“We only had her for 20 weeks,” the couple wrote on their shared Instagram account. “Life is fragile and precious. So thankful the Lord gave her to us for that short time! She will be in our hearts forever!”
The “Counting On” stars announced in May they were expecting another addition to their family, after their son Gideon was born last year. In their first social media post on Thursday, the Forsyths broke the tragic news that Joy-Anna had a miscarriage.
“Today marks one week since we heard these words… So this is your baby’s heart (pointing to the ultrasound screen). I don’t hear a heartbeat or see any movement,” the caption read. “We had gone in for our 20-week ultrasound and gender reveal. It was a baby girl.”
“Although we don’t understand why, God has given us unexplainable peace and comfort during this very difficult time. Yes, it still hurts and we have cried countless tears, but we know that we can trust the Lord. In the words of King David after the loss of his baby, ‘I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me’ (2 Sam 12:23). We don’t grieve as those who have no hope because we trust that we will see this little one again.”
The photos shared on Friday show the Forsyths holding their daughter, wrapped in a pink blanket and wearing a lace cap. Another image shows Joy-Anna’s sister Jill Dillard and mother Michelle Duggar gathered around the Forsyths and Annabell.
Several other Duggar siblings shared their own messages of support for the couple on their own Instagram accounts. “Joy Joy & Austin, our hearts break for y’all with the loss of your precious Annabell Elise,” wrote Jill. “May God continue to give y’all peace and comfort in the days ahead. We love y’all dearly.”
A post shared by Austin & Joy Forsyth (@austinandjoyforsyth) on Jul 5, 2019 at 9:55am PDT
“Our hearts are breaking over your loss,” wrote Jessa Sewald. “Such beautiful words you’ve written in your post. Annabell will forever be in our hearts. We love you all and are praying for God’s peace and comfort during this time.”
“My heart aches for you, Joy and Austin!” wrote Jana Duggar. “I know this has been a very difficult time for you. Watching you both walk through this deep sorrow and loss with hearts that continue to trust Jesus — in all things — has really touched me. Love you both dearly and praying for you!”
“Austin and Joy we love you both so much and my heart aches for your loss,” wrote sister-in-law Anna, who is married to Josh Duggar. “We look forward to meeting Annabell Elise one day in heaven!”
This isn’t the only loss the Duggar family has experienced recently — their grandmother, Mary Duggar, drowned in a swimming pool on June 9 in Washington.
She was 78.
