Taylor Bloomquist asked if I’d be interested in reviewing Our Hope for Isabelle, even though it was different from other books I have blogged about. Isn’t that the greatest part of reading – you can choose what appeals to you and dive right in?

Taylor didn’t know it, but at a former time, I was a Special Populations Director. I looked forward to taking sixty-five physically or mentally challenged adults bowling on Thursdays. We also went on field trips, attended dances, and went fishing, to name a few. They were the best part of my job.

Bowling isn’t my favorite game – I use to complain about never getting a strike. Every Thursday night, I found myself in awe of this wonderful group of people. They cheered for each other. Cheered for the opposite team. They cheered when they only knocked one pin down. They taught me love, simplicity, and acceptance.

I figured this book would be along the same line. I had no knowledge of Trisomy 18.

About Our Hope for Isabelle

“…The world cannot define your child’s worth…”

“Our Hope for Isabelle” is a touching and inspirational book co-authored by a husband and wife who share their personal journey of deciding to start a family, how a shocking diagnosis of a life-limiting genetic abnormality impacts their pregnancy, and then navigate carrying to term together.

With a strong emphasis on their Christian faith, the book provides a heartfelt account of the struggles, questions, and emotions that often accompany a life-limiting diagnosis and the loss of an infant. Through their individual perspectives, the authors offer unique insights and practical advice on how to better understand and support one’s spouse during the grieving process by depending less on themselves and more on God.

This book is a must-read for anyone who has experienced the loss of a child or for those who want to support a loved one during a difficult time. Written with love, honesty, and vulnerability, “Our Hope for Isabelle” is a powerful reminder, even in the midst of great pain and loss, there is always hope for a brighter future through Jesus.

Review

Our Hope for Isabelle is both an inspiring and heart-wrenching story. I loved the dual perspective of each parent. Taylor’s wish to help grieving fathers is commendable since not many resources are available. The book is heavy on Christianity and references many bible verses. These verses are properly placed to reiterate their faith and bring hope to others during difficult moments. Taylor and Elizabeth’s faith is indeed an inspiration. I just love this couple and haven’t even met them. About the time I was running out of tissues, the story takes a hip, hip, hooray turn. Actually two turns.

I know what Trisomy 18 is now and hope this little blog about this amazing book can help spread the word to others in need. Share with a friend.

About the Authors of Our Hope for Isabelle

Elizabeth and Taylor Bloomquist have been married since 2015 and live in Corpus Christi, Texas. Elizabeth has a degree in Accounting from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, and is a stay-at-home mother to Isabelle’s two younger siblings, Vivienne and Theodore Bloomquist.

Taylor has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M College Station and works in the refining sector. They attend Yorktown Baptist Church.

Reach out to them on Instagram

Relevant Links and Support Organizations

SOFT – click here

This link will connect you with resources such as evidence-based articles and publications about Trisomy, a sample birth plan, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 handbooks, and a care book for postpartum. My favorite feature of this resource is a registry of all cardiac and non-cardiac procedures on Trisomy children and the surgeon who performed the procedure and at what hospital. 

Carrying to Term – click here 

A support organization that provides tools and resources to prepare for a child with a life-limiting diagnosis. We used their birth plan tool and received positive feedback from our medical staff. They are based in Austin, TX.

Hope Mommies – Website – Facebook

Hope Mommies™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit Christian organization whose sole purpose is to come alongside moms and families who have experienced infant loss, bringing comfort, encouragement, companionship, and hope as they continue to walk this side of eternity without their beloved son or daughter.

Supporting Conversation

Consider this an open invitation to reach out to Elizabeth or Taylor via Instagram messaging. They are willing to talk on the phone, on social media, or by text message.

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