The day Louisa was born was significant for Nate and me, because she came to us after a tubal ligation… and reversal. Shortly after Nate and I turned 40, we decided it would be wise not to have any more children.
We already had four sons and one daughter, ages 3 to 13, and were “over the hill” in terms of baby-bearing years. Our home was busy, and we were thankful for our big family. When a hernia necessitated surgery for me, we decided to have a tubal done simultaneously. The two surgeons worked in tandem, and when it was all over, life continued to rush forward at a happy pace.
A year or so later, however, I found myself unable to sleep, churning over our decision to become sterilized. Nate and I had recognized each of our children as a valuable gift from God, yet we’d said, by the tubal, “No more of these blessings, Lord. Thanks, but no thanks.”
After four months of thinking, praying and talking to doctors, we had the tubal reversed. The microsurgeon who did it couldn’t understand why we wanted more children, but we didn’t see it that way. All we were doing was putting the matter back into God’s hands after mistakenly taking it into our own. Whether or not we had more children would be up to him, not us. After all, he was the Author of life.
The day Louisa was born, one family member was especially elated. Linnea, sandwiched between four brothers, had prayed for a sister every night for eight years. At age 11, she was close to giving up, but that’s when Louisa came along, the fulfillment of a little girl’s dream.
The day of the birth, Nate wanted to tell the kids of her arrival one-on-one. He especially hoped to see Linnea’s reaction to getting a sister. He drove from the Chicago hospital to her school in Arlington Heights where she and her pals were on the playground after lunch. Since we’d left for the hospital before school, the children all knew our new baby would arrive before the end of that day. Linnea took one look at Nate walking onto the playground and raced over to hear the news.
When he said, “You have a sister!” she and all her friends began screaming and jumping up and down as a unit, rejoicing over her good fortune. As Proverbs says, “The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul.” (13:19) Louisa’s arrival was sweet to all of us. Best of all, she was God’s response to putting our family size back into his capable hands. During the time when I was sterile, we often wondered whether or not God wanted to send us another little somebody to raise. When Louisa was born, we got our answer.
Today she turned 22, and I can’t imagine life without her. She’s a family-loyal person, deeply appreciative of each relationship, working to keep them current. And it’s my great joy to watch her relationship with the Lord deepen as the days pass. Although she’s been hit with numerous physical and emotional traumas in the last few years and might have railed against God because of them, she’s chosen to draw closer to him instead. In turn, her faith has deepened. For me, there is no greater pleasure than watching this unfold.
God truly was good to us on April 28, 1988.
“Who is like the Lord our God? He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.” (Psalm 113:5, 9)
Louisa is a strong great girl,remembering a time when she and I baked chocolate chip cookies at your moms house one new years eve and we both came down with tummy flue afterwards….. Had a lot of fun though!!!:-)
Happy Birthday Louisa!!!! This is silly, but my time with both Louisa and Birgitta as newborns in my teen years convinced me that I could be a good mommy to babies 🙂 I loved helping you with them SO MUCH– What cherished memories they are for me. As I have had my own babies, I know that the experience with those girls helped me so much, I still have a “gift” for the newborn stage— however, the 2-3 year old stage is one that nothing could have prepared me for!!!!!! Much Love to you all 🙂
For me it was fun to find a “cousin” in the states who was the same age as myself, and even that close so we were both born in April, 1988 =). Just 27 days apart, and Happy birthday “twin”!!
Happy Birthday, Louisa. I remember you telling me about your decision to have your surgery reversed and how the doctor couldn’t believe how easily your tubes went back together – like they had never been cut. Such a great God story. Enjoy celebrating!!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Weezi! Aren’t you glad your mother listened to God’s voice? I surely am! Enjoy your day. This celebration will be different. While it will be sad in some ways, this year especially, you’ll be able to think a lot about what an amazing earthly father you had and what a loving, all-powerful heavenly Father you have!
Thank you so much for sharing your children with us one at a time. After we left Moody, we didn’t have the weekly ‘Nyman experience’. It’s a joy to learn about each one of them. Happy Birthday, beautiful Louisa.
Wow, what a wonderful birth story. Happy birthday to Louisa! Call me CRAZY, but I often wonder also if our family is complete or if there’s someone else … 🙂
A wonderful story about a very pretty young lady. I hope to meet her, and the rest of the “kids”, someday, now that I feel like I know so much about them.
Happy Birthday Louisa!
I do remember one of your physical traumas when your leg was in a cast your sophomore year.
Lord, this is one who even at a young age has been through the fire, yet You are bringing her forth as gold. Give her hinds feet for high places as she continues to seek You in blessing and in pain. Make her fruitful both in the life of her spirit and in her influence on those she encounters. Amen.
Great story, Margaret.
Love,
Terry
Hooray for Weez! One of a kind for certain.
Happy Birthday, Louisa! You are a wonderful young lady!
BELATED HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Louisa!! You are such a beautiful young lady and it is may pleasure to have the privelege of you in our extended family here in Fla. (I just got around to reading emails from the past couple days). May God bless you in all your life endeavors1
A bit belated but Happy Birthday Louisa. What a blessing you are to your Mom!
Margaret, I was searching for a Bible verse to put on my blog and decided this was the perfect one. Thanks for highlighting it! Btw, I still read your blog every day and am blessed by it, even if I do not comment often. 🙂 Blessings on you!
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