Did you hear the exuberant shouts of joy bouncing off the walls of the Winter Haven Women's Hospital last Wednesday? Yep, that celebrating was from the family of Parker Franklin McGhee!
Cody stepped out and announced, "He's here! He's perfect! Kristin did Great!" (He said some other things but I missed them. I was busy taking the first deep breath I'd had in almost eight hours.)
As with every delivery there is a story. The short version is this: On Tuesday, the doctor made the call to do a cesarean section delivery on Wednesday morning. And Parker was born.
(Come on! Not one of the regular readers falls for that impossibly abbreviated version.)
We all arrived at the hospital Wednesday bright and early. Kristin had been having severe contractions since 3 AM. The nurse determined there wasn't a need for pain relief, she'd be in the operating room soon.
Unfortunately, "soon" was bumped back three different times by emergency deliveries that had to go ahead of her. Her pain continued to increase; pain she wasn't mentally prepared to handle. Cesarean deliveries come with enough pain AFTER delivery. Laboring hour after hour before surgery isn't supposed to be part of the equation.
She labored quietly, focusing on the deep breathing and counter pressure techniques she and Cody had learned. But you could see the intensity in her face. All three of my girls are tough; they handle pain well. I knew how bad this was getting.
We tried to stay calm and peaceful for her sake but every spike on the contraction monitor caused that much more concerned. Okay, I'll admit it. As the pain increased, so did my frustration. When they took her off the monitor and STILL didn't get her ready to move, my "mama bear" kicked in.
After waiting thirty more agonizing minutes, I went to the desk and politely asked to speak to her nurse whom we hadn't seen in quite some time. I was told they would be coming to check on her in a moment.
It was the brush-off and I knew it. I'm not sure exactly what I said at that point in response, but I felt much better after I said it.
They came in to move her to surgery about ten minutes later. We all joined hands around her bed and Frank prayed between two contractions. (I repented.)
A quick kiss on her head. A pat of encouragement on Cody's shoulder. Away they went!
The four original parents of the two soon-to-be parents walked to our designated area to wait.
Parker was delivered in less than an hour. But with pictures and stitching and tears and celebrating, it was almost three hours before someone reminded Cody to come let us know - All Is Well!
I shared with you in an earlier post the meaning of Parker's name but perhaps some of you missed that one. Parker Franklin McGhee means: "Gate Keeper of Freedom." Powerful, right?! A strong name was needed for the little man who will carry on the McGhee name for his ancestral American Indian Tribe.
Kristin is recovering well; trying to use wisdom and not overdo. But she is already an amazing little mommie. Cody has stepped into the dual roles of care-giver for his wife and dad for his son with marvelous abandon. One of the earliest pictures was of Parker and Cody each looking intently into the eyes of the other. (Brought tears to my eyes!)
I'll leave you with the profound words Kristin posted on her facebook page this week:
"I’ve been a Mommy to a tiny brilliant human for a grand total of 7 days and here’s what I’ve learned so far:
1. Surrounding yourself with a group of wise people who have been where you are is very important.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get advice..you may just get answers that let you know you’re not alone in your journey
3. Allowing people to help in any way they offer is a gift...don’t refuse it and letting them know your thankful goes a long way
4.Be grateful for every day even when it doesn’t go the way you want it to
5.Crying doesn’t make you weak
6. Laughing is what keeps you sane
7. Above all else talking to Jesus and giving him every insecurity and each victory is what makes life possible:)
Congratulations on Grandchild #7. Sorry things didn't go quite according to plan. I totally agree on #3. I don't have kids but slipped on ice in January, fracturing my kneecap and spraining a ligament in my knee. I was so grateful for co-workers, neighbors, Sunday School class members who kept me fed, groceries brought, trash cans taken to curb, etc.
ReplyDeleteWow, Phyllis! What an awful experience and how wonderful to find such good friends all around! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteWell I know this is after the fact, but if they decided she was going to have a C-Section, why didn't they start with the epidural so that would have eased all her pain....and then no matter how long she had to wait, she would not have been in pain?
ReplyDeleteMom's thoughts, too. Glad that part's behind her.
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