Layla's Legacy: Marching for babies

Layla Grace Pettway

Zephaniah 3:17-20 "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. ... At that time I will gather you; and at that time I will bring you home."

As most of you know, we lost our baby girl just two days after she was born. Many people that we love rallied around us offering support and love during that time and still continue to do so today. Layla Grace was born 13 weeks premature. A carbon copy of her identical twin sister...I can only imagine what it would be like to have her here today. Making the same silly faces Briley does and hugging my neck each night saying "oh night mama". God has given me peace. Not to say that each day isn't a struggle, but I smile when I think of Layla and rejoice in the moment that God calls me home and I give her all the kisses I want. It is because of the March of Dimes that our Briley Kate has life today. She did not have the same birth defect her sister had, but she was so tiny. The ground-breaking work the March of Dimes does on a daily basis gives babies like mine a fighting chance at life. She hugs her momma and daddy each night because of our doctors, NICU nurses and research completed by organizations committed to the cause of prematurity. Its an organization that is near and dear to our hearts and is the reason that so many babies are being held by their mothers and fathers today. They have LIFE. We are walking for Layla's Legacy and in honor of Briley on April 30, 2011 in Memphis, TN. The walk is a 4 mi walk and money raised goes to support babies like my girls. This organization might not have touched your life in a personal way, but if you are a parent, wife, sister, mother, father, or brother chances are at some point in your life you will encounter someone who has had a premature baby. If you know Briley...and get to feel the warmth of her love then you should raise your hands and praise God that an organization like this exists.

Our team name is Layla's Legacy. We would LOVE for you to join our team and walk with us on April 30. However, I realize that some of you live very far away...please consider donating to our cause. Your love, support and prayers have made a difference in our lives and for that I am truly thankful so please do not feel pressured to donate, but we would love to have you walk with us in honor our children. Please go to
http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1515777 from there you can join our team to walk, donate money, or help raise money. We have a team goal of raising $2000.

Love,

Leanne and Brian