One year ago, this day, I was told by doctors you had Dandy Walker's Syndrome.
I was told you wouldn't walk or talk, and you would be developmentally delayed.
I was told you could be in a wheelchair.
I was told you may not even make it at all.
Your dad and I cried for a whole weekend straight after the news. I took the Monday off of work because I couldn't go 5 minutes without tearing up. Family and friends visited us. We felt an outpouring of love from them and the Spirit of God.
We had to hold on to a glimmer of hope, that you could be normal.
We asked the doctors, "What are the chances of our baby being normal?" Some doctors said, "Slim to none". Some said, "Hopefully high." My favorite doctor said, "I don't know. I choose not to do anything but hope for the best." So did we.
We prayed. We got blessings. We anxiously awaited your arrival.
Here you are. Zooming around the apartment. Babbling to us, smiling at us. Walking, talking, loving. Totally normal.
We love you, Nolan. You are our miracle baby.
This post made me tear up! I remember being so worried about your little family through your pregnancy and anxiously waiting for new news as you got further along. I remember praying for you guys, that whatever the outcome would be, you would be happy and have a healthy baby. And then I remember after Nolan was born, and you told us that there weren't any defects or abnormalities - what a miracle! Your story is truly a tender mercy. I love you Hancocks so dang much, and that Nolan is getting WAY TOO BIG, WAY TOO FAST!!! I am so grateful you have a happy healthy boy!!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first heard about this, I had to close my office door so I could be alone. It was hard. I wondered if I would be strong enough to be the patriarch, grandfather, and father to support you, Josh, and Nolan. It was a test of my inner strength.
ReplyDeleteNow every time I see Nolan, I realize the miracle he is. As I studied Dandy Walker, I became more confident that this was not going to be his fate. No matter what, he was going to be loved. Every day I think of Nolan, I think of laying my fingers on his tiny head to give him a Priesthood blessing. Each day in the hospital, they would rule out another symptom of Dandy Walker Syndrome. Each day, I recognized God's hand in his miraculous existence!
It is truly an honor to witness his miracle.
Isn't it nice to know miracles have not ceased! He is adorable and such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteHe truly is a miracle. I feel so much joy for him now compared to the anguish and heartache of last year. When I learned of his diagnosis, I sat on a chair and cried. Right in front of the girls. Many prayers later we all adore our chubby little, NORMAL nephew. He is especially loved by three girlies in Georgia.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! He really is a miracle baby. And so cute! We miss you guys!
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