Blessed

Over the past two years I have ran through many emotions... from finding out that I was pregnant to then finding out it was twins! And then to go into labor at a shockingly early gestation and then surviving with my boys. To struggling to cope with their survival rates and then fearing the thought of bringing them home. To settling into life with preemieS and juggling therapies, apnea monitors, and multiple doctor appointments. To now enjoying the miracles of their growth and dealing with only mild delays instead of things that could have become major handicaps. Plain and simple... we. are. blessed. And there is only one GOD that is so just to be forever praised... THANK YOU!!

One of my friends from the NICU just shared this article with me today. So touching to read. It is very humbling to think this way, but I now enjoy the thought of being chosen for this role. If you are a mother of a preemie, grab a tissue, you might need it!

How Preemie Moms Are Chosen
by Erma Bombeck

Did you ever wonder how the mothers of premature babies are chosen?

Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.

“Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint, Matthew.
Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia.
Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint…give her Gerard. He’s used to profanity.”

Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles. “Give her a preemie.” 

The angel is curious. “Why this one, God? She’s so happy.”

“Exactly,” smiles God. “Could I give a premature baby a mother who knows no laughter? That would be cruel.”

“But does she have the patience?” asks the angel.

“I don’t want her to have too much patience, or she’ll drown in a sea of self-pity and despair.  Once the shock and resentment wear off, she’ll handle it. I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I’m going to give her has a world of its own. She has to make it live in her world, and that’s not going to be easy.”

“But Lord, I don’t think she even believes in you.”

God smiles. “No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect She has just the right amount of selfishness.”

The angel gasps, “Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?”

God nods. “If she can’t separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn’t know it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says momma for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see– ignorance, cruelty, prejudice– and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side.” 

“And what about her Patron Saint?” asks the angel, his pen poised in air.

God smiles. “A mirror will suffice.”

Isn't it cool how God uses us. In ordinary things, everyday ways, to fulfill  his will for our lives?!! Whatever it is, I believe that God has a purpose for us, a reason for our days. So today I say thank you! Thank you God for choosing me to be the mother to these little miracle men who have filled my life with more joy than I could have ever imagined!!!

Playing on the tires Dad got them for a sand box.

Trying to wear our shoes.  

Little Luke man!

Watching Dad burying in the tires!

And congratulations to Crystal and Marshall as they celebrate their daughter, Audrey's second birthday! Wow, little Miss Miracle who entered the world at an alarming 12 oz is now two years old! Amazing!!!