Miracles All Around
One of the things I love about my job is that it’s literally filled with miracles every day. And sometimes, those miracles are extra miraculous. Today we celebrate the 1st Birthday of this little guy, Sammy. He is a miracle in every way…
Another thing I love about my job is the relationship built with the mothers and families. Sammy’s mom, Olivia, is someone I’ve known for 20+ years, since she was a teen in our church youth group and I was a volunteer. She actually came to help clean my house when I was pregnant with my first child and on bedrest with pre-term labor. Years later I would get the honor of attending the births of 3 of her babies, including Sammy.
But what’s extra special about Sammy is that he came after Olivia triumphantly battled advanced stage cancer, and along with it some of the most extreme health challenges one can face. She was told early on that the treatment she needed would render her completely infertile. Olivia and her husband were at peace with that, believing their family was complete. So imagine their total shock and amazement when they discovered they were pregnant with #4, nearly 9 years after the birth of their youngest!
Family and friends prayed and waited with bated breath as Olivia’s belly swelled and this little one grew. To everyone’s utter amazement, including her midwives, Olivia carried Sammy full term, and he was born healthy, strong, and perfect! Joy and peace filled the room, felt by all those in attendance. Olivia & Matt are people of faith, and give God credit for blessing them in ways they never imaged, beyond what should’ve been humanly possible.
Shortly after Sammy’s birth, Oliva posted this about her own birth story:
”I was reflecting this morning on the amazing support that I had during labor with baby Samuel! I feel so blessed to have felt incredibly loved, supported, empowered and encouraged! There was never a moment where I doubted that I could bring our baby into this world in just the way that I intended to.
My husband, Matt, was there every step of the way cheering me on, supporting my choices, rubbing my back, making me laugh, and played such an integral part of bringing Sammy into this world when it was time. I love the joy he gets being able to be involved in each step.
Our doula and friend, Kara Jo Prestrud who has been on this journey with us 3 times now and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Her presence and energy kept me pressing forward with each contraction. She also seems to know exactly what you need before you do whether is be a foot massage, a snack, worship music, reassurance, encouraging words, prayer etc. I truly love that my birth experiences have been a calm experience full of conversation and laughter and she has always played a big part in that.
We also had an incredible midwife and nurses along with many prayers! I am in love with our birth story for Sammy and for the support I and Matt had!”
Happy Birthday Sammy! We are all excited to celebrate you today!
