The Jed Series 2/5: Misty, Mom

(THE JED SERIES 2/5: Misty, Mom)

Our eyes locked, for the first time, in the quiet, dark hospital room. Despite the hours of stress and fatigue that accompanied a prenatal diagnosis, dozens of appointments during a pandemic, failure to thrive in the womb and an emergency c-section, this first extended moment between us was filled with peace and exuberant hope. Though Jedidiah’s five pound, two ounce body was tiny and frail, his eyes shined with vitality and determination. More than that, they showed that he was full of unlocked treasures and pleasant surprises. I held him in my arms and whispered, “I don’t know what I’m doing but I sure know how to love you. You are a gift to me.”

That moment, just a few hours after he was born, set the tone for our relationship. We developed an understanding and mutual respect and admiration. I wet his face with my tears and he didn’t even break his gaze to blink. I was his and he was mine. Nothing could change that. Nothing could dull the light that shone upon us.

Often, when I jump too far ahead in the future, I close my eyes and think back on this “first look.” I cling to what I knew to be true then and what still remains true now - we can face anything together. With the help of our gracious God, the support of our family and friends and the tie that binds us ever so tightly, we will walk into the challenges with outstretched arms and open hearts.

#TheLuckyFew #TheLuckyFewFoundation #DownSyndrome #ThisIsDownSyndrome