The entire purpose of my blog is to reach out. Whether it be to listen to someone speak about their financial worries, or their unplanned pregnancies, I want to talk to and connect with other Americans. I also frequent support groups mainly set up for women, and I have run across a couple of them who had not been sure about keeping their baby. One in particular (and I will not give her name in order to honor her privacy), was terrified after her 20 week appointment. Luckily, she came to our support group asking for advice. She explained that her doctor had said that the baby girl growing inside her had some heart defects and would require surgeries. She and her husband had a difficult time accepting this fact, and of course worried about their daughter's suffering, as well as how they were going to pay for her medical expenses. As one can imagine, they were heartbroken, scared, confused, and angry all at once. Other Moms and I offered our shoulders to cry on, and advice. So many of us had already experienced the same devastating news that our child had a life-threatening defect--but we made it through. We continue to do so. It isn't always easy, but it is always worth it. None of us regretted keeping our "abnormal" children. In fact, we felt so very blessed to receive such special miracles. We made it very clear to her that we believed she was strong enough and made sure that she was aware that we would be with her and her husband every step of the way. If her or her spouse wanted to vent, or ask questions, us Moms would be there for them. It was important to us that she and her husband knew that they weren't alone.
They ended up keeping their baby girl. She was born a couple weeks ago, and she is gorgeous. Though their baby will have to have surgery in a few months, doctors are optimistic that everything will go smoothly. Mom thanked us for helping them make the right decision ;)
...and now for a photo of our Heart Warrior, taken just 4 weeks after her open heart surgery :-)
Kids are so tough and amazing.
