Alexa PenaVega and her family suffered a loss so great that it’s truly unimaginable for those who haven’t experienced it. And for those who have, they can’t help but extend a hand. Alexa and her husband Carlos PenaVega’s daughter Indy was tragically “born at rest” last month.
At the time, the Spy Kids actress wrote a heartwrenching Instagram post about the “painful journey,” the grief that comes in “waves,” and how Indy has “changed their lives.”
“She was absolutely beautiful. And looked just like her daddy. Dark hair and all,” she said.
Now PenaVega is giving followers an update that is equal parts beautiful and gutting. In a 7-minute video on Instagram, she said they’re “actually doing really well considering everything.”
“We have been so thankful reading all of your messages of support, all the prayers that you guys have prayed, we have felt them like, let me tell you, I don’t know how else we would have gotten through this season without all of you lifting us up in prayer. We feel it,” she said. “… I don’t care what anybody says —the power of prayer is so real.”
The Hallmark star — who shares sons, Ocean and Kingston, and daughter, Rio with her actor husband — called this “season” the “most traumatic thing” they’ve ever had to go through as a family. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything quite like this. And I hope to never ever have to experience anything like this again.”
She went on to explain how her deep faith has helped her.
“God has really met us in this place between pain and peace … That is just covering us and allowing us to to still go through grief and to still walk through this valley but not alone and not without purpose … I have learned so much about pain with purpose.”
What was just as moving as PenaVega’s tearful message were the supportive comments from followers — especially those who have faced similar losses:
“Stillborn momma here. I’m so sorry you have also lost a child. I know she’s resting in Jesus’s arms with my Liam. Continued prayers to you and your family.”
“I just lost my daughter at childbirth 3 months ago … I think of you often.”
“My son was stillborn this past November and I felt every word you just said.”
“I lost my son at 6 months old 7 years ago. Everything you said rings so true – you are going to get through this and one day you’ll greet grief like an old friend. It’s a painful reminder but still a reminder that she is real, she matters, and you will always love her ????”
It’s so touching to see how her followers are rallying around her as she grieves.
“Let me tell you,” PenaVega said through tears. “Indy’s little life has transformed us like completely. My family has never been stronger.”
And that became so evident at the end of the video. At least one of her kids came inside after being outside with their dad and asked from behind the camera, “Are you OK? There are tears on your glasses.”
“I’m OK, baby,” she said. “Thank you for checking on me.”
Then, right before PenaVega ended the clip, one of her sons popped into the frame, jumped in the air, and said, “Love you, Indy!”
And yes, my heart simultaneously broke and melted.
These stars have vulnerably shared their experiences with grieving the loss of a child.
