By Jerry's blog
EPISODE 21
“We need to get her blood within the next 2-3 hours, or she will die” Dr. Femi said
“What can we do now?, we don’t have her blood type in our bank anymore . Let me go and talk to her husband about it” Dr. Johnson said as he leaves the operating room.
“Congratulation to the newest daddy in town, your wife delivered a baby boy” Dr. Johnson said as he shakes Dave’s hand
“Thank God, am so happy to hear the good news” he replied smiling
“So can I see the baby and Jasmine?”
“Not yet, there is a little complication” Dr. Johnson said
“Is Jasmine okay, hope nothing is wrong with Jasmine?” he cuts in before the doctor could even finish his explanation
“She’s alive for now, but she has lost so much blood even before she got here and she lost more blood during the CS too. Her blood type is one of the rarest and we have exhausted the little we have in our blood bank on her” Dr. Johnson explained
“what’s her blood type?” Dave asked
“her blood type is AB-“ he replied
“or are you AB-, or do you know any member of her family that is AB-?” the doctor asked
“Am AB-, that’s my blood type too” he said excitedly
“really!” the doctor said
“so what next now?” Dave asked
“we just need to confirm your blood type and check if you will be able to donate as much blood as we need “ Dr. Johnson replied
“she has less than 2hours,so go to the lab quickly and get tested” Dr. Johnson added
“Alright sir” Dave replied as he ran to the lab for the test.
Dave was tested and his blood was compatible with mine, he donated his blood for me and that is why I am still alive today. I gained consciousness the next day, and when I woke up it was as if I was in a different world, I felt relieved and light. I called my mum and told her I just delivered a baby boy, she was so surprised
“What!, you already delivered!” my mum exclaimed
“Yes mum, I delivered yesterday and am just calling you now because I just gained consciousness” I said
“have been trying your mobile number since yesterday, but it was switched off. Why didn’t you call me when you went to the hospital?” she asked
“I couldn’t call you, because I was rushed in as an emergency patient, I wasn’t in the state to call” I replied
“So how are you now, hope you and the baby is fine?” she asked
“Wait it’s not even 9month yet, does that mean you delivered prematurely” she asked before I could even answer the first question
“Yes we are both fine don’t worry. Though he is a premature baby but the doctor said everything will be fine” I replied
“Send me the address of the hospital you are in right away, I must get to that place today” she said
“Mum calm down, that is not necessary. I can take care of myself” I said
“Take care of yourself my foot, am coming there today” she said firmly
“Okay, if you insist, I will send the address as soon as I end the call” I assured her
Dave came in when I was still on the phone talking to my mum, he looks so exhausted. I was told he donated his blood for me and he has been around since yesterday that I was rushed in. the nurses kept chanting about how nice my husband is even though they didn’t know we weren’t married.
“how are you feeling Jas?” he asked as he held my hands
“am fine now, thanks to God and you, I was told you saved my life” I replied
“you really scared the hell out of me yesterday, I thought I was going to lose you or something” he said
“Thank God you are alive , am so grateful to God” he added
“God is good all the times” I said
“yes he is. Is it your mum you were speaking to the other time?” he asked
“yes she is” I replied
“I thought of calling her yesterday, especially when I got so scared, but I didn’t have her phone number. I had to call my mum in London to please pray for you, and luckily for us she was in a prayer meeting when I called her. God really does answers prayers” he said smiling, revealing those sparkling white teeth of his
“I thought men with big muscles like you are not scared of anything” I said teasing him
“It is not about big muscles o, even the mightiest warrior gets scared when the battle becomes ferocious and bloody” he said laughing
“Have you seen my baby?” I asked
“Not yet, they haven’t allowed me to see my baby ”he said jokingly
“when did the baby become yours?” I asked
“Don’t you know am the father” he replied jokingly
“Don’t you know everyone here thinks we are married, and the baby is mine? And am so enjoying the paparazzi” he said laughing
“You should have allowed me to correct Dr. Johnson the first time we came here. He is the one that started that assumption” I said
“And you supported the assumption too” I added
“And lets leave it like that till we leave here. Okay” he said
“Okay have heard, as if I have another option” I said
Four hours later, my mum called to tell me she was at the hospital gate already. I asked Dave to please help me direct her to my room.
“Good evening ma” Dave greeted
“Good evening Sir, are you the doctor?” my mum asked Dave
“No am not a doctor, am Dave Jasmine friend, she asked me to come pick you at the reception “ he replied
“Alright, thanks. So where is she?”
She brought my mum to my room, and mummy couldn’t understand why the nurses were addressing Dave as Mr. Adeleke when they were on their way to my room
“how are you my little flower” mummy said as she entered the room
“welcome mum, your trip was very first. I wasn’t expecting you till late in the night” I said
“I didn’t waste anytime, I just took my bag and drove here immediately” she replied
I explained everything to her, starting from the bleeding during my presentation to delivery the baby through CS and how I almost died because I lost so much blood and how Dave saved me.
“Talking about Dave, who is he” she asked whispering
“you’ve forgotten Dave, our neighbor and family friend when we were still living in Bodija” I said
“Dave, Dave Dave” she repeated the name
“I cant remember any Dave” she added
“Dave Olateju, son of Mr and Mrs Olateju” I said
“oh Dave the playful and stubborn young boy that we use to call your husband then” she said
“exactly” I replied laughing
“I thought they moved to UK then, so what his he doing in Nigeria?” she asked
I explained to her how we met, and how he has been of great help and a friend since.
