So. It's be a grueling week. An emotional week, if you will. Ups and downs. Celebrations and great sadness.
This past week my 3rd nephew was born (Kyler Douglas), and boy did he make a grand entrance into this world. After 41 hrs. of labor my sister-in-law gave birth to a beautiful baby boy! Although both are happy and healthy now, both mom and baby had some effects immediately following a long and crazy labor. Lindsay, my sister-in-law, had a 103 degree fever and the baby had a decreased temperature. Also, the baby was born by c-section and had fluid in his lungs. As a result, he was kept in the NICU. :( Although Kyler was only keep in the NICU for a approx 3 days, it had a lasting effect on the parents. My brother and sister-in-law were so exhausted at this point and although you would think having the baby 'away' allows the mother to get more sleep and rest up... think again! She had to go to the NICU 3 floors down every 3 hrs. to feed and see Kyler. Already not feeling well, this became challenging. Also the nurse typically helps with the first bath and diaper changing, etc.... well, my brother and sister-in-law (first time parents) missed out on important tips/teachings of the nurse and felt pretty overwhelmed by the time they got home. But long story made relatively short is: the family is home, happy and adjusting to their new life as parents! I can't wait to make it back to Nebraska to hold the lil' handsome man. My brother & Lindsay are so proud and I am too!
On the other hand...
just this past weekend I received the news that a sorority friend of mine (and her husband) was critically injured after being involved in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. She was on life support for several days following the accident, but on Tuesday night she passed away. This is such a tragedy. My friend, Jessica Lutton Bedient, had so much to live for and it is absolutely devastating that her life was taken much too soon. She recently got married and her husband is still in the hospital recovering from his own injuries. Jessica was an amazing girl with an amazing heart! She will be greatly missed. I can only assume we all want to leave the world a better place and Jessica definitely left her mark. She has positively impacted SO many people's lives as you can see by her website postings. There are a select few people (strangers) this week that have had a drastic change in their lives for the better - b/c Jess was an organ donor. Again, new life.
For those reading this, please stop - take a second and pray for her family, her husband and his family to heal with time and find peace in their hearts. They need lots of support! I can't even fathom what the families are going through. Every time I think of Jess's accident and the fact it could have been prevented if only the driver would have had a sober one, my heart breaks. I am reminded to count my blessings - big or small, count them all.
I love her and I miss her, and I'll see her again someday.
