Roy Brian Stehmeier

Roy Brian Stehmeier (my cousins first baby) was born with a genetic disease called surfactant deficiency. This means that his body does not make a protein that keep his lungs open for breathing. We were told that there is no cure or treatment. This is a very rare disease, in the few cases that have been seen most children only live to be 3 months old.
Nadia and Travis were both tested and are both carriers of this terrible disease. There is a 1 in 4 chance this could happen to their other children.
This is what she typed up a few days later on face book:

"Our sweet baby boy, Roy Bryan Stehmeier, left our arms this morning and returned to his Heavenly Father. The past six weeks have been the most special and amazing weeks of our lives. For six weeks Travis and I were privileged to spend time with one of God's angels, a very special spirit and son to us. We will miss him greatly, but we know that we will be a family forever and will one day be reunited with our sweet boy. We are so grateful that Heavenly Father chose us to be Roy's parents, he will forever be in our hearts. May Heavenly Father watch over and protect our son. Roy, God be with you until we meet again. We will love you forever!"

A few days later they buried their sweet baby boy in Santa Barbara, California. I can't imagine how deeply painful that must of been for them. Our prayers and thoughts are with you both!


Nadia then wrote a note to Roy saying,
"To Roy: Save our place in heaven, we will do everything we can to join you one day. We will love you forever and cannot wait to see you again! God be with you until we meet again :)"