Tuesday, March 2, 2010

I Met a Strong Woman Today

Today was one of those days that really make you think. I had to go on a transport to a local hospital to pick up a baby because that hospital didn't have a neonatal ICU. I packed my things and headed out in the ambulance. On the ride over the nurse filled me in on the background of the mother.

She was 21, and had been in the military. While serving in Iraq she was brutally raped by one of her fellow soldiers. And by brutal I mean that she suffered several broken bones and a pelvis that was fractured in multiple places. She'd had several surgeries for her injuries. This caused a lot of scarring that made for a difficult delivery. The baby was born by C-section and was having some respiratory distress.

After getting the baby settled in the transport isolette, we took her to see her mom one more time before heading on the road. As I watched her holding her little girl's hand I couldn't help but wonder what I would have done in her situation. Would I have been able to keep a daily reminder of that brutal act? No one would have faulted her if she would have given it up, or even chose not to have it.

I'm not sure what decision I would have made, and I'm very thankful that I don't have to.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Holy crap! The Hubster was in the military and one of the guys in another service brutally raped one of female soldier. It's so crazy to think that they are supposed to be comrades, brothers in arms, but some people just don't see it that way.

Anonymous said...

Was the soldier prosecuted by the military? I am not familiar with the military and how they take care of such things.

Sarah said...

I wish I knew what happened to the guy....I hope something terrible!

Amoco said...

My God that is at once one of the most devastating and inspiring stories I've heard. She must have a heart full of love and a constitution of titanium to be able to look past how the child came into the world. I don't think most people could keep it. I think I would probably have to put the child up for adoption but I don't know. Love triumphs all.

Kristan said...

All I can say is wow. Heartbreaking, appalling, and yet inspiring, at the same time.

JackeeG4glamorous said...

The bond between mother and child is strong. The love one has for that offspring knows no bounds and to give it up to a better life is truly a self less act. To keep it, love it and care for it all of your remaining days is too. Perhaps that was her tailsman all through out her recovery from an awful situation. God Bless them both.

JackeeG4glamorous said...

Oops, I meant, talisman. my bad.

Mimi's Toes said...

How awful to go through such a senseless attack. She does sound like a very strong women to have the baby and go through what she did. I hope they put that monster in a hole and shoveled the sand on top of him. He should be imprisoned for life, cause she will be scared for life..he deserves the same.