[tri-wings] Caleb's Story

To All:
   
  We have received numerous e-mails with words of support and sympathy. For 
that we thank each of you. Many of the e-mails mentioned that you were unaware 
of our story that brought us to you. It has taken me days to want to begin,so 
here it goes. Although, I'm not certain I will be able to complete it.
   
  My name is Mary, I am a 36 year old divorcee with two children(Hannah 
Elizabeth, age 9 and Paul Donald, age 7). For the last three years I have been 
dating a wonderful man/single father (Kenney, age 40). Kenney has sole custody 
of his son Christopher (HS senior, age 17).
   
  After losing one child together in 2006, in July of this year, Kenney and I 
learned that again we had created life. Nervous as any new parents our journey 
began. Everything to be going well (i.e. no morning sickness, no cramoping, 
etc.). Our first ultrasound appeared normal, baby is doing well. At 16 weeks a 
routine ultrasound was scheduled. This is when the tech found possible 
difficulties with Caleb's (after learning it was a boy-our names had been 
picked out) kidney's,heart, and possibly stomach. The next day (Oct.10) I was 
scheduled for the 3-D Doppler ultrasound. This is when our world crashed. Not 
only did they find that Caleb Earl Keller had problems with kidney's, heart, 
and brain,but he also had 6 fingers on each hand. They tried to photograph his 
feet, but our little show-off would not sit still for a minute.
   
  I then agreed to the amniocentisis. I was told that my baby may have Trisomy 
13, 18, or 21. Chances of him having T-21 were slim though because of the extra 
digits (this is not common in Down Syndrome babies). The results from the FISH 
test would give me results within 4 days. Four grueling days these were. Kenney 
and I decided not to tell the children until the results were in.
   
  I will never ever forget the phone call from my OB/GYN. The results were in, 
Caleb had T-13 and his chances were slim to none. My OB cried on the phone with 
me, as she to lost a child to T-13. Immediately I called Kenney, devestation is 
the word that comes to mind.
   
  Kenney handled telling Christopher, and I was left to explain to my children 
that their baby brother was extremely ill, and was not going to make it. I lost 
my father years ago and I explained to the children that Papa Jones needed 
Caleb with him. That we would not be able to see Caleb until we were all 
together again in GOd's world.
   
  My children handled the news differently,as we know no 2 children are the 
same. Hannah Elizabeth keeps everything in. She shows little emotion, this is 
her way. Paul Donald balled himself up on my lap and cried for what seemed 
hours. His dream of having a baby brother destroyed.
   
  Anyway, on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Caleb Earl Keller was taken from us and 
sent into God's world with his Papa Jones. There I will see them again someday.
   
  Each day is a struggle, but with Kenney, our children, and the kind words of 
support that I have received from my new circle of friends at Tri-wings-I am 
able to get through. For this I thank God.
   
  Bless you all. This is Caleb's story-I did it - I made it through. Thank You,
  Mary, Kenney, and family
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