Bryan here. Several weeks ago, the doctor told us that based on statistics, there was a good chance that David would pass sometime between weeks 24 and 28. Tomorrow Heather hits week 28. We are very thankful that David did not die just before or on Christmas, which was something that we were concerned about. He continues to be very active, especially in the evening. His heartbeat continues to be surprisingly normal considering he only has half a heart. If modern technology was not available, we would not know anything was wrong. Contrary to what you might think, we are thankful that we know ahead of time. The foreknowledge makes us appreciate every second of his life. Nothing is taken for granted.
About 10 weeks ago, we were subtly encouraged to end the pregnancy by the doctors. If anyone out there is reading this and is going through a similar situation, please consider what I write. Yes, the emotional pain is unbearable at times, but the little "joys" of the baby's movements and clear responses to our voices make it worthwhile. Yes, this is the harder road to choose. But again the rewards are worth it. I think back to the moment that we got the Trisomy-13 diagnosis some 16 weeks ago at week 12. I recall looking up at the ultrasound and seeing David suck his thumb for the first time. That image has kept me going for 4 months now. Anyone who says that a fetus is not a human life is horribly wrong.
One last thought that struck me this evening while reading another blog is the thought that our souls are all built for eternity. The brevity of all our lives is difficult to grasp in light of that. Hope is a wonderful thing. Faith is even better.
I feel like Doogie Houser writing all this stuff.
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