The Story Of David Paul Harris

The story of David Paul HarrisIt was April 2, 2007 when Gina and Rob learned they were expecting a baby. The first thing they did was pray, “Lord, please play a significant role in the life of our child. We want our child to know you and to make a difference for you in his life.” For the next few weeks and months Rob and Gina were like any other normal set of expecting parents. They were making their predictions on whether it would be a boy or a girl. Rob of course thought it would be a boy and Gina was sure it would be a girl. On the 20th week of the pregnancy the suspense was over, they were having a boy! Of course they were excited and they immediately went out and purchased little boy outfits and little boy things. Two weeks later, the expecting parents received some bad news. “There is something wrong with your baby’s kidneys and we need to see you immediately.” Gina and Rob were at a loss for words and their minds began racing. They called all of their friends and family and asked for them to pray for the situation. They were unaware of the severity of the whole situation. The next day, Rob and Gina went to the doctor’s office and received the entire diagnosis after their ultrasound. “Your baby does not have kidneys, and he will not live after birth.” Of course, Gina and Rob were devastated. During their 20 week ultrasound when they identified the baby’s gender; the doctor noticed a lack of amniotic fluid. The diagnosis that their little David Paul received was called Potter’s Syndrome. Potter’s Syndrome is a name for the condition babies have regarding the lack of development or function of their kidneys. The baby swallows the mother’s amniotic fluid in the beginning stages of development and then urinates it out. Through this process, the anatomic formation of the lungs occurs. The process of swallowing and urinating is the process God designed for babies and the development of their lungs. When babies receive this diagnosis, they usually pass away in the womb or shortly after birth because of respiratory failure. Over 95% of women who have babies diagnosed with this condition terminate the pregnancy, but Gina and Rob wanted to give their baby every chance for survival. He was alive. His heart was beating. He was moving and growing and not experiencing any pain. They wanted to experience everything they could with him. After the initial diagnosis, Rob and Gina sought out medical advice from all over the country. They searched high and low in order to find a cure or any success stories of babies surviving this condition. They found nothing. They began to realize that the only way for their baby to survive would be through a miracle. They were torn on how to pray. Should they fully believe in a miracle, or should they prepare for their baby to not make it? In Matthew 26:39 they saw how Jesus prayed shortly before the crucifixion. He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” They knew that nothing is impossible with God. He could provide a miracle and give their baby lungs and kidneys. They also knew that God had a will for their lives, including their baby’s life. Daily they prayed for a miracle, but also the strength to accept what God’s will was for their baby, even if it meant the baby would not survive.It was 34 weeks into the pregnancy and Gina began having contractions. They would finally be able to say “hello” to David Paul, but also knew they would most likely be saying “goodbye” in the same breath. At 3:25 am on October 25, 2007, David Paul was born, but did not make it through the birth process. He knew nothing of the outside world. All he ever knew was the warmth of his mother inside his little world and the presence of God. He was perfect in every way. By looking at him, there would have been no way of knowing that such a sweet baby had such a fatal diagnosis. Rob and Gina spent three and a half-hours holding him and loving him. There came a time when he no longer looked as if he were sleeping and they knew they needed to let him go. He was now experiencing the perfect peace of heaven and in the arms of God the Father. THE MEMORIAL SERVICE WAS AMAZING!