Beautiful Baby Boy

Kristin Joy
Jul 30, 2017 · 3 min read
This is the real Charlie. The Charlie his parents knew and so desperately wanted to rescue.

Yesterday, July 28th, 2017, Chris Gard and Connie Yates lost their beloved son, Charlie Gard, after a battle with the rare disease Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome. Charlie was just 11 months and 24 days old. His parents were fighting for an experemintal treatment to be conducted to possibly help their son, but the hospital felt the treatment was no longer necessary. As a result of this, an emotional battle ensued between the hospital caring for Charlie, his parents, and the High Court, which eventualy ended up ruling on the side of the hospital. No longer could Charlie have the treatment the doctors had, at first, agreed to do. Yes. The doctors had agreed to attempt the experimental treatment, but withdrew after Charlie tragically suffered a series of siezures. His parents fought so hard, but in the end, the court won. Charlie would not get the treatment that was his last chance to surviving. When the time came for Charlie to be removed from life support, the High Court also denied his parents request to let him die at home. He was transferd to a Childrens Hospice and passed away there.


Charlie Gard, in need of experimental treatment.

Many of those following Charlie’s battle were heartbroken at the news of his death. Heartbroken for this precious boy who the courts decided wasn’t worth every last opportunity to live, and, heartbroken for his parents who, well, I won’t even presume to know their hearts. I am among the heartbroken. One who, night after night and day upon day whispered prayers for little Charlie. I truly believe he is at peace and in a place of unfathomable joy, but in the world he left behind, there is still deep sadness on his behalf.

Charlie Gard with his fiercely loving parents, Chris and Connie.

All this, soley to lead up to a tiny little tribute I have on my heart for Charlie. I shared it on Twitter, but decided to leave it here to make it more special. It’s honestly not much at all, but I couldn’t just let Charlie’s passing go unmarked in my life. So, this is for you, sweet, beautiful boy. Your story may fade from the headlines, but your life has left a very big mark…


Perfect little boy.

Charlie Gard. Precious little boy, loved beyond words by your parents and the world. Rest In Peace with Jesus. You are sick no more. Charlie, your parents displayed a fierce, heart aching love for you. They loved you with a love we can’t comprehend, but as their beloved son, you could. I truly believe you felt this. Your parents will be covered in prayers as they grieve and feel the great sorrow in losing you, precious boy. I will pray that Jesus blesses their broken hearts with love and comfort and gives them strength in their devastation of having to say goodbye to you. I truly believe you are with the angels and with Jesus in Glory. Men held you back from a chance to live, but God is now holding you, and the cruelty of this world can touch you no more. Charlie, precious, precious boy…rest sound, and dance in the light of Jesus.

Charlie Gard, August 4th, 2016-July 28th, 2017

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you…and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

~Excerpt from the book of Matthew, The Holy Bible

Kristin Joy

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