The Rest of the Story… November 18, 2009
article by Lauren Neal, for Melissa Twitchell; photo by John Twitchell
I wanted to give the “rest of the story”, for Melissa. As you will see below, God has done a miraculous work in her (and John’s life) in the past weeks. God has fulfilled her desire to become a mother, as well as, more than she could have thought to ask for. She sent an email out to some of us, a week or so before delivering sweet baby Jackson, outlining some of her impending fears. She used that email to show how God answered each and every one of her fears, and then some! Isn’t He always that way?! Please read below how He worked in her life, and praise your God for how He works in your life, too!
Two weeks ago, I wrote you all with some unexpected circumstances and prayer requests. Tonight, I am writing to give an update on our situation and on those prayer requests.
Fear 1) The baby is able to stay in as long as feasible. If the baby comes early, the baby is born with no major complications and will be able to be with us and spend little time in the NICU.
Answer 1) Jackson was able to stay in 10 extra days and was born on Monday, 11/16 @ 1:24 AM. He spent a total of 36 hours in the Special Delivery Nursery (not NICU) with no major issues. He was able to come home with us yesterday and has already surpassed his birth weight (he’s now 5 lbs). Doctors & nurses are saying he is doing great.
Fear 2) We have peace about this surprise, really trust God and let Him handle the details and for us to “obtain” a parent mindset. I don’t exactly feel like a ‘Mom’ yet.
Answer 2) I was at peace with delivering Jackson 3-4 weeks early and especially so with the level of medical care we were receiving. I definitely am in Mommy mode and love my little guy in a way I can’t quite describe yet. John is ecstatic to have Jackson here and loves holding and taking naps (the few we can) with him.
Fear 3) Our moving will go smoothly and I, Melissa to be at peace with not being involved in it.
Answer 3) We were moved and moved quickly. My sister, Mindy was sent down from Alaska to help us for little over a week and John’s mom came for a day to help with the actual move. We were unpacked and had everything that “needed” to get done done before I was re-admitted into the hospital this last Saturday morning.
Fear 4) I, Melissa am able to finish up transition pieces at work tomorrow (using my laptop at the hospital) and be able to be finished with work for now.
Answer 4) I was able to go back to work for a few more days when I was discharged from the hospital last week. I was able to “finish” enough for me to be able to walk away for the next three months.
Fear 5) John interviewed for a great position this week. Pray that this is the job for John and we don’t need to worry about what this month early change might have on our savings and finances.
Answer 5) Today, John accepted an offer from this position/interview. This job has been a perfect job fit for him from the very beginning. The timing of every aspect of this job/interview process has been impeccable and only God’s doing. After a counter offer, he was offered what we needed and was given one extra week of vacation a year. John and I both agree that the extra week of vacation is so valuable and worth more than extra money. 
John starts Monday, November 30 so Jackson and I have him for a little bit longer here at home.
I know some of this is somewhat redundant with the other emails John & I have sent out. But when I went to send an email stating we were home and the news about John’s employment situation, I remembered this specific list I had sent out. After reviewing it, I am once again amazed and humbled at God’s provisions, timing and His ways of accomplishing His plans. I sit here and look at my sleeping son and it brought tears of gratitude and love for Him and for our friends and family who have been incredibly supportive of us during this time in prayer, words of encouragement and actions. Thank you again.
I met Melissa about a year ago, and was struck by her sadness over not being able to conceive. It is so obvious to me that she is truly one of God’s “Hannahs”. Her radiance over being a mother is so joyous. Congratulations Melissa and John!
This is such a HUGE story!!! What a powerful, moving testimony to the Lord! Melissa is indeed radiant – how blessed we all have been by her story!!
Thank you for sharing…