I'd be lying to you if I told you my life was a fairy tale, with a fairy god-mother, handsome prince, and happily ever after. But let's get real, life is just a never ending story of betrayal, heart break, and loneliness! At least, for my story that is. On the night of October 28th, of 1996, in the NICU center of John H. Stroger Hospital, you can hear the wails of a strung out newborn. All around me are bright lights, tubes running up my nose and down my throat, and beeps for the breathing machine that's keeping me alive. While the doctor and on call nurses are giving me around the clock care, my mother and father are no where to be found!
I know what your all probably thinking, "How can a mother not stick around for her child?" "Did the father know or care?" "What about any other family?" Well to answer this, I'd have to dig a bit deeper and take you back to understand. My mother was 19 when she got pregnant with me and because she was a junkie, she got around and did just about anything, hell practically ANYONE, just to get a fix! So I never knew my dad, at least not this earlier in the story. But will pick up on that later on! Now back to where we left off, in the NICU center nurses station.
"How could you let her leave?!" yells Dr. Thompson. "I apologize, it was a mistake. She was dehydrated and running low on her IV fluids. So I went to bring her more fluids and by the time I came back, she was gone!" nurse Jamie explained. "She has a warrant for her arrest. She's been charged with multiple drug charges, bail jumping, DWI, DUI, and now endangerment of a minor and child abandonment. We've checked security footage and she left the hospital about 25 minutes ago." explains detective Lee. "We've been after her for quite some time now and every time we get close, we lose her again!
"Has anyone contacted the child's relatives, or Child Protective Services?" Lee asked. "We were unsuccessful in contacting any relatives, there was no father present or recorded on the birth certificate. However, there are two ladies still here with the child. The lady in the mechanic attire is Sheila, who is currently in a relationship with the child's mother. The other is the the girl friend's aunt Valeria. She claims that the mother and her made arrangements for her and her husband to take in the child after birth. Unfortunately we have no legal documentation to prove that what she says is true. CPS was contacted 10 minutes after birth before we called you all" says Jamie.
"I've never seen a more severe case in all of my medical career! The child is premature, lungs under developed, jaundice, has stage 2 syphilis and suffering the worst withdrawal!" exclaims Dr. Thompson. As Dr. Thompson's curiosity peaks noticing the 2 women, he walks over and says, "Evening ladies. I know it's a bit of a late night and I'm just curious to know, why you all are the only ones interested in this baby?" The women looked at each other with confusion. Thinking to themselves, "is this man seriously asking us?" They then start to laugh a bit. Dr. Thompson now is the one who looks confused. As Valerie turns to him and says "We care because we love her. I know it may sound strange to believe, but I know God has a plan for this child. And that's all the explanation there is to it!" Stunned by her response, Dr. Thompson adds, "I want to be honest with you, there's 40 percent chance children born this early ever survive. Not to mention if she does, what risk factors she'll have later on in life. She may be developmentally delayed, blind, FAS, speech impaired, etc. Is that something you're prepared for? Valerie hesitated, and replied, "I can't say that I'm prepared, because I don't believe any parent is, but I do know God will never give us more than we can bare!" As she smiled deeply. "Okay! My staff and I will do our best to make sure she leaves happy and healthy! Dr. Thompson assured them.
As detective Lee, and nurse Jamie await for him outside in the hallway, "I think that would be detrimental in how the state will be handling this particular situation." says the CPS worker. "My name is Monica, I've been assigned this case and would love to be brought up to speed on the situation," she demanded. As they go into the NICU center, all you could see and hear were nurses struggling and the harsh cries of a baby with withdrawals. As Dr. Thompson and Monica watched behind the glass, speechless! Suddenly, Valerie asked the nurse if she could try soothing the baby. "I understand you all have doubts on whether or not she'll live or die, but I have faith in God, that she will make it through," Valerie replied calmly. So they cleared the room, she walked over to the baby, as she heard the shrill cries she gently picked her up, and began to sing.
Once the child heard her voice she began to settle down. Dr. Thompson and Monica were both in shock! She looked down at this innocent and helpless baby. As Shelia came in to the room she said to Valerie, " I hate to rush but I got to head home to my son and get ready for work in the morning. But I wanted to ask before I go, do you finally have a name picked out?" "I believe I finally do. I'll name her Faith." Valerie said lovingly. As the soothing words came from her lips I smiled up at her. It was as if God had sent an angel and I'm sure felt the same way!
This...is where my journey begins!