Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!
It is so hard to believe that only a year ago, our sweet Mary Clare was born. I wish so badly that I had a joyous, and exciting birth story to tell her as I do McCanless on her birthday every year, but truth be known, Mary Clare’s birth was one of the most difficult times of my life. Tonight I pulled out the baby blanket that was covering her the afternoon I first walked up to PC-ICU to visit her and so many wonderful, sad, happy, terrifying moments came flooding back to me.
After a quick and easy labor and delivery, Mary Clare arrived around 11 am. I briefly got a glimpse of her, noting how beautiful she was and how she looked like my granddaddy, Daddy Bob. She was then rushed off behind closed doors. Mel was allowed to see her after they got in all of her lines, and then she was brought to me a couple of hours after birth. These first moments of her were between the glass of an incubator and were very brief. Later that afternoon, I walked up alone to PC-ICU to visit her. She was in bed 1 covered by a tiny crocheted blanket and had a pink bow in her hair. With so many wires and tubes peeking out from beneath her blanket, she was peacefully sleeping and I leaned over her and promised that I would do everything I could to keep her safe. I so badly wanted to hold her, to try to nurse her, to sleep beside her bed as any new mom would be doing. I vowed to stay there all night to welcome my baby girl into this world, and despite the bright lights, IV’s, and loud buzzes, I would be there to rub her little hand and talk to her and comfort her as best I could. But only after only a few moments, she turned blue. Buzzers went off, nurses rushed over and I was told to leave immediately. I wouldn’t see my baby girl awake again for 7 days. She had to be sedated, paralyzed and intubated until her surgery.
The next month would turn into an experience that would forever change me as a person. I am a better mom today because of Mary Clare. I am a better person because of Mary Clare. God has given me a precious angel to care for and for that I am so very grateful. I am thankful for everything that we have been through as a family and I am so proud of everything that she is.
11 Comments
Betsy on June 27th, 2008
That is such a courageous and loving birth story…I am sure that Mary Clare will love hearing it as much as a joyous one!
I think your story has changed something in all of us. Thank you for setting such a great example of a strong and loving mom!
I’ll be thinking about you and Mary Clare on such a special day! Love you! Betsy
Connie Toole on June 27th, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY CLARE!!!!!!! We had so much fun at your party! We feel so blessed to have been a part of it. I can’t wait to see you again soon at Emerson’s B-day party. We love you and your family and all of you are very dear to our “hearts” . I just read the note your Mom wrote about the day you were born. I sat here crying because we too have those same memories! You and Emerson are little miracles and one day the two of you will be able to testify about what God has done in your lives and to share what he can do in others. Praise and Glory to God!!!! Hugs and Kisses from Emerson’s Papa and Nana
Nonnie on June 27th, 2008
Happy Birthday, Our Sweet Mary clare!!! You are such a miracle and you don’t know it yet, but, you have touched so many lives! I am so proud to be your Nonnie and to have a beautiful daughter and wonderful son as your Mommie and Dad. You and McCanless brighten up my day whenever I think about you. I never realized how wonderful it would be to have GRAND children.
It’s hard to believe how tramatic your birth was to see you now. God has given you a wonderful life and I thank Him everyday.
Be sweet,my love; you are loved by so many!!! You have my heart. I love you, McCanless,Mommie and Daddy! Nonnie
Lee on June 27th, 2008
Thanks for a good cry!!! I already told you I lost it reading Annabelle’s blog, now yours!!!
Oh how I remember sitting by the phone waiting and praying so hard for her on that day! What a joy to celebrate today. Happy Birthday Mary Clare! Love you all, Lee
kate on June 27th, 2008
and what a year it has been for everyone!!! Mary Clare is such a wonderful gift. I am so very proud of her and all that she has accomplished over the past year!! I can’t believe its been a year – I feel like she’s been apart of the family longer than that!!! It’s going to be so fun watching you grow!! I love you so very much Mary Clare!!! Happy Birthday my little sweet heart!!!
Erica May on June 27th, 2008
Happy Birthday Mary Clare!! What a year it has been! I think we have all grown and learned so much! I pray that you and Emerson will be the best of friends and always keep intouch! You all mean so much to us and we can’t wait to share many more birthdays!!!
Love to you all!!
Erica
Rebecca on June 27th, 2008
Kerri~ That is beautiful! I know your baby girl will look back on your words and know how much she is loved and how strong she truly is! We are all better mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents and friends because of the gracious gift of loving a heart baby. Mary Clare is a testimony to God’s grace and mercy. She is a beautiful child of His and yours. You were chosen by Him to love her because you are the best for her and no one can love her like you and Mel. I love you and am so proud of you and your precious family. It is an honor to call you friend. Blessings today, on Mary Clare’s 1st birthday! Love~ Rebecca
Kathie & Sloan on June 27th, 2008
Happy Birthday beautiful girl! We enjoyed your party on Sunday!
Bree Bryant on June 27th, 2008
Needless to say the prego girl is in tears. Kerri, you are amazing!!
Sherrill "Sissy" on June 30th, 2008
A day does not go by that I know what a miracle Mary Clare is & how wonderful she is. I share her story with many people to tell them miracles do happen….I know many folks at MUSC & shared Mary Clare’s story and thanked them for all they do. I can’t wait to see her grow up – there has to be a special plan for her. Daddy Bob would have loved her too – I guess she would be ???? number 7?
Love, Sissy
Missy on June 27th, 2008
Oh Kerri that is such a beautiful, sweet, heartwrenching story. I’m in tears.