I Am So Proud of Her...

Last night Madison was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society! *smile*


(The following words are from her dad. He wanted to say something about her! I think he's a little proud too!)
When she was born she was two months premature and weighed 3 lbs 12 ozs. Jen had to go into emergency surgery and within an hour Madison was taken from Franklin to CHKD NICU. Jen had to stay in Franklin for 3 days because of the emergency surgery. We decided that it would be best for me to go to Norfolk to be with the baby. We were in shock still from all the unexpected surprises that morning. A while after I arrived, a Neonatal Specialist, Dr. Bass called me into an office to explain the situation. He explained her fragile condition, and all the potential complications that could arise from her premature birth. He said preemies are susceptible to infections, heart and lung underdevelopment and potential brain and vision impairment. He also said to help her gain weight they would run a tube through her nose into her stomach to feed her, she would not be able to take a bottle because her little brain would not have developed a suckle response to feeding. I shook my head and with tears in my eyes, asked for the smallest bottle they had, I wanted to see for myself what she was not capable of doing on her own. A small bottle of formula was made up and brought to the incubator. She was so tiny I was actually scared to hold her (she could fit in one hand). The nurse showed me what to do and reminded me it did not hurt to talk to her either. So I did, I told her I loved her, she was the most beautiful little girl in the world and that I knew everything was going to be alright she just needed to teach me how to be a good daddy, I had never been one before. Then I noticed that she had drank the bottle dry. The nurse came in, called the doctor, who said "well I guess we will let her decide what her limitations will be." The next day a nurse tried to insert a tube for feeding in through her nose, and I requested she did not do that. She explained to me the importance of the tube and the feeding. I explained the importance of her not putting the tube in until the doctor was called, who then said that this little girl is a fighter who would like to do things on her own, no tubes,only bottles until mom can be here with her. The third day came and Jen got to hold her little miracle for the first time, and nurse her!(another thing she was not suppose to be capable of doing). Dean

So there you have it, Madison is a Miracle! She beat the odds! I know God has great plans for her life! I can't believe in a few months she will be entering high school! It just seems unreal! She's growing into such a wonderful young lady! She has a heart of gold and will do anything for you. I pray that she continues to work hard, strives to do her best and always puts God first in her life. And everything will fall into perfect place! We love you Mat-Mat!