Serenity-prequel to Our Story

I posted once already for the blog hop but felt compelled to write again. Actually, this is the one that was on my heart after already linking the other. The elusive subject of Serenity. Something we search for often yet rarely find in our ultra busy society. Now is the time to reflect back on a time when things were out of control (still are many days), yet God worked through it all. Romans 8:28, right?

Many of you have followed my blog posts about Our Story. It is still a work in progress. This is more of a prequel and short synopsis of that time period. I do plan to finish it, almost feel an urgency to as a matter of fact. Until then, here we go. You can check out the rest in the Our Story section.

The years of 2008-2009 held a lot of ups and downs for us. Towards the end of summer we found out that we would be expecting baby #4! Complete, but welcome surprise. As I made my way to my OB appointment alone, (over 60 miles away-I was considered high risk through my last two pregnancies due to health issues), I was excited. I knew due to my history that I would be getting an ultrasound even though I wasn't very far along. While laying on the table, I noticed something. Hmm...two sacs? Could that mean? YES! It did mean two babies. However, one of the babies sacs (I was approximately 4 or 5 weeks) was way smaller than the other. I got scared. As the tech sent me to the waiting room, I called my husband. We had three children at home at the time ages 14 months, 8 years and 10 years old. Plus I worked long night shifts as a nurse and oh, yeah, had just taken a second job in another ER 20 minutes away. We lived in a 2 bedroom home. How could I care for TWO babies plus my others plus....well, you get the picture. I went home that day being told that it was a strong possibility that I could loose one and maybe both of them. I was to be monitored closely. Fast forward, at office visit for 9 week check-up, I saw both babies and they were able to detect heartbeats! I was amazed but still scared and still unsure what to do. Baby 2 was not growing at the rate of baby 1, but I took it a good sign that the baby had a heartbeat. I was told not to get my hopes up because this baby wasn't growing like it should. My regular OB was out so I saw her partner. She said if it was up to her I would be on bed rest. Even so, the odds were not good.

I went back to work, lighter duty for a while and kind of  'separated' myself from the situation. I had always believed in the Lord growing up and even went to church every now and again but I sure didn't have a personal relationship with Him. Two weeks later I went back and discovered that Baby 2 was 'gone'. Vanishing twin syndrome they called it. I had not even felt the loss in my body.

March came and I kept rushing to the hospital thinking I was in labor. The baby wasn't due until April. At my last stay, I was told that my uterus was hyperactive, but the contractions were not regular. I had worked OB before, that was scary. I was also told that because it was two days before my 37th week, my insurance wouldn't allow them to induce me. I was sent home with my doctor's personal cell number to call when things got started "hopefully this weekend". I went home and my mom stayed with me 'just in case'. Two days later, I had a stomach cramp and out came a huge gush of blood. I was so scared. I was calling everyone, including the doctor. My mama came to the door and said "What can I do?". Through gritted teeth, I said "Call my grandma and tell her to pray. NOW!!" My grandma was the spiritual  mother of the family. We all thought she had a direct line to God. I went to the hospital I work at, where we DO NOT deliver babies, and was in pain. One ambulance was out on a call and another one was unusable or something like that. I had to wait for the other one to get back. I was so far dilated, I would NEVER make it 60 miles so I was being routed to the other hospital I worked at 20 miles away. The deputy's even laughed that they would load me in the back of the cruiser and drive me because I was so adamant about going the 60 miles.

I got there literally just in time. The doctor said I wasn't dilated as far as they thought and that I would be fine. Surgery was going so I couldn't receive an epidural. Everything would be fine. A little over an hour later, I knew it wouldn't. I kept feeling the urge to push and tried to fight it. I was SO scared, but I wouldn't call out to God myself. My mom came to my bedside and whispered in my ear, "Mamaw is here". I knew everything would be ok then because in my eyes, that meant God came with her. He was there now. I began to relax.

Needless to say, my sweet daughter Ava was born. Quickly. The doctor didn't even have time to put on gloves. Guess I showed him. This was baby 4. I KNEW she was coming!

Not long after that, I knew I had to give my life to the Lord. I knew HE was in control of an uncontrollable situation. I went to the altar when she was very young. God called me. And, for what was to come, I am glad He did. Baby developed a severe bowel impaction and a hemangioma on her hand. I developed post-partum anxiety, panic, thyroid storm and more heart problems than I already had. God healed us both.

6 months later is when 'Our Story' began. ALL of this happened in a year. God was in control and once I recognized that, the peace that passes all understanding would guide me through what has been the toughest 4 years of my life. He became my best friend, my protector and my shield and strength.

Jennifer Newsom,
OBS Leadership Team