“so why are they calling him Mr Adeleke? Because I heard one nurse calling him just before I entered the room now?” she asked curiously
“Well, he followed me the first time I came here for antenatal and the doctor that attended to us assumed that we were couples. I wanted to correct him but Dave interrupted me that day and since then, that have been thinking he is my husband. He has been here since yesterday and he was the one that signed the consent form and paid the bills as well” I explained to her.
“Wow that is so kind of him” mum said as Dave walks in
“You are welcome ma, hope your journey wasn’t too stressful?” Dave asked my mum
“Thanks Dave, it wasn’t too stressful. Jasmine was just telling me about you. I can’t even recognize you again, you’ve grown into a tall handsome man” she said
“How is mum and Dad?” she asked
“they are fine ma, they really miss your family when we first got to UK” he replied.
Dr. Femi walked in as we were discussing and catching up with old times
“Good evening ma’am “ Dr. Femi greeted my mum
“Are you Jasmine mum?” he asked
“Yes I am, hope no problem, how is the baby?” my mum asked
“ the baby is the reason why am here, he has been in the neonatal unit since yesterday and under close monitoring. And we have conducted several necessary test to make sure that he is fine, but…..” he said as he stampers
“But what?” we chorused…..
To be continued
EPISODE 22
“Am sorry to tell you that your baby’s lungs are immature because he was delivered before time, and this immature lungs can result into some complications such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pneumonia or Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)” the doctor explained
“Please what is the meaning of all this big words, can you please explain it to us in simple words that we can easily understand?” my mum asked
“Yes please, explain it in words that we can understand” I added
“’okay. In simple words, your baby might have difficulty in breathing, all those complications that I mentioned are all respiratory problems. Right now he is supported by a ventilator for breathing, but if a miracle doesn’t happen, he might die” he concluded
“Die? Is there no cure for the respiratory problems?” I asked
“Well, we are only certain of his lungs condition right now, we are still conducting several test to ascertain which of the respiratory problem the baby have. So until we diagnose his problem I won’t be able to say if there is a cure or not. But most of the respiratory problems associated with immature lungs have no cure” he explained
“Mum, is my baby going to die?” I asked crying
“No, he won’t die” she replied
“We could have prevented this premature delivery if you came for antenatal as scheduled” the doctor added
“That means it’s all my fault, if my baby dies then I killed him” I cried
“A miracle can happen, don’t give up yet. We doctors cares, but only God can cure” he said trying to comfort me
“mum my baby cant die, I haven’t even seen him yet, I haven’t cuddled him in my hand yet, neither have I given him a name, mum he can’t just die like that…..no he can’t die” I shouted as I detached my drip and the blood pressure monitor from my body.
“What are you doing?” the doctor asked
“Am going to see my baby right now” I replied as I stood up from the bed
“You can’t see him now, the doctors are attending to him and you are not strong enough to move about either. Please sit down and relax” he said as he and Dave held my hands, and made me sit on the bed
“I can’t just sit and do nothing, while my baby suffer alone” I cried
“Stop crying, crying will not solve any problem. Rather lets pray” my mum said
“Why should I pray mum? Why?” I cried
“I never wanted a baby, but God gave me anyway and I still decided to keep it and now he wants to take him away before I could even see him” I said angrily
“You can’t question God Jasmine, he is unquestionable. He gives and takes away without the need to ask for our permission” mum said
“If he knew he will take him away so soon, why did he allow him to be formed in the first place, why? Why mum?”
“God knows best, just trust him” she replied
“How can I trust a God that keeps making life difficult for me, how can I continue to trust a God that doesn’t understand how I feel?” I thought as I lay on the bed crying.
I couldn’t even say a word of prayer, all I feel now is bitterness and resentment towards God. Yes I resent him, how could he allow bad things happen to me his daughter, I just don’t understand. And now he is just sitting on his throne and allowing my innocent baby suffer too. I can forgive him for allowing me to suffer this much, but allowing my baby to suffer or taking him away from me I won’t forgive him.
“Maybe this is a blessing in disguise” a voice said in my mind
“No it can’t be” I told myself
“If the baby dies, you will be free, no baby, no worries” the voice in my mind said
“Devil keep quiet my baby won’t die, infact he can’t” I replied the voice
“Who are you talking to?” my mum asked
“No one, don’t mind me” I replied
“Jasmine, your baby won’t die, I believe God allowed him to be conceived because he has a great purpose to fulfill. The devil won’t be able to stop him” Dave said as he held my hand and console me.
“What if he dies? That means everything will be in vain” I asked
“He can’t die, am sure of it” Dave said firmly.
“Please can I ask you for a favor?” I asked
“Yes, anything” Dave replied
“Can you help me go and arrange how I can see my baby by all means, at least I need to see him before he dies, please”
“Okay, I will go see the doctor. But stop saying that he will die, he won’t die” he said
“God why didn’t you take him away earlier. if you knew that he wouldn’t live long, you could have staged a miscarriage or something” I thought. Different evil thought kept occupying my mind, I can’t just help it.
“Let’s pray Jasmine, give me your hands” my mum said. She held my hands and she prayed for few minutes, she didn’t ask for anything in particular, she just kept thanking God for what he has done and what he will do. She ended it with some of her favorite worship songs. Prayer is indeed powerful, not just because it gives victory alone, but because it gave me peace of mind that day.
