Happy Birthday Jacob!

Today.....Seventeen years ago......

I wake up. Jacob's Dad goes to work. I am having horrendous abdominal pains. We just bought and moved into our house and are still waiting for the phone company to turn the phone on (back before everyone had cell phones) so I have no way to call anyone. I get scared and drive to my mother's house because I know something is wrong. Immediately she knows something is wrong. She drives me to the doctor. They know something is wrong. I am dilating and it's too early. They wrap me in a sheet and send me to the hospital because there is no time.......... An hour later I am fully dilated. Placental abruption. Nothing they can do. The doctor says we have to deliver. Twenty-six weeks. Six and 1/2 months. My due date isn't until September 20. It's June. Everyone is in a panic. My mother is hysterical. My sister is holding my hand telling me everything is going to be okay. They take me to the delivery room. My water breaks. The doctor is swearing. I am crying. They put me to sleep. Two pounds and 5.2 ounces later I have a very sick baby boy and am told that the likelihood of him surviving the night is slim to none.

Today, seventeen years ago, I became a very scared and frightened mother.

Today, seventeen years later, I have a HEALTHY, strong, handsome, intelligent and wonderful son that is perfect in every way.

Happy Birthday Jacob!

I love you more than you know.

~Gena