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Out of death comes a new life for soldier’s family

Jun- 9-2007 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

Pretty incredible story.

by Jill Burke, KYUU News (Includes video)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Maria Sutherland's Army Stryker husband died at war, but that didn't stop the couple from having the baby they always dreamed of. He's a preemie, but doing well at four pounds, seven ounces, he's the full measure of his father's legacy and a family's love.

"I think that Stephen had a sixth sense that he needed to do this because he didn't think he was coming back," said Maria Sutherland.

Maria and Stephen Sutherland had planned to have a baby from the day they met. She needed in vitro fertilization to make it work. So they saved his sperm before he deployed. He never made it home. But with a doctors help, out of death came life.

"The first time, I was eight weeks when I could hear the heart beat and I started crying," said Maria Sutherland.

And then there was news that it's a boy.

"When I heard it was a boy I said right on," said William Sutherland, Stephen Sutherland's father.

"When I go meet Steve in heaven I want to be able to tell him I held his baby," said Shirley Sutherland, Stephen Sutherland's mother.

And as the family waits, they fill their time with all the questions that joy and fear bring.

"I don't know how to be a big brother and, to be honest, I'm afraid. I don't want to let my dad down at all," said Victor Sutherland, Stephen Sutherland's son.

"I know some stuff, but I wanted to know more. He knew how to do everything," said Omar Sutherland, Stephen Sutherland's son.

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Comments For "Out of death comes a new life for soldier’s family":

Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.

Richard's Stryker Mom

Posted by: strykermom [TypeKey Profile Page] | June 12, 2007 4:22 PM

My prayers for you and your little one. May God keep you and little Mr Sutherland healthy and safe. I am confident his father is smiling down on the two of you.
God Bless, Stephen will never be forgotten!
Sincerely,
Linda
Joe's Stryker Mom

Posted by: Linda, Stryker Momj [TypeKey Profile Page] | June 12, 2007 8:34 PM

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