And God Remembered Ra(y)chel

Four years ago today, my sweet baby Raychel came to earth. I always feel so nostalgic during this time of the year. Feelings that haven’t been noticed in months come bubbling to the surface every September. Raychel came into this world very uniquely. She was born at (8ish) in the morning by c-section. I remember being wheeled into the OR.  I was really scared and pretty much brain dead...too many medications (ones that did NOT make you feel good!). I remember the anesthesiologist told me to sit up and arch my back like a “mad cat.” I was thinking, “I can’t even open my eyes! How am I going to sit up?” The doctors had “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” blasting on some cheap boom box.  It was so bright, so noisy, so sterile and lonely.  I was like, “I’ve officially died and gone to hell.” Miraculously, I was able to sit up and do what the anesthesiologist wanted. I know there were many unseen helpers giving me support and strength that day. Raychel was born, I caught a little glimpse of her, and that was all. James left me to be with Raychel, and I was taken to recovery. A few hours later, I learned that my baby weighed 1 pound 10 ounces and measured 12 inches long. The next day, Dr Harris came in to check on me. I was like, “I NEED to shower…PLEASE!” He said I could either go see my baby or take a shower. Hello, nice options, huh? Well, of course I chose to see my new baby. I was a little nervous because what was a one pound baby going to look like? I will tell you this: she was absolutely perfect. What a miracle. Ten fingers (with fingernails!), ten toes, a beautiful face. I cupped my hand on her tiny head (that was the size of a baseball), and we had our first bonding moment.

The title of this entry comes from a scripture in Genesis. I’ve recently been thinking a lot about this Old Testament story.  These scriptures teach valuable lessons in patience and long suffering. Elder Spencer J. Condie said it beautifully, “When heaven’s promises seem afar off, I pray that each of us will embrace these exceeding great and precious promises and never let go. And just as God remembered Rachel, God will remember you.”
That’s what my Raychel has taught me over the last four years. God does not forget His children. “The Lord does not slack concerning His promise.” (2 Peter 3:9) Heavenly Father has shown His love for Raychel in many unique ways. I know that He “remembers Ra(y)chel” often! Our prayers are always heard. Our prayers are always answered. Just not always in the way that we think is the “best idea.” I’m so thankful for my little miracle that came into my world on September 24, 2004. Thankful she was born the way she was. I would never want to change that. So thankful for her sweet, loving, innocent spirit that fills our home and our lives with tremendous joy. We love our Raychel Roo!

Happy Birthday! September 24, 2004

Always our "Ray" of sunshine! I put this picture in because it gives you an idea of how small she was. I was changing her diaper. Tiny feet, tiny legs, BIG spirit!

This was when she was around 8 weeks old. My first time holding my girl. This is how she got her nickname "Roo." I would always tell her "I'm like Kanga and you're like Roo."

From your head down to your toes,

You're not much goodness knows,

But you're so precious to me,

Sweet as can be,

Baby of Mine