Baby Deinner was delivered prematurely via emergency surgery as his mother, Cindy, battled COVID-19. Tragically, Cindy died the day after — leaving Deinner’s grandmother, Bridis, to raise her baby grandson and his two siblings.
As Bridis cares for her grandchildren and copes with the loss of her daughter, she is not alone. Compassion’s church partners in their Colombian community provide ongoing support to the entire family. Bridis and baby Deinner joined Compassion’s Survival Program for babies and their caregivers, and Deinner’s brother Ian is in the Child Sponsorship Program. Caring workers from Compassion’s church partners provide the family with home visits, groceries, spiritual and emotional support, supplies and prayer.
The church workers encouraged Bridis to honor her daughter’s memory and express her hopes for Deinner’s future by writing a letter to him that he can read one day.
A Hopeful Letter to My Baby Grandson
My sweet child Deinner,
You are my blessing. I remember how happy I felt when I saw you for the first time. Despite the pain, there you were: so innocent, so beautiful, reminding me of God’s love. Let me tell your story, my lovely little grandchild.
Your mother, Cindy, was smart, kind and beautiful. She had a family with your father and your siblings, Ian and Saidith. After hearing about Jesus, your mother accepted him as her Savior. Last year, Cindy realized she was expecting you and was so happy.
We were in quarantine, trying to avoid getting the COVID-19 virus. However, it still reached me, and I was hospitalized. Then your mother got sick while she was pregnant with you. She spent days at the hospital, fighting for both of your lives. However, she died after your birth, and I had no opportunity to see her again. It broke my heart.
I went home after spending three months in the hospital, and days later, I finally met you. When I saw you, I felt as if your mother was at home again. The Compassion center your brother attends supported us with food, a twin bed for your siblings and an oven so I can bake and sell bread.
Then, another Compassion center heard about your story and thought you would need special love and care since your mother cannot be here for you. They registered you because they support vulnerable babies as they grow up. God’s blessing and love are upon you, my little one. I spend my days caring for you, your siblings and my younger children. My health is not entirely OK, but I strive to do my best for you all. Your grandfather works driving a motorcycle to provide for us. Although your father does not live with you, he loves you and your siblings so much.
I want to thank God for his blessings. The churches and Compassion centers have become our most significant support. The center’s support will allow you to become an example, as your mother was. An example in your studies — a brave child full of dreams.
Please, love God and trust him. That is your mother’s legacy. I hope you read this letter being a good man, a Christian that serves the Lord, a professional. I want all the good in the world for you.
With love,
Your grandmother Bridis
Photos and story gathering by Lina Marcela Alarcón Molina
13 Comments |Add a comment
What an inspiring and beautiful letter written by Deinner’s grandmother, Bridis for her loving grandchild, and how wonderful that Bridis is raising her daughter’s children. And may God Bless the soul of Cindy, and comfort her loved ones. It is so wonderful to read of the amazing care provided by Compassion International; especially in situations similar to what Cindy’s family is experiencing. God bless Bridis, her husband, and her beautiful grandchildren. During my devotions every evening, I lift up all the children and their leaders at every Compassion Child Development Center in the Compassion Church Partners all around the world as well as all the sponsors and their families. And I also lift up the dear children and their families in India who have been denied the services of Compassion International. I pray that the churches in India that served as Compassion Church Partner are continuing to minister to the these dear children in India. Thank you Compassion International for all your wonderful work with children and their families at all your Child Development Centers. And I am so thankful to our Loving God and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for such caring organizations like Compassion International.
Hi Gordon! Thank you so much for your kind words and support. Your prayers mean so much to us, these children, and their families!
Such a heart breaking story but one of inspiration from a grandmother who now raises her grandchildren. Loved her letter that was shared. Three lucky little children to have her. God bless them and God bless the work of Compassion in supporting this family.
I love Compassionministry and wish I could support more children.
My heart is broken for that sweet family who will grown up not knowing their mother. Praise God for their grandparents and thank God for Compassion! I love this organization!!!
Gracias a compassion por todo el a pollo que nos an brindado y a todas las personas que an estado orando por la familia gracias a las iglesias fuente de vida la interamericana Dios les bendiga
Muchas gracias por tu amable y positivo comentario. ¡Es una bendición saber que Compassion ha podido ayudarlo!
heartbreaking yet beautiful – a letter representing the hearts of all grandmothers in the same situation
This is such a sad but inspirational story. Bridis is a blessing to her family and God Will honor her efforts. Just another wonderful reason to support Compassion Intl. We have for over 30 years now and hope to be able to continue well into our retirement. God bless this amazing organization! We love the way that Compassion honors Jesus in all they do!!
What an amazing, inspiring grandmother Bridis is, and of cause grandpa is doing all he can to support all his grandchildren. This letter illustrates how the belief in our Lord sustains us when life can be so hard to cope with, He give us so much hope and love. May God Bless this family, they will be in my prayers.
Our God is faithful , He will see this family through everything the world throws at them , faith in Jesus that is all they need . Love is the gift Jesus gave us . Love your neighbor as you love your self . If everyone went by that scripture what a beautiful world it could be .
Such a great legacy to give her grandson. Yes, Deinner, give your heart to Jesus!! Your Mom lives with him now1
The story of little Deinner and his grandmother Bridis is truly heart breaking.
I commit to praying for this young and promising leader of our world.
Lord, look with favor on this child, Deinner and keep the grandmother strong and healthy as she takes care of him with the pain of loosing her dear daughter.
Let him grow with wisdom, love and the heart to serve the Lord through the world that is growing from bad to worst.
Amen!