A Beginning of Joy
On September 5th, we woke up early to head to the hospital for my scheduled C-section. Everything felt calm, even hopeful. This was supposed to be our best delivery yet.
Stella was born safely, beautiful and healthy, and latched right away in recovery. For a moment, I thought we were going to have the smoothest, shortest hospital stay of all our children. We were overjoyed.
The Unexpected Turn
But only an hour later, everything changed.
I began to feel dizzy, nauseous, and then I watched my blood pressure plummet. A nurse pulled out a pad soaked with blood, hit the emergency button, and suddenly the room swarmed with doctors and nurses.
I’ll never forget Roger holding our baby, fear in his eyes, telling me: “Don’t you die. You fight.” And I promised him I would.
I was rushed back to the OR. Doctors explained I needed a D&C, and that a hysterectomy might be necessary to save my life. I was terrified but clung to God in that moment. Nurses held my hands until the anesthesia took over.
By God’s mercy, I woke up — alive but unstable. I had lost massive amounts of blood. After resuscitation efforts and transfusions, the decision was made to transfer me to Greenville Memorial for advanced care.
That afternoon, I had my first ambulance ride. Hours later, Stella had hers too. By God’s grace, we were reunited in a hospital room on the Labor and Delivery floor, not in ICU.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
Sixteen Days of Refining
We thought the hardest part was over, but the next 16 days stretched us in ways we couldn’t imagine.
Stella battled jaundice, weight loss, and feeding issues. She needed an NG tube for rest and nourishment. We tried new bottles, new techniques, and adjusted her feeds. Some days she gained, some days she lost. Every step forward felt like a miracle, every step back was exhausting.
I spent long nights in the hospital, feeding her every 3 hours — each session lasting up to 45 minutes. That meant only an hour or so of rest between feeds. I was soul tired, still healing from major surgery and blood loss, and emotionally unraveling.
All the while, our older kids were cared for by family. Roger went back and forth, juggling watching our oldest, getting our home prepared, and hospital life. Our hearts ached with separation, but our community surrounded us with meals, gift cards, prayers, and visits that reminded us we were not alone.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” – Psalm 55:22 (ESV)
God’s Grace in Weakness
This season has exposed all my weaknesses — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, it has also revealed God’s overwhelming grace.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
I’ve learned to see the IV lines, scars, and bandages not as marks of brokenness, but as evidence of life. They remind me that God spared me. That He carried me when I could not stand. That His people carried us when we could not carry ourselves.
And most of all, I’ve been reminded of the Gospel: the ultimate scars that bring us life are not mine, but Christ’s. His wounds brought healing and hope, and His resurrection secured our future.
A Story of Blessings Amid Trials
Though this was the hardest season of my life, it is also filled with blessings:
✨ Stella’s safe arrival and every ounce of progress she’s made.
✨ My life spared after hemorrhage and complications.
✨ The body of Christ showing up through prayers, meals, and support.
✨ The reminder that in every trial, God is faithful.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)
Closing Reflection
I don’t know why our story unfolded this way. But I know this: every day we are alive is a gift. Every prayer lifted for us has mattered. Every tear shed has been seen by God.
This journey has left me with scars, but they tell a story of survival, grace, and God’s goodness. Stella’s life, and mine, are testimonies that He still does miracles.
And as we look forward, we keep trusting Him — for healing, for strength, and for the hope that only Jesus provides.
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.” – Psalm 126:3 (ESV)
Living Life with a Purpose 