Many couples long to have children, but it doesn’t happen effortlessly for everyone. One husband and wife had almost given up on their dream of having kids when something miraculous happened.
They had a little boy, and he meant the world to them! The couple couldn’t imagine life without him, but tragically, they did not have many years with their son.
Joanne Corry of Belfast, United Kingdom, and her husband John spent a decade trying to grow their family. They were unsuccessful for such a long time that news of a pregnancy caught them off guard.
The parents waited anxiously for news about their precious child, and they couldn’t believe their worst nightmare was becoming a reality.
Joanne and John turned 40 and experienced the most joyful moments as they became parents. Their son, Lucius, was born with Down Syndrome and two holes in his heart. However, it never hindered him or his happiness.
The little boy developed well and even started his primary education at Harberton Special School in 2021. However, he felt unwell during a trip to Funtasia Theme Park in 2022. The mother shared:
“He just wasn’t himself. He didn’t want to go swimming. He fell asleep in the pram, and when he woke up, I asked him if he was ok, and he told me no.”
The family went home, and after other worrying symptoms, they rushed Lucius to the hospital. Staff at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children were ready to receive him and tried to save his life for 40 minutes.
The parents waited anxiously for news about their precious child, and they couldn’t believe their worst nightmare was becoming a reality.
Tragically, the medical team’s efforts were unsuccessful, and Lucius died. The heartbroken mom expressed:
“Our lives have just [fallen] apart. I don’t know how we will ever cope without him.”
The medical team grieved with the shattered parents and gave them alone time with their boy. Joanne wrapped her son in a blanket before singing him a song through her tears.
She knew their lives would never be the same again because their “lives revolved around Lucius.” The mom added:
“He brought our family so much closer. He was like a jigsaw part that was missing. He made us the happiest people when he came into this world. Nothing held that boy back. He was our wee superhero.”
Joanne was grateful for the “unbelievable” service at the hospital. She noted that the doctor was visibly devastated when he delivered the terrible news of their son’s passing.
The genuine care and concern meant the world to the parents. Joanne shared: “The staff was amazing. They were standing crying, [heartbroken] when we had to let him go. I don’t know how they do it.” She added:
The parents would remember their son as the most loveable child. He was affectionate and spread joy wherever he went, always smiling and telling people he loved them.
John joked and said his wife had her phone glued to her hand. Now, they were grateful because she had documented all the small and significant milestones. They clung to the memories and would never forget their miracle baby boy.
The family was immensely thankful for the love and kindness from community members, friends, and strangers. In their time of devastation, they had people to depend on. Joanne said:
“We can’t thank people enough for the support they have shown us. The people have been amazing, they can’t do enough. Our house is like a shop with the amount of milk and tea bags we have been sent over.”
The little boy’s funeral was held on August 12, 2022, and Joanne asked all attendees to honor her son uniquely. She wrote:
“We would love for anyone attending the funeral to wear something pink as this was Lucius’ favorite color and his favorite color to say.”
Loved ones also shared their sadness online. Maura O’Neill said: “You are already missed beyond belief, the most beautiful boy in the world. I loved watching you grow the last five years.”
Commenters offered the family their condolences and sent prayers for strength their way:
“Thinking of you all. Sending lots of love to his mummy and daddy at this heartbreaking time.”