Precious Moment

It was three years ago today that one of my best friends would give birth to a baby girl. That day was filled with excitement, many phone calls and the anticipation that happens when one of our fruit bowl girls is about to give birth. But this wasn't just any baby, this was Teresa's miracle baby. I could hardly wait to hear the confirmation of good news so that I could make the journey to Nashville to see this precious gift. Anyone who knows me, knows that I will walk into any hospital room, walk up to any mother holding their newest bundle of joy and boldly take said bundle away. It's just what I do. And for some reason, people let me do it.

The confirmation of good news did not arrive. It was replaced by many days of sadness as I watched a friend experience a loss that I so felt she did not deserve. I still made the trip to Nashville to see her precious gift. I walked into my friend's hospital room never dreaming that I would hold her baby. This was her special baby, her time on earth would be brief and she needed to spend every possible moment holding and rocking her. I have to say that I was a little nervous because it isn't everyday that you visit someone that is experiencing this kind of loss. What will I say? What will I do? So, I opened the door of that hospital room and was greeted by my sweet friend that said these words:

"You heard everyone got their picture made last night with my baby and you came to get yours, too. Sit down, hold my baby, I need to take your picture."

Yes, we both laughed because we both knew it was true. The worry of what to say was taken away by the sweet bond of friendship that God had placed in our lives. I witnessed someone choosing joy in the midst of difficult circumstances, and I would witness her do it time and time again in the weeks to come. She chose to share her baby and allow me to experience the gift that God had placed in her life. It was an honor and a surreal moment to hold a baby that would soon be held by the arms of God. This was one of those moments in my life that I will never forget and one that truly changes you.

I'm reminded of this moment every time I walk into a hospital room and hold a newborn baby. I hold each of those babies a little tighter, and I thank God for them in a way that I never had before holding Rebekah.

Thank you, friend, for giving this moment to me...

Praying for you on this day.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

You can read Rebekah's story here.