Saturday, April 17, 2010

Sharing "Part 2"

So I had many people ask me about the article I wrote that I mentioned in my last post. I don't know for sure if it is up on the website yet, but I included it here. Reading this bring back so many memories, but also it gives me hope because Tom and I have come such a long way since then. My main purpose for writing this about Caden's short time with us, is so God will be glorified through my pain, and I look for ways that he can use me to help with that and I am willing to be used. Here it is. I hope you like it.

Caden Everett Ehrlich
Beloved Baby



Tom & Mira E h r l i c h headed to Chicago in 2007 to watch their favorite basketball team play in the first round game of the NCAA. When they returned to Wichita, a positive pregnancy test was almost a shock but also exciting. Mira picked out bright colors for the new baby’s nursery: lime green, yellow, and turquoise. Tome taped and arranged all the colors into a checkered pattern. They found out that they would have a boy. Everyone was excited because this would be the first grandson on both sides of their families. They knew their baby boy would share their love for basketball and sports.

Mira prepared her 3rd grade students for State Assessments even as she prepared for the new baby. When she was 30 weeks along a routine doctor visit raised concern because her blood pressure was too high. Mira’s doctor explained she was sending her straight to the hospital and that she would receive medication in case the baby decided to come early. Four days later, Mira was released from the hospital and put on strict bed rest because she had a condition called pre-eclampsia or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure. The only way to get rid of it was to have the baby. Mira followed her doctor’s orders to the letter. She prayed for and read to the “little guy inside of me” and followed all the restrictions to keep her baby safe so she and Tom could hold him soon. Three weeks later a sonogram was done to check the baby’s health. The sonographer sent Mira immediately to see her doctor. When she got to the office, the receptionists were talking but when she entered they fell silent. She sensed immediately the news must not be good, but remained hopeful thinking she would just have to go to the hospital right away. A doctor came in and asked Mira if there was anyone that could come in the room to be with her, so she call Tom and their pastor’s wife. Shortly before Tom arrived, another doctor came in and explained the baby had no heart beat. Tom got there and Mira told him about the baby. Their faith in God although shaken, remained strong as they cried together and prayed that even this almost unbearable tragedy would bring glory to His name.

Later that day at the hospital, their regular doctor came in. Even though she was off work that day, she stayed with them. They will always remember her kindness to be there for them. On Friday November 2, 2007 at 1:15 p.m., Mira delivered a stillborn boy: Caden Everett Ehrlich. Caden weighed three pounds six ounces. It was a bittersweet moment to finally hold him. They had never considered they would give birth and be planning a memorial service all in the same week. Their pastor told them about AgapeCare Cradle and called on their behalf. A director came to the hospital to talk with them.

“Agape Care Cradle walked us through the process of planning a memorial service for our baby step by step, offering choices and waiting as long as it took for us to make decisions.”



Caden’s memorial service was held at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene. “Praise You In This Storm”, a song by Casting Crowns, was played and Tom and Mira shred how God made them strong and how losing Caden had shown them what faith was really all about.



Hundreds of sympathy cards made by Tom and Mira’s
students were displayed at Caden’s Memorial service.



After many months, Tom and Mira decided to try to have another baby. Months passed and no baby. They started to grieve again for a new child, then gave their hopes and dreams of being parents again to God and waited. Finally they became pregnant again and on October 3, 2009 their baby daughter Jaycee was born.



“Jaycee brought joy back into our lives.”


They laugh and celebrate again and plan to tell Jaycee someday about her big brother in heaven who watches out for her and any brother would.




Photobucket

2 comments:

Amy said...

This is a lovely article, Mira. Thank your for sharing it. The picture of all the cards at Caden's service brought tears to my eyes. I remember Caden's service and how special it was. I remember being amazed by the faith that you and Tom showed and continue to show to this day. You have walked a road that no parent should ever have to walk. I am so glad to see the joy that Jaycee has brought to both of you. Hugs to you!

Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Tears.

Mira, you are such an inspiration!
And an amazing writer.

You are a doll. I haven't checked in in a while, but it's good to "see" you again and your gorgeous Jaycee is just precious.

(And the song Home, playing by Daughtry always brings me to tears as well. His wife, Deanna, just got some jewelry from me the other day and loves it! She got a necklace that says "Worship Always".)