FATIMA M. TOBILLO
Dear Pio, I could vividly remember the moment we found out about you. We were astonished. We did not expect another baby too soon, it was such a blessing. I cried tears of joy and amazement when we found about your gender. It was the cherry on top of the ice cream! We have always wanted a boy and name him Pio, after the name of the saint we cherish and follow. And here you are!
Pio’s Premature Birth
It was an uneventful pregnancy with no medical issues whatsoever. I was having the best time ever! Until my 30th week.
At the mid of my 30th week, I had some spotting, so I was admitted to the hospital for better monitoring. The doctors made every effort for you to reach your 37th week. After staying in the hospital for a week, we were happy that we would be discharged in two days. But at 1 AM, I started having lower abdominal pains – gradually becoming more often and the pain more intense. It went on for the next 36 excruciating hours.
December 21, 2019: The unspeakable and my greatest fear happened: we had to deliver you at only 31.4 weeks. Physical pain enveloped me but my fear tortured me. I could not imagine having you so early. You only weighed three pounds. Tears streamed down my face.
The Long Waiting Period
Because you were so fragile, you had to stay in the NICU for further tests and treatment. Christmas passed, and your father and I remained in the hospital for two weeks. On your sixth day of life, your tummy had grown big. Tests could not determine what was causing it. You had to undergo an emergency operation – a less invasive one because you were still so tiny. A second operation came on your 16th day because your tummy was getting bigger. Yet the doctors could not diagnose your condition. You had to undergo the knife for the third time: a major operation on your 20th day of life.
What are the chances that you would be diagnosed with intestinal atresia? It only occurs in 1 out of 5000 births. Your doctors were so surprised when they saw it with their own eyes. You had not manifested any symptoms. I could not understand why all this was happening. Why did God allow this to happen to such a helpless, little baby? I bargained with God. I told him I could switch places with you in a heartbeat. Sorrow engulfed me. Then came self-pity and denial.
Prayers…
But I know that is not how God works. Although It was not for me to question him, I had to believe that you would be okay. You would make it through. I just need to trust him!
Jermeniah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Family and friends pulled together to storm the heavens with prayers. “Lord, if it is Your will, please heal our baby.” But my prayers became desperate. “Lord, I beg of You… I am begging you on my knees, please heal our baby. Please spare Pio. Please.. not my boy…”
It was mental and emotional torture. It was both draining and paralyzing. As parents, we did not want to see you fighting for your life. We felt a mixture of depression, helplessness, and weakness. But you needed us to be brave.
A Silver Lining
Your strength amazed us. Even after three grueling hours, the doctors told us you were a bundle of energy. However, you had to stay in the hospital for more monitoring, more tests, and more antibiotics. Once again, you showed your mighty strength as we waited for the day you would be fed with milk. You recovered well.
Pio, you brought many people together. Our team of doctors and nurses became our friends. We reached out to parents whose children underwent the same situation. The NICU world where babies like you achingly fight for their place in this world was an awakening. We learned about different complications of preterm birth. It opened our eyes to so many who need help, the support of family – their understanding, love, and care. We thank God we had all of that!
Thank You!
We are filled with gratitude to our second family, our family doctors, who made sure we understood what was going on. Likewise, our friends, who were praying for us and offered words of encouragement.
Most of all, I am grateful to your father, who remained steadfast and calm, though, it was painful for him as it was for me. It took a whole new level of strength for him to swallow the tears when I knew all he wanted to do was to break down, cry, and let it all out.
I have come to realize that this event has made our family stronger, united, and more prayerful. God is and will always be in control.
This journey might still be a long way, but we know God is with us. While you did not have a happy birth, your miracle life story is a most beautiful event that I would retell over and over.
Thank you, Lord, for making us witness Your miracle here on earth. Pio, I am more than blessed to be your mother!
