Without warning, I started having contractions that got closer and closer together. Around 10:30pm, I begin to time them and by 11:30, they were several minutes apart. I tried to take a shower to relax - wanting to labor at home as long as possible. In between contractions, I dried my hair, put on some make-up, walked around the house until finally, I woke Landis (who was sleeping like a baby) and told him - we need to go. He hopped out of bed like he was on fire - shocked that it was really time - and within 30 minutes, we were checking into High Point Regional Hospital.
By 1:00am, I was hooked to an IV, VERY uncomfortable, and the waiting and laboring began. Every delivery room was full - there were going to be several babies born soon and baby Bumgarner was going to be one of them. Landis and I decided not to call and wake anyone else until daybreak. From 1:00am to 5:00am, the wait and labor continued. Around 5:30am, we began to make phone calls and by 7:00am, my mom was in the delivery room. The joy of anticipation was glued on her face. After requesting an epidural hours before, the doctor finally entered our room around 8:00am and gave me some relief. By this time, Landis had been standing on his feet for over 8 hours and I was very tired - but there would be no rest for the weary - little did we know then - rest, as we knew it, would change forever. Around 9:30 or 10:00am, my doctor (Dr. White), checked on me and decided to break my water to move things along quicker and, man oh man, move things along that did. Before we knew it, my nurse was paging Dr. White to come back quickly because I was ready to push. Around 11:00am, I began that dreaded process of guiding my sweet baby boy that I had been physically carrying for 9 months into this world.
At 11:21am, that miracle took place. A perfectly healthy 7 pound, 4 ounce boy that we called Luke Shelton Bumgarner entered our world. I remember so clearly my mom saying, "Oh Natasha, he looks just like Landis." And....he did...I remember looking at Landis' face - he was so proud. Then....so clearly, I remember the doctor handing me my son and laying him on my lap. I remember gently grabbing his tiny fingers and rubbing my fingers across his tiny forehead. He was perfect - he was beautiful - he was a gift from God - the most perfect gift I have ever received. My eyes met his and there was instant love at first sight. He knew I was his mommy and he already loved me - you could see it in the twinkle in his eyes and without a doubt, I loved him more than words can describe and, of course, today, 3 years later, that love has grown even more - that bond that we share is even stronger.
Did you know that December 21st is the first day of winter - which is a season that represents cold? Did you know that December 21st has the least amount of sunlight of any day of the year? Sounds depressing doesn't it? And, to some it may be, but for me and Landis, December 21st will always be the most precious day of our lives. On a day that represents cold and darkness, God sent us the warmth of the love of a child. This same child brightened our world forever on that Monday morning and continues to bring light to our lives EVERYDAY - winter, spring, summer, and fall.
On that Monday morning, I remember clearly sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed to my room - I had family all around me - I remember pushing the button at the hospital that plays the lullaby for all to hear that a baby had been born. All night and morning, I had held myself together - no tears, no big emotions - but at that moment, when I heard that sweet song and thought about how much my life had just changed, I lost it - the tears of joy, relief, and thankfulness rolled down my face and, now again tonight, I cry these same tears.
Three years later, I can't believe how fast time has passed. I wish I could slow it all down but I know I can't so I will continue to cherish every day that I have with my little piece of heaven - Luke. I can't wait to see what God has planned for Luke's sweet spirit.
Tonight, as I reflect on my love for my only son, I can't help but think of how much God loves us. Many years ago, at this same time of year, God sent his only Son, Jesus, to be born in a manger. God loved Jesus just like I do Luke but God loved me too so He put it in His plan to have His Son crucified for my sins so that I can have eternal life. God's love is amazing!
Tonight, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say - thank you Lord for the many blessings you have given me. Thank you for wrapping your arms around our family and for sending us our Luke.
Happy 3rd Birthday, Lukester! Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know!
Toddy
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