The longest 2 weeks

20/10/2020

The date many will not forget in a while. A very significant date to many youths in Nigeria. 

That was the day I put to bed. In the midst of that chaos, I had my own personal crisis.

I had a c-section. And it was successful. I had my husband with me through the surgery....

I heard your voice telling me to stay awake. You said it repeatedly, "Babe. Please stay awake for me. I beg you. Please don't go to sleep". And you held my hand and soothed my forehead just to keep me calm. And it was all I needed at that time....or so I thought until I saw the tiny being that was just extracted from my belly, wrapped up in a green cloth and screaming at the top of his lungs. Then, I knew there was always room for more. All I felt at that instant was love and gratitude. 

The wait to reconnect with you and the baby was a totally different process.  And then not being able to move for almost a whole day didn't make it any easier. Little did I know what was to come. 

There were noises through the night of sirens and chaos. I heard the news that many youths were shot and there was curfew. There was the smell of fear and cautiousness in the air. And worse, everyone was stuck in the hospital premises until they were sure they were safe. Its a night I wouldn't forget in a while.  I was still stuck in bed without my baby in my arms....or even any news about the baby.

We all, patients,  doctors, nurses and even visitors were stuck in the hospital for days. The hospital lounge became the social room. We all went to this place to unwind. Many others went to air their opinions on the  current situation of the state. Many others sat there sthat was their make shift home until there was some semblance of peace, at least.  So we naturally,  became family on a mini level. I knew all the doctors and nurses who were stuck there with me at the hospital. 

Days later, I saw his tiny form In the intensive care unit trying to fight for his life. Purple feet, naked, shivering, scrawny, yet fighting. 

And all I could do was wait, hope, and pray. Days rolled into Days...

And then the news came to us in the dead of the night and all we could do was pray and call on the only support we knew to pray along with us for a miracle.

And then the bouts of antibiotics followed....

And then blood transfusion....and on went the list.

But all I could see as I entered into the ICU were the many wires clamped to your naked but frail body. Skin chapped, mouth dry and eyes shut.

And then I was asked to go home some days later. I was discharged from the hospital...without my baby. It was as though air was forced out of my lungs. I  wept.

But I had to go home. I had to visit my baby every day. ...for two weeks. 

But you kept getting better and better. I had my friends turned family who never left my side through the phone. They were with me every step of the way to encourage and pray.

I look back now and I am grateful for family. I am grateful for each person's contribution and love.

My baby is growing stronger by the day. All thanks to God and his people.