One week & A request
One week ago I heard the most beautiful sound of my life.
Just as I dreamed and prayed and hoped, my daughter came into this world at 12:32 with a loud scream. And about ten minutes later, after scoring 9’s on her apgar and convincing the NICU docs they were unnecessary, she was placed into my arms.
I thought the only way I’d be holding my daughter ten minutes after birth was if I was preparing to say goodbye to her. This outcome was nowhere on our radar of possibilities. Nowhere.
Our most optimistic, best scenario, things are going amazing vision for that day was a baby in the NICU with just a little bit of oxygen assistance and a good dose of hope for the future.
Needless to say, we’re still recovering, still shaking our heads, at the shock of it all.
Right now I’m listening to my two best friends from college and husband munch on chips and salsa, sipping margaritas, with a milk drunk week old nestled in her daddy’s lap. Two friends who scheduled their trips in order to stand beside me as I lowered into the ground one I had just barely begun to know. Friends who were willing to brave the darkest day with me.
Instead we’ve carted a dozing baby around (in her car bed) to numerous stores, accomplishing months’ worth of nesting in a few days. They’ve sorted and organized and put away the overwhelming generosity and celebratory outpouring of friends and strangers. We’ve laughed and cried at the goodness of it all.
As if the outcome itself wasn’t enough to freeze me in a state of shock, there has been the love, support, tears and gifts of so many. The reach of Bella’s story simply boggles my mind. And it’s left me wondering – why? Why has this story struck such a chord? Why are there so many who delight and weep over my little girl? This small little girl has a story that is rippling far and wide.
My best answer to those questions is that her story is a small reflection of a much greater story buried deep into each of our hearts. The story of a hopeless situation, a terminal situation – one where death is proclaimed as the only outcome. A situation where there is truly nothing to be done, no action that can be taken to change the course of events. There are glimpses here and there in the story of the hope of healing, the hope of a turn in the tides, but darkness appears to prevail. There is waiting and longing and aching. And then, out of the blue, in an immediate turn of events the terminal diagnosis is removed. Life and life to the full is proclaimed. Darkness is wiped away. And it all seems too good to be true.
I believe that story, the longing for the truth of that story – the triumph of life when death and decay appears so much of the time to rule the day – is planted within each of us. And when we see glimpses of its reality, glimpses of it tangibly working itself out in this physical world, we can’t help but be astounded and amazed. We can’t help but rejoice.
I’m one week out and I’m still struggling to find the words to describe and to communicate what we experienced on the sixth floor of the University of Washington Medical Center.
And I’m still struggling to find the words of gratitude for the role each of you has played in Arabella’s life. Every prayer offered, every knee bowed, every tear shed pleading for this tiny little girl. Knowing the fragrance of those prayers that swirled before the Lord a week ago…how does a mother ever thank you for that?
One thing I do know is that I want to be sure my daughter knows about you. You who prayed and fought for her. She has her fair share of challenges ahead of her, and I want her to know how saturated her little life has been in prayer. I want her to know those who have striven in prayer for her.
So, in her nursery, above her bed there will hang a tree. A tree of fingerprints, the fingerprints of prayer that have forever marked her life. I wish I could have each of you physically come and mark this picture. I wish I could hug you and sit across the table from you with a steaming cup of coffee to marvel at the goodness of the Lord. But since that is not feasible, we will place a fingerprint for you.
What I ask from you, is that if you have prayed for our Arabella Grace, please leave a comment here with your first name and last initial. We will mark your name on a fingerprint leaf, and we will regale our daughter with stories of the beauty of the Church united in prayer. You have left a mark on our daughter’s life, and for that we will be forever grateful.
And I promise. Soon. Once a few more twigs are arranged in the nest (and I rack up a few more hours of sleep), I will attempt to sit down and tell you all about that day Bella made her entrance.
Laura R.
I heard your story through Kirsten.
