A honeymoon is typically a joyful start to a married couple’s new life. For Nate and Mariana Kuhlman, however, theirs ended in heartbreak. The couple wed on October 28 last year and went to St. Lucia for their honeymoon. Having met at Franciscan University in October 2021, they were excited about their future together. Tragically, just three days after exchanging vows, Nate drowned while skiing.
Mariana watched from the shore and turned her gaze away for a brief moment. When she glanced back, she saw the boat hurrying toward her, with a crew member attempting to revive Nate. “Nate! Nate!” Mariana cried out, desperately hoping her husband would revive. Despite their efforts, when Nate got to the hospital, the doctors found no vital signs and pronounced him dead.
Refusing to concede, both Mariana and Nate’s mother, Heather, turned to social media, seeking a miracle through prayer. At Nate’s autopsy, amid global prayers, they called upon St. Lazarus to bring Nate back. Still, despite their unwavering faith, it became clear that Nate wouldn’t return. Officially a widow, Mariana’s faith in God’s plan didn’t waver.
On Thanksgiving, Mariana discovered she was pregnant with Nate’s child. The couple had remained abstinent until marriage and had arranged their wedding and honeymoon to avoid conception intentionally. “While praying the Lazarus Prayer,” Mariana shared with The Catholic Register, “I pondered if God would answer in another manner and make me pregnant. My heart overflowed with joy upon receiving this gift of new life from God.”
She deeply felt Nate’s absence but also his joy; she knew somehow he already knew about the baby. Announcing her joyous news on social media on January 14, Nate’s birthday, Mariana exclaimed, “Clearly, God had a plan more magnificent than anything we could fathom. Our prayers and those of people around the globe were answered differently than expected, yet still, the GIFT OF LIFE is the miracle we’re ecstatic to share with you all.”
Their son, Raphael Patrick, was born on July 18, 2024, weighing a healthy 9 lbs. 11 oz. Mariana shared the happy news on Instagram, writing, “Raphael Patrick, my heart overflows with joy at your arrival! Words can’t convey the love I hold for you already. Nate, our son is here!”
