Monday, June 23, 2008

30

So I've been thinking about some great insprirational, platitudinal words for this milestone, but the wind just got taken out of my sail. Another smaller person needs attention on this birthday. In just 2 hours (approximately 9pm Pacific Time), a little baby will celebrate birth, but not in the normal, joyous fashion. My cousin Steve's wife Bridget is going to have an emergency c-section to deliver their 26-27 week gestation baby. There is approximately 50% viability at this age, but life-long complications are common for those who do survive.

Even if you're not the praying source, consider it for this family. They have been through so much pain and difficult decisions since her cancer diagnosis several weeks ago. They have done it with amazing grace and joy even amidst all this tragedy. It just seems unfair that one more thing has to be so difficult. Pray for miracles! God is the one who knit this little baby together, He surely can sustain it. Pray for peace in this storm.

It's amazing how this story has traveled across the country and touched so many. They are holding a benefit concert in Boston this weekend. Curt Schilling (Boston Red Sox pitcher) heard about Bridget and called her and left a message letting her know he was praying for her. Another friend has started collecting stories and pictures for Bridget's child(ren) as Bridget was stressing about not having made any keepsake item for them. So many are wrapping them in love.

So this birthday post wasn't what I'd have planned, but maybe it's more inspirational than any thoughts I may have had. Maybe it will inspire a few more people to pray - myself included. As my Uncle has said in numerous update e-mails about Bridget, their family's hope is that through all this prayer not only will miracles happen for their family, but also for each individual that prays as they seek God and communicate with him on an intimate basis. Changed hearts and lives. Please pass this message along to anyone and everyone.

I think you know what my wish was as I blew out those 30 candles.

5 comments:

Lexie said...

continued prayers here

i cant even imagine

Anonymous said...

Happy belated birthday, Rachelle...enjoy those milestones for all you are worth---as your post reflects, today is all we are guaranteed. We're praying.

Love Aunt 'TT'

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Rachelle. Your last post made me cry. Although that isn't so hard to do these days. What a special day. Little Slotemaker girl is very fiesty and hopefuly will come out all of this safe and unaffected. Bridget did good too.
Love,
Paul, Ivona, Stella and Luka

KDoug said...

Hey HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing-May God strengthen & build up your family, and bless that tiny beautiful new life. Your reflections are very moving and I think God has blessed you with wisdom in your thirty years. Happy birthday, Love your friend (LONG time friend now that we are officially in our 30's!), La