Recently, my husband and I welcomed our daughter, A, into the world. Little did we know just how much our lives were about to change.
When I was admitted to the Family Birthing Center, I was glad to see a familiar face. Connie had also been one of my nurses when I gave birth to our son 2 years ago. While laboring, I was streaming Christian music, which led to a wonderful conversation between Connie, my husband, and myself about our churches. When Connie left for the evening, she let me know she would be praying for me and waiting to hear how things went.
A had some trouble breathing when she was born, so she needed to be put on oxygen. My doctor assured me A was doing wonderfully, that she only needed a little bit of oxygen. I was allowed to hold her and nurse her right away. The following morning, A's pediatrician observed her large soft spot and slightly low ears, characteristics of Down Syndrome. A also had a heart murmur. I called my husband to let him know, and that he should come to the hospital. When Connie came in and asked how I was doing, I began to cry. Connie wrapped her arms around me and prayed and prayed and prayed. She held me as I cried, but spoke the most beautiful words of prayer, not just for me, but for my husband and for A, as well as our extended family. I felt a sense of peace come over me. Connie reassured me that A would be okay, and we talked a bit while I waited for my husband to arrive.
After his arrival, my husband broke down outside the nursery. I knew he needed a little time to himself, so I stayed back. Connie saw my husband going into my room and followed him. He later let me know that she did the same for him that she had done for me - she held him and prayed and let him cry on her shoulder.
Because of concerns about A's heart, they were transporting her to the NICU at St. Mary's in Madison, WI. Connie was with us the entire time. After the doctor left, Connie asked if we would like to pray. We held hands, and again Connie filled the room with the most amazing prayer. When the time came for A to leave with the transport crew, Connie hugged us and let us know she would be thinking of and praying for A and us. Over the next few days, we received confirmation of A's Down Syndrome diagnosis and the news that she would need open heart surgery around the age of 4 to 6 months.
A is now eight weeks old. I have repeatedly told people how absolutely wonderful Connie was during one of the worst times for us. The care, compassion, and love she showed us, three people she hardly knew, during that time was amazing. I am a firm believer that God places certain people in our lives when we most need them, and I believe he placed Connie in our lives knowing the road ahead. There are not enough words I can say to thank her for everything.