Exactly one week ago today, Erin and I, along with her friend Melissa, were in the labor and delivery room pushing hard to give birth to Kyah Annelyse. The memories of those eight hours of labor are still distinct in my mind--possibly the most incredible experience of my life. Oh, Lord, may those memories never fade, stamped on my mind like stigmata.
I see so vividly the look of desperation and intensity on Erin's face and hear the sounds of her birth struggle as she grinds through the most difficult and most rewarding work of her life. I hear the "he-he-hoo" of breathing with the unrelenting contractions and remember the connection of mother/daughter eyes. I feel the resistance of her leg in my arms as together we travail with each push. I hear my own voice reminding her that she is strong and exhorting her to "one more time" push again, encouraging her with news about her progress--"I see the head; she's coming."And I feel the thrill of birth, the split-second of anxiety waiting for the cry, and the ecstasy, relief, and gratitude as new life is handed to my child. Thank you, Lord, that in Your mercy, You heard our prayers.