In The Delivery Room
The doctor and nurses didn’t waste any time. The process was bloodier than standard delivery, and throughout the gore, he prayed that both his daughter and wife survived.
He was still lost in prayer when he heard it, a tiny cry that was a ray of hope in all the darkness that had suddenly devoured his life. He looked up, meeting with the prettiest baby he’d ever seen. But as he got closer, he saw something that made him step back.
Parenthood
Having kids had always been in Frank and Leila’s plan. After dating through grad school, the two love birds decided to tie the knot, beginning their lifelong journey together.
As with many couples across the globe, Frank and Leila wanted to have a big family. They tried to get pregnant as soon as possible, and it wouldn’t be long until they got the news they wanted to hear.
A Big Family
Frank and Leila had always talked about having kids. Even before they started going out, they’d share their dreams and expectations on the matter, given that both came from massive families.
For Leila, having little ones running all over the house and leaving chaos in their wake was the true essence of parenthood. She had no idea what the future had in store for her and her husband.
First-Time Parents
Like many first-time parents, Frank and Leila took every precaution during their nine months of pregnancy. They attended every early parenthood seminar and participated in many pregnancy programs their hospital offered.
They never missed an obstetrician’s appointment and always checked in with her whenever they feared something was wrong. But all these precautions couldn’t prepare them for what they saw in that delivery room.
She’s Ready To Meet The World
Frank and Leila had counted every minute from the day they conceived their child to her delivery date. They reported to the hospital the second Leila’s contractions began.
They expected the delivery process to be smooth, although they knew it would have its issues. They were sure they were prepared for everything. They were wrong.
Push
Frank stood by his wife as the delivery began, with Leila squeezing his hand whenever the doctor told her to push. The couple spent more than five hours in the room, with their kid still in delivery. Was something wrong?
Frank had read of several pregnancies going wrong. He tried his best to push these dark thoughts out of his head, but deep down, he knew something was terribly wrong.
It Will Change You
Frank had always been a level-headed person, but the tension and pressure of that delivery room were enough to change any man.
He didn’t want to consider that the process was going awry when out of nowhere, the doctor asked him to step away. She called for several other nurses, asking them to bring additional equipment. What was happening?
A Complication
“There has been a complication,” the doctor declared. “We need to perform a C-section right away.” The worry and dread that Frank had been holding back pounded into him all at once, reeling him against the wall.
“A C-section?” he heard Leila ask and saw her try to sit upright. Drenched in tears and sweat, she shot him a knowing look. She was the strongest woman Frank knew. “Let’s do it,” she said.
It’s Over
The doctor and nurses didn’t waste any time. The process was bloodier than standard delivery, and throughout the gore, Frank prayed that both his daughter and wife survived.
He was still lost in prayer when he heard it, a tiny cry that was a ray of hope in all the darkness that had suddenly devoured his life. He looked up, meeting with the prettiest baby he’d ever seen. But when he got closer, he saw something that made him step back.
She’s Here
His baby was well and alive, her vocal cords in full effect as she cried out to the nurses who inspected her. But there was a slit on the sides of her mouth like a permanent smile. The worry and dread that dogged Frank before doubled.
Although everyone in the delivery room was stumped, they all got to work. They took the baby away, with Frank accompanying the doctor so she could explain what was happening.
Bilateral Microstomia
“Bilateral microstomia,” the doctor answered. “It is an ultra-rare condition that affects the function and aesthetics of the oral cavity.”
Frank sank to the patient’s seat with his head in his hands. He let out an exasperated sigh, “Leila will be heartbroken when she wakes up.” His wife’s response to the news would leave him stumped.
Going Back
Frank and the doctor returned to Leila, who was just awakening in her room. They found her cradling the baby, a smile on her face as tears lined her cheeks.
“You’re so pretty,” she whispered to the baby before looking up at Frank. “Leila,” Frank’s voice had never been this broken. But his worry began dissipating as he got closer to his wife and child.
She’s Beautiful
The baby in Leila’s cradle was the most beautiful thing Frank had ever seen. His eyes teared as he reached a finger down, and the baby lurched on, her smile still holding even though her eyes were closed.
The days that followed were difficult for Leila and Frank, given that they were treading a path very few parents ever walked. Could they find a way to help their daughter before it was too late?
Correcting The Condition
The doctor promised Leila and Frank that their baby, whom they’d named Emma, could receive a series of reconstructions to help correct her condition.
The young parents agreed. They loved their child very much and would do anything to see her live a normal life. But the journey would be the most challenging thing they ever embarked on.
A Superstar
Emma is still undergoing her surgeries. To create awareness, her parents shared her story on social media, creating a cult following for the baby. They are thankful for all the love and support they receive daily. They hope that anybody in the same boat as them knows that they are not alone.
Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblances to actual events, places, or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.