The Miracle Baby


A year ago, a young woman, the daughter of a near-life-long friend, asked a favor. She had registered with an adoption agency and was building her portfolio. She needed a certain number of letters of reference; they needed to come from different aspects of her life. I was delighted to oblige because I knew (a) she would be a terrific mother and (b) it would be an easy letter to write.

This gal, I'm going to call her Chloe, is the oldest of the offspring of the group of women called The Good Guys. It was fun to watch her grow up, because she was somewhat of a foretaste of what our own kids would be doing in a couple of years. When she graduated from high school, I told her, "Chloe, you can't keep calling me Mrs. So-and-So. I'm Nancy." She couldn't do it. She was too well brought up. We struggled. I insisted. She failed. I pushed. She failed again. Finally, for reasons I can't remember, it was decided she would call me Schnookums.  (For the record, she can't call my dear husband by his first name either -- he's Mister Schnookums.)

So I wrote the letter, emphasizing her many wonderful qualities. Deep down, I was doubtful. You see, six or seven years ago, my friend took sick, and had to have a liver transplant. With all of the need for adoptive babies, I wondered if a single woman with a donor organ would be selected above a married couple. But I hoped. And I prayed.

Chloe was clear that race didn't matter and certainly neither did gender. She was even willing to receive a baby with medical issues. But a year passed, and though she applied for about ten babies that I know of (and there were likely more), each time another adoptive placement was selected. I admired her courage as she continued to put her name in the hat.

A couple of weeks ago my phone rang. The voice on the other end said, "You're going to be Great Schnookums!" The tears filled my eyes and the lump filled my throat; I could hardly ask the details. A baby boy, it turns out, was to be born in a few days all the way down in Texas. He was of German-Irish descent. And he had a hole in his heart that would necessitate surgery within the first few days of life. Chloe had to be willing to stay in Texas for up to two months until he was able to be discharged and come home.

So off to Texas Chloe and her own mom went; there were some travel snags and unexpected early labor, but it all worked out: Chloe arrived moments before the birth and was allowed to cut the cord and hold her son's hand as he was taken to the adjacent children's hospital.

I thought it was a miracle that Chloe had received a baby. But the real miracle was this: Tests at the children's hospital showed that the hole in TJ's heart had healed in utero! No surgery would be needed. The birth mom signed the papers, the judge signed the papers, the ecstatic grandmother bought Chloe a first class plane ticket, and all are home and settling in, Near Philadelphia. I met him this morning, held him for half an hour. He slept sweetly, occasionally opening an eye or two, but found me uninteresting.

I gave him Rummage Sale; may he enjoy it in continued good health!


Comments

Janet O. said…
Love a sweet story like this. Truly a miracle!
LizA. said…
Miracle, indeed! Great story and a perfect quilt for a perfect Mom.
Nemo said…
Congratulations! A great happy story, and a wonderful quilt for a little miracle!
Kath said…
Oh Nancy, I have tears in my eyes as I read this wonderful story. I am so happy for this lovely girl who wanted her baby so much, I wish her every happiness.
Amy said…
A Delectable Mountains quilt - Rummage Sale is the perfect quilt for this young mother and her son. Such a journey these two have traveled to have each other. Many blessings to them! Thank you for sharing.
Amy said…
A Delectable Mountains quilt - Rummage Sale is the perfect quilt for this young mother and her son. Such a journey these two have traveled to have each other. Many blessings to them! Thank you for sharing.
Amy said…
A Delectable Mountains quilt - Rummage Sale is the perfect quilt for this young mother and her son. Such a journey these two have traveled to have each other. Many blessings to them! Thank you for sharing.
Quiltingbebbs said…
A wonderful story to lift anyone's heart - I wish them both all they could wish for themselves and I'm sure the quilt you made for him will be cherished Nancy
OT Quilter said…
Thanks for this morning's teary smile. (We are an adoptive family, too.) Indeed a miracle baby and a very lucky mother. Your quilt is lovely, just the thing from a Grand Schnookums.
Barbara Anne said…
Oh, tears of happiness here, too. How marvelous for the new Mommy and her sweet baby boy to become family to each other! Chloe's entire family, the Schnookums family, the host of Good Guys, and other friends are sure to surround this baby with God's kind of love.

Delectable Mountains in such happy colors is certainly an apt quilt to reflect the mountains that have been scaled and overcome these last 10 years.

May they live happily ever after in good health!

Hugs!
Lori said…
What a sweet story! Congrats!!!
Quiltdivajulie said…
Miracles do indeed happen - and thank you for sharing this wonderful affirmation of with us today. Hugs of joy to all concerned!!!!
stitchinpenny said…
I love stories like this and am so glad that God touched the heart of the birth mother and allowed her to choose Chloe. I have friends and family that have adopted and know it is a difficult path that has been presented to them, but I also know it can be done very well. I will say a prayer for Chloe and TJ.
Mrs. Goodneedle said…
This is a true testament to the power of prayer! Well done, Great Schnookums, the quilt is beautiful and the story is uplifting and joy-filled. May Chloe and her baby son enjoy basking in the love and friendship that you and Mr. Schnookums will continue to shower upon them. God is great, life is good!
Tanya said…
What a wonderful story. Much love sent to Chloe and her baby.
Thank you Lord for bring this good woman and this baby together. Please continue to bless them with Your miracles and Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen
AnnieO said…
Wonderful happy endings! *sigh*
wow, prayers answered all around....hoping my daughter's get answered too....
suz said…
what a wonderful, wonderful story - some things are certainly meant to be!
Lorraine said…
Beautiful story with a happy ending/beginning...much love to Chloe and TJ
LoieJ said…
As an adoptive mom, with quite different circumstances, I cheer and applaud your friend and her family. May God bless them with new adventures and wisdom and patience, and understanding, etc. Love to all.