I didn’t know when I slept off, it must be because of the drugs am taking, I woke up some minutes later. Dave was back from the doctor and they said I can see my baby when they are done with the test they are conducting him. One of the nurses came in with a wheel chair as we were still discussing.
“Are you ready to go to the neonatal ward?” the nurse asked
“Yes, I am” I replied enthusiastically
The doctors just finished examining him when we got there, they were in a serious discussion when I came in. my baby was placed in an incubator with several tubes and cuffs on his tiny fragile body.
“How is he doing?” I asked the doctors
“We can’t say anything for sure yet, we are still waiting for a specialist that was invited from another hospital, she will be here tomorrow morning” one of the doctors answered
“Can I hold him?” I asked
“No you can’t, he needs to be protected from germs and infection, that is why he is placed in that incubator.” The doctor replied
“Okay. At least I can see his face” I thought as I console myself.
I was there for like 15minutes just staring at his face, I wish I could hold him in my hands, he looks so fragile as well as cute.
“You can’t die on me. Okay” I whispered to him
“Please you have to go now” the nurse said
“Really, give me just 5 more minutes” I pleaded
“Okay” she said reluctantly
“He looks just like you” Dave said
“Are you sure?, I can’t really say who he looks like yet” I replied
“My grandchild looks so adorable” my mum said as she lay her hands on the incubator. She murmured some words, I guess she was praying.
We left the neonatal ward before the nurse could come and chase us out, and went back to my room.
“Mum you need to eat something, it’s almost 9pm” I said
“and you too Dave, you need to go and freshen up’ I added
“See who is talking, have you eaten too?” my mum responded
“Don’t worry about me, I have lost my appetite” I said
“Not on my watch, you have to eat something no matter how small” mum said
“Have you forgotten you just had a blood transfusion?, so you need to eat” she added
“Alright” I said reluctantly
“I will go out to the clinics restaurant and get you something to eat. Dave follow me and eat something too before you go back home” mum said
“Oh no am not going back home tonight, I will wait till tomorrow morning” Dave said
“What! Dave you haven’t even bathed today, don’t worry about me, you need to rest and eat well too, remember you donated a lot of blood too” I said
“Don’t worry about me” he said
Dave won’t go home no matter how much I persuaded him to go and rest, my mum and I ate and she left for a nearby guest house to rest since it is only one person that can stay with me.
The doctor came in just before midnight, with a broad smile I can sense he has a good news to share, but what could the news be
“Dr. Femi why are you here at this hour, I thought you should be at home by now?” I asked
“Am on night duty, and I can’t even relax. Have been in the neonatal ward monitoring the baby, and then I noticed that his breathing pattern changed and ……..” he said
“And what does that means, is it a good thing?” I asked enthusiastically, I didn’t even allow him finish his statement
“Allow me finish my explanation, don’t rush” he replied laughing
“You are putting me in suspense doctor” I added
“Okay. So I went to call other doctors and we conducted another series of test and behold everything have changed , his lungs are normal, they look completely healthy , he is also breathing by himself now, no one can explain how it happened, infact some doctors are still in the ward arguing on the reality of what just happened.” He explained
“But I know this is nothing less than a miracle, and I thought of sharing it with you because I know you must be very worried” he added
“Wow! This God is wonderful, I can’t believe what you are saying, Are you absolutely sure?” I asked
“Of course am sure, but the specialist doctor that was invited will still be here tomorrow, she is a pediatrician and a Neonatologist. Everything should be finalized tomorrow” he said
“Let me go see my baby” I said as I tried to stand up from the bed, and then I woke up…..
It was just a dream, I was really angry when I woke up. The dream felt so real that I thought God finally gave me an undeserved miracle.
“God can never give an ingrate and an unfaithful child like you such miracle” that voice whispered in my mind again…..
To be continued
EPISODE 23
It’s one week after delivery, I have been discharged from the hospital, but my baby is still in the neonatal ward. Nothing has improved, the specialist doctor came as scheduled and they ran another series of test and it was confirmed that he is suffering from respiratory distress syndrome. And unless a miracle happens, he will not live long.
Today is the day am supposed to christen my baby, but how can I christen a baby that the doctors said will die soon.
Kemi came around yesterday, she just finished her industrial training in Portharcourt, and I was the first person she came to see. I already called her on the phone when I delivered, and she promised to pray for me and my baby, she has been a source of encouragement.
“Jasmine I want you to be positive, don’t give up now. The only time God confirms those who truly trust him is when we are faced with difficult situation. Just trust him” Kemi said after I have complained to her about how God have abandon me.
“It is easier said than done Kemi. I can also preach a 2hours message on trusting God always, I can even write a book on it. But until you are faced with challenges that are far beyond what you can overcome, you won’t really know how difficult it is to trust God.
“I know it is not easy. The bible even recorded it in John16:33, it says these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Kemi explained
“Jasmine, If I tell you I know how you feel, then I will be lying, because I don’t. But God knows how you feel. The bible says in Heb:15 for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” Kemi added
“Pastor Mrs kemi” I teased
“God has not forgotten you and he will never forget you, just trust him” Kemi said
“Okay Pastor” I replied
We went together to the neonatal ward to check on my baby, we were there for an hour. The doctors couldn’t promise anything, they had tried their best possible. Kemi prayed for the baby and we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch.
