MEET THE NICHOLAS FAMILY
Our Story
We (Cary and Abby) were high school sweethearts who married in 1998. We decided we wanted to start a family. Weeks, month and years went by without a pregnancy. The only chance we had was to proceed with IVF (in vitro fertilization.) After feeling like a human pin cushion, the pain and emotional roller coaster was worth it. We were pregnant!!! Several ultrasounds later revealed that we were having identical twins. Each visit to the fertility clinic (which were MANY) gave us more hopes and dreams for these precious gifts from God. Baby A and Baby B were growing right on target. A few weeks after we found out we were having twin boys our hopes and dreams were shattered. Abby went into preterm labor at just 22 weeks gestation. Braden Lee and Brody Lee were stillborn on April 12, 2008 weighing just under a pound each. Today, we are thankful to the Lord that our family had the opportunity to see and hold both of our babies. In our eyes they were perfect! We cannot wait to hold Braden and Brody again in Heaven!
We had big plans for being parents to Braden and Brody, but the end plan was not the one we had dreamed of. God chose a different path for us. He blessed us with our 3rd son, Bryant on Mother's Day of 2012, our 4th son, Barrett in May 2017 and certainly surprised us with our 5th son, Brandon in June 2018!
God has opened many doors for me (Abby) to share our story and use it to help others. The Amelia Center connected me with many mothers who are new to the grief journey and I have been a mentor to many of them through a time when they feel like there is no hope. By sharing my experience with them it allows them to know and understand the emotions they face day by day and to let them know they are not alone. The Baby Steps Memorial Run has been a huge part of my healing journey and I am excited to see what each year brings for all of our families! Our 8 year old is so proud to be a part of something to help all of the families and to celebrate his brothers that he never met! I know the two younger boys will be the same!
Inspiration
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3