Counting On’s Joy-Anna Duggar has revealed several photos of herself with her stillborn child a week after a tragic miscarriage. Joy-Anna was five months pregnant at the time with a baby girl they intended to name Annabell Elise. The collection of pictures is a tribute and testimonial to her daughter’s short life.
Joy-Anna and Austin were married in May 2017 after a six-month courtship, and they celebrated the birth of their first child, Gideon, in February. The reality star had announced that she was expecting her second child with husband Austin in May. Unfortunately, on July 3, the parents disclosed the heartbreaking news on their Instagram page that they had miscarried.
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The couple posted a black and white picture of Joy-Anna in a hospital bed resting her forehead against her husband’s. In the caption, the two recount the moment they realized their child was gone after being informed that there was no heartbeat in the ultrasound. The couple wrote, “We don’t grieve as those who have no hope because we trust that we will see this little one again.” They also explained the meaning behind the expected name of their child, revealing that Annabell's meaning is “God has favored me," while Elise means, “God satisfies.” Now, Joy-Anna and her husband have reached out to social media once more, sharing their own cherished photographs of Annabell with the world via their personal Instagram. The caption wrote:
“We only had her for 20 weeks, Life is fragile and precious. So thankful the Lord gave her to us for that short time! She will be in our hearts forever! Thank you all for your love and support! We can feel the prayers!”
Joy-Anna’s family and friends also made sure their compassion was evident across social media. Joy-Anna’s sisters-in-law Anna and Lauren Duggar, left words of support - which were significant considering they had both also endured miscarriages. As devastating a moment it was, it brought together family and friends to not only grieve the passing of their baby, but to support Joy-Anna and Austin.
Joy-Anna’s parents, Jim and Michelle of 19 Kids and Counting, also conveyed sadness for the loss of the child, but indicated a sense of hope and comfort through their faith. Although Joy-Anna and her family is going through a difficult time, she clearly has a strong support system that will be there for her. If there is one thing the Duggar family has proven on Counting On, it's that they will always unite to rally around one another during both the good times and the bad.
Source: Austin and Joy Forsyth