Wednesday, January 19, 2011

An angel and Lou

I always look forward to the labor and delivery part of pregnancy. I find it so exciting to be in the hospital and just living those few short moments before your life changes forever. The anticipation and nerves and ice chips...ahhh.  Knowing that in just minutes you get to see the little one who has been slowly taking over your body, mind and life these past few months is one of the most exhilarating feelings.

Then there is the after glow...all the visitors and family that come to oooh and ahh over your new baby. All the nurses that go on and on about how cute they are and how they fight over holding them in the nursery... I love it all.

With each child I have had wonderful experiences. But this time I had 2 unexpected blessings.

After I was moved and settled in my post-partem room most of my family returned to see and love on Mr.Ryder again. As my mother-in-law walked in she asked if I knew anything about the angel and frame for Caden. ?!?!?!?! What? Needless to say, I knew nothing of it... so much so of nothing, I had no idea what she was talking about. She explained that by the nurses station there was an angel and a frame with " In Celebration of Caden Joelle Chastain" on it...and it was the only one there! I said I would try and figure it out. So I asked my nurse. She didn't know, but said she would try and find out who made it. When she found out I was Caden's mommy, she looked into it a little more.  A wonderful lady who happens to attend BSF with me, used to work on the post partem floor. She made the frame and set it out for all to see.  Evidently it has been out there quite awhile! So along with everyone coming to love on my new little man, I had many nurses come in to say hello to Caden's mommy! I cannot tell you what that meant to me. To be acknowledged not just as the mommy of 2 little boys... but for people to know I am Caden's mommy. I said many a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God...who gave me such a wonderful, unexpected gift.



The next morning, after I was freshly showered and fed... I called and asked the nurses to bring Ryder back from the nursery. A few minutes later the door opens and in walks Lou!
I can tell you have no idea why this is so darn exciting... So I will explain.
When Caden was born she broke her collar bone. She had to be taken to and from x-ray by a nursery worker. The lady who was assigned was named Lou. She was so nice and sweet and she LOVED Caden. She would go on and on about how beautiful she was and how much she enjoyed holding and rocking her in the nursery. She was always the one who would bring Caden to and from the nursery. She went on and on about Caden so much that she touched my new mommy heart in a way the other nurses didn't.
When (the Captain and) I had Rigg I asked about her. I was told she was very sick. Lou has always been one of those people that flit through my mind on occasion. So I began to pray for her... the lady who loved my Caden.
AND THEN SHE WALKS INTO MY ROOM WITH RYDER!!!!!
I jumped up and practically yelled her name. I think I scared her a bit... you know "who is this crazy lady who knows my name?"  kind of thing...  When I realized she was startled and confused I explained who I was and that I had been praying for her and that I was SO happy to see her. She stayed a bit and talked with me, told me about being sick and that she had heard about Caden... she was broken-hearted. She then told me that she had lost a son at the age of three. I listened and cried. We hugged and thanked one another. When she left I said yet another prayer of praise and thanks for another unexpected gift. Lou came back later and gave me a present... a beautiful bracelet. Now I can remember Lou in more ways then one.


And because I have no glorious segue sentence... Here are some pictures of our last day at the hospital before coming home.






8 comments:

Penny said...

Love this story~ all about Lou and the angel. How wonderful for people to be remembering your baby girl. :)

Corinne said...

What a great story and a great gift. Ryder is absolutely precious! I can't believe the amount of hair he has... and his cheecks are adorable. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

I know that was such a blessing to you to! Ryder is sooo cute!! Prayers for healing, sleep, an adjusting to have 2 kiddos in the house from Texas.

Stephanie

The Buchanan Family said...

What a great story! Glad you got to see Lou and have something to remind you of her. Congrats again he is a cutie!

Extraordinary Ordinary Life said...

Once again you make me cry! And Ryder has dark hair like Caden - well, it looks like it from the pictures. I can't wait to see him.

Anonymous said...

Wow Cari! God is good! And when I look at Ryders cheeks I instantly imagine you squeezing them while you talk to him in a "squoochy wooshy" voice. : ) Michele F

Anonymous said...

wow. tears are in my eyes over your sweet story about lou...and the frame/angel of sweet caden...what a gift from God on your special day with ryder. i can't get over how ADORABLE ryder is...those cheeks...those lips...that nose...that hair...oh my gosh is he PERFECT. and i love the classic pics with the green hospital binkie that is half the size of a newborn's face, lol!! we have those pics of our two kids as well and they just make me smile!
:) linda

Glimmerchick - Unplugged said...

God loves you so much Cari! What an amazing blessing to have at Ryder's birth. Lou, the memorial, and your new sweet son... what precious gifts you received. My prayer is that you continue to receive them and are blessed and blessed. Hope all is well with your precious boys and Captains. May your "Mommy's heart" overflow.
lv, jen