story5044.xml
Title
story5044.xml
Source
born-digital
Media Type
story
Date Entered
2002-09-11
911DA Story: Story
9/11 Patchwork of Love
Late Monday evening, my husband drives me to the hospital. We think our baby, who is already one week past his due date, will finally be arriving soon. We are filled with all the anxiousness, exhilaration and anticipation that is customary with a firstborn child. I spend all night in labor, walking the halls, talking to Curt and the nurses, talking about life and what it will be like. How nothing will ever be the same for us again. The world as I know it will change forever. I will see things differently and approach life in a new way.
Early Tuesday morning, I am taking a rest in bed between contractions when there is a commotion outside in the hallway at the nurse?s station. My husband turns on the TV in my room and we stare aghast at the screen. The day is September 11, 2001. Amidst shock and tragedy, my sweet miracle of a son enters the world. Through pain and amidst difficulty, he is born. And he is perfect. Absolutely beautiful.
My husband makes phone call after phone call to our loved ones. ?I have good news,? he says. ?Heidi had a baby boy today!? The sight of his sweet face and tiny toes bring tears to our eyes. What unimaginable joy we feel at this beautiful new life. He is our sunshine, on a very dark day. And his light shines brightly to many others as well--the nurses, our friends and family. ?He gives us such hope for tomorrow, ? people say to me, ?Today when we need it the most!?
We name him James Curtis. James, his grandfather?s name, means supplier or giver. And Curtis, his father?s name means kindness. He is a giver of kindness. A supplier of hope and encouragement to people. My prayer is that he will continue to give encouragement each day of his life the same as he had since his first day.
Before James was born, my mom had a great idea. ?We are making the baby a quilt,? she said. ?I have sent out squares to all the people who are special to you.? Close college buddies, lifelong friends and family members received red and white squares on which to send their wishes for the coming baby. The squares are decorated in a variety of ways. I love to finger them and remember all those who love me and have special wishes for my son. The original idea was for a red and white quilt. But considering his birthday, we add blue and white stars. The completed quilt is a memory for James and a legacy as well. It represents all our family and friends who support us, encourage us and love us through all things. It represents the pride we have in our country that has endured hardships, and yet is an example of how we must gain strength through adversity. And it represents our faith. Right in the middle of the quilt there is a picture of James and a quote from a song I love. It is a reminder of the fact that God gives, ?Beauty for Ashes, Strength for Fear, Gladness for Mourning and Peace for Despair.? And that is exactly what He did, through the life of my precious baby James.
We are preparing for James? first birthday party. The cake is a star spangled flag and the streamers are red, white and blue. People have asked if I am disappointed that James was born on 9-11-01. On the contrary, I am so glad he was. He is an everyday reminder that life goes on, even when it is difficult. I think that often times, great peace and encouragement come through times of deep pain and heartbreak. I am thankful for the living reminder of how very precious life is.
Late Monday evening, my husband drives me to the hospital. We think our baby, who is already one week past his due date, will finally be arriving soon. We are filled with all the anxiousness, exhilaration and anticipation that is customary with a firstborn child. I spend all night in labor, walking the halls, talking to Curt and the nurses, talking about life and what it will be like. How nothing will ever be the same for us again. The world as I know it will change forever. I will see things differently and approach life in a new way.
Early Tuesday morning, I am taking a rest in bed between contractions when there is a commotion outside in the hallway at the nurse?s station. My husband turns on the TV in my room and we stare aghast at the screen. The day is September 11, 2001. Amidst shock and tragedy, my sweet miracle of a son enters the world. Through pain and amidst difficulty, he is born. And he is perfect. Absolutely beautiful.
My husband makes phone call after phone call to our loved ones. ?I have good news,? he says. ?Heidi had a baby boy today!? The sight of his sweet face and tiny toes bring tears to our eyes. What unimaginable joy we feel at this beautiful new life. He is our sunshine, on a very dark day. And his light shines brightly to many others as well--the nurses, our friends and family. ?He gives us such hope for tomorrow, ? people say to me, ?Today when we need it the most!?
We name him James Curtis. James, his grandfather?s name, means supplier or giver. And Curtis, his father?s name means kindness. He is a giver of kindness. A supplier of hope and encouragement to people. My prayer is that he will continue to give encouragement each day of his life the same as he had since his first day.
Before James was born, my mom had a great idea. ?We are making the baby a quilt,? she said. ?I have sent out squares to all the people who are special to you.? Close college buddies, lifelong friends and family members received red and white squares on which to send their wishes for the coming baby. The squares are decorated in a variety of ways. I love to finger them and remember all those who love me and have special wishes for my son. The original idea was for a red and white quilt. But considering his birthday, we add blue and white stars. The completed quilt is a memory for James and a legacy as well. It represents all our family and friends who support us, encourage us and love us through all things. It represents the pride we have in our country that has endured hardships, and yet is an example of how we must gain strength through adversity. And it represents our faith. Right in the middle of the quilt there is a picture of James and a quote from a song I love. It is a reminder of the fact that God gives, ?Beauty for Ashes, Strength for Fear, Gladness for Mourning and Peace for Despair.? And that is exactly what He did, through the life of my precious baby James.
We are preparing for James? first birthday party. The cake is a star spangled flag and the streamers are red, white and blue. People have asked if I am disappointed that James was born on 9-11-01. On the contrary, I am so glad he was. He is an everyday reminder that life goes on, even when it is difficult. I think that often times, great peace and encouragement come through times of deep pain and heartbreak. I am thankful for the living reminder of how very precious life is.
Collection
Citation
“story5044.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed January 9, 2025, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/12203.