Friday, March 8, 2013

Bittersweet joy

Today I am rejoicing.  My oldest son and his wife have a new baby girl!  June Elise was born at 12:04 am local time.  Both grandmas had the privilege of being there in the delivery room.  It was the most amazing experience of my life.  The only other times I had been in a delivery room for a live birth was when my own children were born.  Let's just say that this was experiencing birth from a new perspective.  I literally had a front row seat as I pushed my daugther-in-law's right leg back toward her shoulder as she pushed.  I can not find the words to express how beautiful it was to watch June's entry into the world.  We all shed tears of joy.

It was a bittersweet time.  Just about 15 months ago we were at the same hospital with the same son and daughter-in-law, same doctor, same other mother for a very difficult birth.  38 weeks and 5 days into her pregnancy the baby stopped moving.  An ultrasound could not find a heartbeat.  Norah Lynn was stillborn.  There was a huge knot in her umbilical cord. We all shed tears of sorrow. Today's joy would not be possible without last year's sorrow.  Today's joy was extra sweet.  We all knew that today was a real miracle.  Today I am rejoicing.

9 comments:

  1. Thank our God for this wonderful day. I'm glad that you were there, both times...birth is such a miracle, I agree. XO

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  2. My heart is with you in joy and in the memory of Norah Lynn.

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  3. What a beautiful post. It sounds like you have an amazing family.

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  4. I'm so glad that you were all able to risk such joy after such heartache. The reminder here is that birth really is a miracle. Hold them all tight in the days ahead as you all celebrate and remember.

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  5. Thank goodness for the opportunity to rejoice. While Norah Lynn is safe in the arms of God, I'm glad that little June will be safe in your arms for a long time to come. God bless.

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  6. What a beautiful story of loss and joy. Congratulations and God be with you all.

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  7. Such a lovely, emotional post. Congratulations and many, many blessings to your family!

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  8. Congratulations on the birth of your grandchild! What a truly beautiful moment for you and your family.

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  9. A time for congratulations and remembering. Richest blessings on your family during this special time!

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