There is a Purpose for Her
My husband and I were overjoyed to have a positive pregnancy test after months of fertility treatment. Our first ultrasound showed that we were having twins. Our second ultrasound showed we were having girls, Katrin and Rebecca. Three days later, my water broke and the girls were born at 23 weeks gestation, 0 days. We were given the very grim outlook – their chance of survival was low and if they did survive, they would be severely, multiply impaired. My husband and I held onto hope that we would beat the odds.
The girls both had PDA surgery to repair a valve. The next day it was found that both girls had a septic infection and Katrin’s lung had collapsed. Both girls were moved to isolation and Katrin continued to decline needing more and more support. On day 12, Katrin passed away and our hearts were shattered.
Our sweet Rebecca was still very sick, but she kept going. She healed from the septic infection, went on to have a diaphragm plication and laser surgery to correct retinopathy of prematurity. After 104 very eventful days in the NICU, Rebecca graduated and was able to come home.
Rebecca does have challenges from her early birth but she certainly does not let that stop her! She has cerebral palsy, but has run several races, can downhill ski and physically can do whatever she wants. She is legally blind but has excellent vision straight ahead. She has slow processing but graduated with a high school diploma and is currently in her 4th year of college.
I don’t know Rebecca’s future, but I do know that she will work hard to meet her goals and dreams! There is a purpose for her!
