In a remarkable story of love transcending loss, a Nashville couple found healing and purpose through an unexpected adoption that transformed their journey of grief into one of hope. Their experience demonstrates how life’s deepest sorrows can sometimes lead to extraordinary new beginnings.
From heartbreak to hope
In May 2015, Katie and Josh Butler welcomed their son, Josh Dewey Butler IV, into the world. Their joy quickly turned to concern when they discovered Dewey had been born with a rare genetic disorder that severely impacted his ability to perform basic functions like breathing and eating. Despite their prayers and the support of loved ones, Dewey lived for only 132 days at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
“We were thinking, ‘We’re good, normal people! Why are we the ones with a sick baby? Why are we the ones whose baby died? Is this really happening?'” Josh recalled of their devastating loss.
An unexpected blessing
While still processing their grief, the Butlers received unexpected news from one of Dewey’s nurses about another baby in the hospital. On the fifth floor, a child named Braxtel, who had medical conditions similar to Dewey’s, had been abandoned by his family.
“Right away, I knew it was an answer to a prayer,” Katie said. “This baby needed a home, needed a family.”
Building a new family
The Butlers first became Braxtel’s foster parents before finalizing his adoption. Though caring for Braxtel didn’t diminish their grief over losing Dewey, it gave them renewed purpose and perspective. Instead of surrendering to hopelessness, they found meaning in putting someone else’s needs before their own.
Sharing their story
The couple’s journey reached a broader audience when Josh participated as one of 14 rookies in American Ninja Warrior’s finals in Daytona, FL, competing in honor of Braxtel. Josh emphasized that their story demonstrates how God has a purpose in both good times and bad, hoping their experience might help others find healing in their own struggles.
“We found that our time with Dewey—before his birth, during his time with us, and after he died—was nothing less than spiritual warfare,” Josh shared, reflecting on their journey from loss to renewed purpose through Braxtel’s adoption.
