If someone asked me to nominate the greatest dad in the world,
I would recommend my husband, Matthew, without any hesitation!!!
Even though he is a rookie dad (I always call him that),
he has inspired and challenged me
in many ways while raising Ella for the last six months.
Perhaps even before she was born….
His unwavering love for his daughter Ella moved
and touched me like no one ever had in my life.
Way before I was pregnant,
he boldly stated that he would love his child in any condition,
under any circumstance.
Meaning, he would never give up on his baby
no matter what kind of physical condition he or she may have…
He continued, “Some healthy babies grow up to commit crimes
and get in trouble. As much as it will be difficult
to raise a physically or mentally challenged baby,
at least they will not be able to do bad things.”
After I heard his comment,
I was speechless…shocked…
I was not sure if I could say the same for myself…
The moment I told Matthew I was pregnant,
I can clearly remember how excited he was.
That day, he was the happiest man I had ever seen.
But soon after, we were devastated with the news of Ella’s trisomy 18.
Despite my constant struggle with it,
my husband never struggled, period!
Just as he told me many years ago,
his love for Ella did not change after learning of her condition.
In fact, his commitment to keeping Ella awed everyone we knew.
During the pregnancy,
he probably felt like the was the only one who was fighting for Ella..
Him and against the world…
He handled the tough moments amazingly…
It’s almost like he saved her.
Once Ella was born, he was overjoyed.
He was always happy to be with her.
To hold, feed, take care of her…
Each time he held her, his face beamed with happiness.
He proudly walked around church with Ella
(the one place we would take her out in public).
He took care of Ella like no one else.
He managed well despite of the lack of sleep,
stressful work days, checking the other kids’ homework,
and volunteering in Sunday school.
여보…
I felt like I have been away on a long journey and just returned.
It was difficult…Yet I gained priceless memories…
I thank God for allowing you to be a daddy to Ella for 183 days.
You did it amazingly and beautifully.
I can confidently say that you were the greatest dad in the world…
I also wanted to thank you….
I have done great and not so great things in my life…
Yes, I struggled…but because of you
I have been able to cope with this hardship.
Even though bringing Ella into this world was
one of the most difficult decisions I had to face,
it was surely the proudest thing I have done…
Although I am unable to compliment myself openly,
when it comes to Ella, I can say with boldness that I am so proud of myself…
Thank you… You are the greatest dad I have ever known…
I thank God that you are here with me as my partner,
best friend, and guidance…
Ella only stayed with us for a little while in this world
but let us look forward to seeing Ella once again in heaven.
I love you..
2 Comments
Wow…what an incredible story. I cannot imagine how hard it must have been to follow through witht he pregnancy knowing that Ella would not be around so long. You made the right choice & now you can be proud of that choice & the fact that you were all there for that precious baby..for all of her 6 months here. Although it was a short time, I am sure she taught you all many things that most of us will never learn. I am sorry she had to leave so early, but glad she had a mom & dad that were willing to bring her into the world & give her a fighting chance. She was a beautiful baby, with a deep & wise look in her eyes. The world was lucky to have her, even for a short time. Thank goodness for men…for strong dads like Mathew…who carry us when we need them. How grateful you must be to have him. May God be with you all…
So cute. Daddy is the best dad in world!
Love,
Audrey