When Josh and Brittany Morton learned they were expecting a baby, their hearts filled with joy. Josh had waited 28 years to hear, “You’re going to be a dad,” and the news came just before Father’s Day. The couple planned a sweet reveal for family and friends, but in his excitement, Josh accidentally spilled the secret early in a text. Even so, everyone celebrated with love and anticipation when they officially shared the news a month later. Their journey into parenthood was filled with dreams of the future.
That October, the Mortons learned they were having a baby boy. Josh’s heart soared as he pictured teaching his son about sports, building a nursery, and stepping into the role of “dad.” He was so eager that he skipped work one day to create the crib months in advance. Everything seemed perfect, and the couple felt ready for their new adventure. But in November, a routine doctor’s visit changed everything. Their doctor mentioned abnormalities and referred them to a specialist. Words like “brain issues,” “heart concerns,” and “clenched fists” filled the air. Confused and afraid, Josh and Brittany left the office with heavy hearts.
Soon after, their fears were confirmed. Tests revealed their baby had Trisomy 18, a rare genetic condition that carries a very low chance of survival. The Mortons broke down in their truck, crying out to God and begging Him not to take their baby. The diagnosis arrived the day before Thanksgiving, a time meant for gratitude but now overshadowed by grief. Telling their families was heartbreaking. They struggled to find words, forced to explain that their son might not live long after birth—if he made it that far at all.
Through this dark season, they were introduced to hospice care and a nurse navigator named Jolenda. These caregivers and the staff at Choices Hospice became a lifeline. They arranged sonograms, explained the medical details, and gave the Mortons precious opportunities to bond with their baby boy. Their support reminded the couple that they were not alone even in pain. Nights were often filled with tears, but also with moments of faith. Brittany once read about heaven while soaking in the bath, and Josh described a vision of beauty and peace that convinced him their son would one day be safe in God’s arms.
As the due date approached, time seemed to slow. On March 5, 2017, Brittany noticed she hadn’t felt the baby move. At the hospital, doctors confirmed what they feared—baby Coehn had passed away in the womb. The couple endured 33 long hours of labor before meeting their son. On March 7, at 11:35 a.m., Coehn Ray Morton entered the world silently. The hospital room fell quiet, filled with sorrow. Yet when his parents held him, peace slowly washed over them.
Though his body was still, Coehn looked as if he were simply asleep. His ruby red lips stood out, giving him a soft, angelic presence. Josh and Brittany bathed, kissed, and introduced him to the family. In that sacred time, they poured all their love into their son. They grieved the life they would not share with him, yet they found comfort in knowing he was free from suffering. Coehn had been their joy for nine months, and in those nine months, they lived more deeply than ever before.
The loss of a child leaves parents with fear and questions. But the Mortons chose faith over despair. They reminded themselves that God’s hands were in every part of their journey. Even in heartbreak, He had not abandoned them. With the support of their church, friends, and family, Josh and Brittany pressed forward, carrying Coehn in their hearts. Not long after, they learned they were expecting again—a baby boy who would one day know he had a big brother in heaven.
Today, Josh and Brittany share their story to bring hope to others facing the pain of Trisomy 18 or infant loss. They know their son’s short life had purpose and that one day, their family will be reunited in heaven. “Despite never taking a breath on earth,” they said, “Coehn Ray created an impact that makes us proud to be his parents.” Their story is one of love, faith, and the unbreakable bond between a child and his family.
