Monday, January 04, 2010

Nine is a big thing.



Today {and yesterday} our family celebrates Wyndham turning 9! She had a small party with a BIG cupcake cake at Red Robin yesterday and then games and fun at Chuck E. Cheese with our family and a few friends. She really seemed to like her cupcake- topped off with her favorite color flowers. It's a big deal for her to have a birthday and be able to enjoy her party too.
In years past several times she has been very sick or even just coming home from the hospital on her birthday and there's just something not-so-fun about IV's and tummy ache's that take away the thrill of the party. We're so happy that she is strong and healthy and happy this year to actually take it in and enjoy her special day.
As I stopped to think about what has gone in her nine years of life it is nothing short of amazing. Scary and heart-wrenching too many times, but inspiring and hopeful more than anything! Wyndham at 9, has lots of daily challenges and has only spoken a few words in her whole lifetime. She still wears pull-ups and can't run and jump like her friends can, however her heart is huge, her willingness to try to learn new things and never give up, and the sparkle in her eyes when she accomplishes the ordinary are a joy to witness.
I remember the nurses gasp as they placed her tiny body on the baby scale just minutes after she was born and announced, "Four pounds; six ounces"! My heart skipped a beat and for a moment I was afraid something might be really wrong. (She was born 12 days early- but wasn't preemie.) Moments later she was wiped cleaned, wrapped in a blanket and placed in my arms. She was perfect. Tiny, but perfect. She managed to maintain a normal body temperature {which is one of the big concerns for tiny babies} and we took her home a couple of days later and all was right in our little corner of the world. Teagan was as proud as any big sister could be! She was nearly four years old and took on the roll of helper and charmer to Wyndham. =) Brock was more or less indifferent to Wyndham's entrance into his life. He did ask to hold her from time to time, but seemed content that she slept a lot. Wyndham was born into a family who loved her and I recall feeling like the luckiest Mom of three kids ever.
Could we ever dream this far into her future and see how much she would endure? Not in a million years. Would I take her place and suffer for her if I could? In a heartbeat. I have dropped to my knees, shaking inside with tears pouring from my eyes begging God to spare her life and heal her. He has answered my prayers for Wyndham more than once. Could we ever have imagined that she would pull through her critical injuries and one day beam at her cupcake cake topped with 9 glowing candles? Never.
But it has happened. It is a big deal. This day rips at my heart for what it could have been for her, and yet it grips my heart and fills me with a pride for her I cannot fabricate on my own. She inspires me everyday- even in the trying times. I feel horribly unqualified to meet her needs so many times, but I am also humbled and know just what a privilege it is that I get to call her my own too. We are so happy to have Wyndham in our lives and overjoyed to be able to sing Happy Birthday to her in words and sign. She has more than blessed our lives, and somehow I feel like she'll never fully know how much she means to us and so many others. She is one incredible little girl and whether or not she knows that, it's true now and always. Happy 9th birthday, dear Wyndham!

20 comments:

Shelly said...

Thank you so much for this beautiful post! Happy Birthday to your sweet Wyndham!

Becca said...

I love "listening" to your voice in your posts! Happy Birthday Wyndham!

Beckypdj said...

So glad your are able to CELEBRATE 9 yrs old!!!!!

I like seeing Crew's smiling face in the previous post too.

Thanks for sharing your life.

Belinda said...

I LOVE the way she is looking at her cake. Just taking it all in. I wish your Wyndham the happiest of birthdays. Nine is indeed a very big number.

Rachel said...

Happy Happy Birthday Wyndham. You are a beautiful strong smart girla nd you inspire many more people that you do not even know.
Hugs and PRayers
Rachel in TN (formerly in PA)
PS Tell mom and dad and your brothers and sisters we are so happy to hear of a new baby joiing the family I am sure he or she will be just a s beautiful and loved as the rest of you.

Steph said...

Happy 9th Birthday to you Wyndham, from an aunt and cousins in Minnesota who love you very much! Wish we were there to share that cupcake and celebrate with you:)

Patti said...

I agree, 9 is a VERY big deal! Happy birthday Wyndham!!!!

Kelley said...

Happy Birthday to Wyndham!

Carolyn said...

I work for an organization that provides services for folks with disabilities. We have a niece and had a nephew with disabilites. Plus our second Grandson was born at 26 weeks weighing 1 lb 1 oz so I am familar with what a true blessing people with disabilites can be in our lives. I really enjoy your posts about Wyndham, she is amazing!!! Happy 9th Birthday to her.

Heather said...

Happy Birthday Wyndham!! I love sharing this special day with you:)

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Wyndham!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for being honest and raw and vulnerable at times. It really touches a lot of people, including me! It helps me put things into perspective which is what I needed today. Happy Birthday Wyndham and congrats to your family on the upcoming arrival. It is truly a blessing (challenging blessing). Smile!

jo-anne said...

to a very special little girl a very happy happy birthday!!
Hugs all in orange and magenta :)

xxxxxx

Jackie said...

Happy Birthday to your Sweet Wyndham !

Lauren said...

Just beautiful.... when you write I feel like I can see into the very heart of you.

Happy Birthday Wyndham!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Wyndham!!! I love the big cupcake...that i am sure had buttercream frosting!!!!

MaRia said...

Just beautiful!

Lisa & Gerald said...

Happy Birthday..sending best wishes..

pakosta said...

Happy Birthday Beautiful GirL!
she is truly amazing and you should be so proud, as I know you are! you are an awesome mom and sooooo inspiring to me!!!!
tara

harmonysong said...

Happy Birthday sweet girl!! Beautiful post, Jody!