Five Years Ago

If you were to ask me where I was twenty years ago today, I most likely couldn’t tell you – without doing some research into my records.  If you asked me where I was seven years ago today, I couldn’t tell you.

But if you ask me where I was five years ago today – or over the past 72 hours, I could most likely give you a running commentary.  You see, it was five years ago that my Darling Daughter was born – on her due date no less.  It was a a landmark moment in my life, and I haven’t been the same since.

I didn’t know this little bundle of humanity was going to have such a life-altering affect on me.  I didn’t know she was going to consume my every waking moment.  I didn’t know what love was, until she was born.  It is clearly the most amazing event I’ve ever been a part of in my life – and I’ve not led a boring life.

My wife, Jennifer is beyond amazing for what she did for me, for us – and for this Darling Daughter. As I watched her labor, for hours, without food, without medication, and because of some sorry customer service attitudes at the hospital our insurance company chose for us, without much assistance.  My respect for The Wife shot through the roof – and I already thought she was amazing!  It was also the most helpless situation I’ve ever been in.  I would have switched places with her in a heartbeat!

At some point during the labor, our OB doc became concerned.  There was meconium and our soon-to-be-born daughter’s fetal heart monitor was showing signs of distress.  The doctor took steps to speed up delivery, but was also giving off classic signs of stress.  She was sweating, she called in the neonatal team, and then she uttered a phrase one hates to hear from their highly-trained, highly-trusted physician:

“C’mon baby, you’re starting to worry me.”

Did she not see me standing right beside her!? What was she thinking!?  I’d already seen the other six people come into the room; I saw them unpack a laryngoscope and ET tube; and, I saw the look of concern on everyone’s face.  Did they think I was an idiot!??

About twenty minutes later, around 10:30 in the morning, our precious daughter was born. After moments of skin-to-skin contact with Mommy, they whisked her over to warmer, suctioned about 100 ccs of meconium out of her lungs, dried her off, weighed her, and returned her to Mommy.  There was no need for intubation, her Apgar score was great, and she was very healthy!

The last five years have gone by very quickly. They told me it would.  In fact, they told me that before I knew it, I’d be walking her down the aisle.  At this rate, I know they are right.  There are times when I just want to put her in a jar and preserve her just the way she is.  Other times, I am so absolutely amazed by her growth, development, beauty (internal, as well as external), and intelligence – that I just can’t wait to see what’s next!

“Daddy?  I can’t believe I’m five years old today!”

She was so excited as her birthday approached. And even as the day passed yesterday, she could hardly believe she was five years old.  All day long, she kept telling us – as if to test reality.

“I’m five years old today Daddy!”

“I know!”

“Daddy?  I can’t believe I’m five years old today!”

“I’m five Mommy!”

It was a special day for everyone – even Smiling Son, who thought it was his birthday too – probably because of the thoughtful gifts grandparents had sent for him too. It was very cute.

When I look at this little person, asleep in the other room, I’m amazed at the perfection. Arms, legs, eyes, and a brain that is obviously superior to mine – what did I ever do to deserve such a special gift?  I am blessed.  I am amazed.  I am in awe.

All I did was show up with some borrowed genes and a willing attitude.  I praise God for this beautiful child and the opportunity to feel love like this.  It is, without a doubt, the most amazing thing in the world!