Celeste's Story

Celeste Lailani Rodriguez

A miracle baby story I can freshly recall that busted my every pore in my venerable body at age 50 and sent me soaring out there in la-la land was when I witnessed my own beautiful 22 y/o daughter give birth to my first and only granddaughter thus far, coupled with my 20 y/o daughter's supported efforts in guiding her sister's delivery process she knew little about. It was priceless to watch my Sarah repeatedly say to her sister Teresa, I love you, breath, everything will turnout fine throughout the laboring process; even today in her sleep she sometimes says it. Sarah was not the designated coach (it was my daughter's fiancé) yet, due to delivery problems, the impending wonder soon changed things into a family affair and we all knew Sarah's presence was vital to her sister's well being.

My daughter had unexpected complications and our baby had to be delivered by c-section. I was very fortunate I got to participate with the father during my daughter's surgery. Per my daughter's request, I held her hand throughout the process while her fiancé softly stroked her head and described the procedures the doctors performed on her, but as soon as our Celeste came out of her womb, the discussions regarding procedures went out the window (it was love at first site for all of us) the fiancé dashed to see her, he cut the umbilical cord and stayed with her as they cleaned and examined her.

I embraced and kissed my daughter gently as I described to her of God's miracle in progress. She exclaimed how elated she was and praised God for her beautiful gift he bestowed her, to us and to the world. She told me she was grateful I was there for her especially during her great time of need. With tears of joy, I told her how much I love her and reminded her to repeatedly breath. She managed to chuckle, thinking about her sister and stated how happy she was we were all in it together. I agreed. She was exhausted and comfortably drifted to sleep for a few minutes as the doctors mended her but not before throwing-up on me while listening to the Rod Steward's Album " It had to be you" as I watched the father ballyhooing around the small operating room with his newly born daughter (my grandchild) for he too was overflowing with gratitude. Then, I was asked to leave and so I did feeling awestricken while the father stayed behind.

Sarah was already outside waiting by the window to the nursery room weeping uncontrollably (she could hardly wait to meet baby Celeste after having lost contact with her sister during surgery feeling relieved it was over) along with 30 other family members who where there awaiting to meet the newest family member. Celeste was born 4 weeks premature, all vital signs normal. At the time, she was 5 lbs., 6 oz. and 19 inches long.

I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) one-week prior to learning that my daughter was pregnant. Since having my granddaughter who is 5 months old and weighs 14 lbs. today, she is my miracle child whose contagious smile helps me stay in the moment . . . hence, I am one grateful grandmother with Lupus (SLE) that remains optimistic and ready to face challenges that are forthcoming. We are so blessed to have our beautiful Celeste in our lives.

Submitted by Rosa Fernandez, Grandmother