It happened twice. Both times, a genetic counselor calmly told my wife and me, “I want you to be aware of all your options, including termination.” For months, those conversations have replayed in my mind, bringing back the initial emotions of shock, anger, and horror. Now, as my wife and I prepare to meet our son in a matter of weeks, his story is already a testament to God’s power and faithfulness.
Earlier this year, my wife Abby and I learned that we were expecting our second child. Despite having faced some unexpected challenges during labor and postpartum with our first child, we were thrilled by the news. Throughout the first trimester, the pregnancy progressed without any complications.I accompanied Abby to her 20-week anatomy scan, where we planned to find out the sex of the baby together. Initially, everything seemed perfect.
Abby and I stared in amazement as the baby came into view. We watched with delight as the little body moved, alternating between playing with their feet and sucking their thumb. A few minutes into the scan, the technician accidentally revealed the baby’s sex — another little boy!
I recall leaning forward, watching the screen as I whispered, “Thank you, Father, for the gift of this child.” As the scan progressed, the technician’s mood gradually changed. Although neither Abby nor I are medical professionals, it became clear that the technician was spending additional time hovering over the baby’s heart. As the ultrasound approached an hour in duration, both Abby and I sensed that something was wrong.
After about 90 minutes, the technician left the room, and Abby and I prayed, bracing ourselves for what the doctor might say. Eventually, the doctor came in and told us that it appeared our son had a double aortic arch, a serious heart