Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A Gift

 

A year ago, I was given a gift. A gift that I will treasure forever. It is a simple and common gift. And yet, unique and very special in its own way. I have been given this gift on eight different occasions. Each time I receive the gift it is just as special as the time before.

It was a particularly warm spring day in April. I remember because I was sweating in my car that had no air conditioning. I was alone this day (which is rare because I usually have at least one of my children with me). And I was looking especially cute that day. Cute and all gussied up because we would all be going out for dinner that night. It was my birthday. And I received the most precious gift...

I heard the precious heartbeat of our son, Jeremiah.

I was 12 weeks pregnant. It was the first time I had heard it. And it was fast and furious! I shed a tear of joy and excitement ~ as I do every time I hear my children's heartbeats for the first time.

I had no idea, at the time, that this would be the first and last time I would hear his little heart beating. For at my next prenatal, there was no sound. No heartbeat. The next day I was induced into labor and delivered our sweet Jeremiah. He was 4 months in uterus.

A true and special gift given to me by God!

Thank you, Lord!!!

"I love you Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."  Psalm 18:1,2

8 comments:

Messy and Wonderful said...

Happy Birthday my friend.

Jeremiah will never be forgotten.

Love you!

Jennifer said...

Happy Birthday Ashley!
Thoughts are with you as you remember.

 The Morris Family said...

Happy Birthday, Ashley!!! What a beautiful memory to have of Jeremiah. So tiny within our wombs, so intricately and wonderfully made by our loving Lord Jesus.How can we begin to fathom the depths of his plans...we can not...how we must trust in that which we do not see as yet and with joyful and hopeful anticipation to see face to face all the things that appeared as through a glass. May the Lord bless you with that hope and reunion with baby Jeremiah!!
Cindy

Andrea Cherie said...

Happy Birthday, Ashley. Hard to think it's already been a year.

Keepin' Up with the Joneses said...

Happy Birthday AShley. So glad you have that special gift to remember of sweet little Jeremiah. Love you.

Jenny

Cinnamon said...

What an incredibly dear post Ashley~ Happy Birthday to you.....

~Cinnamon

TnFullQuiver said...

thinking of you today (April 15th).
Know you are being prayed for here in East Tennessee. And Happy Belated Birthday.
grace and peace,
julie

Natalie said...

Yes, we will always remember your sweet, sweet gift!