Coincidence is defined as "a chance occurrence of events remarkable either for being simultaneous or for apparently being connected."
The experiences of the past two weeks that have occurred within our family might be considered by some as coincidence. I, however, prefer to think of them as what Gerald Lund calls in his book by the same name "divine signatures." These are "blessings sent in such a highly unusual, dramatic, or precisely timed manner, that it might be likened to a 'divine signature.' It is as though the Lord 'signs' the blessing personally so that we will know with certainty that it comes from Him."
The signatures of which I speak began on March 15th, when our daughter, Nicole, was rushed into the operating room after an ultrasound showing that her baby was in distress. Her heart rate was way too low and she needed to be delivered -- now!
Nicole's pregnancy up to this very moment in time had been normal and textbook perfect. Her doctor just happened to be a high risk Obstetrician. Coincidence that in a blink of an eye Nicole would need a specialist to know that baby was in trouble and needed to be born immediately? Coincidence that there were at least two other capable Obstetricians in the hallway that she could call on to help her in a flash? Coincidence that she was able to perform an emergency c-section within 10 minutes of knowing there was trouble?
And then there was the pediatrician that was called on to work on baby girl those 10 minutes later. Was it a coincidence that he just happens to be a dear friend and neighbor? Our Nicole's first student ward bishop? The bishop with whom Greg served in that student ward? A man we love and respect? A man who, the very day before was prepared with a similar case and so his skills were sharpened? And was it coincidence that if this doctor could hand pick any two nurses to aid him in resuscitating our granddaughter, those very two just happened to be working at that time? Was it just chance that our doctor didn't know until after the initial crisis was past that this baby girl was Nicole's? Our dear doctor friend has expressed to us that he would not have been able to have a clear mind and perform as medically necessary had he known.
After a powerful Priesthood blessing from Talon and Grandpa Greg, baby girl was life flighted to McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden. Two of the most experienced charge nurses in that NICU were working when our baby arrived. They NEVER work together. But they did that night. And they were the only ones able to insert the necessary pic line. Coincidence?
Thirty hours later Nicole was released from Logan Regional Hospital. Two days early, so she could get to Ogden to be with her little darling. Six months ago McKay-Dee opened a facility on it's property called the Annie Taylor Dee Guest Home. This facility is for patients receiving critical care, and for family members of those who are in ICU, or in our case the NICU. Greg was able to secure a room at the Guest House, for as long as necessary, so Nicole could recover and still visit with and tend to her newborn daughter. This property wasn't available a mere half year ago. Coincidence?
We have seen the signature of God in Adalyn Julene's progress. It is nothing short of miraculous. She is now, just fourteen days later, off the special cooling cap used to cool her brain and help with swelling. She is off the ventilator. She is off oxygen. She is off supplemental nutrition. She is out of the isolette and in a "big girl" bed. She is able to maintain her own vital functions. She is learning to drink from a bottle and to nurse. She still receives most of her milk through an ng tube, but that amount is decreasing as she takes more and more from the bottle. Nicole is able to pump ample milk for Addie's nutrition.
We still don't know what the future holds for our little Addie, but as I have witnessed the miraculous divine signature of a loving Heavenly Father during this time of trial, my faith has increased and my testimony has been strengthened.
I have learned yet again that Heavenly Father knows me personally. He hears my pleadings and sends comfort to my troubled heart. I have been bouyed when I felt myself floundering. I don't believe in coincidence. But I do believe and know that my prayers are heard. I know that God is real. He sent His beloved Son to atone for all. For me. And He understands my suffering and my pain. Elder James E. Talmage said, "The Lord's hand is in our lives; if we will but feel for it, in the darkness, we can grasp it and be lifted thereby."
I have felt it. I have been lifted. This grandmother's heart is too full of love and appreciation to ever deny that sure knowledge.
(Talon, Nicole & Adalyn) (Adalyn Julene - 4 lbs. 15 oz.)
(My first time holding Addie!) (Grandpa's first time holding Addie - do you see the love in his eyes?)
