Saturday, March 9, 2013

FYI Friday (on Saturday)--faith, family and friends

Let me start by saying this day last year seems so long ago and it just isn't relevant anymore, except for what the Lord has shown us and taught us through our faith, and for the love from our family and friends! I just wanted to acknowledge this here, my little space, for our boys (down the road), for passersby who may or may not be able to relate in some way, for family and friends and to share a bit from my heart and hopefully our faith!

On this day last year, I received a phone call from our new high risk doctor whom I had first seen 4 days earlier. We were sent to him after my OB saw fluid around our little baby's heart. Our high risk doctor told us there was less than a 1% chance our baby would have Down syndrome, but he suggested that we get an amnio to answer further questions he had about the fluid around the baby's heart. So, we proceeded with the amnio and waited for the results. That was tough. We fluctuated with being at peace to Googling, which of course led to fear. Then, on Friday, March 9th of 2012, I received the phone call that confirmed our fears. Our little baby had Down syndrome. Wow! I managed to hold it together while talking to my doctor, even after he asked me if we wanted to terminate (which 92% of women who find out their baby has DS do) which, we obviously did not! But after hanging up, I lost it. The fear of the unknown ahead, what about our baby's heart, what about sooo much we didn't know and how we would make it just undid me. I remember all of the events afterward, but one of the things Chad and I have been most thankful for in all of this is our friends. That night we were supposed to go over to our friends, the Tenents, house for dinner. We considered canceling because honestly, we were a mess and had a lot to process. But our sweet friends wanted us to come over anyway. It truly was God led. We ate pizza, our children played and we were prayed for and loved on in a way we will never forget! And the Lord continued using friends to support us the next morning, as our friends, the Stouts, came to town for the weekend, possibly moving back to Memphis after being gone 4 years. We met for lunch and play and again we were loved and prayed for. We felt the Lord's hands around us those first few really hard days--like never before--though He is always with us!

And it just continued! A couple of days later, we were driving to the beach for a vacation. My parents were there too, and when we arrived, they had already read books and facts about Down syndrome! They knew more than I did at that point! We again felt super supported! Support just kept coming in from friends and family and we felt encouraged and blessed!

I write all of this because this day and time is one I will always remember, but more importantly to give thanks to our Lord! I know we questioned the Lord, wondering what He was thinking. But, wow! He is good! We believe what Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Why on earth would we want anything different than what the Lord wants? We love our baby Way beyond belief and could not be more thankful for the blessing he is to our family! Does that mean there won't be challenges along our path? No! Everyone has problems. The Lord has never promised life would be easy. We are choosing to take one day at a time, enjoying each day the Lord gives us and not focusing on what's ahead, just as He tells us to do! And we are giving thanks for our faith and to our family and friends who have made all the difference this past year. We are grateful! Baby Way is 7 months now and our perfect little gift!


7 comments :

Ashley said...

Lindley, he is such a precious gift from God. I just love him so much! Filled with tears of joy as I read your words. So thankful for your real ness and boldness and His forever faithfulness to us. He knows our every need. -Thank you for encouraging me!

jillemersonbell said...

This post gave me chills, Lindley. Your words are so encouraging and inspiring. You are right...God works it all for our good, and why on earth would I want something different than what God wants? Thank you for this post!

Suzanne said...

What a gift! God is so gracious to teach us through such blessings...we claimed Romans 8:28 after our little bucket was born :)!
xoxo-
SMC

Sarah said...

What a beautiful post-and what a precious gift that sweet baby is.

Brittany said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. Such a beautiful post by a mother that simply loves and adores her 4 "littles". They are all blessed to call you mommy. Thank you for sharing your faith, fears, realness, and trust in The Lord.

Lauren said...

Beautiful post Lindley! Thank you for sharing your heart!!!

Jeff Kulbago said...

Beautiful post Lindley. Thanks for sharing. I don't know if Chad told you but our Mae was born last World Down syndome day. We are celebrating her first birthday today! I hope you are well. Your family will be in our prayers.

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

ShareThis