18 years ago, July 31, 1990. My daughter, Elizabeth Carole, was born. She was actually due on our anniversary, August 20. But, she had other ideas and arrived on July 31 by c-section.

Right after hearing the 8 and 9 Apgar scores we were thrilled and began making phone calls.

Shortly thereafter, I couldn't get her to stop crying and she was awfully purple. We told the nurse we would like someone to examine her ... they did and, lo and behold, CODE BLUE to THE DELIVERY AREA!

After what seemed like forever, our pediatrician, Dr. Thomas Meier, came in with tears in his eyes and said our new baby had a 40% chance to live and that was putting it high. She had been diagnosed with "persistent fetal circulation." Not only that but she was now in the NICI on life support and in a drug-induced coma because she kept trying to pull her IVs out!

Day after day, she had new problems from one or both of her lungs filling with fluid and collapsing to her heart needing a shot to close a valve that normally closes when they are born. They hoped she would be weaned off life support and her body would have learned how to breathe on its own. However from the high levels of O2 and possible brain damage from the lack of it in the beginning, we were told she probably wouldn't walk, talk, be able to see etc.

However, things began taking a big turn for the better! The ICU nurses made a huge sign with her name on it. Staff members came and asked if it was alright to pray for her. A Catholic priest and a Rabbi came too. We told them we wouldn't turn anybody down who wanted to help us with our new little girl. The outpouring was wonderful!

We only lived a mile away at the time so I snuck in there when ever I could. It was incredibly hard to be home without newest member of the family (we also had two other children, ages 15 months and 4).

Finally, one morning when Dr. Meier and I were having our usual morning over-the-phone meeting about Elizabeth, he said, "How would you like to take Elizabeth home?”

I nearly jumped out of my skin! We got the whole family together and went to pick her up! Saying thank you just didn't seem like enough for all that they had done for us.

Elizabeth today ... Just graduated from Stoughton High School and not only walks, talks and can see ...She sings like a angel and will be attending UW-Lacrosse majoring in Musical Theater. She has won many awards over the years for her voice both in state and out. She has even traveled to Europe for her singing. Our greatest fears were put to rest and she has gone beyond anyone’s expectation. She is very much a Meriter miracle!

This is only one of the reasons I'm going back to school to be a nurse. Thank you for your wonderful staff and their dedication - we will never forget it.
(mama) Leslie