protect your baby at any cost. Because a parent's love trumps everything.

Photo courtesy of Kara McHenry

A parent whose newborn is clinging to life, hooked up to monitors, and struggling just to breath doesn't see what others might. She isn't weighing the cost of one procedure against the value of her baby's life. He isn't thinking this child will only be a burden to his family. They are parents. They are looking at their tiny miracle and thanking God for such a blessing.

One family in particular comes to mind when I think about this. You may have heard of, or even follow, a popular Facebook family's page, Prayers for corbin. With every post and every picture, I'm amazed at the strength and love shown by Kara and Shane McHenry. Their son, Corbin, was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 (a genetic disorder) and they were told to prepare for a stillbirth. As if they weren't facing enough obstacles, Corbin decided to arrive 8 weeks early... breathing, crying, and shaking his tiny fist at death.

Photo courtesy of Kara McHenry

Everyday has been a struggle and everyday has been a miracle. Kara and Shane chronicle their son's journey through Facebook. They don't let fear overcome. They don't pity themselves. They don't complain about nights spent in the hospital or medical bills. They don't see the limitations others have placed on their child. They just see Corbin - a beautiful little boy who defies the odds every single day. They see their little fighter. They see a blessing who wakes up every morning, makes them smile, and thinks, "Today will be a good day."

Photo courtesy of Kara McHenry

Corbin teaches them patience, love, and humility. He shows them what's truly important in life. He makes them smile and laugh in ways they've never known before.

Photo courtesy of Kara McHenry

This family is an inspiration. Where others might blame God for their hardship, the McHenrys thank Him for every miraculous day they spend with their son.

So why would anyone want a child like that? Because he's their child and he's already perfect.

To learn more about Corbin's journey or to find out how you can help, visit Prayers for corbin or http://www.gofundme.com/2ok1r4.