Tiny Dancer, Mighty Miracle: A Story of God’s Goodness

This past week, I had the joy of attending my sisters' dance recital. Each of them possesses such remarkable talent and grace, but it was my youngest sister, Brooke, who made me tear up during her ballet performance. The performing arts school they attend is based on Christian values, which is reflected in the music they use. As I watched Brooke twirl and leap to the song of worship, I couldn't help but reflect on where she started and the goodness of God.

Brooke and I share a 14-and-a-half-year age gap, so when my mom announced she was expecting again, I found myself wrapped in a whirlwind of emotions about having another sibling. As a teenager, the news caught me off guard, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit uncertain about this surprise addition to our family. Yet, as I took a moment to process the idea of welcoming another sister into my life, a warm excitement began to blossom within me. In fact, I was the one who chose Brooke’s first name, inspired by a character from a TV show I was watching at the time.

Thankfully, my mom's pregnancy went smoothly, and each checkup brought the joyful news that Brookie was growing healthily. However, when Brooke finally arrived, my parents were met with unexpected news. Just moments after her birth, little Brooke was whisked away to the NICU. The doctors informed my parents that she couldn't be taken off oxygen, a claim they would later discover was untrue, preventing my mom from holding her precious baby. Soon after, the on-call pediatrician ordered an ultrasound for a fat roll on her neck, which led to Brooke being transferred to the highest level of the trauma NICU at another hospital while she awaited an MRI. My parents were faced with the heart-wrenching news that they needed to prepare that Brooke might not survive the journey to the next hospital. Just twenty-nine hours after her C-section, my mom made the difficult decision to check herself out of the hospital to follow her little girl. She signed a waiver acknowledging the risks and possible death of leaving the hospital, but nothing could keep my mom from being by Brooke's side. Typically, the hospital's policy didn't permit parents to remain in the hospital with their NICU babies. However, by God's favor, the hospital allowed my parents to stay since my mom had just undergone surgery.

Once the MRI results came in, Brooke was sent home with the diagnosis of a lymphatic malformation in her neck. Originally, she was scheduled for surgery at six months old, but fortunately, due to God's sovereignty and Providence, the surgery was rescheduled to when she was only 13 weeks old. The malformation was growing and wrapping itself around the nerves in her arm, and if the surgery had been delayed any longer, she would have lost the use of her arm. The procedure lasted three hours, during which her skilled surgeon, Dr. Fisher, carefully untangled the malformation from the delicate nerves. Though there were minor scars and effects from the surgery, the results were overwhelmingly positive. During her follow-up appointment, Dr. Fisher reassured my parents that Brooke was healing beautifully and would lead a long, lively life. And oh, how she has lived up to that promise! The possibility of death she faced pales in comparison to the vivacious spirit Brookie carries within her. Brooke has always been the epitome of joy, a happy baby who blossomed into a spunky girl with a heart full of love, especially for animals. Her vibrant spirit continues to light up our lives, reminding us every day of the precious gift of her presence.

While Brooke was initially a surprise that left me feeling uncertain, she quickly blossomed into the best surprise. My littlest sister ignited a deep desire within me to become a mother, and she is a big part of why I now embrace the idea of having as many children as God chooses to bless my fiancé and me with after we are married. I simply cannot picture our family without Brookie. God knew exactly what we needed and sent her to us, a radiant blessing to everyone she encounters. She's been a blessing in my own life and changed me for the better. Our bond is truly special, and I view her as a little piece of my own heart. Our age gap allowed me to step in and help my mom care for Brooke, and in turn, my mom imparted precious mothering skills to me. Even though some time has passed, I cherish the foundation I built through my experiences with Brookie, hoping it will guide me when I welcome my own little one(s) one day. I always remind Brooke that no matter what, she will forever hold the title of my "first baby," and that connection will be cherished for a lifetime.

Through Brooke's life, I am reminded of God's goodness, in both the delightful surprises He blesses us with, even when we may feel hesitant at first, and in the darkest of times, offering His reassuring presence and sovereignty. It's comforting to know that even before Brooke took her first breath, God had a beautiful plan for her life. He not only knew but also foreordained the events that would unfold in connection with her birth and gave her the resilience and strength she carries today. Each birthday we celebrate is a heartfelt reminder of that.

I began writing this article the day after the dance recital, and just yesterday (the day before this article is published), Brookie won the "Best at Middle School Ballet" medal. This sweet achievement adds an extra layer of joy to my words, allowing the glory of God to shine even brighter. When Brooke was in the NICU and my parents received the heart-wrenching news that she might not make it through the next hour, and as she bravely underwent surgery as a tiny infant, God was already weaving a beautiful plan for her. Years later, I would find her sitting beside me, a radiant smile on her face as she humbly held her medal, a testament to her strength and resilience and God's grace.

I love you, Brookelina.

Soli Deo Gloria.