My little warrior comes in a small package. The blondest hair you’ve ever seen, eyes as blue as the ocean, and a laugh that can turn any head!
His name is Oliver, and three years ago he was diagnosed with spina bifida. At about 20 weeks gestation, my husband and I received the diagnosis for our boy.
We had in fact, just found out the gender of our little bundle two days prior to receiving his diagnosis.
Everything had seemed to check out as it “should” on our ultrasound with an extra part that confirmed we were having a boy. Lol!
I clearly remember the phone call in which my doctor had told me that my blood work came back and showed my AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) levels were high which meant I was at risk for my child having a neural tube defect.
I remember the reassurance he gave me, telling me that it was probably nothing but I needed a second ultrasound at higher levels to make sure.
In fact, everyone told me I likely had nothing to worry about. “Most test were wrong during pregnancy, due to high false positives.”
So, I did what anyone would do and brought my husband, mom and dad, brother AND sister to my Level II ultrasound. Joking away, I awaited my name in the waiting room with everyone.
Finally the time came and my parents and husband went back with me. About an hour later, I was escorted out the back door because I was crying uncontrollably.
We received the news everyone told me would not be possible. My son, my baby’s spine had failed to fully close in the first four weeks of development.
My Oliver, was diagnosed with spina bifida.
I allowed myself one day to grieve and cry until I could cry no more. The day after, I knew I had to only follow the good and meet families who were in my shoes.
We have taken the bad and hard days one at a time, but always try to maintain a level head. In that one moment that we received his diagnosis, I can honestly say that it seemed like the worst day of my life.
I remember not knowing how to proceed with life knowing that my son has spent his whole life fighting and he wasn’t even born yet.
But with the Lord on my side, I can tell you that it has been the best thing to happen to me because I was blind to how precious life can be.