Never give up hope, God will get you through

by Melva Pratts
(Largo, Florida, USA)

My story begins almost 19 1/2 years ago when I was told I was pregnant.

Before going any further let me tell you, I was so thrilled, I thanked God for I thought I could not bear children.

Needless to say this was not true, for I was carrying twins.

My main concern was that the babies were ok for I was over 35, high risk, and so on and so forth. Tests were done and all went well until I reached 24 weeks and suddenly there was a problem.

I was submitted into the hospital where I was placed almost upside down for 2 weeks keeping the babies in me as long as I could to better their chances.

At 26 weeks gestation, their length was too much for my short torso and they started to descend no matter what drug they gave me to slow contractions.

Of course nothing I do is easy, so one turned and their was talk of a C-section. I prayed and after the first one was born, the doctor got the second baby to turn as well.

Once they were born the weights were scary, 1 lb 8 1/2 ounces and the other 1 lb 15 1/2 ounces.

Very premature, lungs not sufficiently developed so incubators were mandatory in the NIC unit.

I went daily to visit them and insisted upon breastfeeding as soon as possible. Before my breastfeeding started I placed bra liners in the incubator with my milk on it to keep the smell of me near the babies and a voice recorder of my voice in each crib for when I wasn't there.

Needless to say the babies flourished with minor setbacks but gained weight for they knew I was there almost forever.

At the time when they were actually due, which is normally when they get out, one did leave the hospital.

Now I felt remorse for one was still in the hospital.

This made me trek daily to the hospital bringing the human cow, me, backwards and forward with fresh milk and to visit my other son.

Believe me, love conquers all.

Today, my twin sons are 18 years old, healthy, freshmen in college.

One is 6'2 180 lbs, the other 6'2 175 lbs.

There is no problem with them in regard to their being normal in all areas.

Doctors tried to tell me they wouldn't make it, and I told them God will make the decision on that. One Doctor then looked at me in disgust.

When we left the hospital I reminded him of my God.

We came through the storm and are a happy family living in Largo, Florida.

I saw the opportunity to tell my parenting story and instantly wanted to share this, my story, with all you parents.