For the last six months, today’s date has been circled on my calendar. It marked the day that all my providers and Eli and I could breathe a bit easier knowing our baby and I both had “made it” to 32 weeks. And everywhere I went today, I was reminded of that. I started my morning at the NICU listening to the physicians, residents and fellows round on my Struthers beginning with “Former 27-weeker at 32 weeks gestational age…” and then talking about all the milestones that should mean for him. Then I checked in for a followup appointment, and they handed me a cup in which to leave my ’32-week’ sample (I declined, politely telling the receptionist I had already delivered). And yet again, the sweet MA that has triaged me for every appointment over the last two years, looked at the scale when I stepped on and was bewildered, having to check the medical record about whether/when I had delivered. Sigh…
But, alas, the Lord works all things for the good of His people…Struthers has been here for us to love on for five weeks now. Five weeks I wouldn’t trade for the world. I’ve slowly come to the guilt-releasing realization that just as God provided all the miracles that take place inside the womb, He’s also provided all the technology, supplies, structure, experience and providers of the NICU. And He chose us and all the other special babies in the NICU to exhibit His miracles there. It’s funny–five weeks ago, on the morning I would deliver, I turned my room’s whiteboard into a countdown calendar. And on the 32-week post-it, it simply said Praise the Lord–32 weeks. It’s beautiful to think about the Lord performing His miracles regardless of where we are, literally and figuratively. So today, we are indeed Praising the Lord.
Comments imported from CaringBridge (10 comments):
your journal entries are inspiring.
—Rosalyn Forsyth, December 20, 2014
God is indeed a God of miracles! You and Struthers are definitely a picture of His good works! We love you!
—Heather George, December 19, 2014
We are so happy that you have been so blessed by God!
—Theresa Myers, December 19, 2014
Love you and your always inspiring and thankful messages. They encourage me so much. A Merry & Blessed Christmas to you, sweet mommy.
—Marj Wise, December 19, 2014
You are such an inspiration to us all. Just like your mom. Praying for all.
—Christy Greene, December 19, 2014
May the Lord continue to bless your beautiful family…my prayers continue.
—Diana Aycock, December 19, 2014
You say it best, but I need to say it also. Praise the Lord! You and Eli and Struthers are awesome. Love you.
—Joy Breeden, December 19, 2014
What a beautiful and positive way to look such a milestone. Your strength is staggering ans such a wonderful escape if a mother’s love. Struthers is a lucky boy. He is getting strength from you even now. Thinking and praying about you all.
—Lauren Nemecek, December 18, 2014
Strength and stamina when it’s needed…you’ve got this, sweet Cami!!!! Struthers has been born into it!!!! Blessings!!!!
—Janice Johnson, December 18, 2014
Praising the lord!! Love you sweet Cami and amazed by your strength and your beautiful son. So thankful that the last 5 weeks made today even more significant. You are both so strong. Love you!!
—Mallory Addison, December 18, 2014