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Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Epiphany! The Hilgeforts have had a full and blessed 2022! Hard to believe it is already 2023. It seems the kids are getting older and we are moving from having babies and little ones everywhere – to teenagers and more teenagers. Always praying God will surprise us withContinue reading “Hilgefort Christmas Letter 2022”

This past Thursday we celebrated Philomena’s entrance into heaven. The memories of that parting are still vivid. Looking back, I marvel at how God took me through that day. How did I survive that day when I knew I had to say goodbye to my daughter on this earth? I know, without doubt that GodContinue reading “Philomena’s Diary”

It was a beautiful November day earlier this year. One of those days you have to seize upon knowing the cold winter is coming. We decided to take the day off school and made reservations for the zoo. As is always the case for these expeditions, getting out the door proved harder than expected. Sadly,Continue reading “Gifts from Philomena”

I can certainly see why people are drawn to the life of Chiara Corbella Petrillo. Not only did this woman bravely face an early death, she experienced the death of two of her children shortly after birth with heroic love. As I was reading this week about the loss of her little Maria, I wasContinue reading “We Are Born Into Eternity, and We Shall Never Die”

“I wish it was a year from now when all this craziness has passed,” Cecelia said with a sigh as we were sitting together recently at the end of the night. I was thinking, “Amen to that!” Before I could respond Tate said, “Who’s to say things are going to be better a year fromContinue reading “Saying “Yes” Everyday”

Here is a short video of our sweet baby girl. Pax Tecum Philomena ❤️ https://magis.to/av/LHgmVE1BHQJ9PzoHDmEwCXl8?l=vsm&o=i&c=c

One of the hardest parts of Philomena‘s time here on earth was the isolation. I thought I was isolated when we were at Good Sam NICU. I had no idea what lie ahead and just how lonely and strange it would become. The isolation magnified the already arduous struggle immensely. Loneliness can be just asContinue reading “Reunions”

My entire life my mother has been an unfailing support to me. These past few months have been no exception. In fact, my mom has shone even brighter. She carried the extra weight of worrying about Philomena and me. As I was writing her Mother’s Day card, I couldn’t help but reflect on our timeContinue reading “Lessons in a Mother’s Love”

As I was getting ready yesterday morning, my little Rosie was lounging on my bed. I had already gotten her dressed, but every kid loves to lie on Mom and Dad’s bed, right? She looked up at me and said, “Mom, is Philomena going to get better?” The question surprised me. I looked at herContinue reading “IS versus IS NOT”

It has been one week since we buried our dear little girl. Despite social distancing, family and friends found a way to be there. Lining the streets outside of church and the cemetery. For those of you who were there, I cannot tell you how much this touched us. Thank you. Each day brings withContinue reading “One so little can touch so many…”