By Tom & Jessie Masterson
Parents to Anna (and Owen)
Stillborn on February 23, 2024
We found out we were expecting in September of 2023 and were excited to be able to have another child join our family.
The weekend after Thanksgiving, Jessica had to visit Ambulatory Care to be checked out due to spotting, and all appeared fine after leaving the appointment. However, the sonographer from this visit noticed something was off on the ultrasound, and our OBGYN office was notified. Almost immediately, we were called to have an ultrasound completed at Maternal Fetal Medicine. The hope was that the images taken at Ambulatory Care were simply not the best quality, but that was not the case.
We found out our sweet girl’s skull was not forming—just like her older brother, Owen. We were told Owen’s diagnosis of Acalvaria (absence of skull and facial bones) was not genetic, but based on this reality it appears to be genetic. It is still unknown what gene malformation leads to the diagnosis, as it is incredibly rare—even though it occurred in our family twice.
It was quite difficult to process this information, and honestly frustrating, as we did not think it would happen again. We prayed for healing over our sweet girl and others prayed for us. But ultimately, her healing didn’t happen on earth.
At a Fetal Echo Ultrasound, we found out our sweet baby girl had no heartbeat. It was at this time we would begin to find the perfect name for her. We chose Anna because in the Bible the prophetess Anna was recorded to be one of the first to see Jesus. We chose Jess (a variation of Jessica) as a middle name, to name her after her mama.
Anna Jess was stillborn at 25 weeks on February 23, 2024.
We were told this could happen with our son Owen, but he defied all odds projected by medical professionals until he passed away on his 7th birthday—September 13, 2024.
Due to our experience with Owen, we thought we would have more time (specifically in pregnancy) with Anna Jess, and we did not. We did not get to participate in a 3D ultrasound scheduled the very next week where we could have had her heartbeat recorded. Our maternity photo session was also cancelled. Removing these and other scheduled appointments from the calendar was emotionally draining.
It was hard to process everything, as we didn’t understand why the very same diagnosis had become part of our family again. While it feels unfair, we also understand it’s not something we will understand this side of heaven.
Through both Owen’s and Anna’s stories, On Angels’ Wings has walked with us. OAW came right on board with compassion, understanding, and support. They provided us with photos that are now among our most treasured possessions—reminders of sacred moments in the midst of pain. In seasons when everything feels like it’s been taken away, those images are something no one can ever take from us.
Photography is just one part of how OAW supports families—but it’s a piece that few others can offer. The photographers are not just professionals; they are compassionate humans who understand. They meet us in our most vulnerable moments and capture the love that remains even when the unimaginable has happened.
Just as meaningful has been knowing other OAW recipient families—knowing we are not alone.
While we very much miss the opportunity to see Anna Jess grow up on earth, we know we will see her again and look forward to that day. One day we will know her voice and her smile, enjoy her laughter, and all the things we didn’t get the chance to experience with her here on earth. She will always be a part of our family and our story. She will always be our daughter and a sister to her siblings. Anna Jess is so very loved.
We want those reading this to know that even through heartbreak, God is still good and He does good. It doesn’t take away what we’ve experienced, but we know God has walked with us in the lowest of lows and He will continue to walk with us. If we let Him, He can turn ashes to beauty. One day He will wipe away every tear, and this is the HOPE we have every day.
Since the passing of Anna and Owen in 2024, we welcomed our rainbow baby, Evelynn Anna in August of 2025. She is such a sweet blessing to our family. We find this quote quite fitting: “When we lose one blessing, another is most often unexpectedly given in its place.” —C.S. Lewis
Child loss has been a journey of emotions and learning how to navigate our new “normal.” We experienced it twice in one year. Our grief remains; it may just look different as time moves on.
Anna and Owen have 3 living siblings. It is a blessing and honor to be parents to all 5.
If you’re considering contacting On Angels’ Wings—just do it. In the moment, you may not think you’ll want the photos or support, but afterward, you’ll be so thankful. You won’t regret it. These memories, this support, this community—they’re priceless.
Through our story, we want others to know that even in heartbreak, there is still hope.
