Excerpt - p. 103  

My Angel Wrapped in Light

I was five and a half months pregnant with my third child. The doctors discovered gallstones blocking my bile duct. Doing immediate surgery, they saved my life and I was out of danger. The surgery took many hours and was very difficult. I bled heavily, and for a few seconds my heart stopped. My husband was told that there was little chance that the baby would survive.

One difficult night after the surgery, the nurse was performing a routine check of the baby's heartbeat. She could not find it. She checked for over half an hour and finally called a nurse and doctor from the maternity floor. They checked for over an hour. I was told that they felt the baby had died, and they started to set up an ultrasound to verify it. They left to call my husband and my doctor.

Alone in the darkened hospital room, I poured out my heart to the Lord. My heart grieved for the baby I had never held, the smiles I had never seen, the steps never carefully counted. As I pleaded with the Lord for strength and peace for my spirit, I fell into a deep sleep.

I dreamt that I was at the bottom of a flight of white steps. Around me were my husband, two sons, parents, sister, brother, and departed loved ones. I heard my name called and looked up to the top of the staircase. There was a throne surrounded by a light and a figure standing before the throne. A feeling of great love, compassion, warmth, and calmness entered my spirit. I climbed the stairs and knelt on the step below his feet. I bowed my head in reverence and awe. Suddenly hands descended into my view. In these beautiful hands rested a shining baby wrapped in white. I gazed into crystal blue eyes with beautiful black lashes. She had dark black hair, and as I gazed, she smiled at me. I began to cry from joy and amazement.

Then I heard these words, "I give this child to you to raise for me. She is a gift that someday you will return to me. She is my little sister and is very beloved. Teach her of my love. Show her my example. Help her find me and my path. I died for her and for the chance to bring her back to Father. Behold, the precious gift I give to you."

The light grew and suddenly I knew her. I received glimpses of long ago and promises made. I yearned to keep those promises and to hold my precious gift.

The bundle was placed in my hands, and my tears dropped to the white blanket. I felt awed and amazed at this great trust in me. How could I ever be worthy of this beautiful gift? I slowly walked down the stairs and stood before my husband. I held out my arms, and he gently took the angel of light from me.

I suddenly woke up when the doctor returned. I told him to check the baby again, because I knew she was alive and strong. He agreed and on his first try found a strong, regular heartbeat.

Three months later I gave birth to a seven-pound six-ounce baby girl. She had crystal blue eyes, dark black hair, and looked exactly like the baby in my dream. As I gazed into her eyes, I saw again my angel wrapped in light.

-- Debbie C.