A Beautiful Klue

Her story began in August 2005 while in New Orleans, LA, as confirmation of her pregnancy came only three days prior to Hurricane Katrina. At exactly 8wks, packing up to leave was internalized as a temporary disruption of normalcy based upon precaution; therefore the reality of the aftermath brought about anxiety induced fear. The news reported frustration amongst those who survived and numerous fatalities due to deplorable conditions as she sat safely many miles away wondering how to handle the influx of building emotion. In November, a little over 3 months of trying to regain control, the onset of uncertain stability magnified when she went into pre-term labor two days after Thanksgiving. As an evacuee now living in Starkville, MS, the Oktibbeah County Medical center was not equipped to handle such an emergency; therefore, time was of the essence as déjà vu replayed a painful recollection involving a miscarriage of twin boys in October 2004. Upon discharge the following morning, while weighing the risks involved in seeking proper medical attention, she knew the outcome could go either way at 22weeks gestation. Four days in the hospital while tests were being performed to determine the likelihood of viability in the event of delivery, doctors concluded that bed rest was the only alternative in hopes of reaching 24weeks gestation due to insurance guidelines and hospital admittance protocol. Shaken and visibly disturbed by their suggestion, unnerving fear overwhelmed her as she began to voice her concerns through the tears. As fate would have it, an option became available that helped to ease her thoughts. Instead of going back to Starkville, a dear friend’s mother, who lived within 15 miles of the hospital, gladly intervened and invited her into her home as a daughter of her own. On bed rest with strict instructions and limited mobility, each day was a milestone. Prayer and journal writing allowed her to stay focused through such a challenging time that could change without notice. The day came, 24wks, and she rejoiced knowing the chances of survival were more prominent based upon research studies. Although at home bed rest was a challenge, the journey had just begun. Intravenous fluids were administered around the clock while being changed every three days (removing the old one and reinserting a new one in an unused vein), as well as, steroid injections to strengthen the babies lungs. On the eve of Christmas, for the first time since being admitted, the room was clear of visitors. Everyone was taking a break in preparation of returning the following day to spread the love with her during a time of sharing as she was confined to the hospital. As the night began to settle, the attending doctor assigned to her, Keisha requested an official sonogram to confirm the sex of the baby. Obliged by the request, the doctor promised to come back at the end of her shift and give me an early Christmas gift. “It‘s definitely a girl,” she said as she gave the news and left with a smile. At 3:01 am, Amyah Kelyse Bogan was born weighing in at 2lbs1oz as she was whisked away to the prenatal intensive care unit.