The birth story shared by Kathleen is heart wrenching and out of this world. Follow her blog Kathleen B Duncan where she shares her story and encouragement for grieving families.
One Last Andrew Story, or Maybe Two
by Kathleen Duncan
One more Andrew story
23 years ago today….
We stopped at Paty Lumber Company in Bristol, TN, to get some paint on the way to the hospital. The gal at cash register freaked when I had a contraction while in line. “She’s having a baby!” she yelled. Not yet, I thought. This was my fifth child, and I knew we had time.
Andrew Raymond Duncan was born five hours later, after we had safely arrived at the hospital.
The next morning was a bit exciting as four-year-old David and 18-month-old Adam worked together to open and spill the new can of paint. All over our living room carpet! It was all good, though. Ron got it cleaned up before picking us up and bringing our new baby and me home from the hospital. We got home just in time for a beautiful white Christmas.
Ok, so maybe I should have said, “two more Andrew stories.”
At ten weeks gestation, they could not find a heart beat. My doctor did four ultrasounds over the next two weeks. “Not a viable pregnancy” was what they said. They could not find a baby! It was nowhere to be seen! Fortunately, my doctor did not like doing a D&C unless my my health got really bad. I am so glad! Because Andrew was born six and a half months later.
I told Andrew about this on his twentieth birthday, his last on earth. “I don’t know where you were, but they could not find you on the ultrasound,” I told him.
His response was, “I was in Narnia, Momma. Much more fun than that whole womb thing.”*
Now he is in Heaven.
He can sit and talk with CS Lewis about writing the Narnia books! And Tolkien. And so many other saints!
It’s been a good day. A bit hard. There were tears. But there are sweet memories as well.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!
* Narnia is a location in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis.
About Kathleen
I am a follower of Christ. I am a 50-something year old mom of seven. I homeschooled my kids through high school and taught a seminar called “Home School for High School” across the country for fourteen years. I have been married to the same man for 33+ years. We live in North Texas. We enjoy traveling, cycling and playing with our pug Lyla and yellow lab Lady. We have three grandsons and one granddaughter. But those things are not why I started a blog.
On August 13, 2013, we found out one of our adult children had died in a car wreck. I began posting on Facebook about my life over the next few weeks. My posts were raw and honest. Friends recommended that I start a blog. So here it is.
Oh my- two powerful stories here- one full of hope and gratitude and the other crushing under the weight of loss and grief. I am so sorry. This is a parent’s worst nightmare, and I am heartbroken for you, Kathleen. Praying God’s purpose comes shining through your blog and your mission.