STORIES: The Garrisons

The Garrisons have been a part of our church for nearly two years and it’s been one of our greatest joys to grow in Christ alongside them. Their story is remarkable in how they’ve put full hope and trust in Jesus through an unspeakable tragedy. We asked Bobby to give us a short paragraph about what their time with The Parish Church has meant to them. Here are his words:

Since moving to Petaluma in 2019, Lauren and I have found a genuine, Christ-centered community in The Parish Church. The Parish is not just our church, it's become part of our family. Throughout this season, we have found this to be more true than we could have ever hoped for.

On January 24, Lauren and I got the exciting news that we were going to be parents to a sweet little girl. Ella is her name and everyone is so excited to meet her. Our world was turned upside down at our 20-week anatomy appointment. Things were not developing correctly. The words "heart condition" and "down syndrome" were all we heard as we sat there in shock. "This isn't how it was supposed to be," we thought.

Immediately our church family showed up with prayer, counsel, and tangible help as we processed this new reality. We would later come to learn that Ella had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome as well as Turners Syndrome. The chances that she would survive surgery were slim to none. We decided that the best option for our family was to keep Ella comfortable until she goes to be with Jesus. An impossible decision. Even still, our church family was with us, praying for the Lord to show up and comfort us in this season.

Ella's due date is at the end of this month, and we have no idea what might happen. What we do know is that regardless of the outcome, our community will continue to love us and our daughter. That they will continue to embody the love of Christ in our lives.

Ella was born on October 1 and went to be with Jesus on October 3. Bobby and Lauren are walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death in this Season, but they are looking to the Lord. We’re planning a ‘Celebration of Life’ for Ella and included some additional thoughts — as well as some words from Lauren — in the post. Read it here.