Strong enough to exist. Loved enough to remain.
Ridge Hudson Howard lived a short, but powerful and meaningful life. Many might not think he would get a eulogy because he was a baby. What is a baby capable of accomplishing? However, Ridge accomplished more in his brief time than many do in a lifetime. His accomplishments were unique and testified of God. Ridge was strong from the very beginning.
At 22 weeks gestation, Ridge was diagnosed with Holoprosencephaly, or HPE-the most common forebrain defect, affecting about 1 in 250 babies. Yet while the diagnosis itself is considered "common," surviving it is not. Most babies with HPE are miscarried early in pregnancy. Ridge was not. He held on. He stayed. He kept living.
At 24 weeks, we learned his diagnosis was an even rarer form: Middle Inter-Hemispheric Variant of
Holoprosencephaly. This condition is extraordinarily rare. In one ten-year span, from 2002 to 2012, only around 50 cases were reported worldwide. And even among those cases, Ridge was different. Of all the research Hunter and I could find, there was only one other baby documented with malformations as severe as Ridge's. Even though MIHV has better outcomes and life expectancies, his was more comparable to alobar HPE.
Still, he stayed.
Any baby diagnosed with HPE has only a 3% chance of being born alive. Ridge was one of those 3%.
At 36 weeks, only 7% of babies are breech. Ridge was one of those.
Only about 0.1% of all deliveries are breech deliveries. Again, Ridge was that 0.1%.
Doctors told us that biologically, Ridge should not have been living day after day throughout the pregnancy. And yet, every day, he did.
With everything stacked against him, we were given a 1 in 200,000 chance that Ridge would be born alive. And still,
Ridge defied the odds.
Over and over again, Ridge chose to fight.
Ridge's life was filled with statistics but his life was never about statistics, His life was about purpose. He pressed on when everything was stacked against him.
In his short life, Ridge changed hearts. He deepened faith. He taught us what perseverance looks like. He showed us that strength is not measured by time, size, or milestones - but by purpose.
Ridge's legacy is one of strength.
Strength to endure.
Strength to fight.
Strength to exist against all odds.
Ridge Hudson Howard lived exactly the life God intended him to live.
He showed us that love is stronger than fear.
That hope can exist alongside grief. And that even the shortest life can leave an eternal mark.
We design every page from Ridge’s 30 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Ridge.
Family milestones
No account needed. Have one? Sign in
Donuts
Popsicle loves taking his grandchildren out for donuts in the morning. This tradition started on the weekends with us (his own children) probably to give mom a break. This morning some of your cousins were in town so Popsicle got donuts. But he brought you one too. We love and miss you Ridge.
Hearts
One time we came to visit you shortly after you had passed away, we came at sunset. It was one of the most beautiful skies I’ve seen. When we looked up we saw a heart cloud in the sky. It felt magical and like heaven was near again. Every time we see hearts we think of you. We went a few days ago in the evening and a nice stranger came up to us and asked if he could clean up your grave. We said yes. After he was done, he pulled out rocks for Cooper, Willow, and Huntlee. He let everyone pick one rock to give to you. Some of the rocks were hearts. After talking to him we found out that he had an older brother die as a baby. I like to think you bring us these connections. You’re still around us and we see you. We love you Ridge.
Artwork
Cooper always includes you in his artwork. We all think of you always and miss you endlessly.
Special time together
We love getting to read together at your grave.
A special visitor came to visit you
Rachel came to visit and talk with you.
You’re loved
3 months since you graduated to heaven
Picnic with you
We love you
Happy Easter Ridge Boy
Because of Jesus we will see you again 🤍
3/27/2026
We miss you Ridge
Family members and close friends can help add photos, stories and moments from Ridge's life. Ask the family to add you.
Sign in to ask
