Cooper was welcomed to the world. Part of the story that I’ve never shared before is that the day he was born was not just the most incredible and joyous day of my life, but it was also the day I felt more terror and fear that I ever have in my life. And I don’t just mean that because I’ve never lived through the delivery of a baby, but because for a while, I wasn’t sure that he was actually going to survive the first few hours of life. When Cooper was delivered, the incredible joy and anticipation quickly faded away, when the team of doctors and nurses didn’t seem to be acting normally as they would if the delivery was going as expected. As it turned out, Cooper seemed to have a growth on his side, and he wasn’t breathing normally as soon as he was delivered. Within a few minutes of his arrival, one of the doctors wasn’t sure that he had a fully developed rib cage, and thought that there might be some serious developmental problems with his organs. About 30 minutes after welcoming my baby son into the world, there were a few minutes where I thought we may actually lose him. That literally was the most heart-wrenching, horrific moment of my life. I get emotional just thinking back to that moment in time. It was like a surreal experience. Like someone had slowed the world down, and I felt every emotion more deeply and intensely than I ever had before. People probably wonder why I adore Cooper so much, and often get emotional about him. Honestly, it’s because I realized how important he was when there was a chance we were going to lose him, and I made a commitment to myself that I would never take him for granted. I prayed that he would be okay, and thankfully it’s all turned out great. The growth he had, and the suspicions of development problems, have all faded away. Cooper’s a wonderfully healthy, happy little guy now. And today, he’s celebrating his first birthday. We had family and friends over to the house to celebrate the occasion, and many times today I stopped to reflect on my gratitude for having such a blessed life, and for having such an incredible wife who gave me this gift of a son. I said it a year ago and I’ll say it again. I get it now. I understand what life is about. Watching Cooper grow and develop so quickly, it helps me put everything in perspective and realize what’s important. And all through that difficult time a year ago today, my wife Raylene was absolutely amazing. I found a new and deeper respect for her, how she dealt with the whole experience, and was there to be my support when I thought I was supposed to be there for her. It’s not lost on me how lucky I am. So Happy Birthday, Coops! Daddy loves you!]]>
4 Responses
Hi Greg,
Enjoy! It goes so fast!
I have just moved in my first place without my kids.
My daughter left for university in september, and my son, having come back for a few months in between projects, left for good on March 1st.
It is a huge loss and even if my new place in the most inspiring I’ve had so far, I am in pain, going through the loss, and wondering what my purpose is now. I see that I did most of my efforts to grow and change so that I could be a better mom to my kids, to provide for them, now I am left to myself. What do I want? What kind of person do I want to become, for me?
Still searching for the answers.
I guess it is like giving birth, a painful process I hope will be followed by pure joy.
I understand what you say Greg. I went though the same experience with my youngest dayghter… Having a child changes your life, but the sole idea of loosing a child creates a whole new life for you… Now I now why you are the Greg you are today… Happy B-day Cooper!!
Greg, thanks for sharing that story about Cooper. I understand your feelings. Reyna was born 6 weeks early and spent the first three weeks of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. That uncertainty of her life as well as not being able to be with her 100% of the time, made me realize how precious life is. Happy Birthday Cooper – you’re lucky to have such a great daddy and mommy.
Happy Birthday Cooper! Congratulations Greg and Raylene. Enjoy every second with him. My second son had to go trough open heart surgery a week after he was born. Since then we look at life with different eyes. We enjoy happy and healthy two boys and every second with them is pure joy! Every night I count my blessings and I am very greateful for what I have.
Thank you for your great posts Greg! Please keep them on.