That’s my motto today….and most days it seems! Yes, it’s nearly a month late, but I still wanted to make sure that I was able to share about Brianna’s special day! What special day is that?! Why, her birthday of course!! And not just ANY birthday. April 21st was the day that Brianna hit her DOUBLE DIGITS!
The morning started with me reminiscing of the day she was born. What a day that was!!
Before I can get into the day, you need to know that I prayed for this girl! I prayed that I would carry another baby. I prayed for a sibling for Paige. I can remember kneeling at the altar many times, with a dear friend, pouring out my heart to the Lord, and asking for another child. I can remember being so afraid that the sins of our past had made it impossible. Nearly a year later, I was *elated* when I found out that I was in fact, pregnant!! Fast forward……due to numerous complications, I had been on strict bedrest for a couple of months. I had already quit my job, as we knew that after the birth I would join the ranks of stay-at-home mom’s everywhere! Because I had strict orders from the doctor, Duane was still bringing Paige to her daycare provider which left me on the couch, alone, every day. They were both well over an hour away, and at that time, we lived quite a ways from our church family and friends as well. I’ll never forget the love that was shown to me at that time though! From our church family, who made meals and brought them to Duane so that he could bring them home each evening, and from a sweet, sweet lady from our church that called me EVERY afternoon to read the scriptures with me over the phone and pray! Beth, if you ever read this, I want you to know how much you BLESSED me during that time!
Ok, back to the day. My due date was still 2 weeks away. I explicitly recall telling Duane not to go to work that morning because I just knew that baby would be coming. He snorted, gave me "the look," and headed off. Sure enough, late that morning, things started progressing! I was nervous, emotional, and afraid to be alone. I called the hospital (which was about 20 minutes from us), and they said to come in. Well, I wasn’t about to drive myself, and we didn’t really know anyone around us, so my options were limited.
Picture this. We had only met two of our neighbors, and both of them worked. I looked out my window and saw a truck parked in the driveway next door. Mr. John was a mid 30-something bachelor. He owned a sport shop in town, was a part of the volunteer fire department, and was NEVER home! I debated for what seemed like forever, then mustered up the nerve to make the short trek across the backyard and knock on his door. I get outside and realize that his truck is still running! He must have JUST got home when I looked out, and he wasn’t planning on being there for long. Talk about timing! As he opened the door, I’m sure my face was filled with a look of fear, mixed with pain, and some embarrassment thrown in there too. He responded by peeking out towards my house with raised eyebrows and a huge look of question! I don’t know, maybe he was expecting to see my house on fire or something. Come to think of it, I bet he would have VERY much preferred that! LOL!!
Me: "Ummmm, hi Mr. John. I’m sure you are busy. I mean, it looks like you are in a rush. Ummmmm, is there any way that you might have the time to do me a favor?"
Mr. John: "What do you need?"
Me: "Well, Duane is up North of Northfield working. I can’t wait that long for him to get here. I’m so sorry to bother you, but……."
His look of question is growing bigger at this time. Seeing that he’s not understanding, I finally blurt it out.
Me: "I’m in labor and I need a ride to the hospital."
Oh gosh! I’m rolling with laughter here as I can SO vividly recall his look of panic at that moment!! He rushed into his house, grabbed some things, and was out the door in a flash. I waddled home, grabbed my bag, met him outside, and climbed up into his truck. Not even 5 minutes later, the labor pains were replaced with absolute fear that I was going to die! ROFLOL!! Yes, this man was most definitely a bachelor, and had no doubt watched too many movies about women in labor! He was in a HURRY to get me to that hospital! All the while, apologizing that he had his "old, bouncy" truck with him that day. I can remember him saying something about his sister and babies, but really, my mind was more focused on the prayers that I was pleading to God, to get us there safely! Really, he is a very sweet man, and I’m sure HIS mind was reeling with thoughts of having to assist in a roadside birth or something, which made him pedal that gas with even more fervency, all while saying many prayers of his own! Obviously, we made it there intact! He offered to carry my bags into the hospital for me, wished us well, and was on his way, with quite his own story to tell!
I called Duane, who headed right over, and then made the calls to let family and friends know we were at the hospital. My mom grabbed a bag, and headed out for the two hour trip from Wisconsin, hoping that she would be able to make it in time for the birth. Kim, a dear friend from church, came in as well. They were all there, offering their support, laughs, encouragement, and many prayers throughout my laboring process, and at 4:17pm, they shared in our joy and our second daughter was born! Our joy soon turned to uncertainty, as we were informed that there was a problem with her lungs sticking, which was not allowing her to get enough oxygen. She was placed on oxygen, X-rays were taken, and we were told that they were talking about making arrangements to have her transferred to a children’s hospital in the cities. Prayer requests were immediately sent out to our church family, who happened to be having a bible study at the time. They all stopped what they were doing, and lifted our sweet Brianna before the throne of grace. One of the elders of our church came and laid hands on her, praying for healing. We all believed for a miracle, and God answered!! The doctor came in and told us that while they couldn’t explain how it happened, they had taken another scan that showed her lungs completely clear. WE were able to share that the HOW was only through the healing power of our great physician!! What an awesome God we serve!!
Today, Brianna is ten years old! While she currently waffles between wanting to stay ten forever, and one day becoming a wife, and a mother, her hearts desire is to please the Lord, and be a godly example to others. She has a servants heart, a tender spirit, and a contagious joy! She is kind, creative, and has been gifted with an artistic, and writing ability that amaze me! In addition to all of that, she has taught me so much by example. I was recently brought me to my knees when Brianna allowed the Lord to work through her to show me the depth of the love of Christ for me. What a gift the Lord gave me in her!! I am so blessed.
Happy Birthday Sweetie!! MOMMA LOVES YOU!!
Cathy