Within this same maternity ward, over the course of eight years I mentored three young women through adoptions, the first in 1994. Here again, in a matter of just TWO days, I’ve been here to support TWO families in the birth of their daughters, both who have trisomy 18!
A second baby girl has been born in the room right next door to where Runner was born. Her name is Marlee. Again, I had the honor of being there to meet Marlee after she was born and to give HOPE in this uncertain situation.
Same optimal spot in the parking garage, I hurried through the familiar halls up to the 9th floor. Runner had gone home with her family just hours before, and is doing well. PRAISE GOD!!! A lump welled up in my throat as I glanced into their vacant room as I passed by. I won’t soon forget the miraculous scene that unfolded in there. I recalled how Bridge Over Troubled Water was “randomly” playing yesterday as I walked in. How perfectly appropriate.
And now just the next room down the same intense anticipation hangs heavy outside the door as Marlee is about to be born. A familiar face from yesterday’s staff is already standing vigil, her head against the wall and tears in her eyes. We talk. We hug. We comfort one another. Sweet Shirley.
We are met with some of Aimee’s family, who invite me to sit with them in a room down the hall. As Shirley’s attention is needed elsewhere, I accept their offer. Throughout Aimee’s pregnancy I had only corresponded with her through Facebook and had never met in person. This was my first time meeting everyone. I shared a little bit about Nora also with her family and showed them pictures. Showed them hope.
Before long, Marlee’s arrival was announced. She was here, along with the reinforced tangle of uncertainty. Marlee was experiencing some trouble breathing, but she was breathing! When Aimee and Nick were ready the visitors streamed in. I stood in wait, not wanting to impose.
And then it was my turn. With great reverence and awe, I entered the room. A very tiny pink little bundle laid on her smiling mama’s chest. Marlee. Her delicate little features demanded our attention and besieged the hearts of everyone in that room.
Marlee, Runner, Nora – God’s beautiful creations that He has entrusted us with. Each mighty little life has been lavished with great purpose which will unfold day by day as the budding of a beautiful flower.
I can’t predict the road ahead for these families – just as I could not predict my own. However, I do know that each of these little ladies will change their families in ways they never could have imagined. There will be times of intense joy, and also times of intense worry, but it will all be worth it. THIS is what it means to love your children with reckless abandon – as Christ loves us in all of our own “imperfections”. Despite this often uncomfortable interruption of “life as usual”, despite the possibility of being deeply wounded in grief, we have said YES, LORD. YES, to these sweet, delicate little babies who bring with them a message of WONDROUS love.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
(Matthew 25:40 NIV)
Please add little Marlee to your prayers. That her little body will strengthen with each passing hour, that the doctors and dear nurses will continue to efficiently and expertly attend to her needs as they arise, and that little Marlee will get to go home as Runner did. Praise you, God for these precious miracles!
In Sweet Loving Memory of
iwillcarryyou 