“Let me make you laugh Jasmine. Guess who called me last week?” Kemi asked
“Let me think” I replied as I cracked my brain to see who can call her that will make me laugh
“I can’t guess right now, my brain is blank. Just tell me” I said
“It is Bro Joseph” she said laughing
“Let me guess, he called to beg you and ask for forgiveness” I said
“Exactly, you guessed right. He said he still loves me…bla bla, and he can’t explain what came over him. He said it was the devils work and I should reconsider his proposal” Kemi said laughing
“Wonders shall never cease, when will humans stop blaming everything on the devil, devil this… devil that. Am sure devil will be dazed at the way we blame him for everything. Because most times it is our own selfish desire that is responsible for how mistakes, but instead of us to take the blame and repent, we will put the blame on devil” I said laughing
“So are you reconsidering is proposal?” I asked
“Reconsider what? God forbid, I should be awarded the most gullible lady on earth if reconsider such proposal” Kemi replied
“I trust you, I know you won’t disappoint me” I said
“I told him without mincing words that I deserve someone that will treat me like a treasure, someone that will make me his priority after God, not someone that will make me his last option” Kemi said
“It amazes me how Christian brothers of nowadays propose to three or four sisters at a time, they have turn relationship to a game of Whot” I said shaking my head
“This is what happens in a world where there is no fear of God” Kemi said
“I pray the lord will lead the right man to us when the time comes” I prayed
“Amen” kemi said
“Let’s just focus on having a right relationship with God, discovering and fulfilling our purpose and making God proud of us” Kemi added
“Hmmm…do you think God have a purpose for my life?” I asked
“What type of question is that Jasmine?, everyone have a purpose. If the trees and the tiny insect were created for a purpose how much more we human created in the image of God.” Kemi replied feeling disappointed with my question
“I think my life is too much of a mess to be used by God” I added
“God allowed the mess, so that you can have a message to inspire others. For without ‘MESS’ there can’t be a ‘MESSage’” Kemi said
“Wow! That is true. I guess you are right” I said
“So let’s start discovering our purpose” Kemi added
“Jasmine I wanted to ask you yesterday, but I forgot. When did you get married?” Kemi asked
“Married? Am not married” I answered
“I don’t understand want you are saying?” I asked
“Am talking about Dave, the hospital staff was referring to him as your husband yesterday and I got confused” she said
“Oh Dave, don’t mind those doctors” I said laughing
“Dave followed me to antenatal the first day I was here and they just automatically assumed that he is my husband. I wanted to correct the doctor that day, but Dave interrupted me and the rumor has been spreading since then” I explained
“Hmmm…I can smell love in the air “ Kemi teased
“Which love, stop your joke Kemi” I said shyly
“This is no joke, are you telling me you don’t know that Dave loves you?” she asked
“We are just friends, we have defined our relationship and moreover he has never said he loves me before” I said
“Action they say speak louder than words. It is crystal clear that he loves you” Kemi said
“Well, time will tell” I replied
“But what about you, do you love Dave?” she asked
“No I don’t love him, I just like him as a friend, and he has really been a reliable, loving, caring and wonderful friend” I said
“Okay, but be careful not to break each others heart” Kemi warned
“Have you heard anything about Samuels case?” I asked trying to change the subject of discussion
“Oh yes, he was sentenced to 5years imprisonment last week” Kemi said
“wow! I can’t believe Justice still exist in Nigeria, this should teach him and other rapist a lesson” I said
“I hope so, and I pray he repent of his sin too” Kemi said
“He couldn’t even complete his studies, he had one semester left” kemi added
“that’s true, I feel sorry for him, I wish he was able to finish school before he was sent to prison, that way he will be able to get a job when he returns from prison” I said sadly
“Why are you feeling sorry for him, am even happier that he didn’t finish school ,that will teach him more lesson” Kemi said
“Ah Kemi, you are not nice at all” I said
“He deserves worse than that Jasmine, I don’t feel sorry for that bastard. I hope it is not because he is the father of your son that is why you feel sorry for him?” Kemi asked
“Father my foot, my baby will never know that animal as his father” I replied angrily
“That is better” Kemi added
We went back to the guest house where I and my mum lodged, and Kemi went to her parents’ house. Dave came in the evening to check on me as usual. I told him about Samuel 5years imprisonment, and he was so happy
“Am so happy that justice was served” Dave said
“Am happy too, I wasn’t expecting justice to prevail, but it did” I said
“So have you been to the hospital today?” Dave asked
“Yes I was there with Kemi this morning, and it is still the same report, the doctor said he might die soon” I replied
“Which report do you want to believe, the doctor’s report or God’s report? “He asked
“I guess God’s report will be better” I answered.
“Of course God’s report is the best. He said in his word that he will not afflict us with the disease of the Egyptians, he said by his stripes we are healed” Dave said
“Note that the bible didn’t say by his stripes we may be healed, he said WE ARE HEALED. This means that healing is a sure deal for us, we just need to have faith” Dave added
“Okay, I believe” I said firmly.
Dave left few hours later, his mum called while he was still with me and she also spoke to me on the phone and encouraged me to be strong.
The next day, I went to the hospital as early as possible, there was quite a number of doctors in the neonatal ward and they were all surrounded my baby’s incubator. “What is happening here” I thought.
I tried to enter to check what was happening but one of the nurse stopped me at the entrance and when I asked her what was going on, she gave me the most shocking news of my life…..
