To begin the story of Alder Gabriel Wise is to step into a circle of love, persistence, determination, and beauty. This circle, like all true circles, has no clear beginning and will have no end. So into this circle we step...joining our hands and hearts...to honor and cherish an angel of a boy and his remarkable parents.
Alder Gabriel Wise's conception was no accident. It was not an easy path to pregnancy for Megan and JD but a fight of determination and persistence and finally, pure elation. Their pregnancy was a joyous time for them and for all who loved them. A celebration of triumph and beautiful determination. Pregnancy was as normal as could be expected with a couple of major exceptions. In addition to more than normal checkups in Denver, Grand Junction and Telluride and doing everything possible for Megan's health and the health of the baby- Megan continued her teaching and support of her students (and colleagues) until a week before her due date, she and JD supported their family and friends through their own multiple challenges, and they helped lead their community during a pandemic with their compassion, intelligence, and steady, clear mindedness. Countless times throughout her pregnancy people would stop Megan and exclaim: " You look so cute!"...and "You look so beautiful!"...and they were all correct. Being pregnant with Alder sure seemed to suit Megan. She and JD were happy and Alder grew in their care. The circle strengthened and widened.
In the early morning hours of Friday, May 28th Megan went into labor and she and JD undertook the 2 1/2 hour drive to Grand Junction. Her contractions were strong and normal and getting closer when they arrived. Concern arose when the midwife struggled to find Alder's heartbeat. They were rushed to the hospital where they were given the agonizing, heartbreaking pronouncement that will test the strength of our circle. For some inexplicable, unimaginable, and unfair reason, Alder had gone from us here in this world. With the strength of a million million angels and the steely loving support of JD, Megan delivered Alder Gabriel Wise stillborn at 8:18pm on Friday evening, 5/28/21. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 21.5 inches long! Megan and JD spent unimaginably beautiful time with him, sang songs to him, held him close, introduced him to his grandparents, and held him close some more. And then some more. Then, in what may be the most terrifying and difficult acts of human courage imaginable for any parent...they said goodbye to their sweet baby boy, Alder Gabriel Wise.
A sadness and terrifying uncertainty has entered the circle now. Our circle will be tested, pulled, and hurting for a long, long time to come. But will this circle be unbroken? Yes. A resounding and certain yes. The circle of strength, beauty, brilliance, love, and honor that Megan and JD have built will cherish Alder forever and will remain unbroken. Of that, we are certain.
Welcome to this CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. If you would like to reach JD, Megan, and Alder directly please email: wisealder@gmail.com . In case you'd like to send cards or personal notes their mailing address is: Post Office Box 2877; Telluride, Colorado; 81435
We truly appreciate all of your words of love and support as we all work to re-imagine the circle.