I am rejoicing with you…..our Father is awesome. I continue to lift your beautiful daughter up to Him that she will grow up strong and healthy!
Hugs to you all.
Pam P.
Allan P.
We are Kirsten’s parents, and we have been praying for Arabella and reading your blog. We rejoice with you!
We continue to rejoice and praise God with you!
Heather, Ian, and Oliver J.
Kathleen A
Givens Family has been praying. So excited to assist with newborn pictures this week!
What a beautiful miracle! Reading your words and seeing Kristin Wall’s photos, how could we not pray for your family?
Amy W
My 2 sons prayed right along with me…
Kristi A
Milo A
Nick A
Gretchen J.
Many, many prayers for you!!
Marci W. <3
I am a friend of Kristin's and love this concept!! What a beautiful miracle~ I have witnessed when these situations do not have as happy an outcome, and yet there is still a miracle that happens- people turn to God and unite in prayer and His will is done- whether or not it looks like what we expect. Just so thrilled for all of you. And hoping the docs and techs who see her story realize that advising patients to terminate their pregnancy when things don't 'look right' is not ideal. I can't even imagine missing this blessing of your sweet Bella's life. {{hugs}}
Praying for you, your family, and God’s extraordinary Blessings!
Eva O
I stumbled across your blog and story from Pam’s (Kirsten’s mom) like of one of your FB posts. My girls, who are 3 & 5, and I have been praying for your family since just before Arabella’s birth.
So beautifully expressed!
Mike
Angie
Eloise
Wesley
Millie P.
Love ya!
Shayla A
I belong to an organization called Delight, which was founded and is led by Kristin Wall. She shared Bella’s story with us and I’ve prayed so much for this little girl to be okay. I’m beyond astounded with the outcome! She will do great things, more than she already has. Her testimony will move mountains and people alike. I have so much faith for this little one as so many others do!
Cheryl H
Truly awesome! Blessings on you and your beautiful family 🙂
As a mom who was in that very same NICU at UW less than 9 months ago, my heart broke hearing Arabella’s story before she was born and there were tears of rejoicing after she was born. My oldest daughter & I prayed for God’s healing miracles and wisdom for the doctors who would treat her. We prayed the same for my youngest and God was gracious to answer our prayers as well. Our God is good and He is faithful! We will continue to keep your beautiful little girl in our prayers as her journey continues. Looking forward to the day we see her smiling face at GCC 🙂
Kerry & Laney R
Jeanette P
Jenny C.
Carey,Tarah,Niyah,Silas,Lielle,and Seth M.
Such a beautiful blessing of Grace.
Sara B
Loved hearing your story from Kasey! Your daughter is so loved by so many! Rejoicing with you and giving all glory to God!
Kim W.
Wendy H
I read about Bella through Kristen Wall and she/you/your family/her network of support will remain in my prayers. I pray she grows strong & reminds “her people” frequently (as children are prone to do) that God is ALL MIGHTY, ALWAYS.
I am rejoicing with you this week! So amazing to see God answer prayers – to see him answer above and beyond our craziest expectations!
Kelsey C.
Myself and my prayer partners in Bible Study are thankful for the opportunity to watch a miracle unfolding before our eyes!
Ann T
Debbie M
Olivia D
Allyson M
Linda J
Traudi H
Walter H
Hi Katherine and Jeff, we have lifted you all up in prayer regularly since Carmen pointed out your blog to me in April.
It was and is a privilege to be able to minister in prayer to those in the body of Christ so far removed physically (we are in Germany at present). Thank you for allowing us through your blog to be part of your journey, and to witness God’s amazing grace through it all.
I wish and hope to maybe see you when I come to visit Wenatchee next time.
Traudi
Ashley F. I’ve read parts of your story that have been posted by other ELI friends. The night before she was born, I had trouble sleeping because I was so moved to pray for you. What a wonderful, powerful God we serve! Now I’m gonna go back and read the whole story. Looking forward to hearing the rest of it! Blessings.
