Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Breathe (08/19/10)
-
TITLE: Elijah's First Breaths | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sarah Davis
08/24/10 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I remember the joy leap inside me as I felt no more small flutters, but distinct kicks as you would stretch and make room inside my womb that started as your home. Due to my high blood pressure, you would be arriving three weeks early.
It was a special day for us as we knew the second addition to our home would arrive. Mommy was scheduled for another C-section, and I remember the feeling of anxiety filling me as I told myself to just breathe as I knew you would be out soon. Your daddy held my hand and watched as they worked vigorously to free you.
Within minutes I felt a sudden heaviness release within me as you were pulled out and I instantly listened to your cry that came from taking your first breaths. You were beautiful, resembling your older brother, yet taking on another look all the same. You weighed in at seven pounds and a half ounce and twenty inches; already outdoing your brother as he was born a little smaller.
After I was released from recovery, I anxiously awaited to hold my baby boy for the first time. When they brought you to me, I was filled instantaneously with pure love; but as I held you close I noticed you struggle with your breathing and a light whimper came through your tiny pursed lips. My heart grieved for my little man and fear grew within me.
Moments later the Neonatal Doctor came in to give us the news that you were born with fluid on your lungs that turned into pneumonia. You struggled to get a full breath, so they began to plug you up to machines and place IV’s into my tiny little fighter. You were started on a hundred percent oxygen. I was not able to hold you during this time and my heart ached to feel your touch against me, to feed you, and love you the way you deserved.
The Doctor told me he wasn’t sure you didn’t have a heart condition as well and at this point he could not give me a yes that you would make it through. My heart gripped in unbelievable ache as I cried tears of hope and prayed desperately for you my loved little one.
On the third night, your nurse allowed me to hold you as she believed this was crucial, the bonding between mother and child in order to help you fight. You were all consumed with wires from your IV’s, but after a few minutes of maneuvering I got to hold you precious boy. Daddy and I adored you and loved on you during this special time we had. We prayed with you and had our picture taken with you, then kissed you goodnight as we headed back down the hall to our room.
The next morning, a new Doctor informed us our son was being transferred to Children’s Hospital. I was a detrimental wreck thinking the worse has happened, my only memory being the former Doctor saying, “If he is sent to Children’s then he is in critical condition”. I could not make my tears stop as they were flowing freely. I got dressed quickly and rushed to get to you as fast as my recovering body would allow. You were nestled in your little clear cube; face swollen from tubes too big, but just as sweet and innocent. I placed my hands on you through the little openings and prayed a simple prayer. I reminded you that you would not be alone, Jesus was with you.
A peace came over me as we drove the two hour ride to Children’s Hospital. God’s hands were with you as I immediately knew you were in the best place noticing they had exchanged your tubes out with smaller ones that fit your nose and allowed the swelling in your face to begin to fade. Within a day your heart condition was ruled out and you were breathing on your own. Each day you progressed and we were able to take our bundle of joy home less than a week later.
Our breaths should not be taken for granted, they are counted each one by our Great God and we never know how many we will be given before it will be our last.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
