Thursday, April 23, 2009

A Birthday Letter To My Firstborn

My Dearest Sweetie,

Fond memories of you will flood my mind today. Today is a special day because it's your birthday. This birthday is the first birthday that we will not get to celebrate together because you're at Bible College. Oh how I miss you today and everyday, but you are answering the call of God on your life. For that I say Amen!

In late August of 1989, I cried with joy as I sat on the edge of the examining table. I couldn't believe what I just heard, "The pregnancy test come back positive." I was shocked. I knew something had change with my body, but the 3 home pregnancy test all came back negative. It wasn't until a blood test confirmed it. What was even more shocking is that fact that I was pregnant. I was told early in life that it would be hard for me to conceive.

It scared me the first time I felt you flutter. I was so young and had so many questions. I was told it was normal and as time goes on I would start to feel you kick. When you started kicking, I was in such awe that I would just lay across the bed and savor the moments.

A week before you were born I started having contraction. I remember standing in line at Big 8 talking to a friend I hadn't seen in a long time. She asked how far apart were my contractions. I answered so proudly, "12 minutes and it doesn't even hurt like they said it would." She informed me a had a long way to go. I didn't understand until 5 days later.

After laboring with you for over 44 hours I received the worst news. There was a shift change at 11:00 pm and a new nurse came in and called the doctor because something was deathly wrong. She asked why had I not pushed the call button for a nurse to come in. I told her that the last nurse had taken away the call button. The doctor came in and said, "We have to do an emergency c-section right now!" Then he started saying a few choice words to the nurses because I had been neglected. I wasn't sure about a lot of things that happened during labor. I was in and out of consciousness. You were born April 23, at 11:37 pm.

While in the hospital, you cried so much. I could not stop you from crying. A nurse came in and asked what was wrong. I told her I didn't think I was a good mother because I couldn't stop you from crying. She asked when did I last feed you. I told her I fed you breakfast at 6 this morning and it was too early for lunch because it was only 10:00. She informed me that nursing babies had to eat about every 2-3 hours. I didn't know. I thought you would eat 3 meals a day like me. Glad I didn't nurse you just 3 times a day......I can laugh about it now, but not then.

When you came home from the hospital I couldn't put you down. My family said that I would "spoil" you by holding you all the time. I couldn't comprehend that because what I was doing seemed so natural. Today when I reflect back, I'm so glad I held you all the time. I don't regret carrying you while I did chores around the house. I became a pro at doing dishes and scrubbing the sink with 1 hand.

I remember your first day of school. It was such a big ordeal. The whole family went. I'm still not sure who cried more me or Dad. I do remember that I always wanted you to look your best when you went to school. Everything had to match.

Then one day you grew up and decided to start doing your own hair and picking out your own clothes. It was so hard for me to let go. You were growing up so fast. I was afraid that you wouldn't need me anymore. Boy that was far from the truth.

Most parents hate the teen years. Not me. During this stage of your life, I enjoyed the time we had as a homeschool family. Some people didn't understand why we would homeschool teenagers. We understood and that's what mattered. Homeschooling was so much fun. I will always remember how would dance all afternoon and call it PE.

When you did go back to public school, you made us proud. We sat back with confidence knowing that you were strong in the Word and you knew who you were in Jesus. We raised you to be confident and compassionate. You graduated with honors and told so many of your friends about Jesus. You lead so many to the Lord and now you want to fulfill the Great commission. We bless you Sweetie to go into the world and take the saving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ into all the nations and make disciples.

Ruth is currently attending Portland Bible College majoring in Worship Music.
http://www.myspace.com/ruthieking23

15 comments:

Larie Carlice Proverbs 27:19 said...

Sandra! This is an awesome post. I've got to tell my husband to read this. He is so having a hard time with our first-born growing up. She's only five but she already wants to do her own hair and pick out her clothes.

