Born at 28 weeks and faced with a near-fatal injury at just 4 days, the baby fought through, and it was no less than a miracle for the family. This is what true strength looks like!
At 28 weeks, when Rabekah gave birth to her son Elias, she was not at all prepared for what was coming her way. Soon, everything went downhill.
Rebekah and her husband were shocked when they got the news that their baby at just 4 days old, was being shifted to a higher-level NICU, and that too, emergency airlifted. A catheter inserted through his umbilical cord ended up puncturing a vein, and their little world could no longer breathe on its own. Rebakah says while she recalls; It was like watching your world collapse in slow-motion. I felt frozen, like I wasn’t even in my own body. I just wanted to wake up and realize it had all been a terrible dream.
Elias’ parents hopelessly stood watching their son, who had just arrived in this world, hooked up to oxygen and surrounded by machines that were probably keeping him alive. However, clinging to face was the only option they had, and they were awaiting a miracle. They had hope that the medical professionals would be able to save their baby.
Fear and fog surrounded the parents, but little Elias did not give up. Tiny and fragile, he tightly held on.
Soon, the baby was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy and cortical visual impairment, both conditions would hurt his life, and the injury itself had lasting effects. Since she gave birth to Elias, Rebekah’s life has had one purpose: to advocate. Advocating for her son’s needs.
She shared, ‘It’s a full-time job being a caregiver.’
Maintaining love and responsibility was a challenge as the parents felt isolated when they saw others planning vacations and partying hard.
However, they were ready to give it all to save their son. This is what parents do: they become selfless.
Present day, two-year-old Elias is a survivor and is thriving in life. The parents celebrate him every single day, and every time little Elias smiles, it’s a victorious smile.
From the NICU nurses to the flight crew, Rebekah extended a heartfelt gratitude on Eliass’s second birthday, and also to each one who prayed.
She wrote, ‘No words will ever be enough to thank the people who helped save our son.’
Although Elias is just two, his story has to be an inspiration for many, as it is about more than survival. The baby taught his parents hope and showcased what true strength looks like.
The parents make sure that their baby knows he is loved and he knows his worth, and they want to raise him in a way that Elias knows deep and compassionate love!
Rebekah shares her story in the hope that it will be an inspiration for many and give hope to the countless struggling parents. She wants to give a message that raising a disabled child can also be a beautiful journey- it’s nothing to fear, but a different kind of beautiful.
The mother also states: ‘If Elias can teach us anything, it’s that there is so much power in simply continuing forward.’