One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, I made plans to go into work late. I had an appointment with a high-risk OB Doctor to take a little closer look at the twins. There was a fluid discrepancy which needed to be addressed. It didn’t look like anything too serious, just one of those "let’s be on the safe-side" kind of things. By the end of the appointment, I was in a wheel chair and being admitted into Labor & Delivery at St. Luke’s hospital with pre-term labor. At the time, I was 24 weeks along in my pregnancy.

What had just happened? Everything was going so smoothly. I hadn’t experienced even one day of sickness. During my exam, we learned that I was starting to dilate and was 90% effaced. I didn’t realize that I was having contractions until they put a monitor on me. I just thought, yea my back hurts. Not a surprise since I was on my feet all day working full-time…no biggie. Little did I know that I wouldn’t go home for 10 weeks, 68 days to be exact. I went in the first week of September and was discharged days before Thanksgiving. I continued bed rest at home for another week and a half before the babies arrived.

We started our blog a week after I went in so that we could keep our family and friends updated on the babies. Shane did such a great job at keeping it updated. At the time, I didn’t want to be the one blogging. I was worried that I would turn it into my venting station and that’s not what I wanted it to be. Reading back on it all, he did a much better job than I would have.

I’ve been taught that every trial can be a time of learning and for our benefit. As hard as it is in the moment, I believe this to be 100% true. Hindsight, I feel like I did learn a lot and it was without a doubt, for the benefit of my children and me. I feel like I need to document some of the things that I learned, since I have yet to do it.

• I have the BEST hubby in the world. He packed up the house and pretty much moved in with me. I am proud to say that I didn’t spend one night alone. He was such a support to me and I couldn’t have survived without him. He certainly stepped up to the plate and took care of me and our house 100%.
• Chocolate CAN bring happiness! I don’t think I went a day without it and wouldn’t have done it any other way. And yes, I am still paying for it!!
• People, in general, are kind and compassionate. We were overwhelmed with the love and support that was shown us. We never ceased to be surprised by the people that reached out to us.
• As much as we need to be serving others, we also need to let others serve us. This has always been so hard for me. Shane always would reassure me that I was doing a service by giving other people the opportunity to serve and accepting the help that was offered.
• Reading is fun! I wasn’t at all a reader until this experience. I think I am forever changed in that regard.
• You never stop needing your Mom. I think that the first time my Mom came to see me was the most emotional day of all. I was so happy to have her there. There is comfort and love that can only come from a Mother, and we never stop needing that.
• Watching the same News broadcast 6 times a day will make you crazy.
• Wheelchair rides are more exciting than you might think…thanks to Shane!
• Thursdays are always the best. Not only was it the best TV night but it was also my massage day. Huge perk!
• I have the best friends and ward ever. It feels so good to know that there are people who love and care about you…genuinely. There are friendships that were nurtured and strengthened during that time that will last forever.
• Blow dryers are heaven-sent. The day Shane brought me my blow dryer was like Christmas morning.
• The Nurses in the Antepartum unit at St. Luke’s are the BEST!!! They became such good friends, to me and to Shane. It was sad to say goodbye to them.
• My Father in Heaven knows me. He loves me and wants the best for me. He hears our prayers and knows our hearts. Such comfort is felt knowing that you are never left alone. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our hearts can be healed and comforted. For this, I am truly grateful. My Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was strengthened like never before.
• It was all worth it. Every tear that was shed. Every solitary day. Every minute spent hooked up to machines and monitors. Every single piece of chocolate. Every bedsore. Every meal of hospital food. Every deteriorating muscle. Every shot of medicine…up to 4 a day. It was all worth it. When I look at my boys today, how can I not feel grateful? They were worth it all.

So, happy one year! I could keep on going forever. It seems like it happened all too recently. I will forever be grateful for the wonderful nurses and doctors that took care of us. For the selfless service that was rendered in our behalf (our lawn being taken care of, surprise baby shower at the hospital, yummy food, the sacrament being brought in every single Sunday). For the endless blessings that were given us. For my family, my husband and my two little boys. I am forever grateful.