The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 82 - Naming over Dinner

"Not really. He told me he'd done some repair work and taken some measures to try to stop the bleeding, but he didn't tell me what specifically he'd done to accomplish that," Greg said.

Susan nodded. "The stitches are giving me scar tissue on the one last area of my uterus that was previously scar-free. He strongly suggested that we make Melody my last baby because of that."

"I fully agree," Greg said.

"Then what would you think ... Greg, do you think it would be a sin for me to consider getting my tubes tied?" Susan asked her husband in a wondering tone.

"Why would it be?" Greg asked curiously.

"Because of the first commandment ... I thought maybe it might be."

"Susan, the first commandment says to be fruitful and multiply. We have done that, both with our previous partners and now together. We have amply fulfilled that part of the commandment. The rest of it is implied but is generally held to include not only bringing new life into the world, but also raising it to become responsible and God fearing men and women," Greg told her. "Protecting your life is a big part of that. Your children need you, and so do I. If Dr. Daniels made his suggestion with that in mind, then I don't mind and I don't think the Lord will either," Greg told her. "But it must be your decision."

Susan looked down at Melody as he discussed it with her.

"Is that something you'd like to do?" he asked when she made no comment.

"I don't know. I'm thinking about it, but I haven't decided. I know most forms of birth control aren't options for us, and I think we need it, so maybe," Susan said.

"What about the pill?" Greg asked.

"I can't take the pill because it causes my fibroids to increase in size," she reminded him.

"We have discussed this before," Greg realized.

Susan nodded. "So anyway, that was one of the things we talked about."

"Did he make comment on your recovery other than the fact you're still bleeding?"

"Yes. He gave me a vitamin K shot to help boost my clotting ability, and one of immunoglobulin to boost my immunity. He says as long as I'm bleeding as I am, I'm at increased risk for infection. Because of that, he wants me to put off doing any additional exercise for another two weeks or until a week after my bleeding is half what it currently is. I'm supposed to call him if that doesn't happen inside of two weeks or if I start running a fever," Susan said. "The one positive thing he did say was he thinks my current level of activity is okay, but that I should pay attention when I'm feeling tired to know when I've done too much."

"Like you are today," Greg recognized.

"Yes. He also wants me to keep nursing Melody as often as possible as that will help with the bleeding."

Greg sighed considered his wife's struggle first with her pregnancy, then with Melody's delivery, and now with her recovery. "You know, this whole experience has been much harder on you than I ever dreamed it would be. I know you tried to tell me this before, but I simply didn't understand what you were saying. I had no frame of reference for understanding, not even after your miscarriage."

"I know, Greg. I don't blame you," Susan told him. "In fact it wasn't until we went through this together that I realized how incredibly wonderful you are and how blessed I am to have you for my husband and as the father for one of my children. You've stayed by my side every step of the way. You've supported me more fully than I ever knew was possible."

Susan looked up from the baby and into her husband's face with an expression of pure love which exuded from somewhere deep inside her. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, both for giving me Melody and for helping me bring her into the world. I know she was a gift from the Lord, but I can't help but feel we had a hand in seeing His will fulfilled in regards to her."