My wife is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. Those who know me know that I couldn’t be further from a “cheesy” person, so I say this with nothing but the utmost sincerity, avoiding any sort of platitudes.
Last Tuesday night, after being in the pains of labor for almost 36 hours, we hit a wall. The doctors were convinced that despite maxing her out on induction drugs, there was no hope of her continuing on that path. “Failure to progress” was the official medical term used to justify slicing her open, a decision that was made in less than two minutes. What ensued was hands-down the most terrifying hour of my life.
Waiting outside the operating room at 8:25pm I struggled to comprehend how we got here. I was deathly afraid for her, for the baby. Despite being rational and knowing that statistically we were safe, I had a moment of uncharacteristic panic. Seeing her in crucifixion position on the O.R. table did little to mollify my fears.
“And while I get a twinge of panic or bitterness at what seems lost, these feelings are fleeting, swept aside by his tiny sneezes or innocent yawns.”
Within three minutes we had a son, Liam Gabriel. He entered the world at a very healthy 8lbs 8oz (with perhaps two full pounds in his chubby cheeks alone!) What followed this joy, however, was days upon days of nightmarish pain for my wife, endless anguish that medication did little to extinguish. In this time, our marriage was entirely redefined. We’ve been to places now that I didn’t know existed within the emotional geography of matrimony. But she came out the other side just fine. Bruised and battered, but an incredible mother to our son.
Seven days, and my previous life is already foggy in my memory. Personal time, proper rest, sanity and relaxation have been set aside to make room for Liam’s happiness and nutrition. And while I get a twinge of panic or bitterness at what seems lost, these feelings are fleeting, swept aside by his tiny sneezes or innocent yawns.
Seven days have changed my lifetime. I’m excited for what’s to come.
