I have been touched by Prematurity!
Ava at 4 1/2 years old.
Olivia at 5 years old.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month. Today, November 17 is dedicated to raising awareness of the crisis of premature birth. This is my story of sadness, trials and ultimately overcoming!
My life has been touched by Prematurity 3 times. During the time of my children's birth Prematurity was a dirty word. A word I hated!
My first child Dylan James was born at 1lb 2oz at 25 weeks. I knew he was small but I believed he would overcome his early start. Sadly, he did not.
The first and last time we held Dylan.
Our next child Olivia Grace, was born at 26 weeks and weighed 1lb 7oz. We once again headed down the path of prematurity. Olivia had all kinds of issues and spent 87 days in the hospital. When we took her home from the hospital I concentrated all my efforts on raising her to be a normal little girl, not knowing what that would be. We had early intervention to help with all kinds of things.
The day we finally took Olivia home from the hospital!
This little one below certainly wasn't part of our plans. After all the heartache and trauma we just couldn't do it again. I resigned myself that Olivia would be an only child. God laughed! Just 14 months after Olivia's birth and 1 year after we brought her home, Ava was born. Again we were in the NICU for Ava was only 1lb 6oz at 27 weeks. She stayed there for 62 days and during our stay there gave me new things to learn about.
Why did it happen to me 3 times? I had HELLP with Dylan and pre-eclampsia with the girls. I am writing today in support of the March of Dimes so that research continues to find a cure for Prematurity. I'm writing today so that my little Preemie girls won't have to endure this problem when they have children.
I have been touched by Prematurity because I have 2 beautiful girls. I pray that the rate of prematurity goes down but I'm thankful for the research, the drs and the nurses who help others just like my girls. Keep on keepin' on!
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Hurray for March of Dimes, and two precious little granddaughters, and one brief encounter with my first grandson. I take it as a promise of further uninterrupted times together in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for the loss of little Dylan. It's wonderful to hear that your girls have done well, though I'm sure it has been incredibly difficult for you and your husband. Thank you so much for sharing your story and reminding us of the importance of fighting for preemies!
ReplyDeleteKari,
ReplyDeleteSome people wouldn't be able to handle 3 preemies. God gave them to you and Jim, because you have the faith and the family and the strength to not only live through it, but to shine through it. It's an honor to you guys that God gave them to you.
Much love,
Dana
God chose you guys to care and love these little ones because no one could do better than you! You are the perfect parents for all three of them. Your strength is a testimony to all that God has gotten you through! Thank you for sharing your journey!
ReplyDeleteHi Kari!
ReplyDeleteI was so touched by the memories as I read your story. The scriptures, trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not to our own understanding and the secret things belong to the Lord, rose out of my heart. Also,if God be for us who can be against us...and God is definitely for you and your beautiful, miraculous family!
What an anointed, eloquent spokesperson you are! May God give wisdom to researchers so that the rate of "prematurity" decreases. Thank you and Jim for your courageous walk with the Lord and selfless, unconditional love for each other and your children.
Have a blessed holiday season,
Sheree