A few Saturdays ago, a sweet friend threw me a Mothers Blessing shower. It was perfect– her thoughtfulness, her intentionality, the small group of women who came who have each gone through various trials of their own, and the encouragement and prayers they gave. It felt extra needed in this weighty season of waiting upon the Lord and waiting for little Zoe to arrive, heart and lung differences and all. When she offered to host a Mother’s Blessing shower, I read the transcript of her audio message while cleaning the kitchen one night and immediately teared up. The offer blew me away due to her compassion and care for our family. About two years ago, when we were overseas getting ready to have Micah, a friend hosted a Mothers Blessing for me. I had never heard of it before but it was so life-giving to pray and gather with a small group of women. I was humbled and honored that another friend in our current season would offer to host a similar shower.
We passed around a book I had recently purchased to bring to the hospital and read to Zoe in the NICU. It’s a beautiful book about differences and how everyone is made in the image of God. Several children that are featured in the book have a congenital heart defect, like Zoe and had heart surgery. Image Bearer by Ellie Sanazaro and Madison Kay
I was 37 and 1/2 weeks along. It was one of the first cheery spring days where the birds greet you, the sunshine reminds you that winter has passed, and little purple flowers blossom on trees, offering a beautiful backdrop to the blue sky above.
My friend welcomed everyone and shared her heart behind the gathering. We sang “In Christ Alone” and my friends wrote down verses and encouragement on little cards.
I gave a rundown through some tears of doctors appointments and what we have been through. Several of them commented on how long of a process it was and how we didn’t have concrete information for weeks or months.
- November 26, 2024: 20 week scan. Nothing seemed concerning but they couldn’t get the right photo of the heart. We didn’t think anything of it.
- Dec 12, 2024: Another ultrasound to get the heart photo where I assumed it would be a quick 30 minute appointment. I went by myself and realized the teladoc wanted to talk to me at the end which I immediately knew wasn’t good. I FaceTimed Robby and the doctor said he wasn’t sure what it meant but her heart was turned to the left. The first red flag!
- Dec 26, 2024: Our first Echocardiogram at the areas best Children’s Hospital. Two arteries were a concern and possibly the left lung.
- (other appointments in between)
- Feb 4, 2025: We got final confirmation that Zoe has Left Pulmonary Hypoplasia and her left lung is extremely small (read more here).
Each friend went around and talked about the verses and words of encouragement on their card. It was all so kind and uplifting!
They each prayed for our family and my parents as they come alongside us and watch the boys. Tears welled up in my eyes as each new prayer began. They were all so sincere, thoughtful and hopeful.
We all sang “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right” which my friend sent me a few weeks ago. The lyrics pierced my heart and allowed me to surrender more of our circumstances to God.
Verses Mentioned and Words of Encouragement
– Luke 1:46-49 And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed: for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
– Ps 33:20 and 22 Our Soul waits for the Lord. He is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in Him because we trust in His holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord be upon us even as we hope in you.
– Ps 139:13-16 (For you formed Zoe. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.)
– Prov 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
By the power of the Holy Spirit, you ARE CAPABLE. The future is not something to worry about, but rather something to rejoice in as you trust God’s sovereign care.
– Is 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you, Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you ; I will help you. V 11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock. In His arm He will Gather the lamb and carry them in his bosom. He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
– Rom 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
– Ps 130 :5 Out of the depths I call to you, Ld! Lord listen to my voice; let your ears be attentive to my cry for help. …I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word. I wait for the Lord.
– 2 Cor 12:9-10 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, distresses with persecutions, difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
– Lam 3:24-25 The Lord is my portion” says by soul, “Therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the one who seeks him.”
– Phil 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
On the menu:
charcuterie board with a variety of spreads and dips, crackers, meats, cheeses veggies, and fresh fruit
mint-cucumber infused water
Poppi soda
coffee
Creative Additions:
fresh flowers
beautiful cards that people wrote on
twinkle lights and a banner.
a little photo box for me to put the encouragement and scripture cards
tiny clothes pins so I can hang them up
We hung up the longest string yet of 2D and 3D ultrasound photos I got from that Tuesday’s appointment