Readers may recall the story in July about LDS couple Thomas and Amanda Stansel of Humble, Texas, who were expecting sextuplets.
It has been the story that stuck with me throughout the year. I was nervous about how to handle it, as it was difficult to tread the line between the public's fascination with families with multiples and spirituality.
But talking to Thomas and Amanda was a pleasure, as both were gracious and radiated quiet strength.
Their strength was tested when their babies, two boys and four girls, came early in August at 23 weeks along, weighing 12 to 16 ounces. Within 10 days, two had died.
Now, only two have survived.
For nearly five months, the Stansels have dealt with a medical nightmare, playing the waiting game as hospital personnel continue the fight for the well-being of little Rachel Diane and Haley Karin.
The Stansels are praying that Rachel outgrows a floppy airway and resulting gastroesophageal reflux, but she is, according to Amanda, the "feisty" one.
Haley has gone through seven surgeries, most recently eye surgery; it is likely she will have only limited sight in her right eye.
On the Stansels' blog where they are chronicling the condition of the babies, followers have been able to feel their joy when, at the beginning of November, Amanda and Thomas were able to hold Rachel and Haley skin-to-skin for the first time.
Or relate to the sad poignancy of Amanda hanging angel ornaments on their Christmas tree with the names of all six children, plus the twins they lost in 2008, written on them.
"All of our beautiful angels will always be remembered," Amanda wrote.
It is this powerful example of parental love and hope that has moved so many people. It is hard to comprehend how the Stansels, faced with enthusiastic media attention and careful preparation for six children, have remained poised and faithful.
"I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, which has truly sustained Thomas and I in the difficult times we have been through," Amanda wrote. "I know Thomas and I have been humbled by all the events that have unfolded the past few months."
e-mail: eschmuhl@desnews.com