Madison's Story

Madison Emma Luster

As early as I can remember I have wanted to be a "mommy". After meeting my husband in late 1991 and getting married in July of 1999, we were both excited about fulfilling our dreams of becoming parents. The summer after we were married, we were dealt a devastating blow by my doctor...we were told that I had 0% chance of conceiving a child naturally and only a slim chance of a successful in vitro attempt. After reviewing our options, we settled on adoption. By April of 2001, things were moving right along and with construction complete on our new home and adoption letters in the mail, we were excited about our future. It was at that time, in mid April, that I found out that I was pregnant. Even to date my doctors can't explain it. It was the first of many miracles to come.

The pregnancy never really went smoothly. Due to complications, I was on complete bed rest by week 23 and hospitalized for "monitoring" twice. After receiving a call from my doctor at home telling me to come to the hospital ASAP, I learned that the pregnancy was affecting my liver. The doctor decided that our baby, a girl, had to be delivered 7 weeks early by emergency C-Section. I was told that she would not be able to breathe on her own and would require a feeding tube. I was also told to expect an extended stay in the hospital for our baby, approx. 4-6 weeks. Well, I guess no one told our little one of all these plans. Weighing in at 3lbs. 10 oz., Madison came out screaming and never needed any help breathing. After only 2 weeks in the hospital, she was discharged happy and healthy.

Her doctor continues to be amazed by her continued successes, as are we all. She will be 2 on 10/30/03 and is the love of our lives. She brings sunshine and laughter whereever she goes and is our little miracle from God!

Donna Luster, Mother