“You have hyperthyroidism and unlikely to have a baby now.”
I was stunned. It was like a bombshell, as my husband and I wanted to have our second baby after 3 years.
January 2002, I was referred to an endocrinologist. Further tests showed that I had thyrotoxic myopathy or muscle weakness. Walking or climbing stairs required greater effort. Palpitations became regular; I talked fast – as if I’m always catching my breath. I was physically weak; I even missed my daughter’s school recognition. I was emotionally shattered and felt useless in all aspects – family, work, community. Despite that I felt God patiently loving me. In prayer, He assured me that everything will be okay.
Four months after, I was rushed to the ER. I was on medication for thyroid then and underwent a series of tests. Thereafter, results shocked us… I was pregnant! It was mix of emotions – happy that I was bearing another child yet anxious that medications could have side effects on my baby.
It was a difficult pregnancy for me. During my 1st trimester, I would vomit anything I eat. I became bed-ridden for months and was in-and-out of the hospital. I was given a small white tablet yet strongly-formulated which I had to take. I begged my endocrinologist to replace it but she said, “I’m sorry but you have to be treated otherwise, you and your baby will suffer.”
So I heeded. Daily, before swallowing the tablet, I would pray over it, “Lord Jesus, please shield my baby from this medicine’s side effects. May this be an effective cure for my illness.”
“In my weakness, He is strong.”
When I was confined, I asked the doctor if my baby would be normal. She tried to calm me yet matter-of-factly, mentioned the possibilities of ‘dwarfism’ or ‘cretin’ – baby not maturing physically.
Whoa! I could hardly breathe. “God, please don’t allow this to happen to my baby!” I cried profusely.
We sought a second opinion. Same thing, the possibility of physical and mental abnormalities couldn’t be eliminated. It was overwhelming!
We surrendered all to God for only He can make miracles.
“With God, nothing is impossible.”
I was scheduled to deliver on February 10, 2003, under C-section which coincided with our daughter’s 4th birthday. We offered that day to God. Prayers all-around us overflowed. I kept praying the rosary and held on to it. I was wide awake when I heard the loud cries of my baby – a bouncing, baby boy! I praised the God of miracles as I saw my baby physically normal and he was the nursery’s biggest baby at 7.13 lbs!
However, our baby started experiencing difficulty in breathing. Two days after, we did an emergency transfer to Makati Med’s Pediatric ICU. Seeing him with life-support gadgets broke my heart.
Again, I prayed for a miracle. My birthday was fast-approaching so I told God my birthday wish – that my son will be out of PICU on my birthday.
“What matters to me, matters to God.”
Guess what? February 17, we transferred him to a private room – God granted my birthday wish!
The Miracle Baby was named after a great pope, John Paul. He’s now 8 years old – strong, healthy and an active member of Feast Alabang’s Awesome Kids.
Truly, God make miracles happen – John Paul is one living proof!
Alabang Feaster
