When I first heard the complications with our unborn son, it felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. No words could escape my mouth and no thoughts could be formed. It was a moment in my life when I felt most vulnerable. A weight seemed to settle on my chest, as the ultrasound technician pointed at a lump on Charles' spine. My wife's eyes filled with tears as she asked the technician what was wrong. Unfortunately, she couldn't tell us what the results meant. And painfully told us that only the doctor could verify the results. We would have to wait over three hours to meet with our doctor. Little did we know we were about to walk into a new life full of trials that would challenge us on every level. Through those trials hope and miracles would arrive as we met our wonderful child, Charles the warrior spirit.
Those three hours we waited to hear results were some of the longest that I can remember. I sat in the office with my wife staring at my phone. How was I supposed to tell my family? What was I supposed to say? Words felt insufficient to describe what had just happened. And there was no way I could call to let them know. I do not cry often, just ask my wife, I feel like that emotional gene skipped me. But even the thought of trying to tell my family brought tears to my eyes. Finally, after several minutes I was able to tell my mom that we had just found out that there was a lump on the baby's spine and something was wrong. I swear that I had just sent the message and my phone started buzzing. It was my mom on the line. As I lifted up the phone tears poured down my face as I tried to control my panicked breathing to tell my mom what was going on. I don't remember what else happened those three hours. I know that I had talked to my family and that Charlyse had talked to her family. But, that dreaded moment of finding out what was wrong loomed over my head.
Finally, the time had passed as my wife and I grasped each other for support. We met with our doctor and the first thing she did was give my wife a big hug. She had a concerned look on her face that wasn't too comforting. She began to explain to us that Charles at an early stage hadn't fully developed his spine. And because of that he had an increased amont of spinal fluid sitting on his brain, which is an early indication of hydrocephalus. She could only give us the diagnosis, no specifics. Spina Bifida. She then told us we would see a specalist the following day who could give us a more acurate diagnosis and information. She warned us there was a chance that the baby might not make it to birth and that the specialists might tell us that abortion was an option. My wife started crying at the very word abortion and all hope seemed to be sucked out of us.
The rest of the day felt like a void. We had no idea what to think as we waited to see the specialist the next day. The words repeated over and over in my mind. The doctor had told us that there was a chance that he would not make it to birth. I remember at one point my dad told us we would gather together for a family prayer and blessings that night. I accepted wondering what was the point. Day turned to night as my family piled into my parents house, until we were all there. My dad had us all get on our knees and hold hands, like we used to when we were young. Then something happened that changed my view of my sons situation. My dad prayed and a feeling came over me. I don't remember the prayer but, I remember the comfort and peace that came over me. As the prayer was ended, everyone looked at each other and I could tell that everyone had felt it. Charles was going to be ok.
The next morning, I had left the room and Charlyse had started crying. She called me back. Something unexpected had happened. Charles had punched Charlyse. She was talking when it had happened and stopped in the middle of a sentence. A smile beamed across her face as she grabbed my hand and placed it on her stomach. As I felt from the outside a small thud on my hand. A shiver went down my spine. We looked at each other with tears in our eyes. We knew our son was ok and that he wanted to be with us.
Charles was born on May 23, 2014. He has faced many complications and has defied all odds. There was a night before Charles was born when we were visiting with Charlyse's Uncle David. He looked up the meaning of Charles' name. Charles means man or warrior. Timothy means to serve God. It is the perfect name for him. He has battled so much to live where I feel many would have given up. Many people that know him have called him a warrior spirit and he deserves that title. He has had six surgeries and faces many more. He has always been happy despite his challenges. We feel he is determined to live his life and touch the hearts of all those who meet him.
Charles and Daddy in the U of U NICU
**THIS WAS TAKEN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING BIRTH**
I have one last thing to say. Charles has been worth every moment we have had with him. He has brought our families closer together in ways that I never imagined. I want to thank all those who have sacrificed their time to help us. Especially my mother-in-law who came down from Alaska for a month to help us out in a moment of need. Prayers upon prayers have been uttered on his behalf. We have felt every single one of them come our way. We thank you all. We couldn't have done it without your support. The Lord blesses us even in our toughest moments. I promise to all who are struggling in one way or another miracles happen. Charles is living proof of that. Lastly, this goes out to all the parents who have kids with disabilities because you are amazing. We have met many who have inspired us. To anyone who faces a troubled pregnancy have hope. It is hard but it is worth it.
Cody Wilson
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