Luke Patrick Rasmussen

Eight months ago, we got the news that Katie and Richie were expecting a baby. We were all overjoyed and we knew this meant that Katie and Richie would return to NY. They wanted their baby brought into the world surrounded by family who would love him fiercely. So they packed their things and their animals and came home where they belong.

Once they returned, we got to do all the exciting things that come with preparing for a baby. I read the gender report 500 times to make sure I got it right before the gender reveal, where we learned Luke would be a boy. We planned a shower, we made a registry, and we got to do it all together in the same state.

Then the news of Luke’s LUTO diagnosis came. And from day one, the faith Katie and Richie have in God did not falter. They believe in the teachings of the Catholic faith and lived that so fully in all their decisions about Luke. Although the prognosis was poor, they knew his life was worth a shot. They took this responsibility of being trusted with his beautiful little soul very seriously.

We all prayed and prayed. We all wanted Luke to be born, receive care, and be on the mend to grow up along with his cousins. We wanted to watch them play in the sand together at Breezy. And open presents together at Christmas. We wanted his life to be long and full. But this was not God’s plan. And while it feels so impossible to understand, seeing Katie and Richie believe this so fully and deeply allows me to believe it too.

Luke was sent to us to show us love in its purest form and to bring Katie and Richie home. And that is just scratching the surface of what his true purpose is. We will never understand fully why God brought him here so briefly, and took him from us so soon. But all of us need to try our best to believe as hard as Katie and Richie do, that God has a plan for Luke and wanted him to touch all of our lives.

We know we have a large network of people who care so much about Katie and Richie, and the rest of our family, who want to help. Any amount you can donate will ease their burden tremendously. Your support can help buffer the cost of Katie's long hospital stay, funeral arrangements, and time to be home and heal without the worry of a maternity leave cut short.

Funeral arrangements will be shared on Facebook as soon as they are made. We appreciate your love and generosity during this difficult time.