To be continued
EPISODE 21
“We need to get her blood within the next 2-3 hours, or she will die” Dr. Femi said
“What can we do now?, we don’t have her blood type in our bank anymore . Let me go and talk to her husband about it” Dr. Johnson said as he leaves the operating room.
“Congratulation to the newest daddy in town, your wife delivered a baby boy” Dr. Johnson said as he shakes Dave’s hand
“Thank God, am so happy to hear the good news” he replied smiling
“So can I see the baby and Jasmine?”
“Not yet, there is a little complication” Dr. Johnson said
“Is Jasmine okay, hope nothing is wrong with Jasmine?” he cuts in before the doctor could even finish his explanation
“She’s alive for now, but she has lost so much blood even before she got here and she lost more blood during the CS too. Her blood type is one of the rarest and we have exhausted the little we have in our blood bank on her” Dr. Johnson explained
“what’s her blood type?” Dave asked
“her blood type is AB-“ he replied
“or are you AB-, or do you know any member of her family that is AB-?” the doctor asked
“Am AB-, that’s my blood type too” he said excitedly
“really!” the doctor said
“so what next now?” Dave asked
“we just need to confirm your blood type and check if you will be able to donate as much blood as we need “ Dr. Johnson replied
“she has less than 2hours,so go to the lab quickly and get tested” Dr. Johnson added
“Alright sir” Dave replied as he ran to the lab for the test.
Dave was tested and his blood was compatible with mine, he donated his blood for me and that is why I am still alive today. I gained consciousness the next day, and when I woke up it was as if I was in a different world, I felt relieved and light. I called my mum and told her I just delivered a baby boy, she was so surprised
“What!, you already delivered!” my mum exclaimed
“Yes mum, I delivered yesterday and am just calling you now because I just gained consciousness” I said
“have been trying your mobile number since yesterday, but it was switched off. Why didn’t you call me when you went to the hospital?” she asked
“I couldn’t call you, because I was rushed in as an emergency patient, I wasn’t in the state to call” I replied
“So how are you now, hope you and the baby is fine?” she asked
“Wait it’s not even 9month yet, does that mean you delivered prematurely” she asked before I could even answer the first question
“Yes we are both fine don’t worry. Though he is a premature baby but the doctor said everything will be fine” I replied
“Send me the address of the hospital you are in right away, I must get to that place today” she said
“Mum calm down, that is not necessary. I can take care of myself” I said
“Take care of yourself my foot, am coming there today” she said firmly
“Okay, if you insist, I will send the address as soon as I end the call” I assured her
Dave came in when I was still on the phone talking to my mum, he looks so exhausted. I was told he donated his blood for me and he has been around since yesterday that I was rushed in. the nurses kept chanting about how nice my husband is even though they didn’t know we weren’t married.
“how are you feeling Jas?” he asked as he held my hands
“am fine now, thanks to God and you, I was told you saved my life” I replied
“you really scared the hell out of me yesterday, I thought I was going to lose you or something” he said
“Thank God you are alive , am so grateful to God” he added
“God is good all the times” I said
“yes he is. Is it your mum you were speaking to the other time?” he asked
“I thought of calling her yesterday, especially when I got so scared, but I didn’t have her phone number. I had to call my mum in London to please pray for you, and luckily for us she was in a prayer meeting when I called her. God really does answers prayers” he said smiling, revealing those sparkling white teeth of his
“I thought men with big muscles like you are not scared of anything” I said teasing him
“It is not about big muscles o, even the mightiest warrior gets scared when the battle becomes ferocious and bloody” he said laughing
“Have you seen my baby?” I asked
“Not yet, they haven’t allowed me to see my baby ”he said jokingly
“when did the baby become yours?” I asked
“Don’t you know am the father” he replied jokingly
“Don’t you know everyone here thinks we are married, and the baby is mine? And am so enjoying the paparazzi” he said laughing
“You should have allowed me to correct Dr. Johnson the first time we came here. He is the one that started that assumption” I said
“And you supported the assumption too” I added
“And lets leave it like that till we leave here. Okay” he said
“Okay have heard, as if I have another option” I said
Four hours later, my mum called to tell me she was at the hospital gate already. I asked Dave to please help me direct her to my room.
“Good evening ma” Dave greeted
“Good evening Sir, are you the doctor?” my mum asked Dave
“No am not a doctor, am Dave Jasmine friend, she asked me to come pick you at the reception “ he replied
“Alright, thanks. So where is she?”
She brought my mum to my room, and mummy couldn’t understand why the nurses were addressing Dave as Mr. Adeleke when they were on their way to my room
“how are you my little flower” mummy said as she entered the room
“welcome mum, your trip was very first. I wasn’t expecting you till late in the night” I said
“I didn’t waste anytime, I just took my bag and drove here immediately” she replied
I explained everything to her, starting from the bleeding during my presentation to delivery the baby through CS and how I almost died because I lost so much blood and how Dave saved me.
“Talking about Dave, who is he” she asked whispering
“you’ve forgotten Dave, our neighbor and family friend when we were still living in Bodija” I said
“Dave, Dave Dave” she repeated the name
“I cant remember any Dave” she added
“Dave Olateju, son of Mr and Mrs Olateju” I said
“oh Dave the playful and stubborn young boy that we use to call your husband then” she said
“exactly” I replied laughing
“I thought they moved to UK then, so what his he doing in Nigeria?” she asked
I explained to her how we met, and how he has been of great help and a friend since.
