As Long As They're Healthy

My husband I were playing cards. We were dreaming about our next little baby (if we are ever so blessed) and what they may be like.

Anyway, my husband stated that is doesn't matter as long as he/she is... and he listed off some wonderful attributes. Then of course, I added, "And they have a healthy heart." His reply was rather defensive as he stated that a heart condition wasn't the worst thing (as our oldest son has one) and I just broke down. Of course, I LOVE "E". He means the world to me and to see how he has fought through the surgery and many appointments is inspiring to say the least. However, another surgery will come. Then another. It's a tough road ahead for him, and I cannot imagine watching another precious child endure the same.

I understand where "A" (my husband) defensiveness was coming from. As much as I empathize with the mothers who say, "I don't care if it's a boy or a girl, as long as they're healthy", a small part of me is angered by this statement. Don't get me wrong, I never fault anyone for praying for a healthy baby. But something inside of me cringes, as if E is any less of a blessing to us because of his CHD.

The science is startling, as 1 in 100 babies are born with a CHD. However, for some reason because we already have a child with this condition, our chances increase to 1 in 25. Those are scary odds. Until you look at the flip side. According to science I have a 24 in 25 chance of having a baby without CHD.

At this point, I just have to trust God. Whether He blesses us with another healthy child, or decides in His infinite wisdom to bless us with a child with a health condition. He knows what we need, before we do. He also will see us through the storms in our life: medical and otherwise. I am comforted by Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.