My name is Amanda Linder. I was born, raised and continue to live in Spokane, Washington. I am a wife, mother, friend, social worker, reader, runner, gardener, sun worshiper, and playmate for my children.

Born at just 24 weeks gestation, our daughter Grace came into the world on January 9, 2007. Our sweet baby girl was born with Neural Tube defects Anencephaly and Spina Bifida. Although she wasn’t much bigger than the size of my hand and weighed less than a pound, her impact on my life and so many others remains insurmountable. My memories of bathing her, holding her and saying our goodbyes will always be treasured.

Baby Grace has an older sister Hailey who turned 3 years old the day after Grace was born and died. Her understanding and her grief about her baby sister in heaven is still evolving. She often asks to look at the few pictures and belongings we have of Grace’s. Caleb, Grace’s younger brother, joined us 14 months following her death. By keeping Grace’s memory alive, I hope Caleb too will have some understanding of the sister he will someday meet in heaven.

I have been happily married to my husband since 2001. We both take much enjoyment in our children and wish Grace was here so we could watch her grow and play with her siblings. I received my bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University in 2000 majoring in social work. I received my master’s degree the following year and have been working as a hospice social worker since that time.