From Miracle to Motherhood: The Inspiring Story of Jules McBride

Julie, 25 weeks pregnant at the time, vividly recalls the terrifying moments before help arrived: "There were so many times while waiting for help that we thought none of us would survive. We prayed. It was all we could do." 

October of 2016, the night of the accident. Jules, 25 weeks pregnant, and her husband Jevon were in the hospital fighting for their lives (via Instgram)

The road to recovery was long, and each family member faced significant physical challenges. "Jevon needed multiple surgeries and had to learn how to walk again, and Juliana was the most critical," Julie recounts. On day three of Juliana’s life, they were told she had a grade 4 brain bleed and might not survive. But every day, she fought. "A month later, I was told Juliana would never be normal or might be in a vegetative state. In that moment, I felt God say, ‘watch me work.’"

Three-day-old baby Juliana fighting for her life with grade 4 brain bleed. (via Instagram)

Julie’s faith has been her constant guide through it all. They prayed for so many years for a baby and then the unthinkable happened before baby was even born. "When I became a mom, I prayed more. I wanted my child to survive all the odds because my love for her runs deep. Juliana’s faced many surgeries, illnesses, and daily challenges. I pray for her strength, determination, health, safety, and resiliency."

With the support of doctors, NICU nurses, and the love of their friends, family, and military community that pulled them through. And today, Julie is filled with gratitude for every moment with her miracle daughter. “Juliana’s smile and laughter are unmatched. She’s smart, determined, and our shining light,” she says.
Reflecting on the best advice she received about motherhood, Julie shares a moment with her mom after Juliana’s birth. "I was afraid of her leaving after she spent the first eight weeks with us. My mom hugged me as I sobbed and said, 'Motherhood is in you, and you are more than good enough to be Juliana’s mom.'

I’m laughing now because of how absolutely right she was." 

Caring for Juliana, who also has Cerebral Palsy, has redefined Julie’s approach to motherhood. "The hardest part is adjusting to what I thought motherhood would be," she says. Juliana requires full-time care, and their days include therapy sessions, medical appointments, and navigating life with special equipment like her wheelchair. But amidst the challenges, Julie finds joy in her daughter’s spirit: “The best part of motherhood is seeing Juliana smile and hearing her laughter. Her joy after all she's endured is unmatched."

Motherhood has given Julie a deep sense of purpose, though it has its challenges, especially with Juliana’s ongoing medical needs. “I’m her mom but also her caregiver,” Julie says. "It’s hard for others to understand that I grieve what motherhood could’ve been at times. When I think about my daughter’s future it brings me to tears because of the unknown. All I can do is take it day by day and realize how blessed we are."

She helps Juliana with everyday tasks, from eating and dressing to managing medications and physical therapy. But even with the physical and emotional demands, Julie sees the beauty in every part of their journey. "Juliana experiences everything a typical child her age would. We find bright spots always, and therapy has helped tremendously."

I'm so grateful that EleStory has been part of their journey too, and Julie speaks fondly of how our brand has become a tradition for her and Juliana. "I love that EleStory has been in our lives since Juliana was a toddler. When we put on EleStory dresses, we feel like princesses. The material is beautiful, each style different, and the way EleStory moves with our bodies makes everything feel timeless and magical."

Looking ahead, Julie is focused on being present and embracing the changes that life brings. "Motherhood can change in an instant. I’m learning to be okay when life is hard and to live fully in the moment." Despite everything they’ve been through, Julie knows she’s been shaped by motherhood in ways she never imagined. "I’m stronger than I ever thought I could be. Juliana has taught me so much about love, patience, and courage."

As Julie continues on her motherhood journey, she remains committed to finding joy in the everyday and being the best mom to her extraordinary daughter. 

Thank you, Jules and Juliana, for sharing your journey with us and inspiring us all to choose joy and hold on to hope, even in the darkest moments. Your story reminds us that while life is unpredictable, it’s also full of miracles waiting to unfold. We love you. 

xoxo,
Judy

You can follow Jules and Juliana's beautiful journey on Julie's IG page @jppaige.

Special thanks to the talented @Jeannahayesphoto for capturing these beautiful ladies in our Crinkled Chiffon dresses. We are forever grateful.