“so why are they calling him Mr Adeleke? Because I heard one nurse calling him just before I entered the room now?” she asked curiously
“Well, he followed me the first time I came here for antenatal and the doctor that attended to us assumed that we were couples. I wanted to correct him but Dave interrupted me that day and since then, that have been thinking he is my husband. He has been here since yesterday and he was the one that signed the consent form and paid the bills as well” I explained to her.
“Wow that is so kind of him” mum said as Dave walks in
“You are welcome ma, hope your journey wasn’t too stressful?” Dave asked my mum
“Thanks Dave, it wasn’t too stressful. Jasmine was just telling me about you. I can’t even recognize you again, you’ve grown into a tall handsome man” she said
“How is mum and Dad?” she asked
“they are fine ma, they really miss your family when we first got to UK” he replied.
Dr. Femi walked in as we were discussing and catching up with old times
“Good evening ma’am “ Dr. Femi greeted my mum
“Are you Jasmine mum?” he asked
“Yes I am, hope no problem, how is the baby?” my mum asked
“ the baby is the reason why am here, he has been in the neonatal unit since yesterday and under close monitoring. And we have conducted several necessary test to make sure that he is fine, but…..” he said as he stampers
“But what?” we chorused…..
To be continued
EPISODE 22
“Am sorry to tell you that your baby’s lungs are immature because he was delivered before time, and this immature lungs can result into some complications such as Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pneumonia or Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)” the doctor explained
“Please what is the meaning of all this big words, can you please explain it to us in simple words that we can easily understand?” my mum asked
“Yes please, explain it in words that we can understand” I added
“’okay. In simple words, your baby might have difficulty in breathing, all those complications that I mentioned are all respiratory problems. Right now he is supported by a ventilator for breathing, but if a miracle doesn’t happen, he might die” he concluded
“Die? Is there no cure for the respiratory problems?” I asked
“Well, we are only certain of his lungs condition right now, we are still conducting several test to ascertain which of the respiratory problem the baby have. So until we diagnose his problem I won’t be able to say if there is a cure or not. But most of the respiratory problems associated with immature lungs have no cure” he explained
“Mum, is my baby going to die?” I asked crying
“No, he won’t die” she replied
“We could have prevented this premature delivery if you came for antenatal as scheduled” the doctor added
“That means it’s all my fault, if my baby dies then I killed him” I cried
“A miracle can happen, don’t give up yet. We doctors cares, but only God can cure” he said trying to comfort me
“mum my baby cant die, I haven’t even seen him yet, I haven’t cuddled him in my hand yet, neither have I given him a name, mum he can’t just die like that…..no he can’t die” I shouted as I detached my drip and the blood pressure monitor from my body.
“What are you doing?” the doctor asked
“Am going to see my baby right now” I replied as I stood up from the bed
“You can’t see him now, the doctors are attending to him and you are not strong enough to move about either. Please sit down and relax” he said as he and Dave held my hands, and made me sit on the bed
“I can’t just sit and do nothing, while my baby suffer alone” I cried
“Stop crying, crying will not solve any problem. Rather lets pray” my mum said
“Why should I pray mum? Why?” I cried
“I never wanted a baby, but God gave me anyway and I still decided to keep it and now he wants to take him away before I could even see him” I said angrily
“You can’t question God Jasmine, he is unquestionable. He gives and takes away without the need to ask for our permission” mum said
“If he knew he will take him away so soon, why did he allow him to be formed in the first place, why? Why mum?”
“God knows best, just trust him” she replied
“How can I trust a God that keeps making life difficult for me, how can I continue to trust a God that doesn’t understand how I feel?” I thought as I lay on the bed crying.
I couldn’t even say a word of prayer, all I feel now is bitterness and resentment towards God. Yes I resent him, how could he allow bad things happen to me his daughter, I just don’t understand. And now he is just sitting on his throne and allowing my innocent baby suffer too. I can forgive him for allowing me to suffer this much, but allowing my baby to suffer or taking him away from me I won’t forgive him.
“Maybe this is a blessing in disguise” a voice said in my mind
“No it can’t be” I told myself
“If the baby dies, you will be free, no baby, no worries” the voice in my mind said
“Devil keep quiet my baby won’t die, infact he can’t” I replied the voice
“Who are you talking to?” my mum asked
“No one, don’t mind me” I replied
“Jasmine, your baby won’t die, I believe God allowed him to be conceived because he has a great purpose to fulfill. The devil won’t be able to stop him” Dave said as he held my hand and console me.
“What if he dies? That means everything will be in vain” I asked
“He can’t die, am sure of it” Dave said firmly.
“Please can I ask you for a favor?” I asked
“Yes, anything” Dave replied
“Can you help me go and arrange how I can see my baby by all means, at least I need to see him before he dies, please”
“Okay, I will go see the doctor. But stop saying that he will die, he won’t die” he said
“God why didn’t you take him away earlier. if you knew that he wouldn’t live long, you could have staged a miscarriage or something” I thought. Different evil thought kept occupying my mind, I can’t just help it.
“Let’s pray Jasmine, give me your hands” my mum said. She held my hands and she prayed for few minutes, she didn’t ask for anything in particular, she just kept thanking God for what he has done and what he will do. She ended it with some of her favorite worship songs. Prayer is indeed powerful, not just because it gives victory alone, but because it gave me peace of mind that day.