Friend of Deb Stennes & Kristin Wall. An RN at PCC providing counseling, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds in support of Life. So taken with your deep love for little Bella, and heart filled with trust in your Lord for His very best. Rejoicing with you!–Dana D
Rejoicing with you!!
I’m so thrilled to read this miraculous answer from God concerning precious Arabella. He is so good and gracious to us!
Jenn Y.
I’m amazed at the goodness of the Lord in bringing your sweet girl to life here on earth. Surely God has big plans, kingdom-bringing plans for her life!
We have prayed, cried and rejoiced with you! We have shared your story far and wide because it is the faith of those who are suffering that proclaims the Glory of Lord most poignantly. Bella… And you, her faithful parents have given so many a gift of faith by your example…… And yes, I know, it has all been by the mighty power of Christ….. In that we cry out….. Hallelujah!
So many have been touched by your strength and faith, and are rejoicing in your precious babe’s miracle of life! Thank you so much for sharing your journey!
Stacy C.
Kaytra C.
Brittany S.
Jeremy S.
It has been an honor to watch this story unfold and pray for you!
We remember the night you were at our house for dinner and told us you were expecting. We have lifted up Bella in prayer since that night.
The Strongs
Ever since Kristin started sharing your blog, I have been following and praying. I was attached to my phone the day Bella was born, anxiously awaiting the news of her birth, praying fervently. I have no words for the joy in my heart when I heard of her arrival! Praise be to Him!!
Amy B.
Still also in shock and rejoicing with you 🙂 only started following the story a few days before you gave birth, but prayed hard for you. So much love for that little miracle 🙂
– Janell K.
Andy O.
Christina O.
I heard about your story from my niece Kasey. As an OB nurse i am blessed to see Gods little miracles enter the world. Your story has touched my heart deeply. Thank you for sharing your life experience and Gods miracle.
The first I heard of your precious baby girl & your story was from my cousin Kasey Dancer. I’ve followed your story, prayed, cried, and rejoiced with you from flint, Michigan. I too have a miracle baby that was not expected to survive long outside of my womb. Today she is a healthy & happy pre-teen. I can relate to your struggles, prayer & hope. Our god is truly amazing!
Christy H, Emma C (my miracle), Addison H
Jeanene M.
Kelly M.
Thank you for sharing your story…God has used it to move in our lives far beyond just moving our hearts to pray.
I am a friend of Kasey’s. Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl’s story! My youngest daughter was born with a birth defect that gave her less than 30% chance of life. We were told that they would have recommended termination had they caught it earlier, and apologized that they couldn’t offer that. But did offer to induce at 26 weeks and just “keep her comfortable.” I shudder to think about what people miss out on when they listen to doctors who advise that. Today our beautiful girl is a healthy, happy 7.5 year old!
Such an incredible story that has blessed my life profoundly! I’ve said many prayers for your sweet family since I happened across your blog through a college friend.
-Katie A
Hi Katherine – I was the friend in the UWMC waiting room with Kristin and Deb, so I feel I shared in the story in a small way without you really knowing it. 🙂 His hand was on that day start to finish. My family is celebrating LIFE with you and giving praise to Jesus for the miracle of Arabella. Much love!
I have a “miracles” album in my iPhone. Your Arabella’s picture in the blue dress (your dress of hope) is in it. Glory to God! Enjoy His gift of Grace.
-Julie P. , Marysville, WA
We are friends of the Stennes Family and we have loved praying for your family.
Melanie W
Jon W
Dakota W
Jody W
Reagan W
I’ve been reading your story and praying from Santa Cruz, CA shared with me through mutual friends in Wenatchee. I’m brought to tears thinking of your story. What a sweet sweet blessing!
Jaimee N.
This post brought tears to my eyes! Arabella is a miracle and a sign of Hope from the God we love. Continuing to pray for your family! Allie R.