Banks Tyler Luther was born to Whitney and Ty last Wednesday, October 29 at 7:53pm, weighing in at 8.9 lbs and 22 inches long!
Labor and delivery went well but Whitney had some excessive bleeding afterwards. They were unable to stop it through meds and various other techniques so she was transported to a hospital across the street for a procedure. Surgery was successful but she had to spend a couple nights in ICU. Ty went back and forth hospitals to spend time with Banks, torn between the two. Whitney has received a few transfusions because she lost a tremendous amount of blood. Saturday she was transferred back to the delivery hospital to the high risk ward but was reunited with Banks! Sunday Whitney was then transferred up to the normal recovery floor where Banks had been staying. And yesterday afternoon we came home!
Staying at the hospital reminded me of staying with Neal. Walking the halls; pressing the “open door” button on the wall; going to the nourishment room for coffee and ice water; IV poles; infusions; dry hands from the constant use of hand sanitizer; sleeping on couches; operating on little sleep with headaches, back and neck pain, are some of the fresh memories. This time there was a much happier outcome.
After Whitney had given birth, Ty brought me back to be with her. She was feeling sick while the team was trying to get her bleeding under control. I was holding the infamous pink hospital throw up bucket under her chin at the side of her hospital bed. I looked down and saw her side profile and saw Neal laying there. I started to cry and had to have Ty take over. I wasn’t expecting that emotion. Grief hits when you least expect it. Driving down last Wednesday morning I did think about that this was the first grandchild born since Neal died–that emotion I did anticipate. It has come over Whitney and I a few times the past few days. I believe Neal was up in heaven cheering Whitney on during labor, delivery and her surgery and continues to do so.
When I looked down in the hospital and saw Neal laying there through Whitney, she was made in the image of her dad. When I look at little Banks he looks so much like his daddy, Ty. They are a snapshot of their earthly fathers sharing in their likeness. Genesis 1:27-28 says we are made in the image of God. Am I reflecting God to others? How am I doing reflecting the image of God through what I say or do? How is my moral compass? How am I cultivating my mind? I pray that when people look at me they can see my resemblance to my Heavenly Father.
Proverb 17:6 says that “Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.” Grandchildren are the greatest and most beautiful thing. (Not so thrilled about “the aged” thing!). Children are the best and most notable aspect of their parents. After God created He said it was good and after He created man and women He said it was VERY good.
Grandchildren are VERY good!
On the journey,
Trish