On September 26, 2006, Rev Run and his wife Justine Simmons experienced a devastating loss when their daughter, Victoria Anne Simmons, passed away shortly after being born due to a rare birth defect called omphalocele. This condition caused Victoria’s organs to grow outside her body.Victoria was the couple’s sixth child, but she died just a few hours after delivery at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The loss was profoundly painful for Rev Run and Justine, but they have courageously shared their grief and healing process in their book “Old School Love: And Why It Works”
Justine Simmons’ Heartbreaking Account
In their book, Justine Simmons poignantly describes the profound sadness of losing a child after carrying her full-term, writing:”I had carried Victoria Anne full-term; she was in me, a part of me. I could feel her every single day in me… I was trying to heal my body, heal my sadness, heal my sorrow, and heal my heart… I was lonely for my child.”Justine’s words powerfully convey the depth of a mother’s love and the immense pain of losing a child.
Finding Comfort in Faith and Family
Despite their immense grief, Rev Run and Justine found solace in their faith and family. A year after Victoria’s passing, they welcomed their daughter Miley through adoption. Miley, now 16 years old, has brought joy and light into their lives.The Simmons family continues to honor Victoria’s memory and celebrate the blessing of life. Their resilience and love for one another serve as an inspiration to all who have experienced loss.
The Impact of Victoria’s Life
Although Victoria Anne Simmons’ life was tragically short, her impact on her family and the world is profound. Her story reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones.The Simmons family’s openness about their grief has helped to break the silence surrounding infant loss and has provided comfort to others who have experienced similar tragedies. Their journey of healing has shown that it is possible to find joy and purpose even in the midst of profound sorrow.
Celebrating Victoria’s Memory
The Simmons family continues to celebrate Victoria Anne Simmons’ memory in various ways. They have shared her story publicly, hoping to raise awareness about omphalocele and to provide support to other families facing similar challenges.In their book, Rev Run and Justine reflect on the lessons they have learned from Victoria’s life and death. They emphasize the importance of faith, family, and love in overcoming life’s greatest challenges.
Conclusion
The loss of Victoria Anne Simmons was a devastating blow to her family, but their resilience and love have shone through in the aftermath. Rev Run and Justine have courageously shared their story, providing comfort and inspiration to others who have experienced similar tragedies.Victoria’s life, though short, has left an indelible mark on the world. Her memory continues to be celebrated by her family and by all who have been touched by her story. May we all learn from the Simmons family’s example of love, faith, and resilience in the face of life’s greatest challenges.