Hannah Elizabeth

by Karen Crook

On March 28, 1997 our (only "to be") daughter, Hannah was stillborn. All the
planning did not prepare us for this tragedy. My husband and I were happy to
become pregnant at age 39 & 40. We were planning a very special place for
Hannah Elizabeth. I was 37 weeks and thought I was in labor so went to the
doctor. The did the usual "quick" check up only to find that they could not
find a heartbeat. To make a long story short. I had an emergency C-section
due to an aprubted placenta. Our beautiful baby Hannah weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz.
and was 20 1/2 inches. Words cannot express all the feeling and emotions
that I have felt since our loss. My husband wrote this poem that comes from
his heart and expresses many of the feeling I am not yet to express.

This is dedicated to all the Mom's (especially first time Mom's) who have
lost their child due to stillbirth.

To Hannah Elizabeth, March 28, 1997

The test paper turned blue.
The doctor agreed, another
miracle of nature,
we had conceived

Phone calls to relatives
through tears of pride
Bursting with happiness
yet reserved inside.

We breathed a little deeper
when test results did show
a healthy baby girl,
with much room to grow.

The name book was perused
like pages in a planner.
Our precious daughter,
her name would be Hannah.

Dreams led us to imagine...
chin like dad, eyes like mom?
athletic?...musical?...
What would you become?

We knew you'd like reading
'cause we like it too.
I read you your first book,
"Guess how much I love you"?

We felt you on Christmas
for the very first time
I'd pitter-patter mom's stomach,
you'd send me a sign.

Mom's breastfeeding, Dad's bootcamp
yes, we were prepared.
Your nursery was the foundation
for the good times we'd share.

Days turned to weeks
as you kicked and turned
Patience and faith
is what we learned.

The phone call at work,
Will she be early?
"They can't find a heartbeat,
get down here....hurry!"

All at once, no,
quicker it seemed.
A joyous occasion
was a shattered dream.

Now time stands still
as we hold onto each other
Your presence is felt
in my love for your mother.

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