In December 2013, my husband and I happily learned we
were expecting our third child. In the midst of our joy, I instinctively knew something was
different. Initially, I interpreted this feeling to mean calamity, and
fearfully anticipated possible miscarriage, major health issues, or labor
complications. As my pregnancy progressed, the nagging feeling that something
was different persisted, though there were no notable issues or difficulties.
Eventually, a new feeling, one of strength, began to develop in
conjunction with the first. This growing sense of strength spoke to my heart
that I was being prepared for an amazing individual that would positively
impact the lives of our family forever, and whispered hints at the strength of
character my unborn child possessed.
After a wondrous birth experience, I held my beautiful,
healthy, white haired boy. My heart overflowed with love and relief. We named
him Dallin, meaning “proud.” The nurses
often asked to bring people into my room to show off my handsome baby and his extraordinary
white hair. What joy and pride I felt sharing his beauty and strength!
While traveling home from the hospital I confessed
my long-held fears to my husband, and murmured, “We just dodged a major
bullet.” Three days later, however, at a
routine well-baby checkup, the doctor informed me my Dallin likely had
Albinism. Immediately, I felt all of
those debilitating fears come crushing back down on my heart. I was paralyzed
and terrified of the unknown and the struggles his future might have in store
for him.
Just when I felt like I was drowning in the ‘What ifs’ and unknowns, I stumbled upon the NOAH website. I called the first responder number and was connected with Kelly Tighe. I poured out my concerns and fears to her understanding, listening ears. She assured me my feelings were normal and told me that my son will be able to see the beauties of the world and participate in any activity that he desired, as long as we taught him that he could. She gave me the brightness of hope and love and returned to me the strength I felt while pregnant with Dallin; I again knew that my son was sent here to do great things. What an invaluable blessing!
(This is the packet that NOAH sent as a welcome into the organization! Isn't that cool!)
After I hung up the phone with Kelly, I determined
that someday I would be a first responder, to offer the same hope and peace to
someone shaky and unsure. It was a major turning point in my journey and it
would be a joy to provide that for others.
Thanks Erin for your Editing help!
