At a routine doctor's appointment on March 2, 2012, my blood pressure was too high and my OB decided today was THE day. At 3:15 my induction began. And at 9:23 p.m., our miracle Reece was born. Silent. Blue. Matt cut the cord and they took our baby away. By midnight, our families were in what seemed to be the smallest consultation room known to man. And as the bad news kept coming, the room seemed to be caving in on us. The next morning, Reece was sent to Egleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta where he spent the first two weeks of his life. On day 9, we were finally able to hold him. While it was the most incredible moment of our lives, we almost were more focused on untangling him from all the wires that seemed to be keeping him alive.
And then something incredible happened on November 18. Run for Reece. This wonderful event planned by an amazing family has helped us pay for Reece's growing medical bills. To find out more about Run for Reece and the Youngs (the family who organized this event) please click here.
Lucy was the first "baby" Matt and I had. I've never loved a dog like I did Lucy. And I never will again. I mourn her loss every day and look forward to the day I get to hold her again.
Then, on December 15, or maybe even December 16, I'm not exactly sure of the time ... all I know is it was extremely late ... as we were sitting next to Reece in his bed, he coded. We had to step away and watch the team of doctors and nurses save him. It was the most terrifying moments of our lives. They even brought out the ECMO machine because they weren't sure if they would be able to stabilize him without it. I can't even relive the moments to finish this, so I'm going to move on.
Due to the possibility of oxygen loss to his brain during the time he crashed, he had to have further testing to make sure he didn't have any brain damage.
Because of Reece's health and the fact that we lived so far away, my grandma never got to meet Reece. And that will forever weigh heavy on my heart.
She loved Reece so much. She told everyone about Reece. In fact, at her funeral, I just started introducing myself as Reece's mom because as soon as I did, they knew exactly who I was. She shared his story and made sure everyone was praying for him. She had Reece's first birthday present already purchased. And let me tell you ... it is one of Reece's favorites.
The world lost such an amazing woman. We all look forward to the day we can see her again.
And that's why we are heading to Boston.
Fitting for the closing of this post is this from today's devotional:
Living in dependence on Me is the way to enjoy abundant life. You are learning to appreciate tough times, because they amplify your awareness of My Presence. When you feel tired, you remember that I am your Strength. As you bask in the blessing of My nearness, My life can flow through you to others. This is abundant life!