Today I will take a break from my normally scheduled Pre-Trip Report to post a short note about the amazing thing that has just happened to some amazing people.
Miss Gracie Marie Shackalock, after 15 years in the planning and making, was born!
This was no ordinary birth. She will be no ordinary child.
Her Mom and Dad had wanted and prayed for her since they first were married some 15 years ago. Both Mom and Dad have gone through every test known to man and medical science to figure out what their infertility issues were. With each new advance in medical science they would gt their hope up, only to have it dashed again.
Three years ago they started on a journey of invitro fertilization. Everything was fine, and then it was discovered that Mom had an underlying medical condition that would make it impossible for her to survive carrying a child to term.
They had just about given up when Mom's very best friend in the world was about to give birth tho her second son in 3 years. This made the friend think about how unfair it was that she was completing her family while her friends could not start theirs.
The selfless friend talked with her husband and prayed long and hard about how they could help Mom and Dad become parents. They decided Selfless Friend would agree to be the incubator for Mom and Dad's child.
This started the long road of testing, counseling, prayer, and hope. This morning that long journey ended (or is it just started?) with the delivery by C Section of Miss Gracie Marie.
Mom, Dad, Baby, and Selfless Friend are all doing fine. No, make that better than fine. Miss Gracie Marie will grow up in a home filled with love.
I only wish that every child born today could grow up in a home knowing they are loved and wanted more than life itself!
Now, I will return you to the regularly scheduled PTR!
Nini