looking out the window just now… in my mind i can still remember watching the snow fall outside barnes hospital. just like tonight.
the whole thing caught us off guard. we hadn’t even finished lamaze classes!
but everything changed, just the same.
beth had experienced some bleeding just as we attempted to call it a night. a trip to the e.r…. beth’s blood pressure dangerously high… then an ambulance ride downtown the next morning just in case the baby needs extra care. this can’t be good.
a day later… it’s finally time.
time? whose time?
a final push.
silence.
isn’t she supposed to cry?
silence…
2 neonatologist and 2 nurses work quickly.
silence… 3 minutes… 4 minutes
our doc quietly asks the other docs... hoping we can’t hear… “is she going to be okay?”
“we don’t know yet.” he responds.
5 minutes…
“what’s her name?” we’re asked. “jennifer margaret,” beth replies. did we agree upon that?
six.
pictures… i better take pictures. these may be the only ones of her… …cold thoughts run through my head.
a nurse appears and informs the docs they are needed next door immediately.
they don’t budge.
seven minutes…
a cry… …a beautiful tiny cry.
…followed by 19 years of wonderful noise.
what a night…
…what a girl.
this would be the first of many lessons of trust.
each an experience i wouldn’t wish upon anyone.
each an experience i wouldn’t trade for the world.
Wow.
Posted by: joe neill | February 12, 2007 at 10:25 PM
It really doesn't seem like 19 years, does it?
Posted by: Judy | February 13, 2007 at 11:37 AM