I didn’t know when I slept off, it must be because of the drugs am taking, I woke up some minutes later. Dave was back from the doctor and they said I can see my baby when they are done with the test they are conducting him. One of the nurses came in with a wheel chair as we were still discussing.
“Are you ready to go to the neonatal ward?” the nurse asked
“Yes, I am” I replied enthusiastically
The doctors just finished examining him when we got there, they were in a serious discussion when I came in. my baby was placed in an incubator with several tubes and cuffs on his tiny fragile body.
“How is he doing?” I asked the doctors
“We can’t say anything for sure yet, we are still waiting for a specialist that was invited from another hospital, she will be here tomorrow morning” one of the doctors answered
“Can I hold him?” I asked
“No you can’t, he needs to be protected from germs and infection, that is why he is placed in that incubator.” The doctor replied
“Okay. At least I can see his face” I thought as I console myself.
I was there for like 15minutes just staring at his face, I wish I could hold him in my hands, he looks so fragile as well as cute.
“You can’t die on me. Okay” I whispered to him
“Please you have to go now” the nurse said
“Really, give me just 5 more minutes” I pleaded
“Okay” she said reluctantly
“He looks just like you” Dave said
“Are you sure?, I can’t really say who he looks like yet” I replied
“My grandchild looks so adorable” my mum said as she lay her hands on the incubator. She murmured some words, I guess she was praying.
We left the neonatal ward before the nurse could come and chase us out, and went back to my room.
“Mum you need to eat something, it’s almost 9pm” I said
“and you too Dave, you need to go and freshen up’ I added
“See who is talking, have you eaten too?” my mum responded
“Don’t worry about me, I have lost my appetite” I said
“Not on my watch, you have to eat something no matter how small” mum said
“Have you forgotten you just had a blood transfusion?, so you need to eat” she added
“Alright” I said reluctantly
“I will go out to the clinics restaurant and get you something to eat. Dave follow me and eat something too before you go back home” mum said
“Oh no am not going back home tonight, I will wait till tomorrow morning” Dave said
“What! Dave you haven’t even bathed today, don’t worry about me, you need to rest and eat well too, remember you donated a lot of blood too” I said
“Don’t worry about me” he said
Dave won’t go home no matter how much I persuaded him to go and rest, my mum and I ate and she left for a nearby guest house to rest since it is only one person that can stay with me.
The doctor came in just before midnight, with a broad smile I can sense he has a good news to share, but what could the news be
“Dr. Femi why are you here at this hour, I thought you should be at home by now?” I asked
“Am on night duty, and I can’t even relax. Have been in the neonatal ward monitoring the baby, and then I noticed that his breathing pattern changed and ……..” he said
“And what does that means, is it a good thing?” I asked enthusiastically, I didn’t even allow him finish his statement
“Allow me finish my explanation, don’t rush” he replied laughing
“You are putting me in suspense doctor” I added
“Okay. So I went to call other doctors and we conducted another series of test and behold everything have changed , his lungs are normal, they look completely healthy , he is also breathing by himself now, no one can explain how it happened, infact some doctors are still in the ward arguing on the reality of what just happened.” He explained
“But I know this is nothing less than a miracle, and I thought of sharing it with you because I know you must be very worried” he added
“Wow! This God is wonderful, I can’t believe what you are saying, Are you absolutely sure?” I asked
“Of course am sure, but the specialist doctor that was invited will still be here tomorrow, she is a pediatrician and a Neonatologist. Everything should be finalized tomorrow” he said
“Let me go see my baby” I said as I tried to stand up from the bed, and then I woke up…..
It was just a dream, I was really angry when I woke up. The dream felt so real that I thought God finally gave me an undeserved miracle.
“God can never give an ingrate and an unfaithful child like you such miracle” that voice whispered in my mind again…..
To be continued
EPISODE 23
It’s one week after delivery, I have been discharged from the hospital, but my baby is still in the neonatal ward. Nothing has improved, the specialist doctor came as scheduled and they ran another series of test and it was confirmed that he is suffering from respiratory distress syndrome. And unless a miracle happens, he will not live long.
Today is the day am supposed to christen my baby, but how can I christen a baby that the doctors said will die soon.
Kemi came around yesterday, she just finished her industrial training in Portharcourt, and I was the first person she came to see. I already called her on the phone when I delivered, and she promised to pray for me and my baby, she has been a source of encouragement.
“Jasmine I want you to be positive, don’t give up now. The only time God confirms those who truly trust him is when we are faced with difficult situation. Just trust him” Kemi said after I have complained to her about how God have abandon me.
“It is easier said than done Kemi. I can also preach a 2hours message on trusting God always, I can even write a book on it. But until you are faced with challenges that are far beyond what you can overcome, you won’t really know how difficult it is to trust God.
“I know it is not easy. The bible even recorded it in John16:33, it says these things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Kemi explained
“Jasmine, If I tell you I know how you feel, then I will be lying, because I don’t. But God knows how you feel. The bible says in Heb:15 for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” Kemi added
“Pastor Mrs kemi” I teased
“God has not forgotten you and he will never forget you, just trust him” Kemi said
“Okay Pastor” I replied
We went together to the neonatal ward to check on my baby, we were there for an hour. The doctors couldn’t promise anything, they had tried their best possible. Kemi prayed for the baby and we went to a nearby restaurant for lunch.
