Happy Birthday Sabrina Michelle!!!  Sweetest 16, ever! Proof that the miracle of life knows no bounds. Faith will carry you through.

When Stephanie died in 1993, more than one specialist told me that my baby days were now behind me.  Bringing another life into this world was not to be.  I had suffered a pulmonary embolism after her birth, and lived to talk about it, and to suffer the crushing loss of a newborn baby.

I survived. Survived to care for my two other children. Survived to live each day surrounded by their tiny love that only a toddler can give. I cherished their presence on earth, because after all… they weren’t even supposed to be here, if medical science were my guide.

I so appreciate medical science, as it was my deepest desire to become a physician. What I appreciate more though, is faith. Faith in hoping that there is more that lies ahead. I mean… what other reason was there for my survival? I was meant to be here. Time and time again, when I had no reason to survive, I survive.

So… the story of Sabrina.

It had been four years since Stephanie had passed, and Ariana and Alexandra wished desperately for a baby. They wished, and wished. Prayed, and hoped… No pregnancy, no baby. Finally they hatched up the idea to wish for a baby from Santa Claus. I laughed at their innocence, and they wished away, and put the humble request on their list. Time passed, and Christmas came and went.

That January of 1997, I suffered flu I could not shake. Blah…tired… nauseated…It never occurred to me that I was pregnant. I didn’t get better, so I went for a check up, and voila! I was with child. A Christmas gift wished for by two little girls!

I did not have a great history of pregnancy. Six miscarriages before my 1st child. One or two in between. And of course the genetic flaw in Stephanie. So I went forth with caution. First on the list was to have a test to determine genetics. A high-risk test known as Chorionic villus sampling or CVS. As the doctor performed the test, he asked me if I would carry the baby again, if he were to find her to be another Trisomy. Yes. Yes I would. Except my pulmonary embolism risk was very high, so I would have to cross that road when it showed itself.

It turned out that I did not have to cross the road at all. I was carrying a healthy baby girl. And as is my history, I was sick as a dog the entire 9 months. Lucky for me my OB/GYN was my best friend, and he checked on me each and every day.

Time passed, and I was monitored very carefully by every type of specialist, and come September 3, 1997, I am induced, and in labor. And what a labor it was! This was the OB/Gyn’s birthday, and as a gift from me his best friend, I would give him high blood pressure, as we planned to deliver this high-risk baby naturally. I will leave the gory details behind, as we welcomed into the world, the most glorious little person. So delicate, with the longest fingers you ever saw!

I am lucky. As sick as I am during pregnancy, as soon as the baby arrives, I am well and full of energy! Sabrina was a joy to behold from day 1. Her sisters spoiled her, and everyone in their elementary school wanted to hold her. She spent most of her first years at the school, as Joe and I were Co-Presidents of the PTA.

Sabrina had a bright smile for all who came by. She rarely cried, and was always so content. She is my quiet observer. She takes it all in, and just when you think she is so very shy, she will do something wicked funny to make a whole room crack up in laughter.

And now here we are, and Bri as we call her is sixteen years old! The child that was not to be is here. She is still a joy. Smart as a whip, with a quick laugh. She is dedicated to the two older sisters who wished for her,  and watches over her younger brother.  She is adored by the entire family. She was the healing we were seeking after Stephanie died. I will never doubt my belief in Santa.

A gifted journalist, Sabrina joined the OC Register staff this summer as an intern.  A warrior against bullying, you can find her website here:  http://www.Theantibullyingproject.org.

I have no doubt that she will succeed in whatever path she chooses.  She was meant to be on this planet, against all odds.

Happy Birthday Sabrinamarinacappachina!!! I love you with all of my heart and soul… You are the best gift Santa ever gave me!

Stay tuned for September 10th for this story to continue. You will never believe what happened exactly one year, and one week later!