They only had 36 weeks with their baby — so they turned every single moment into a lifetime of memories

As a mother, there is, perhaps, nothing more painful and heartbreaking than watching your baby suffer. More than the pain of losing your child, it's the helplessness that kills you from within. Elizabeth Evans, who goes by @elizabethevansss on Instagram, experienced a similar heartbreak when, during her 3 months of pregnancy, she and her partner were informed that their baby wouldn't make it due to various health complications. However, the couple decided to cherish whatever time they had left with their unborn son, which left the internet sobbing.

At 14.5 weeks of pregnancy, they found out about their son's health issues. "His heart was on the right side and flipped. He had a hole in his heart. He had cysts on his brain, his intestines were outside his body, and he had clubbed hands," Evans shared, revealing her son's glimpses on a sonography screen. The doctor had already informed her that she would either suffer a miscarriage or lose her baby soon after his birth. However, despite the complications, Evans decided to carry her baby for as long as she could and cherish every moment with him. "We just wanted to meet and hold him in our arms," she shared.

The couple wanted to create some memories with their babies that would, perhaps, help them remember him after he's gone. From playing their favorite sport, celebrating Thanksgiving, and going for a swim to singing for their unborn child, the couple did everything any parent would do for their kids. Notably, Evans and her partner even celebrated their son, Joshy's, birthday a day before they met him. "Our memories with him are cherished. It was an honor and privilege to be his home for 8 months," Evans wrote in the caption.

The video received an overwhelming response on social media, with people appreciating the couple for their courage and resilience amidst the heartbreaking loss. A user (@m.is.for.mama) commented, "This is absolutely beautiful. The wisdom the Lord has given you at such a young age to recognize the worth of every life, no matter how small or beleaguered, is truly inspiring. Anyone who says otherwise does not understand the joy it is to honoring another bearer of the Imago Dei at every stage, regardless of disability. Your son knew nothing but safety and love every heartbeat of his life. And now, he is in the arms of Jesus, whole and rejoicing."

Similarly, another user, who goes by @iamlbrown, shared, "You were chosen to be his parents. The love you showed, I can’t imagine what that reunion in Heaven will be like for you three." @dalyna.witte revealed, "Wow, crying so much… You were his lifeline. I just know he felt so much love being connected to you. God bless you, Mom. Your story will touch many as it touched me." Likewise, someone else (@poundit13) who resonated with the emotional reel shared, "This is exactly what we did when we found out about our son’s fatal diagnosis. He was born at 34.5 weeks and took one single breath before peacefully passing away."

@laurendaviefla said, "This was the most courageous choice, and I’m sure it was the scariest...so beautiful. I hope you heal and pray and try again to have your sweet baby, & finally get to experience all the beautiful firsts and teach a little human how to be a good human and the joy of watching them grow up. You WILL have that." @beachcraftsdecor said, "It’s good you had the choice to do what you wanted over your body."

You can follow Elizabeth Evans (@elizabethevansss) on Instagram for more parenting content.