The Best Way Out Is Always Through

When our precious 28 week preemie, Natalie, finally weighed 3 pounds we were able to bring her home to join her family. Since we had her 3 rambunctious brothers who were 3, 4, and 5 years old, our house was full of life. Tillie, our tiny, sweet Natalie, came home with heart and breathing monitors. She had some neurological problems that we could do nothing more than turn over to God, and know she would bless our lives no matter what. When some friends came to meet her they were amazed at our tiny girl with her "jumper cable" wires.

Ron and I got never got used to her alarms going off, signaling that she was either not breathing or that her little heart had stopped. The doctors told us to just shake her foot or pick her up and her little systems would restart, and all would be fine. Yeah, sounds good, but what if we are not close? It was a stressful, joyful time to say the least. Our family was complete with the addition of our daughter and 3 active sons.

We called the fire department to come and see where we lived, and they helped us choose a place close to the phone where I could do CPR on our little girl if necessary. They were so helpful, but the enormity of how fragile her life was tore our hearts. While the firemen were there I asked if they had any suggestions about what to do with my boys if Natalie needed my FULL attention. They were amazing. They took the boys out and let them crawl all over their fire truck. Then they gave the boys the important job of watching for their fire truck right there by the mailbox. The boys couldn't wait until Ron got home to tell them about their important task. This was so great! The boys would be busy, if God forbid, I needed to save my little heart's life.

Thankfully, the boys and I never had to live up to the challenge. Natalie's little body grew and outgrew her wires. She spent the rest of her childhood keeping up with her big, brave brothers. She decided early she would rather be a cub scout and learn to use a knife and bow and arrow, than be a girl scout and learn to set a table.

Determination. If I needed to say one thing about my 19 year old it would be that whatever she decides to take on she goes after with a confident determination. I thank God for giving her the personality to overcome a shaky start to life. She continues to amaze me!

In Him,
Joyful
1-26-2010
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