P. Pilgrim
One of the most anticipated moments in a parent’s life is the birth of their child. For nine months they have been excitedly waiting for this day. Both fathers and mothers the joy at holding what is a part of themselves is truly remarkable. However, it is a known fact that children face the greatest risk of death in their first 28 days. Even though the global number of newborn’s deaths has declined from 5 million in 1990 to 2.4 million in 2019, it is still one of the most dangerous times for the baby. A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks when the baby is born full term. However, a premature birth means a baby is born too early, the birth taking place before the 37th week of pregnancy. Yet as a result of improved natal care extremely preterm babies, that is those born before 28 weeks of pregnancy, are able to survive. In April 2021, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit team celebrated as Curtis Means was discharged after 275 days in the hospital. His mother had gone into labour at only 21 weeks and one day gestation. She gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl but the doctors didn’t think either would survive and so explained this to the mother. But she pleaded with the Doctor to give them a chance; they each weighed less than a pound and small enough to fit in an adult’s hand. The doctor told the baby’s mother that the care team would take their lead from the babies, see how they respond and let them tell the team what path to take. The twins had a less than 1 percent chance of survival. However, the parents were to hold their babies and cherish what little time they may have together. Both parents were encouraged to come every day to the hospital to visit, they were to rub their body and legs and arms with the tip of their fingers. While doing so, speaking to the babies and telling them again and again how much they are loved. This would allow them to be able to connect the voice to their touch of love experienced. Sadly, the baby girl died the next day but the male child called Curtis is now teething, trying solid foods and strolling around the house in his walker. He went on to officially become the world’s most premature infant to survive by Guinness World Records.
The Bible tells us around 310 times in 280 verses that God loves us. God knew that we also needed to hear both his voice and to feel his touch again and again just like the neonatal babies. The reassurance of that connection is just as important to us that is why he gave us his word and his son to be the voice and the touch of love to man. We need to hear his voice saying I love you as we read his word and to feel his touch in his son who died on the cross to save us. ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ says the gospel of John chapter 3 verse 16 . The book of Romans says in Romans chapter 5 verse 8 ‘But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ What a wonderful touch of love that God has given towards man. Men and women, what are you doing today with this free offer of love?
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