Our Addiction

Wednesday, October 26, 12:45 am

James 1:12 (NIV)

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

This reference is present on my father's gravestone. I am so proud that our Morgan is taking after her grandfather, Jerry McCoin, Sr. All of her actions are the spitting-image of the tall, lanky father I remember. She continues to "act up" in a hospital bed, she tells everyone around her what to do (without speaking), and she is, absolutely, running the show. To say that she is a pistol, after her grandfather's heart, is the broadest understatement this meager man could ever make. She is persevering, standing the test and earning a crown that outsizes her tiny body.

Our sweet Morgan continues to progress. If I were to sit here and explain every number, percentage and chart, let me say, you would find yourself in an abyss of boredom and drooling. May I, simply, say that, "Mo is rockin' out!" She is doing so well. It must be a direct result of her father printing t-shirts that read, "GO MO GO." We are so thankful for her progress and her willingness to improve. Her mother and I can hardly stand our excitement. She just seems to get better everyday. I have made my ritual to listen to the most inspiring symphonies as I write this blog because any I choose have become the song of sweet Morgan's story. Simply put, if it is an orchestrated, upbeat tune that you have in your rememberance, let it play in your heart as you read. My current selection is "Simple Gifts," as Morgan, truly, "fits the bill." I have become addicted to this moment each evening, but not as addicted to holding this precious gift in my arms, nor seeing her in her mother's arms.

As every Tuesday, we received another delicious meal from dear friends. We, again, shared a special moment with those who care so deeply for our daughter. After our happy indulgence, we made our trek to UAB. Down the street, up onto the Red Mountain Expressway, down the exit and into the parking lot as we grab, yet another, tax-deductible parking ticket (her father is an accountant, so just bear with me).

We entered the building, pranced onto the elevator and strolled down the hallway in glee, knowing of the wonderful reports we had received all day. We were not in her room for two minutes before Elizabeth inquired, "Will we get to hold her tonight?" Morgan's precious nurse quickly responded, "YES!" The responsive look upon any mother's face could have melted a glacier, especially Elizabeth's.

While Elizabeth held Morgan, our sweet child gazed into her mother's eyes. We have not seen our daughter's eyes open for extended periods of time, however, every second she kept her eyelids open was a valued moment. During the hour and forty-five minute bonding, Morgan stayed very alert and cognizant of all that was happening around her. Through these precious moments, Morgan was fed through her feeding tube. She seemed to react with each drip that reached her tiny tummy. She replicated our swallowing motion and licked the tubed as if she relished every drop. Through her slight and subtle movements, we were able to focus on the unbelievable miracle this child is becoming. She's a "premi...," she's not supposed to pick up on things quickly, but she is re-writing the books. Understand that every effort we take is to recreate a "womb-like" experience for this little angel. Remember, she wasn't "supposed" to be born for another seven weeks, but do not forget all that she has taught us with her seven weeks wth us. She is strong-willed, content and, oh, so precious. She provided us with a major moment tonight.

As stated, her feedings are going extremely well. We will soon be able to move on to other organs in her body that need attending to. Her blood-pressure, eyes, liver and kidneys are now coming into the picture, simply because her lungs and heart are doing so well. We are not forgetting her brain, which will always be the one organ that cannot be repaired if it endures any damage. However we feel so strongly, at this point, that any developmental issues will, eventually, be "dust behind the carriage," especially knowing that Jerry, Sr. shared a peice of his heart with his resilient grandaughter.

Needless to say we are beaming with joy for our precious child. She continues to amaze us in every moment. She has become our absolute addiction. The feeling of her soft, furry skin against our own is indescribable. Her improvements and efforts encourage us with every wiggle. We are so pleased and our hearts have melted into rivers.

Thank you all for keeping up with our "Simple Gift." I shed modesty as I say that she absolutely deserves all of our thoughts and prayers. She will grow to be a beacon in all of us and all of us will have a special hand in making sure.

With amazing and deep gratitude,

Seth and Elizabeth McCoin