Mojo #24 Birth and Rebirth

originally posted 6/30/2008 Miguel’s Monday Mojo

Things become intense, complex , stressful and overwhelming at times. So much so, that I find myself saying, “There’s gotta be an easier way….” And, many times I wish and pray for easier times and less difficult challenges. But, the glory is in working through those tough times, that is when I find I learn and grow the most. The Dali Lama states, “… Through struggle, we grow…” There is this amazing thing called the human spirit that lifts us when we’re down and helps us push just a little further than we thought we could…

This weekend, my sister-in-law Breca went into unexpected labor (5 weeks early). We were concerned because premature births are high risk and so many things could go wrong. It was inspiring to see how cool and collectedBreca remained through it all. My brother-in-law (her husband) was so supportive and positive, it was a sight to see. As the day progressed and the baby would not come we became more concerned for both baby and mom. The active labor was tumultuous, but the baby would not arrive.Breca and the baby both developed high fevers, which are dangerous. At this point the doctors decided that a c-section was the necessary course of action to take. After surgery little man Itzak Colin was born, but he had so much trauma to his head and face. He was severely bruised, swollen and cut. He was pooling blood in his little cranium. We were petrified. How could this be happening? Baby Itzak was unable to open his eyes from the swelling and you could see his cranium throbbing as well. His head was a scarlet red from the pooling blood, he had to endure so much pain. The remarkable thing was that this “Little MAN” was calm, he was not shedding a tear. He remained tranquil and seemed to almost smile when he listened to his father’s warm voice. I looked down at Itzak and thought, ” … what a miracle!” Here was Itzak, 5 weeks early, in excruciating pain and he was so calm, stoic almost. He was taking it all in. He slightly opened his left eye, as much as he could through the swelling, almost in a “What’s up?” kind of way; he looked around with a twinkle in his eye and made me smile from ear to ear.

The next day, his swelling had subsided a bit, but still couldn’t open his eyes all the way. He was moving his fingers and grasping for his father’s hands. It was a beautiful sight to see. Through the trauma and pain, this child displayed his strength, his determination to grow, his will to get better, and his desire to spread joy. I looked at him and was in awe at his strength.

Babies need us to survive: We feed and nurture them. And, as they grow, we guide and teach them. There’s a little known theory out there that states that as much as babies need us to service we need them. Babies, bring this instant joy and glow to our lives. They can bring a family and community together. They allow for us to bring out a different side of our personalities. We need them for that sheer joy of life.

As I left the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit I left feeling inspired by baby Itzak. He demonstrated how strong human will is and how wonderfully the spirit of human life can fill our hearts. And I left yearning more joy in my life and with a strong desire to be a better human being….and recognized that when things get tough, I can look deep within my heart for that calm I need to get through it…

Life is Beautiful!

This week, try to harness the energy from that child within…