September 26, 2016: A diagnostic ultrasound showing T18 markers. An amniocentesis.
September 27, 2016: The phone call from the university medical center.
One year ago we learned for sure that the baby girl I was carrying in my womb had Trisomy 18.
One year ago we were fairly certain our baby girl would not live very long.
One year ago life as I knew it changed, never to be "normal" again.
One year ago, when I was crumpling under the weight of uncertainty and grief, God raised up an army of encouragers to remind us daily that we were not alone.
One year ago we named our baby and talked with her older siblings about the meaning of her name.
One year ago I simply could not fathom what our lives would be like in a year.
One year later...one long, short year later...?
Today we know that Trisomy 18 itself is not a death sentence.
Today we know that Verity Irene is very much compatible with life.
Today we know how to use a feeding pump.
Today we know it is possible (although not preferable) to operate on extremely scant sleep.
Today we know dozens of families (if not more) in the Trisomy community.
Today we know how to follow our gut and not blindly accept "medical certainty."
Today we are grateful for the many, MANY people--Trisomy parents, doctors, nurses, therapists, specialists, and our own circle of family and friends--who helped us prepare for Verity's arrival and have cheered us on ever since, treating her as the beautiful child that she is, NOT as a diagnosis.
Today...today I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. I have no idea what the next 365 days will bring. But I am grateful for what we have learned, how we have grown, in the last 365.
Today...September 28, 2017...today Verity Irene is 7 months old.
What a difference a year makes.
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