John McKenzie’s Story — A Miracle in a Moment
The Words of Hope.
At Jobe — The Road to Healing, we believe that no parent should ever walk through the loss of a child alone. By sharing our stories, we honor the lives of our little ones and remind one another that love, faith, and healing are possible — even in the midst of grief.
Early in my pregnancy, doctors noticed developmental issues with my baby, John. It led to a surgery while he was still in my womb to help relieve pressure on his kidneys. By the time of his birth at just 26 weeks, one kidney had already failed.
On November 17th, despite the odds, John came into this world and took a breath — a miracle in itself.
I held him in my arms as he turned a grayish blue, surrounded by my family and the caring medical team who had fought for his life. Those few moments with him were both heartbreaking and sacred.
Everything about that day felt unreal. Time stood still. While I tried to process what had happened, my family quietly made the arrangements I never knew needed to be made — planning a funeral, choosing a resting place, handling the things no parent imagines facing. I was just experiencing lactation for the first time, still feeling the physical reminders of motherhood, even as I searched for a dress to wear to my infant son’s funeral. The grief was overwhelming at times.
Yet, in the middle of all that pain, I felt surrounded by love — God’s love, and the love of family and friends who covered me in prayer and care. They carried me in prayer when I could not carry the grief myself.
Eternally grateful…
Today, I remain deeply grateful for every person who showed up for me during that time. Their compassion gave me strength, and now, I hope to do the same for others — to be a source of comfort and light for families who are walking through the darkness of loss.
John’s life, though brief, continues to remind me that even the smallest moments can carry infinite meaning. His breath was a miracle, and his memory continues to breathe life into my faith and purpose.
If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a child, please know you are not alone. Jobe: The Road to Healing is here to walk beside you, offering prayer, comfort, and community as you find your own road to healing.
Today, on the anniversary of John’s death, it feels fitting to be part of this mission. May I honor him, by helping those who will come after him.
“My Hope, is that other women will experience the same peace that I was so fortunate to have experienced.”
- Hope, mother of John.
I was so fortunate to have received hand and foot castings of my son as an act of charity by the hospital. Here are the photos I wish to share with all of you.
