Song : I Will Always love You by Whitney Houston
Leslie's Story
Leslie Elizabeth was born December 22, 1999. She weighed 1Lb. 6.8 Oz., had dark hair like her daddy, and my mouth. She also had multi cystic kidneys and lived with us for only thirty eight minutes. We found out about our angels problem on the same day we found out she was a girl.
The day before Thanksgiving my husband and I went to the doctors for our first ultrasound. We were ecstatic and couldn't wait to find out what we were having. I was 19 1/2 weeks, and Despite my severe sickness during my first trimester we had no concerns. Leslie had a strong heartbeat and when we both felt her give a strong kick at week 16 we knew things were perfect. We had planed to make our rounds that night to family and friends showing off her first picture and telling them that she was a girl. We had no idea that this was going to be one of the most devastating days of our lives.
While we waited to be called into the room we observed mothers smiling and looking at their ultrasound pictures. We couldn't stand the anticipation. Finally we were called in. After doing the test for what seemed to be forever, the technician told us that Leslie had a problem with her kidneys. At first we thought we would just get them fixed, but after talking with the doctor he gave us very little hope that Leslie would survive. They wanted us to see a specialist, but told us that we couldn't get in until after the Thanksgiving holiday. We left that day without even a picture of our baby. For seven days we cried, prayed, and denied the news.
We knew that the specialists were going to tell us that they could fix the problem and Leslie would be fine. They didn't. Instead they told us that Leslie had no chance at life. They said that I had no amniotic fluid and Leslie's lungs would never develop. I was told that because of the lack of amniotic fluid my angel would become compressed, her joints would stiffen, her face would flatten, and she would die during birth. I felt so helpless. I had worked so hard to take care of her, and now my body was literally squeezing the life out of her. I wanted to hold on to my baby for as long as I could so for 4 weeks David and I spent all our time reading to her, singing to her and rubbing my belly. We shopped for her blankie and bunting, filled out her baby book, and made funeral arrangements.
The day came when Leslie was to be born. I was filled with mixed emotions. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms, but I couldn't stand the fact that it was also the day I would have to say goodbye. I was in labor for almost twelve hours. Leslie was born at 8:28 P.M. She was perfect, and alive. We were able to share her with our family, and she was able to feel all those who love her. 38 minutes later, as I held her in my arms, she quietly slipped away. My husband and I bathed her, dressed her, and took lots of pictures. We said our goodbyes three hours later. On December 28, 1999 we laid her to rest. She has touched our lives and hearts forever. I hope she has touched yours in some way too.