My Child, My Gift

My Child, My Gift: Full Text

Forward

As a former pro-choice obstetrician-gynecologist who had little regard for the sanctity of human life, it was only through the grace of God that my desire to protect the unborn, and help their mothers at the same time, occurred when I asked the Lord to come into my life in August of 2000. Read More>

Preface

All human life is precious, and the birth of a new baby is just cause for wild and exuberant celebration. Sadly, however, the birth of a baby who is considered “different,” as a result of one or more medical diagnoses, is often perceived as a “tragedy” by medical professionals and many in general society.

Introduction

The room was quiet, too quiet. There was not even a sound emanating from the ultrasound machine. The radiologist was avoiding my gaze as she intently studied the screen. I redirected my head, shifting my eyes to my husband. I smiled a hopeful smile. Suddenly, the radiologist turned and bluntly addressed us, "I see gross anomalies with this baby. We'll have to call your doctor." Read More>

Finding Out

"Endure and persist. This pain will turn to your good by and by." -- Ovid

Jonathan

I have a plan for Jonathan

Beyond all wishes and dreams.

I have a plan for Jonathan

Greater than all that seems. Read More>

Tests and Terminations

God never shuts one door but he opens another. -- Irish Proverb

REMEMBERING TANNER

I’m sitting here remembering your beautiful face

And longing to hold you once more.

My love for you will never cease

It’s you that I’ll always adore. Read More>

Dealing with Doctors

If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hope. -- Clement of Alexandria

You Were Worth It All

You were our first child and it was so very exciting

When we found out that you would soon be arriving. Read More>

Parenting Options

Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself. -- Francis de Sales

Nathan

I admire my brother Nathan.

The reason is because he is handicapped and still is happy, and never complains.

He has Menke's Kinky Hair Disease.

It is a very rare disease, and it is a very hard word. Read More>

Sharing the News

"It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to- day basis." --Margaret Bonnano

Today my little baby sister Gianna was born. She was a month early and sufferered from trisomonial disorders. I went to the hospital today and saw her...she was alive and breathing and struggling to hold on to that gift most precious to each and everyone of us - the gift of life. Her little chest moved up and down and her little face had the expression that she was fighting as hard as she could in a noble battle. Read More>

Birth and Death Plans

The fear of death keeps us from living, not from dying. -- Paul C. Roud

FOREVER MOTHER

My sweet baby Gianna

When others do not know you or forget you

FOREVER I will remember you Read More>

If Your Child Lives

My basic principle is that you don't make decisions because they are easy; you don't make them because they are cheap; you don't make them because they're popular; you make them because they're right. -- Theodore Hesburgh

For My Brother Ben

Blessings arrive in so many ways—

A cool breeze on a hot summer’s day

A laugh, a smile, a quiet retreat,

The feel of the earth beneath your feet. Read More>

Into the Future with a Child Who Survives

We cannot do everything and realizing that gives us a sense of liberation. This enables us to do something and to do it very well. -- Oscar Romero

What You've Taught Me

Ah, Kay-Marie, what have you taught me?

That our expectations are not always met,

That our fantasies are indeed fantastic,

For reality is far richer than anything we can imagine. Read More>

The Gift of Your Child

For it is in giving that we receive. -- Francis of Assisi

Ready to Begin

Michelle and I were walking,

In amongst the trees, the birds, the animals

And the grasses swaying in the wind.

I felt you so close, Stephanie.

I've always felt you in nature.

But this time it was different.

I felt you intertwined with me. Read More>

Helpful Thoughts

God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble. The Bible, Psalm 46.1

Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall. The Bible, Psalm 55.22

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book! The Bible, Psalm 139.13-16

If You Have Had a Termination

You may have already terminated a pregnancy. This book may have recalled certain memories and caused you pain. It is important to accept the facts. One can only move on from there. Read More>

Grief Journey

In this expression of grief I used a journey through a mountain range to describe the ups and downs, the length, and the incredible frustrations of my grief journey. Many people have told me that it accurately describes their grief as well. Read More>

Sibling Stories

SIBLING STORIES

These stories are intended to be shared with your other children, to initiate discussion about brothers and sisters with special needs. Read More>