Why Trisomy 13? - Gabriel's Story
The Karner Blue Butterfly
The Karner blue butterfly usually only goes through two generations each year. In April, the first group of caterpillars (larvae) hatch from eggs that were laid the previous year, and they feed only on wild lupine plant leaves. In mid-May, the caterpillars pupate and adult butterflies emerge from their cocoon-like chrysalis by the end of May or in early June.
During their short 3-5 day life span (the shortest of any butterfly species) the adults mate, and the females lay their eggs in June on or near wild lupine plants. The eggs hatch in about one week and the caterpillars feed for about three weeks. They then pupate and the Summer's second generation of adult butterflies appears in July. These adults mate and lay eggs that will not hatch until the following Spring.
So, this is it? The purpose for creating these beautiful little speckled blue and orange butterflies was for them to procreate perpetually?
Sometimes, God's purpose for things isn't as obvious as we expect it to be...
During their short 3-5 day life span (the shortest of any butterfly species) the adults mate, and the females lay their eggs in June on or near wild lupine plants. The eggs hatch in about one week and the caterpillars feed for about three weeks. They then pupate and the Summer's second generation of adult butterflies appears in July. These adults mate and lay eggs that will not hatch until the following Spring.
So, this is it? The purpose for creating these beautiful little speckled blue and orange butterflies was for them to procreate perpetually?
Sometimes, God's purpose for things isn't as obvious as we expect it to be...
As many times as I watch this video and just simply cry for this family. God Bless You little Thomas...I know your Mommy and Daddy loved you very much and will meet you again in Heaven.
The purpose lies in the children...
Photo by Paul Labus, The Nature Conservancy, Indiana.
The purpose lies in the life of the pupae, not in the short life span of the adult butterflies.
Like many members of the Lycaenid butterfly family, Karner Blue pupae are “tended” by ants as they secrete small quantities of a liquid from a gland on the top rear of their bodies. Studies have shown that these secretions contain sugars and in some cases amino acids, that provide food to the ants. The infant butterfly receives something in return from the grateful ants: protection from predators and parasites.
The pupae that have been tended by the ants are far more likely to survive than those that do not have attendants.
The children are the ones who protect the life and purpose of the adults.
Like many members of the Lycaenid butterfly family, Karner Blue pupae are “tended” by ants as they secrete small quantities of a liquid from a gland on the top rear of their bodies. Studies have shown that these secretions contain sugars and in some cases amino acids, that provide food to the ants. The infant butterfly receives something in return from the grateful ants: protection from predators and parasites.
The pupae that have been tended by the ants are far more likely to survive than those that do not have attendants.
The children are the ones who protect the life and purpose of the adults.
What Does This Have to Do With Trisomy 13?
Trisomy 13 (T13) was named Patau's syndrome after the doctor who first described the extra chromosome in 1960. In T13, there are three number 13 chromosomes in every cell instead of the normal pair. The extra genetic material affects every stage of the development of the baby, and these trisomies are the most common chromosomal disorders after Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome).
Our new baby, Gabriel Matthew Reitz was diagnosed with a severe case of T13 following his 15 week ultrasound. Although his body is imperfect, his purpose is still part of God's perfect plan. At 20 weeks, he went home to be with the LORD in Heaven. We lifted Gabriel up in faith and left the entire thing up to God. Just like with the Karner Blue butterfly, each and every life serves a purpose. Gabriel's life was sacred in God's eyes and although we never met or held our little boy here on Earth, we know will see him in Heaven. Please take a moment to search through our site to learn more about him and others like him.
This was an amazing journey as we learned how God worked, and continues to work, through our son. Thank you so much to all who thought, prayed, and cared about us during this most unbelievable time. We love you all so very much! May God bless you and keep for all of the days to come. Gabriel, we love you with all our hearts and will wait for the day we finally get to hold you in Heaven.
God Bless You,
Eddie, Karen, Alex, Morgan, Braydon, Kennedy, and Gabriel (and Durango the dog...)
Our new baby, Gabriel Matthew Reitz was diagnosed with a severe case of T13 following his 15 week ultrasound. Although his body is imperfect, his purpose is still part of God's perfect plan. At 20 weeks, he went home to be with the LORD in Heaven. We lifted Gabriel up in faith and left the entire thing up to God. Just like with the Karner Blue butterfly, each and every life serves a purpose. Gabriel's life was sacred in God's eyes and although we never met or held our little boy here on Earth, we know will see him in Heaven. Please take a moment to search through our site to learn more about him and others like him.
This was an amazing journey as we learned how God worked, and continues to work, through our son. Thank you so much to all who thought, prayed, and cared about us during this most unbelievable time. We love you all so very much! May God bless you and keep for all of the days to come. Gabriel, we love you with all our hearts and will wait for the day we finally get to hold you in Heaven.
God Bless You,
Eddie, Karen, Alex, Morgan, Braydon, Kennedy, and Gabriel (and Durango the dog...)
"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him." - Psalms 127:3 (NLT)
