First Hands

F is for First Hands

Today, I met the man who brought me into this world. I was able to thank him for saving me and my dear mother, and it was such a great experience! I was two months premature because of a condition called placenta abruption. My mother recently wrote up the story, and here's a quote from it:

"I don’t know why my doctor is already making me come in every week for a check-up. I still have two months to go with this pregnancy.” That’s what I told my friend, Ivan, as we walked out to the parking lot one afternoon at work. It was a mystery to me, but in a few hours I would find out how Heavenly Father’s tender mercies surely prompted the decisions that saved my baby’s life and my own."

Because this great man insisted on weekly check-ups, my mother was in the hospital bathroom when she realized she was bleeding.

"I went to use the restroom and informed the nurse afterwards that I was passing blood. She asked if I was spotting and I said, “No, lots of blood!”
That little announcement caused a flurry of activity – red and blue lights flashing and people running back and forth. They put me in a gown and got me into bed. I had no idea what was happening but I remember asking someone if I was going to have a caesarean. Right after that, Dr. L. came to my bedside, bent down close to my face, and whispered that I was going into surgery and that he’d make the incision so it wouldn’t impede any future births. I answered that I wasn’t planning on doing this again and he patted my hand saying, “That’s probably a good idea.”"

I had twenty minutes to live and my mother had an hour. Thankfully, everything turned out okay, and I came into the world as a tiny three pound baby - via an emergency C-Section. This man was the first human I saw or touched. His hands were the first hands to hold me. He made sure I was safe. I'm certain that he followed many promptings during that process. I know that God was watching out for us.

Of course, this doctor was very excited to meet me today! "I'm glad that you're here and that you look so good," he said. I bet he doesn't get to meet his babies all grown up very often. :) Ours is a success story - a miracle, for sure.

I'm so grateful that I was given life that day. I love this world, and I love my God! I'm so grateful that my mother and I were in good hands. I acknowledge and thank all of you who dedicate your time to saving lives. You matter.

Bonnie Gwyn