In 2002, when Missy learned she was expecting her second child, her heart was filled with joy and eager anticipation. Even though she was already a loving mother to two sons she adored, this pregnancy brought a renewed sense of excitement into their household. The idea of welcoming another baby made her think about the future—tiny outfits, bedtime songs, and the unique bond her children would build together. For both Missy and Jase, it felt like they were stepping into a beautiful new season of family life.
Sadly, that happiness was short-lived. Around eight to ten weeks into the pregnancy, Missy experienced a miscarriage. By then, she had already formed an emotional connection to the life growing inside her. She had shared the joyful news with loved ones and allowed herself to imagine the months ahead. That made the loss cut even deeper. There had been enough time for hope to take root—enough time to picture their baby—before everything abruptly changed.
The miscarriage left her not only physically drained but emotionally shattered. Missy later spoke candidly about the intense mental pain she went through. In addition to grieving the baby, she had to face the painful necessity of undergoing a medical procedure to remove the pregnancy. That reality added another layer of sorrow, making the loss feel painfully final. She was left wrestling with grief, confusion, and the lingering question of what might have been.
In Missy’s situation, the pregnancy was tubal, also known as an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when the embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Such pregnancies cannot develop normally and can pose serious health dangers to the mother. For any parent, learning that a pregnancy is not viable is heartbreaking. Beyond the medical facts lies the emotional weight of letting go of a future that had already begun to take shape in their hearts.
Even through that deep sorrow, Jase and Missy clung to hope. They leaned heavily on their faith, on each other, and on the support of their family as they slowly worked toward healing. In time, they received news that Missy was pregnant again. The announcement brought both excitement and careful optimism. After their loss, fear was unavoidable, but they still allowed hope to return.
Not long after, they discovered they were expecting a daughter. They chose the name Mia, a name that quickly became deeply meaningful to them. Yet their joy was mixed with uncertainty. Doctors informed them that Mia would be born with a congenital condition, meaning she would face physical challenges from the very start of her life. The news carried both gratitude and worry. They were thankful for the chance to welcome their daughter, but they knew her path might include difficulties.
When Mia was born, Missy was overcome with emotion. Holding her daughter for the first time filled her with love, but also fear. Thoughts of surgeries, therapies, and future hurdles crowded her mind. She wondered how their family would handle what lay ahead and how Mia would navigate the world. The responsibility and uncertainty felt overwhelming in those first moments.
Jase approached the situation with a different perspective. While he recognized the challenges, he chose to focus on the blessing of Mia’s life rather than the hardships attached to it. Where Missy felt fear, he offered comfort. Where she saw obstacles, he saw strength waiting to emerge. Together, they began to realize that although their family’s journey might look different from what they once envisioned, it would still be guided by love, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.