Unto Us A Child Is Born

Christmas was a snowy and messy one this year. The snow totaled close to 15 inches, creating scary drives, cancelled plans, extra work, stress and cabin fever. Messy as it was, holiday drama was even messier. I think most, in my family, breathed a sigh of relief when it was over.

This isn't always the case. The Christmas holidays have always been a happy, rich time of family and tradition. Most years, we anticipate this gathering of loved ones all year long. Christmas changed for us a couple years ago, when we lost a young family member in early December. We are still floundering, trying to find a balance between grief and tradition.

Which brings me back to Christmas 2009. In the midst of the mess a baby boy was born. His name is Devin and he is the son of my sister's foster daughter. The labor and delivery of this beautiful 9 lb. baby boy went smoothly. Not so, the first days of his life.

A couple days after Devin's birth, he contracted pneumonia. Apparently this is not uncommon in newborns, but it is scary to the people who love him. Little Devin spent a few days in intensive care with a feeding tube and an IV in his head. His mom was distraught. His dad was exhausted with fatigue and worry. Fortunately, Devin recovered quickly and was able to go home after a short stay in ICU.

On his first night home, Devin's mom had a violent, terrifying seizure. An ambulance was called and the family rushed back to the hospital. After undergoing tests, no reason for the seizure was found, and again, this new mom was released. It was deja vu. That night around the same time, Katherine, again, suffered a violent seizure, followed by another harrowing trip to the hospital. Then two more seizures in the hospital. The strength of the last rendered her unconscious for several hours. It was clear she wouldn't be going anywhere soon- especially home to care for a newborn.

As of this date, Katherine is still hospitalized (though she has suffered no additional seizures)and her son is with my sister's family - a family that hasn't cared for a newborn in 21 years! Although Devin's family had all the supplies at hand in their home, not so my sister. Diapers and formula were purchased, as well as clothes and blankets. I offered the cradle made for my son by his grandfather 2o years ago.

While his mom aches to hold him, Little Devin is being well cared for. This little guy has worked his way into our hearts, with his head of dark hair, intensely focused eyes and dimpled cheeks. He rarely cries, only when hungry and that is easily solved. Devin sucks down a bottle with amazing speed. My niece usually takes the night shift, allowing my sister much needed rest and the ability to handle the daytime hours.

I don't think Becky could have known how her role would evolve, for Devin's parents consider Becky a grandmother and their most trusted caretaker. I think, by now, the realization must have occurred to her that once named, the role is yours. Blood doesn't define who we are, not to those who love us. For many blood can sometimes be tied to folks we don't even want to name. Family can be, and often is, who we choose and who chooses us.

Even messy Christmases bring never anticipated JOY.

For Unto Us A Child Is Born!!!

VSL