The Miracle of Life

This week I had the incredible and humbling privilege of watching a baby enter the world, take her first breath, and lay contentedly in her mother's arms for the first time. I had wanted to blog about it earlier, but had a pretty full week of fun opportunities. So, to capture some of the enthusiasm I had immediately following the surgery, I have decided to include an excerpt from an e-mail I sent someone about it. I don't think they read my blog, and if they do I'm sure they'll understand...:o)

"This morning for my clinical I was observing in the OR [operating room], and I was really hoping to see a C-section. I had observed one before I started nursing school, and had decided then that it was my favorite kind of surgery since you end up with a baby at the end.:o) Anyway...when I went to check in at the front desk for surgery, the guy (without me saying anything) pointed out a C-section at 7:30 am, and suggested I go to it! To make a long, long, long story short, my day ended up being pretty rough and a lot of other things happened, but I couldn't stop smiling all day over the miracle I witnessed this morning. I got to watch a baby being born, and got to spend the first several seconds and minutes of her life praying for her and her family. I got to watch her take her first breath, and see the look on her parents' faces the first time they saw her. It was kind of interesting to see the nurses (who have seen this quite a few times before), as they scored how healthy she was and counted her fingers and toes as if babies are born every day.;o) I, on the other hand, couldn't stop being in awe of our Creator and marveling over the miracle of human life. I think that perhaps the entire abortion argument could be put to rest if those who call themselves pro-choice could have stood where I was standing this morning."

It truly was an awesome opportunity, and I'm so thankful that the Lord allowed me to have a front row seat! Along the same lines, twenty-one years ago today the Lord sovereignly chose to give me life, and I'm certainly glad He did!!! This weekend was terrific. I got to go to work on Friday, and had a rather frantic but great day. On Saturday I was able to spend several hours hanging out with one of my most favorite people in the whole universe, and there are few things that can top that. Becky and I had a wonderful day of hanging out, making fall sugar cookies (which turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself), and even managed to squeeze in a movie and some errands. It was SO nice to be able to relax and be encouraged by her sweet spirit and wonderful older, wiser sisterly attitude. Today Becky, Justin, and Kate came over after church to celebrate with my aunt, uncle, and I. We had some good food and fellowship, and I was so thankful for all of them. My gifts were wonderful, but the thoughts behind all of the presents, calls, and e-mails were even more precious. I'm so thankful for the last 21 years of life, and I pray that God would enable me glorify and honor Him with every year I have left!

I was laughing with my uncle about how young I look for a 21-year-old, and decided to look back over some old pictures. I found this one from my 18th birthday, and was excited by the realization that I definitely look at least a little older... (Not to mention I had a good laugh over this picture.:o)

The wonderful siblings who came to help me celebrate.

Becky was sweet enough to make me cupcakes with the "good icing." 21 years old. Pretty cool...:o)