2013 March 23, 2013
Yesterday was very long, beginning with the phone call at
5:10 am with the news Cherilyn and Todd were heading to the hospital. We were packed for a week and out of the
house by 6:50, and arrived at Emanuel Hospital in Portland by 9:00 am. It went very slowly, but she did great, with
Phoenix Sky Bertgess getting his first glimpse of his new world about 8:56
pm. He is beautiful and perfect! Looks just like Todd’s baby pictures, and is
weighing in at 7 pounds, 1.9 ounces. Cherilyn was pretty exhausted by the time
it was all over, but the almost instantaneous switch from painful last stage
labor and delivery to radiant brand new mom is amazing to behold. I was privileged to be right there and
witness the whole event, and it will be a treasured memory always.
Tina and Grant, Chaunda, Leland, Dawn and Ena were all
there as well lending support and waiting for to hear of the birth, then
waiting to be able to go in and meet the newest member of the family after
Cherilyn and Todd had spent a few minutes alone with just the three of
them. We all left shortly afterward,
finally falling into bed about midnight or so.
We found out this week the conditional grant has been
officially approved, Praise the Lord, and the generous people who donate to
Chronic Disease Fund! The liver function
tests came out well, all within normal limits, so the next step is the PSA and
other blood work to be done in preparation for his appointment on the 28th,
which should tell us more about whether or not this approach is going to work
for a while. In the meantime, he is still feeling well for which we are
thankful.
Sunday March 24, 2013
We Chaunda, Leland
and I, spent yesterday visiting the new little family and getting to hold
Phoenix for the very first time, an emotional moment for me, a proud and
smiling one for Leland. Phoenix is a
warm and precious little bundle who looks very much like his Daddy’s baby
pictures. I had told Todd that
immediately after the birth, so he brought one into the hospital yesterday, so
I got to say “I told you so!” Baby has a
very nice little dimple in his chin, which definitely came from Cherilyn, so he
is a mix of both of them. They are both so in love with him, it is just a
beautiful sight and we are thanking God for a safe delivery and healthy
outcome. Next, the adjustments that all
parents and babies go through, and we will be here to cook, wash dishes and clean,
and be a general support for them-how fortunate can we be??
We also went for a walk along the downtown Portland
Riverwalk under the blossoming cherry trees.
Beautiful! We then went to Mark
and Tina’s for a nice visit, then back to the hospital to spend more time with
Cher, Todd and Phoenix. A great Sabbath
filled with spring beauty and family.
Congratulations on the new addition to the family. He comes into a family full of love and faith. Who could ask for more in life? So glad that the grant was approved and you can move forward with the next phase of treatment. Truly a blessing. Love to you all. Judy G.
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