Reflection can be painful, but reflection can also be productive. ― Charlotte Pearson
Each year around this time, I always reflect back. You see, 14 years ago, I had learned of
congenital diaphragmatic hernia and knew the unborn baby I was carrying was
diagnosed with very severe CDH. Today is her birthday. I still
have friends who I have known since being diagnosed who also had children who
survived and did not survive CDH. Many
of them, I have only known virtually but they have touched my heart in ways
some family and friends I have known all my life never could. You see, our daughter didn’t make it but she
did fight the good fight. Those early
years of grief were the worst. I truly cannot
recall much about current events at that time, I was doing a good job just
keeping up with the basic things in my life then. Researching diaphragmatic hernia became my
hobby or obsession, not sure which one.
I’ve looked back on our journey and the basic things Breath
of Hope has provided to families are things I felt were needed or not provided
during our own journey. Today, the diagnosis
is a bit better if you get to the major hospitals with the experience to take
care of these babies. Today, I know if
our daughter was born, she might just be a survivor. But there are not do-overs or instant replays
in this life like that. I can tell you,
I am content today. I am at peace.
I reflect back that I never would have chosen
to be part of the CDH community but feel today I am privileged to be a member
of it. I also reflect, I would rather
have known that beautiful creature for 38 glorious and tragic days then have
never had her touch my life at all.
Sometimes our blessings come in disguise.
