Wednesday, November 20, 2024

One Heart

 “I have plans for you," He declared. Plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

They met six years earlier when both were college students working at Chick-fil-A. Marriage had been chiseled into their story the day they first met. Erin and Joseph were anxious to start a family.

Repeated negative pregnancy tests dulled their spirits, but also deepened their faith as the Christian twosome begged God to entrust them with the miracle of life and welcome a sacred infant into their hearts and souls.

Seeing their first positive pregnancy test brought absolute joy. Deeper than happiness, it arose from within, from a sense of purpose and meaning, and their loving relationship.

A few weeks later, Erin began experiencing intense nausea and weight loss. She knew something wasn’t quite right. At their 17-week ultrasound, their pediatrician conveyed unexpected news: “You’re pregnant with twin girls.”

The eager parents laughed in disbelief, rejoicing at this incredible news.

“But they are special twins,” the doctor added. “They’re conjoined – they share one heart. Unfortunately, with no possible way of separating them, they won’t survive outside the womb. Neither can live without the other.”

Their hearts skipped a few beats as fear and panic emerged. Confused, Joseph, questioned the doctor to confirm what they’d heard.

Numerous specialists and MRIs would validate the same prognosis. With such a high-risk pregnancy, and only one amniotic sac, delivery would require an even riskier cesarean section.

The couple chose a Catholic hospital. But even there they subtly encouraged abortion without using the word itself.

Upon sharing their news on social media platforms, they received a barrage of anger and hatred from anonymous users claiming they were “torturing” their daughters by choosing life. Through it all, a calming Voice broke through, which Erin recognized as her daughters’ Divine Creator: “Be still, I’ve got this.”

Beautiful, 3.5-pound daughters, Amelia Jane, and Sophia Mari, were born and received baptism and confirmation immediately from the priest. The girls came into the world with their tiny arms wrapped around each other.

Erin and Joseph were able to cuddle and love them for less than 60 minutes after birth. The girls took one deep breath together and let it out for the last time in Joseph’s arms.

Their pregnancy together made one thing abundantly clear: God always has the final say, not doctors, and not bystanders. Everything that happened was as hoped for: they’d prayed for a child, and God sent them two. Erin’s pregnancy and delivery had been safe.

The twins experienced the amazing gift of life and human touch, if only briefly. Their births illustrate that every single person is precious in God’s eyes, that people are more precious than things, and that dignity toward all humanity should be the foundation of our moral vision.

God our Father, Your beloved Son took children into his arms and blessed them. Give us grace, we pray, that we may entrust Amelia and Sophia to Your never-failing care and love, and bring us all to Your heavenly Kingdom. Amen