God's abundant grace

Gonna give this a whirl now.  The past 48 hours have definitely redefined my understanding of love, pain, fear, trust, faith; I could go on and on.  Like so many experiences in life that people tell you about beforehand, the birth of your child "changes everything".  Add to that some special circumstances and here I am in awe of God's grace for my life.
We have been waiting in anticipation for our daughter Esther's birth.  We have known all along the likelihood of significant complication and potential disaster.  Somehow God has given us peace and comfort throughout our journey.
April 11, 2012 we admitted Rhonda into university of Washington hospital around 4:30 in the afternoon.  We were both anxious and excited.  Several doctors and nurses greeted us with joyful anticipation of Esther's birth.  Except one.  I will call him Dr. Reality Check.  He had a very difficult reminder for us.  Our little girl had a very poor chance of surviving outside the womb.  Her defect is quite severe involving multiple organs including the liver.  Previous ultrasounds did not show enough lung tissue for her to breathe on her own and likely not with a ventilator either.
Somewhere along the way we had allowed ourselves to believe Esther's big struggle would be later on.  That stabilization and transfer to Seattle Children's Hospital were a given.
Rhonda's labor advanced very rapidly with induction treatments and all were caught off guard when she progressed from 4cm dilation to 8 1/2cm over the course of just an hour or so.
Before we new it Rhonda was pushing and two large teams of doctors, specialists and nurses were surrounding us.  I did not look at the clock but believe she pushed for about 20-30minutes before Esther arrived.
Two small cries came from her mouth and I praised the Lord for his grace.  The team of intensivists whisked her away as I followed in tears and full of fear for this next step.  The previous night Dr. Reality Check had prepared me for this moment.  He had made me aware of the seriousness and potential of what would or could happen in this room.
As we rushed through the doors I began to pray asking God for grace, for His favor upon his child.  A child he had chosen Rhonda and I to care for.
The next moments were terrifying.  She was not "doing well" according to the doctor and they needed to insert the breathing tube immediately.  The next seconds were crucial and they were having difficulty placing the tube.  Again the doctor reminded me "she is not doing well".  Assuming he was fishing for a response, all I could do was look him in the eyes questioningly.  My thoughts "what are you going to do about it?", but no words.  He understood.  Then a team member called she had secured the airway.  The doctor moved in and confirmed.  Esther's heart rate dropped.  The doctor called to start chest compressions.  The dam broke.  I couldn't contain myself.  My daughter was slipping away.  I continued to pray.  Her heart rate returned.  The doctor called me to the bedside and told me "hold her hand and talk to your daughter.  She will recognize your voice."
I moved to the table, put my index finger in her hand and told her "papa is here Esther, and Jesus is holding you in His arms."  She opened her eyes and looked up at me with strength and courage that I could only attribute to God's grace.
Things became a bit blurry, I was overwhelmed by God's presence, and my love for His daughter.  The team worked with quickness and surety preparing Esther for the trip she should not have been making to the NICU.
The next several hours were no less heart wrenching and filled with fear, but God's grace prevailed!  Esther made it to Seattle Children's hospital around 9:30.  The next part I will have to pick up later.  It is late, I want to look at Esther and say goodnight a second grace given night.
Thank you to all who have called upon the Lord God in Jesus name on ours and Esther's behalf.  He hears and has extending abundant grace beyond measure.  For that I cry Abba Father.