kari's baby

How could I forget to mention that Kari's baby was born yesterday, and he's in the NICU but basically fine? His name is Isaac. He's tiny and perfectly formed. She made it to 28 weeks and 2 days, against all the predictions of the doctors.

prayer for kari

gasping for your first precious breath
lungs expand, working hard against all fear
life-giving, life-bringing, life-living
you are strong
defying all the odds so far
why quit now?

kari's child

holding my breath
inside my stretched lungs
i try to imagine the life of you
swelling,beating heart against your mother's
precious imagination
yet so real, so true
just a little while longer
please hold on, please linger
do miracles happen?
because if they do, i'd like to see one
just this once
in this space surrounding you

--july 8, 2008

My friend has had an extremely difficult pregnancy. I wrote this poem the day that they thought she was going to lose the baby. Today, she is 25 weeks and 4 days pregnant, in the hospital under supervision, and possibly having the baby at some point in the next 24 hours. I'm just praying for her and hoping for the best for everyone.