A Treasure from Heaven!
On October 8, 2005, we were vividly aware that our sixth child was on its way into this world. We were so excited that God had brought us this far without the harsh reality of a pitocin induced labor. We arrived at the hospital to find I was 6 cm dilated, quite dehydrated and needed IV fluids. After the paperwork and the IV’s were finished, I was able to get up and let gravity assist to bring this baby down. I walked three laps around the nurses’ station and was ready to push. This was by far my best labor, yet!
There were three things that I prayed for this child. First, that the baby would have a heart without defect as our fifth child was born with a rare congenital anomaly. Second, that this baby would be a good nurser, and third, that he/she would have a meek and quiet spirit.
During this pregnancy I was at “high risk” due to maternal age and the potential for malformation of the baby’s heart. God was so amazing to us. At our 20 week sonogram we were able to get a wonderful picture of the baby’s heart. All four chambers were visible and it was truly a gift to see such a clear image. At 27 week’s gestation another sonogram confirmed that this baby was healthy. During my labor, I testified to my nurse about our youngest son and how God had worked a miracle in his life. I told her how excited we were to birth this baby naturally and what a joy it will be when he/she finally arrives.
We never find out the sex of our children prior to their birth. There are so few surprises in life, one being, “honey we’re pregnant” which is not much of a surprise anymore, and the other is my husband proudly announcing, “It’s a prince or a princess!” We typically don’t name our children prior to delivery either. I have to strip them down naked and get a good look at them, pray over them, and let the Lord give us the name He has been calling them from the beginning of time. I think of Isaiah 49:1 RSV which says, “Before I was born the Lord called me; from my birth he has made mention of my name.”
Finally, two hours after arriving in labor and delivery I was 10 cm with ruptured membranes. One contraction, a few pushes, and out came the most beautiful baby boy! Oh my, another boy! We now had three girls and three boys. They laid this little man on my tummy and he turned his little head and looked right in my eyes. I knew right then and there we were blessed.
My husband, after the proverbial, “Great job, Honey” went to get a peek at his new son. I heard my husband giggling and proudly announcing, “He’s hungry, mama.” After what seemed like an eternity, the nurse bundled our little man up and handed him to me. As I excitedly received this boy I smiled and said, “God knows how much we love children so he gave us one that will never leave us.” I turned to my baby and said, “You, young man, are the sweetest Down syndrome baby I have ever seen.”
The nurse stood there, shocked that I knew. She then said, “Yes, he does have some of the physical characteristics of a child with Down syndrome, but the only true way to know for sure is chromosomal testing.” I kissed him on his cheek and put him to breast.
For the next few hours, my husband and I talked, prayed, and cried over our new baby. How are we going to tell people? Will he ever get married and have children of his own? Who is going to tell him how beautiful he is? Will he need special care? All these questions rolled over us.
The world we live in would have said, “Abort this one, he is less than perfect.” For short moment, this same spirit crept into our hearts and we compared our child to the “world’s standard.” Quickly, God worked in us, causing us to recognize our sinfulness. We humbly repented and sought His forgiveness for our thoughts, the kind of repentance that brings healing, restores joy, and opens our eyes to the truth. My husband and I were purposed to have this wonderful child to bring Him glory and honor. God reminded us that He does not make mistakes, and that this child has a purpose and a destiny, one with a future and a hope!
The rest of our children came to visit him the following day. We asked God to give us a name and felt that he was to be named, Isaac; meaning “to laugh with joy.” As we introduced their new brother, the children never questioned why he looked different, they just loved him. They kissed him and doted over him. They were so proud to have another baby. I was reminded that Jesus is all about love.
We are privileged and honored to have Isaac in our lives. He has brought us more joy, peace and love than anyone could imagine. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 RSV says, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”
God is watching us constantly. He knows our thoughts, our hearts, and holds our very next breath in His hands. God tests us to strengthen us, to help us know him more, and to build our faith--the kind of faith that does not demand explanations, but rests on the promises of God.
LINDA PENDRYS
Clearwater, Florida, USA
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