I finally got to sleep around 2 this morning.
I went to Abbott at 7 to await a C-section.
This couple was preparing for the worst and
praying continuously for the best.

The couple decided to do a C-section at 31
weeks in hopes of being able to see their
little girl alive rather than taking their
chances with having her pass in the womb over
the next several weeks.

Little Hope was not expected to live much past
delivery but Dr.s & nurses watched from behind
the glass of the OR in the next room ready to
charge in and run her to Children’s if need be.

I was given scrubs, booties a hair net & mask.
Pretty exciting really. Heather said it would
be a terrific experience and wow! words cannot
describe the incredible weight that I felt in
that OR room. I was given all access to move
about (as long as I didn’t touch anything blue).
Having never had a child of my own therefore
never having had a C-section, I was in awe of
of the staff moving like chess pieces..precise
purposeful and methodic.

The dad, strong, holding his wife’s hand and
video taping at the same time. Grandma was there
too, supporting, hand holding and brushing her
daughter’s hair off her forehead. Really very
loving, touching, moving and yet while I was
watching this all from behind the lens of my
camera, it seemed silent…peaceful. I felt
God’s presence. God moves like a chess game too,
precise, purposeful and meathodic. Not always
with the end result we all pray for but nonetheless,
he is always with us. I can’t imaging going
through life not believing that. That’s my peace.

I would like to thank Jim Bird for coming along
for the shadow. Altho’ it ran so very late and
he needed to go, I think that he learned a lot
and will be ready for his next session solo.

As expected, Hope Roseanne lived only for about
20 minutes. But she was born alive.
Weighing just 3 lbs 4.4 oz and only 11 inches
long she was a very big presence and a joy
to behold.

Everyone got to hold her and say good-bye.

Make no mistake that the smiles on these faces
quickly turned to tears when the news made
it down the hall to station 65.

This big, loving family will hold one another
for a very long time. Blessed are families
that have the ability to come together quickly!

The above photos were taken by Jim before he
had to leave. I’ll post photos of Hope later.

Pray, always pray, for all those involved.

I was lucky enough to get the call to
go to Minneapolis Children’s Hospital last night.

I met an amazing family with twin girls
born on December 14th @ 23 weeks…pretty tiny.

One of the twins was just not strong enough.

They made the decision that at 7pm last night
she would be removed from life support.
Such a difficult scenario to witness to say at
the very least.

I was present before, during and after. That
little darling hung on for over an hour as if
to be certain that everyone would get the
chance to say good bye. so sweet, she was.

I met an amazing nurse there….her name is
Andrea. She was staying on well after her
shift to see this family through this
traumatic period as she has been their nurse
these past few weeks. I know I’ll work with
her again someday. You were terrific Andrea!
Always smiling, always comforting.

Please take a moment to pray for this young
couple. Their other daughter remains at
Children’s and is currently stable..doing well.

I have to confess that on my way down to
Children’s I thought to myself that I should
maybe stop doing this. I’m not sure how
it is really effecting me…
But once I arrived and began to work with
the parents and discuss their wishes…
I realized that God has me in this position
for a reason and he has made me a strong servant.

For now, I will continue to serve as a NILMDTS
affiliate. I am grateful for the opportunity.

On to Gary….
The films show that Gary has a ruptured disc
between his C6 & C7.
We will travel to Arizona as planned and
return for some cortizone injections.
He’s feeling better and his spirits are up.
I think he is really looking forward to a
change of venue…well, anything other that
the porch, really.

Dean & Lois, see you soon.
Scott & Jacquie, I will continue to pray for you
and Lucius…I’m so sorry.

As for those of you wanting to see some images
from New Year’s Eve. I apologize to you all
for the delay. I’ll be getting to them soon.

Enjoy the warm up!

i got a call from HCMC last night as we were
finishing dinner. i grabbed a pen & a post-it
and gary knew immediately what was up.
i raced down to meet the family and photograph
their boy born at just 32 weeks.

soon after family began to arrive, i slipped out
and headed back home.

i had forgotten to plug the meter, I think
God takes pretty good care of me…no ticket.

i poured a glass of wine & went out to the porch~
gary asked “how’d it go?” and i said “good.”
we then proceeded to watch the remainder of
dancing with the stars.
weird how life keeps going when other’s stops.

prayers for this family are needed and if you can
just take a moment right now as you finish reading
this post, i’d be forever grateful.

thanks & God bless.