It is with both great pride and profound grief that we announce the birth and passing of Finn Gabriel Thomas on August 10, 2025. He is loved by his mama and daddy, Sarah and Shane, big brother, Covington, and big sister, Holland Kate. Also loving and missing Finn are his grandparents, Walt and Pattie Thomas (Nana and Big D), Mike and Vickie Strong (Papa and Gaga), and Farris and Heather Cason (Poppy and Noni); along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Finn, meaning "fair" (because any baby of Shane's has blonde hair), and Gabriel, an angel, meaning "God is my strength" (because such a loss can only be carried by the strength of God). At nearly 36 weeks, he was perfectly formed by the hands of a loving God. While but a brief life that never knew anything of this world beyond the womb, we are eternally grateful for the opportunity to have been the vessel for him. Such a valley can only be found at the foot of a great mountain with a view so splendid that God's love and grace cannot be denied. While we look forward to the mountain top, we know God is with us in this dark vale. We lean not on our own understanding, which leaves us confused and broken, but instead on the understanding of a God who goes before us. Finn was loved and longed for. He is now loved, and still longed for, we will just have to wait a little longer. Heaven is sweeter and will surely be worth it all.