“Let me make you laugh Jasmine. Guess who called me last week?” Kemi asked
“Let me think” I replied as I cracked my brain to see who can call her that will make me laugh
“I can’t guess right now, my brain is blank. Just tell me” I said
“It is Bro Joseph” she said laughing
“Let me guess, he called to beg you and ask for forgiveness” I said
“Exactly, you guessed right. He said he still loves me…bla bla, and he can’t explain what came over him. He said it was the devils work and I should reconsider his proposal” Kemi said laughing
“Wonders shall never cease, when will humans stop blaming everything on the devil, devil this… devil that. Am sure devil will be dazed at the way we blame him for everything. Because most times it is our own selfish desire that is responsible for how mistakes, but instead of us to take the blame and repent, we will put the blame on devil” I said laughing
“So are you reconsidering is proposal?” I asked
“Reconsider what? God forbid, I should be awarded the most gullible lady on earth if reconsider such proposal” Kemi replied
“I trust you, I know you won’t disappoint me” I said
“I told him without mincing words that I deserve someone that will treat me like a treasure, someone that will make me his priority after God, not someone that will make me his last option” Kemi said
“It amazes me how Christian brothers of nowadays propose to three or four sisters at a time, they have turn relationship to a game of Whot” I said shaking my head
“This is what happens in a world where there is no fear of God” Kemi said
“I pray the lord will lead the right man to us when the time comes” I prayed
“Amen” kemi said
“Let’s just focus on having a right relationship with God, discovering and fulfilling our purpose and making God proud of us” Kemi added
“Hmmm…do you think God have a purpose for my life?” I asked
“What type of question is that Jasmine?, everyone have a purpose. If the trees and the tiny insect were created for a purpose how much more we human created in the image of God.” Kemi replied feeling disappointed with my question
“I think my life is too much of a mess to be used by God” I added
“God allowed the mess, so that you can have a message to inspire others. For without ‘MESS’ there can’t be a ‘MESSage’” Kemi said
“Wow! That is true. I guess you are right” I said
“So let’s start discovering our purpose” Kemi added
“Jasmine I wanted to ask you yesterday, but I forgot. When did you get married?” Kemi asked
“Married? Am not married” I answered
“I don’t understand want you are saying?” I asked
“Am talking about Dave, the hospital staff was referring to him as your husband yesterday and I got confused” she said
“Oh Dave, don’t mind those doctors” I said laughing
“Dave followed me to antenatal the first day I was here and they just automatically assumed that he is my husband. I wanted to correct the doctor that day, but Dave interrupted me and the rumor has been spreading since then” I explained
“Hmmm…I can smell love in the air “ Kemi teased
“Which love, stop your joke Kemi” I said shyly
“This is no joke, are you telling me you don’t know that Dave loves you?” she asked
“We are just friends, we have defined our relationship and moreover he has never said he loves me before” I said
“Action they say speak louder than words. It is crystal clear that he loves you” Kemi said
“Well, time will tell” I replied
“But what about you, do you love Dave?” she asked
“No I don’t love him, I just like him as a friend, and he has really been a reliable, loving, caring and wonderful friend” I said
“Okay, but be careful not to break each others heart” Kemi warned
“Have you heard anything about Samuels case?” I asked trying to change the subject of discussion
“Oh yes, he was sentenced to 5years imprisonment last week” Kemi said
“wow! I can’t believe Justice still exist in Nigeria, this should teach him and other rapist a lesson” I said
“I hope so, and I pray he repent of his sin too” Kemi said
“He couldn’t even complete his studies, he had one semester left” kemi added
“that’s true, I feel sorry for him, I wish he was able to finish school before he was sent to prison, that way he will be able to get a job when he returns from prison” I said sadly
“Why are you feeling sorry for him, am even happier that he didn’t finish school ,that will teach him more lesson” Kemi said
“Ah Kemi, you are not nice at all” I said
“He deserves worse than that Jasmine, I don’t feel sorry for that bastard. I hope it is not because he is the father of your son that is why you feel sorry for him?” Kemi asked
“Father my foot, my baby will never know that animal as his father” I replied angrily
“That is better” Kemi added
We went back to the guest house where I and my mum lodged, and Kemi went to her parents’ house. Dave came in the evening to check on me as usual. I told him about Samuel 5years imprisonment, and he was so happy
“Am so happy that justice was served” Dave said
“Am happy too, I wasn’t expecting justice to prevail, but it did” I said
“So have you been to the hospital today?” Dave asked
“Yes I was there with Kemi this morning, and it is still the same report, the doctor said he might die soon” I replied
“Which report do you want to believe, the doctor’s report or God’s report? “He asked
“I guess God’s report will be better” I answered.
“Of course God’s report is the best. He said in his word that he will not afflict us with the disease of the Egyptians, he said by his stripes we are healed” Dave said
“Note that the bible didn’t say by his stripes we may be healed, he said WE ARE HEALED. This means that healing is a sure deal for us, we just need to have faith” Dave added
“Okay, I believe” I said firmly.
Dave left few hours later, his mum called while he was still with me and she also spoke to me on the phone and encouraged me to be strong.
The next day, I went to the hospital as early as possible, there was quite a number of doctors in the neonatal ward and they were all surrounded my baby’s incubator. “What is happening here” I thought.
I tried to enter to check what was happening but one of the nurse stopped me at the entrance and when I asked her what was going on, she gave me the most shocking news of my life…..
To be continued
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