A year ago yesterday, we saw a baby – swimming around. Heart beating. Perfectly healthy. Measuring right on track.
A year ago yesterday, we saw Joanna – the first time we could tell she had a cute, little nose. The first time I suspected she was indeed, a she.
A year ago yesterday, we told the world. Our Facebook announcement went live and the “likes” and comments started rolling in.
We were on top of the world.
I see a lot of people on social media posting pictures of their children, who are 1 or 2 or 3 or more. They compare a picture taken today, to a picture taken a year ago yesterday. And they say, “what a difference a year can make.”
True. This year made us parents. Made us loss parents. Gave us a daughter. Took her away. This year was the best we’d ever had, and the worst.
What a difference a year can make.
[Still] Gracious 
You and Bill are great parents, full of love for children, not only your own, but all children. We know Joanna is safe in Heaven with Jesus and many of our relatives who have gone before us. We also know that while that helps, we still hurt, we still love her, we still miss her, we still want her here. Dad and I love you honey, we pray that someday soon God will bless our family with another little Jacobson, to love, to hold, to watch grow, in the womb and out. We will always have Joanna, close in heart and close in mind.
I can relate so much to everything you said. What a difference a year can make. We became loss parents this year too. The best year and worst year of my life. I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious Joanna.
Your writing is beautiful and heartbreaking, and puts words on feelings that so many of us have trouble defining. Through Joanna, you impart this other gift that I’m sure you would give anything in the world not to have to do. I’m so sorry that you have to endure this pain. Hugs and prayers. ❤