| Chris Samson - A Gift From God |
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17 July 1999 was a very special day for my family and me. At that time I had three daughters aged 17, 15 and 12, so, having had three girls, I wanted a boy.
The midwife who delivered Elizabeth and Jacinta in hospital had also delivered Juliette at home. She has become a close friend and so it was arranged that she would deliver our fourth baby at home. As it happened she was on a mini-break with her husband some sixty miles away but was on standby to attend to us if required.
My wife, Bernadette went into the final stages of labour rather quickly and, although I contacted the midwife, heavy traffic impeded her travel. As nature began to take its course with ever quickening pace, I kept as calm as possible and assured Bernadette staying close by her all the time. Elizabeth telephoned a friend nearby who arrived only just before the midwife.
Our little baby was born and my wife and I, with God, experienced the birth together. As I passed Matthew (truly a gift from God) to Bernadette and wrapped him in a soft towel, we looked at each other in total delight – words could not describe our emotions.
Twenty to thirty minutes later the midwife was met in our drive by three very excited sisters and could hardly believe what greeted her. If anyone had told me I was going to deliver my son later that day, I would have had a fit!
Matthew and I share a birthday. What better present could a father have than to be able to deliver his first son on his birthday at home and share the unique experience with his wife on a one to one basis. Many have told me that was the way it was supposed to be.
Throughout the labour and birth I completely trusted in God and knew everything would be all right. I was a little anxious that the umbilical chord might have been wrapped around Matthew’s neck – but I should have known better! The occasion was so incredibly uplifting and spiritually rich.
Magnificat Prayer Group, Aberdeen
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"No need to remember past events, no need to think about what was done before. Look, I am doing something new, now it emerges; can you not see it. Yes I am making a road in the desert and rivers in wastelands." (Isaiah 43:18-19)
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