Waiting can make you do one of two things. Worry. Or pray.
For my sweet friend Grace, it made her do both.
You see, nearly four years earlier, Grace and her husband received the devastating news that their second born child, their beautiful daughter Nella, had a rare neuromuscular disorder called SMA (Spinal Muscular Dystrophy). This disease would cause her muscles to slowly deteriorate and lose strength. The doctors told them that they would be lucky to make it to her first birthday.
The amazing part? Nella is almost FOUR years old. She’s defied the odds, and her parents and precious big brother have fought for her every step of the way. The not-so-amazing part? Her future siblings would have a very high chance of being born with the same genetic disorder.
So while this pregnancy filled Grace with joy, it also filled her with fear and worry. And LOTS of waiting. Fifteen weeks of waiting, to be exact. But she didn’t let the worry consume her. Instead, during that time of waiting, she found great comfort in a song called “Miracles” by Jesus Culture. She would listen to it, every single day. She’d rest her hand on her growing belly, close her eyes, and pray for her sweet child. Prayers for God’s grace and mercy. Prayers of thankfulness. Prayers for health. She’d breathe in the words of the song, playing them over and over in her mind…
The one who made the blind to see, is moving here in front of me, moving here in front of me.
The one who made the deaf to hear is silencing my every fear, silencing my every fear.
I believe in YOU. I believe in YOU. You’re the God of Miracles.
During this time of waiting, Grace grew. She grew in strength. And she knew that whatever was ahead of them and for the life of their sweet baby, they could handle it. God could handle it. And He did. Because after fifteen weeks of waiting, they received the news. This baby was healthy. No SMA.
It was a miracle.
But God wasn’t done yet.
Fast forward to the birth. I couldn’t have been more honored to be there throughout Nella’s journey, but I felt especially honored to be with them to celebrate the birth of their sweet boy. I documented their day, capturing moments that I knew they’d want to remember. But when she was about to deliver their son, I heard a worship song playing in the background. I leaned over and quickly snapped a picture of the screen of the phone, thinking at the time that it was so sweet that their son would be born during a song that had such a powerful title.
The title? Miracles.
He was prayed for during the song Miracles.
He was born during song Miracles.
He IS a miracle.
This image was one of the first that I captured that day…and it’s one of my favorites. To me, this simple moment is so significant because it represents what I witnessed all day between these two…ALL day. They were a team. A strong, united, beautiful team.
The hours continued to pass by…
..and the pain became more intense. Even unbearable at times. But, like always, he was there. By her side. The voice to keep her calm and give her strength.
Her sweet sister. Hurting and aching for her, wanting to take it all away.
One final touch, reminding herself, and her precious boy that she could do this. She was ready.
Just moments before his birth…this song played softly in the background. Although no one heard it at the time, it would later be one of the greatest gifts God could have ever given to this sweet family. His reminder. He was there, He was always there. In the calm, in the storm. And He was about to give them the miracle they had so desperately longed for.
He was finally here. The waiting was over. Welcome to the world, Corwin Charles Grutter.
Just before I left, daddy got some much deserved snuggle time with his little guy. It was the sweetest sight. He was screaming and all worked up, and then one kiss from daddy…
And he was content.
They snuggled in and savored the peace and quiet. Just the three of them. This is one of my favorite moments of the entire day.
And the world stood still. Just mom, dad, and their miracle.
Corwin Charles Grutter (Corwin meaning “friend of the heart”), 7 lbs 12 ounces, 19.5 inches long, Born 11:00 a.m., July 31, 2017
Such a beautiful day, and I was SO honored to be a part of it.
Grab your tissues and click on the film below to see more of their story!
