Vacation?
It began on a beautiful, sunny Monday morning. My husband and I were headed out for a little R&R in Eastern Washington (we live in Western Washington), so we loaded up the car with our over-stuffed suitcase and our beloved dog, Chance, since he would not tolerate being left behind.
After a 4 hour drive to Chelan, Wa., we arrived at our hotel, and disappointment began to set in as we realized it was not meeting our expectations. Our room was cramped, the view of the lake was barely visible, and children loudly playing in the pool right outside our door (I love children, but a pool full of kids 10 feet from our room was a bit much). Since it was not meeting our needs, we decided to stay just the one night and then hit the road the following morning. Upon our return home, we learned that the Chelan area was hit with a massive rain and electrical storm that we would have experienced, had we stayed. Happy to have missed it!
Beating the Clock
At this point, I must tell you that my youngest daughter was expecting her 6th child, but her due date was 2 weeks away, and all of her previous children usually arrived late, so we thought it was fine to take our trip, and be back in plenty of time for our new grand baby.
I had read my horoscope the day before we left, and it said “Your plans will be interrupted, but you won’t mind hanging out at the hospital for someone you love.” That might have been my first clue.
Anyway, the following day started at 5:00am , as we headed up to the far northeast of Washington, hoping to experience some of Washington’s natural beauty. We had just arrived in Kettle Falls (4 hours of driving) and my cell phone rings. It is my daughter, and she is in labor! “Are you kidding me?” We immediately decide to head back home, using the shortest route we can find, not knowing if we would get there in time or not. I was so worried we wouldn’t make it. We were just so far away, and I wanted to be there to support my daughter so badly.
After a 555 mile drive that day, I called my daughter’s number and her mother-in-law said they had left for the hospital! “Oh no!” I jumped back in the car and headed to hospital. Upon arriving, I entered triage in the birthing center, after being informed of her admittance. She had been transferred to a birthing room, and things began to get very intense and fast.
She had opted for natural childbirth, so, as her mom, it was very difficult to see her in such pain, and to coach her through it. At the same time, it was the most amazing thing I have experienced. I could not have been more proud!
Home is Where the Heart is
Jackson David Wininger was born July 27, 2010 at 9:52 pm, and we were all delighted to meet him! Thank you, Jackson, for waiting for “grammy”.
Jackson was born with some medical issues, was transferred to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital for surgery, and has not been able to come home yet. His recovery is going well, but slowly, and we hope he will be home with his Mom, Dad, 2 brothers, and 3 sisters very soon. (Prayers are much appreciated, thank you)
Bonnie (Grammy) & Rachel (Auntie)
“Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope;…..Love never fails.” 1 Cor.13:7,8
Update Aug. 6 *We are happy to report that Jackson is recovering nicely. He has made great progress this week, and we are thrilled. We are all waiting for the day he comes home. That wonderful day appears to be getting closer. :)
Update Aug. 13 Jackson has been in a Children’s Hospital since birth, and has had 2 surgeries. Today was a great day, and we are so thankful. He should be home within the next few days thanks to power of prayer and faith. We thank everyone for their support and prayers that resulted in this miracle.