Revisiting West Penn

Today was my 6 week exam at my high risk OB's office at West Penn Hospital. The minute I walked through the doors I cried. West Penn was the place we were first informed of Ramsey's diagnosis. There, we had ultrasound after ultrasound, each time nervous to see just what was herniated and how big the lungs looked. There, I stayed for two weeks after my preterm labor. And there, I finally delivered precious baby Ramsey.

I am so appreciative for the care I received at West Penn. My doctor and his staff did an excellent job of treating me and helping to bring Ramsey into this world at 38 weeks instead of much too soon. It was great to see everyone today and to share Ramsey's success story with them! The initial emotions I felt as I entered the hospital were quickly replaced by a celebration of Ramsey's life.

I hope to return to West Penn some day to introduce Ramsey to the OB staff as well as everyone in labor and delivery. The time I spent in the hospital following the preterm labor was made easier by everyone who worked there. Aside from the excellent care I received I enjoyed the interaction with the staff.

One special nurse shared with me a book that I strongly recommend called Heaven is For Real.  Heaven is For Real is a true story about a 4 year old boy who begins to share stories of his visit to heaven after a life saving surgery. I strongly recommend the book to anyone who has suffered a miscarriage, lost a loved one, or who simply wants to read about a child's description of heaven. Knowing the boy in the book experienced heaven, but still survived, was such a comfort to me during the moments that Ramsey fought for his life. It allowed me to imagine that God was literally holding Ramsey in his arms until I was able to hold him on my own. It's a must read!

I feel various people have been a part of this journey for a reason and one of them was my labor and delivery nurse. Without her nudge, we may have followed our emotions and chosen the misguided option to let Ramsey "die in our arms". I can't imagine the regret we would have felt if we had done so, especially after seeing how far he has come.  Every time I think of her, I am reminded of the Alabama song Angel's Among Us. She was there during what was truly our darkest hour. She was our angel in disguise.

Here's the words to the song if you've never heard it:

I was walking home from school on a cold winter's day
Took a shortcut through the woods and I lost my way
It was getting late and I was scared and alone
Then a kind old man took my hand and led me home
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there
But I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

When life dealt troubled times and had me down on my knees
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me
A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand
A phone call from a friend just to say I understand
Ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

They wear so many faces
Show up in the strangest places
Grace us with their mercy
In our time of need

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love