Hana's Family
Jan. 5, 2021
We are Jarrod and Jodi Ridge, we have 6 children, 4 biological, 2 adopted. We had a heart for adoption prior to having our biological children which were unexpected blessings since Jodi dealt with endometriosis. Jodi’s desire for adoption actually began as a child, after her parents visited China. Our love for adoption comes through our relationship with Jesus Christ where He has adopted us into His family. It is a beautiful picture of this life-giving relationship we have with Christ. We marvel at the beauty of God’s grace in bringing families together.
When the Lord brought Elias to us (our 5th child), we were completely thrilled to say the least. Elias’ Noonan syndrome and uniqueness only awakened that love even more and fostered a desire for another baby with special needs. The Lord laid Down syndrome on our hearts. We believe that each baby is made in the image of God and has value and purpose. Each child is fearfully and wonderfully formed by the Creator with unique strengths, capabilities and talents. Jesus loves people with disabilities and sees great value in their lives. They are loved and each has special meaning to their lives.
We completed our homestudy in January 2020 and eagerly awaited the little one God might bring to our home. Early June, Stephanie with NDSAN connected us with Hana’s birth mother as she was strongly considering abortion… little did we know the road this would take us on.
We continually praise God for the picture of His redemption of us through Hana's precious life. Initially, when her biological mom was given the report of Down syndrome, she spiraled into depression and sought abortion. Her biological father pleaded with the Lord to save his little girl. After a series of visits to the abortion mill, the Lord answered his and other’s prayers and convicted Hana’s birth mom of her sin. She chose life for her baby girl! God completely changed her heart, bringing her from a place of seeking to end Hana's life to a place of amazing, sacrificial love for her daughter. All glory to God for His redemptive work!
While Hana's biological family grew in love for her, they did not feel they were at a place to be able to care for her special needs. They have given our family a gracious, beautiful gift of life through adoption.
But Hana’s battle was far from over.
She was born in October with Tetralogy of Fallot, as well as a large atrioventricular canal, a common complication of Down syndrome. She looked amazingly healthy after birth, all things considered. However, a week later her health quickly began to decline. During her 47 days in Intensive Care, she had surgery for a BT shunt; her heart stopped, requiring 53 minutes of CPR; she was on full life support for nine days; and she endured a second surgery for the Sano shunt and a late chest closure due to inflammation. After the last surgery, the doctors were out of options. And we were left, once again, facing the thought of losing our sweet Hana.
But God...
Once again, He spared her life, and she has been improving ever since. Hana came home at 7 weeks of age. We have been so blessed! We continue to pray that she grows strong and healthy in preparation for open-heart surgery in a few months.
Together, we grow in relationship with her birth family and join in prayer for the Lord to save and heal Hana for His kingdom. May God receive glory from her life. And may He receive glory as we petition Him for healing and finances to cover her medical and adoption expenses.
