Happy Birthday, Matt!

Happy Birthday, Matt!

Today, January 20, is my son Matt’s birthday. He is 23. When I think about him and reflect on his birth I’m amazed and truly grateful that he is alive today. He chose to make his appearance in very dramatic fashion. Following a full day of work for me, I went home, had dinner with Randy and two and a half year old Jonathan, and began my usual routine of stationary bike riding. Shortly into my exercising, I felt moisture and realized there was blood on the seat of my bike. I was hemorrhaging. I quickly called my doctor and was told to meet her at the hospital. I called Randy and he returned from work and made arrangements with my mom to watch Jonathan. Within two hours, our son was delivered by emergency c-section at 32 weeks.

He was critically ill, so ill, that the Neonatologist told Randy that he had a 50% chance of making it. That first week he spent in the NICU, he was lifeless, often too sick to even breathe. I will never forget the Sunday I walked into the NICU, one week after his birth, to find him screaming at the top of his lungs and bright red with emotion. The doctors and nurses told us he had turned the corner, he was going to make it! He spent another couple of weeks in the NICU and we were finally able to bring him home along with all kinds of monitors....but he was home and we were so thankful for that.

He was such a cute toddler. When he was in the NICU, they had to shave his head for IVs. So we decided that we would not cut his hair. That all changed when one day, while grocery shopping, I was told by an older gentleman that I had such a lovely child, “she looks like Marilyn Monroe.” He was a beautiful child, but he was not in any way a girl.

The nurses had told us that the babies that make it out of the NICU are strong willed—that describes Matt perfectly. He is and always has been determined. He’s always worked to be the best he could be and because of a strong competitive nature, better than anyone else. In academics, he excelled in every subject. In sports, a standout soccer, roller hockey and lacrosse player. He has the ability to visualize a sports move and then replicate it; he is a truly natural athlete.

Beneath that strong competitive nature is a tender heart. He is very thoughtful and considerate of what makes his family happy. He always seems to know what would bring a smile to our faces. He has become a young man of honor and integrity with a great work ethic. We are very proud of him.

So today, Matt, Happy Birthday! I want you to know that I love you and am so very proud of you. I pray that God will continue to work in your life and give you direction as you seek His will for your life. May He continue to bless you in all you do.