She sits at her desk early in the morning before her 3 year old runs into the room.  Her emails and facebook posts are infused with smiley faces and 'fun' words that it seems all is well and life has moved on.  But it's at that moment a tear falls from her face as she remembers what she has lost.  As each month passes a new anniversary approaches and Jess & Ryan mourn the loss of what could have been.

Jess often has a brave face and is one of the most emotionally stable people I know however it's those days I get a text from her saying 'I spent all morning crying' that my heart aches for her.  The days we chase our children at the playground but then she takes off her sunglasses and I can see tears well up in her eyes. 

On June 4th, Jess & Ryan (and Beckem, 3,) lost their baby girl, Isla Joi.  She was born at 23 weeks but due to many complications did not survive.  Having known people who could not get pregnant, have miscarried babies, had stillborn babies both at mid-term and full term, as well as babies who have passed away after being integrated into a family...all have a level of pain and suffering that is hard to comprehend.  All have memories and a place in the families heart!

Now...life is suppose to go on right!?  The posting of fun pics they continue to do as a family of 3...but all the while knowing they could have been a family of 4. As the due date approaches more emotion is to come but the thing I love most about this family is they are REAL!  Jess is not one to sit at home and cry all day despite the fact that she may want to.  She will never post on facebook a 'woe is me' story.  She will always try to show her thankfulness for what they have and how she can enjoy life and be content with where God has them right now.  It's hard and maybe it's not always exactly how she feels but I think it's a way to move on without forgetting. 

As medical bills start arriving on top of the other unexpected expenses life brings I decided to set up a charity fundraiser for them.  We all have life expenses but it's amazing what can happen when people come together!!

I wanted to pay tribute and honor Baby Isla Joi.  I love that Joi was her middle name.  When I first worked with Jess (Jessica Joi Caskey) as a nickname at work I called her Joi...'Joi to my world' to be exact.  And that's what she is...JOY in my life and I know Isla Joi would have brought them much JOY!

If you would like to contribute and support the Caskey's please click the link below.  The fundraiser ends August 31st.  AND to those who have already donated A HUGE THANK YOU...your love & support means the world to them!!   They are so grateful and humbled by all the LOVE!

'GIVE FORWARD'  

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/mqk2/in-loving-memory-of-baby-isla-joi?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_share_stream.share&utm_campaign=dashboard_overview_T1&og_action=hug&t=3&fb_ref=1106843

Photo Credit: Brooks Scribner Photography

View More: http://brooksscribner.pass.us/caskey-family-2013