She had the "nerve" to ask me Tuesday, while we were in the mall, if she could go into Claire's alone! Of course I told her no and she let me know that she knew not to talk to strangers and to come and get me if someone tried to hurt her. I still didn't let her go!

"While in the hospital, you cried so much. I could not stop you from crying. A nurse came in and asked what was wrong. I told her I didn't think I was a good mother because I couldn't stop you from crying. She asked when did I last fed you. I told her I fed you breakfast at 6 this morning and it was too early for lunch because it was only 10:00. She informed me that nursing babies had to eat about every 2-3 hours. I didn't know. I thought you would eat 3 meals a day like me. Glad I didn't nurse you just 3 times a day......I can laugh about it now, but not then." I LOVE IT SANDRA, JUST LOVE IT!!!

Thanks for sharing.

smooches,
Larie

Mary said...

She's lovely! Oh, you are so blessed.

Deanna said...

Dearest Sandra,
You have such precious children that God has belessed you with and I believe that you have been a wonderful momma to them! They are beautiful children. Just look at that big smile on your face.

Your post that you have shared with us is sweet and I truly enjoy reading the stories that are near and dear to you.

I am blessed to have you as a blogger friend and I'm enjoying being one of your followers.

TULIPS are so pretty this time of year and a great start to Spring.
HURRAY! I am sooooooo glad it's here. Happy Springtime to you.

Your Sister in Christ,
Deanna from the Kansas Flinthills

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for your kind words- they mean a lot to me. ~hugs~

great post!

TonyR said...

This was such a blessing. Of course you know I was not able to make it through without crying.
I am so proud of Ruthie and the beautiful young woman she is. Her maturity and passion for God is one that desire for my girls.

Lorrie said...

What a beautiful post. It's good to see that they grow up and become strong children of God. It's also great to see different stages in parenting...especially when you're in the "dirty hands, face, feet" years. Happy birthday Ruth and blessings to you mom!

The story about the nursing was cute. Everytime my firstborn didn't latch on I called a nurse. They finally decided to teach me so I'd stop using the call button.

GammySel said...

What a beautiful tribute to your daughter as well as a testimony of your diligence in how you brought her up!

May the Lord receive all the Glory!!

Thank you for sharing a bit about your BEAUTIFUL daughter!
Angie

Dawn Marie said...

What a beautiful blog, and what a beautiful family.

I almost cried at your post about your daughter...i"m a mom of 5 also. Mine are grown now..my heart is at home also, I was fortunate to be able to raise mine. I work now because of need, but I do hope soon God will help me find a way to get back home. I have 3 grandaughters and 2 are due this summer so I want to be more hands on Grandma!

Unknown said...

This is such a sweet and heartfelt post. I like the others got a little emotional. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Flavia Sunshine said...

Hello Sandra,
after finding your blog few days ago i gave you this little award Here.
I feel so blessed for all the great ladies i keep meeting in the net and all the beautiful family whose lives i have glimpse of.
Blessings, Flavia

Anonymous said...

i am enjoying your blog so much that i gave it an award. check out my blog for it :)

American Home said...

This is truly beautiful.
Thanks for taking the time to write it down.
Blessings

Tasha said...

She is just beautiful. And how awesome and wonderful it is too see God at work in her life and that she is open to hearing/obeying what He would have her to do!!!

~Lisi P. said...

You have a beautiful family. Ruth's voice is amazing. May God continue to bless you!

Melissa Norton said...

I really love all these posts! You really do have miracle children! I know God has so much in store for them, and a great plan for their lives!
I can understand what you mean about not wanting to put her down... I love children and I just love the feeling of a warm, soft body in my arms... and the kids aren't even mine! I can only imagine how it will be when I have my own... I love reading these stories about your children! It is so cool! It makes me excited, and also scared about my children... Thankfully I still have quite a few more years for God to prepare me for children mentally, physically, and spiritually! :)

Oh, and btw... you didn't spoil Ruthie at all! She is such a kind, respectful, and amazing girl!