We thought we had at least two more weeks–maybe three.
But the news wasn’t good.
High blood pressure appeared
A deadline imposed.
Deliver today!
Panic clenched.
Time was begged.
An extension given
Four more days MAX!
She was the picture of health,
A toned and fit body.
We never know what lurks beneath.
Or what the future holds.
The whirlwind sweeps the days relentlessly into nights and suddenly I am in the delivery room
Thankful and honored to be invited into that inner sanctum of a holy miracle about to be birthed.
Prayers hover and cocoon the weary couple.
He sets up the speakers for a set list carefully chosen. He plays to calm her nerves and speaks softly to ease her fears.
Holding hands
He sits beside her.
Exhaustion overtakes them,
He lays his head on the bed.
They both sleep.
And then it is time. I sit with her mother on the sofa and we grasp hands clenched in anxiety, hearts thumping in anticipation. Prayers now saturate the air around us.
And then he’s here,
And we cry.
And tears of joy stream unchecked down our faces
And I struggle not to sob
My emotions so raw
My relief so intense
My wonder unrestrained.
A red squalling bundle
Perfect in every way
Tiny and helpless but raging with affront at the bright lights and cold world he’s been brought into.
Where is the darkness he’s known for nine months?
And the cozy warmth and security he’s thrived in these thirty-eight weeks?
And then he is placed on her chest and eyes wide with wonder at this strange new world,
He finds her
The voice he knows
The steady heartbeat whose sound and rhythm he heard days on end
And he is quiet and content.
And the new dad who has waited for this forever etched moment, bends low to look him in the eye, and places his hand on the tiny back and whispers, “Hello little buddy.”
And the love overflows.
And God smiles at his perfect handiwork.
And in this sublime moment of miracles, may I never forget to give thanks to he who loves me unfailingly and pours blessings from above. And know even in the darkest moments, as long as the sun sets in glory, there is a blessing to be found.
A gift from above.
And today I am drenched in the sweet waters from Heaven.
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Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you.
-How have you been abundantly blessed?
-Make a list of 10 things and thank him every day this week.