Javier G. Gonzalez
The following is an e-mail that I received from Javier's mum Monica
Congratulations! The trial by fire is over. I can only say that I felt the pain that you have been through. My son was born at 29 weeks gestation, but at the size of a 25 fetus. He was born on August 21, 2001 at 10:20 p.m. weighing 1lb 13oz. I had already lost two previous pregnancies before and had a cerclage in place with him. I did not have any medical condition which caused premature labor, but I noted that he had not moved for the most part of the day (that's why it is important to count your kicks). I went to the hospital and was put on a fetal monitor. My son's heart rate dropped five times, then I was told that I would have to have a C-section because my son would not survive induced labor. When my son was born, he had his cord wrapped around his neck. He survived. The second run was when he had a lung haemorrhage on his second day of life. I never lost faith. The doctors kept telling me that he might not make it, but he surely did. He had his fare share of illnesses, but I tell you what, my son is about to turn 1 year old. I wouldn't have had it any other way. There is something special about premie babies that only premie parents will ever understand. I even miss seeing him so tiny, holding him for the first time, thinking that I would break him. See in this life, I found out how courageous I really am. You will too.
(July 2002)
Monica Martinez