I am just a young woman from California telling my parents’ story. My birthday
is on March 3, 1987 but that day would never have arrived had my parents listened
to the “advice” given by some specialists. The Lord has guided my parents through
a difficult and unpredictable journey. Their faith held them together while
professionals were delivering bad news concerning their unborn child. God truly
worked in their lives and displayed His abundant mercy towards them during their
ordeal.

It was 1986 and my parents found out that they were expecting a third child.
Their two older daughters were 6 and 3 years old. They wanted more children but
somehow, the third one was a surprise. How happy they were to expand their family
and welcome a new baby boy or girl into the world.

Time went by and my mom was offered to take a test that measured the amount
of protein in the amniotic sac. It was a simple blood test and was fairly new at that
time. My mom took it and some days later, received a call asking her to be tested
again. The levels seemed a little high so it would be best to double check. My mom
went in again to be tested and the protein levels were still high. The doctors could
not figure out what the problem was but it was dangerous to have high levels of
protein in the sac that the baby was in. What could be happening? Was their baby okay?

My mom was around three months pregnant when she went in for the first
ultrasound. I guess they were expecting to see something odd but from what my
mother told me, the baby looked fine. The protein levels were still elevated and
the doctor was unsure of why. Another ultrasound took place and again, the baby
appeared to be normal. The technology back in the 80s was not quite as advanced as
it is today so no further test could be taken. However, my parents were referred to a
geneticist.

The geneticist talked with my parents in trying to solve the mystery as to why
the protein levels were high. The geneticist therefore proceeded to list off every
possibility of what could be wrong with the baby. Two heads, no brain, stomach
formed on outside of body, and many others. My mom told me the one thing she
remembers the most is when the doctor brought out a chalkboard and wrote down
every possible condition that could exist with their baby. It sounded like the doctors
were doing quite a good job in scaring my parents into not wanting their child.
Indeed, the geneticist offered the best way to deal with it was to terminate the
pregnancy. Their immediate answer was no. My parents chose to carry on with the
pregnancy.

I cannot imagine what the journey was like for my parents. They did not know
exactly what to expect. There was a possibility that their baby could have something
fatal. Pretty much the only clue they had was that the protein level was abnormally
high. Ultrasounds continued every month. No doubt, countless prayers were said
during this trial.

Finally in March, my mom gave birth to a baby girl. From what my mom told
me, she said the doctor who originally suggested that she terminate her pregnancy
was standing outside the door when I was born. I do not know the reaction but I can
imagine they were surprised and ashamed to learn that this little baby appeared
to be normal. Nothing out of the ordinary was noted at first. I cannot imagine how
someone could jump to taking a life when they are told it would be a challenge
to raise a child with special needs. I grieve for the many lives that have been lost
because of misinformation and fear. A vast majority of children who have been
diagnosed with Down’s syndrome while in utero are aborted. I could have easily been
one of the victims if my parents followed through with what the doctor “suggested.”
Fortunately, my dad put his foot down and grew tired of having been told to
terminate the pregnancy. My parents held on.

It was not until some weeks after I was born that my parents noticed that
something indeed was wrong. I was retaining water, crying so much, and just plain
sick. After some more pushing and digging, a doctor found out my kidneys ceased
functioning. They diagnosed me as having Nephrotic syndrome and I needed a
transplant ASAP. A person with renal failure has to undergo a treatment called
dialysis, which is basically an artificial kidney. I was too sick to go through with it
though. In February 1989, I received a new kidney from a cadaver donor and am still
carrying it. God has been so good.

As I write this, I am currently facing a new battle. In July 2010, I was diagnosed
with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma*. It was found in the first stage and was isolated so the
doctors were fortunate to have found it in time. I will be undergoing chemotherapy
for about two to three months. I never expected to fight this battle but I am ready
and willing. God has carried me this far. I have no doubt He will take me further.

I will conclude with this beautiful poem my mother wrote in her journal while she was
pregnant with me. It is titled, “He Maketh No Mistake” by A.M. Overton.

My Father’s way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I’m glad to know,
He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But I’ll trust my Lord to lead
For He doth know the way.

Tho’ night be dark, and it may seem
That day will never break,
I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.

There’s so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight’s far too dim;
But come what may, I’ll simply trust
And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift
And plain it all He’ll make,
Through all the way, tho’ dark to me
He made not one mistake.

*In October 2010, I was declared cancer-free

To read more posts by Amanda visit her blog at www.captivatedthoughts.com