Have you ever wondered how YOU were chosen?

How Preemie Moms Are Chosen(Adapted from Erma Bombeck)

Did you ever wonder how the mothers of premature babies are chosen? Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger. "Beth Armstrong, son. Patron Saint, Matthew. Marjorie Forrest, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia. Carrie Rutledge, twins. Patron Saint ... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity ;)!

"Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles. "Give her a preemie. "The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a premature baby a mother who knows no laughter? That would be cruel." "But does she have the patience?" asks the angel. "I don't want her to have too much patience, or she'll drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of its own. She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy." "But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just the right amount of selfishness." The angel gasps, "Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?" God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she will never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says 'mama' for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see – ignorance, cruelty, prejudice – and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side." "And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in the air. God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."



*I am a CHOSEN MOMMY! I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I was chosen to mother a preemie, specifically for God's purpose in Anabelle's life ....and that makes my heart smile and beam with pride! I just hope I'm living up to His expectations!*

I ask that you continue to pray for Anabelle. At her 2nd year checkup, our pediatrician was a little harsh in judging Anabelle's weight. Her weight is still 19 lbs., despite pushing food like crazy ...she is picky and doesn't LOVE food (she's the only one in our family that doesn't :)! So, we are taking another approach. We've cut the appetite stimulant (which is an antihistamine and makes her super thristy = LARGE AMOUNTS OF JUICE THAT FILL HER UP B/F SHE EATS); we've cut the juice and we are steering away from babyfood!!! Please lift Anabelle up and ask for an increase in her appetite to help with her weight gain. Also, pray for our patience b/c it is so discouraging to try and find something - ANYTHING - your baby will eat and love.

Much love to you ... from a "chosen" mommy,
Melanie (and the Fabulous Hodges Girls)