Christmas in Confinement

My eyes slowly opened to the nurse quietly checking the printout of the contraction monitor. She noticed I was awake and gently and quietly proceeded to take my vitals, so as not to wake Casey who was still softly snoring next to me. It took a few minutes for it to register what day it was, and then I remembered. It was Christmas!! I looked over at Casey. It was his day off, so there was no telling when he would wake up. I carefully clicked on the nightlight above my bed and read from one of the books a friend from church graciously brought me for encouragement, Lord Teach Me to Pray, by Kay Arthur. As a fairly new follower of Christ, I really didn’t know how to speak to the Creator of the Universe. I knew I needed to pray through our situation and for our baby, but I really didn’t know what that looked like. This loving saint knew my needs and brought this book to me for guidance. It was a 31-day devotional, and I was going to need it because we were here indefinitely!

Casey woke up when they brought in my breakfast, and they had an extra tray for him as well. I loved the caring way the hospital accommodated him when he was here all day with me on the weekends and today. There was much Christmas cheer in the hallways of our floor with sounds of Christmas greetings among the staff as well as families visiting patients. We spent the better part of the morning and afternoon playing on our new Sony Playstation (Casey’s gift to “us,” but really himself!) and watching tv until Casey’s immediate family came to celebrate.

Casey worked with the nurses and arranged for a lounge area to be set aside for our family. Once again, I was placed on a gurney and wheeled down to the lounge area. One of the couches had been set up with sheets and towels for me like a bed, and I was helped to it.

Casey’s brother and sister-in-law were the first to arrive with their kids, followed by his father. My parents came in next with enough dinner for everyone: ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, and her traditional Cranberry Torte. All had armloads of presents and an abundance of Christmas cheer. Casey’s mother came in with her own set of gifts, and the festivities began! It was very apparent that everyone really went out of their way to make this day feel like a real Christmas celebration for us! We were so blessed and our hearts and bellies were full when we settled in for the night back in my hospital room.

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2022! I am so grateful to all of you for your support of my writing and the encouragement I've received to press on with this memoir!

~Julee