It was 15 years ago. I remember we were on our way to the hospital. It was time for my third child to arrive in this world. That day, I remember we have to swing by my wife's sister to pick her up. We needed her help in taking care of Josh and Deirdre. Just like two previous occasions of her pregnancy, I expected a long wait outside the deliver room. As we approach my wife's sister's house, I noticed one of the street's name called Aemes. For some reason, that name got stuck in my mind.
We arrived at the hospital and she was quickly wheeled into the delivery room. Now the long wait has started. But after half an hour or so, the doctor emerged from the room and calmly informed us that it was false alarm. "Too early, go home", she said, to our disappointment.
She finally came out two days later. She was beautiful. She actually look like her sister Deirdre when she was still a baby. She has round face, round head and few thin hair. She was in peace and sleeping not mindful of the other baby's around her in the nursery. Her doctor says she's going to be fine which was a welcome news to us.
We have decide much earlier that we will name her Veronica Nicole. But later added Aemes (as in the street name). So it came to Veronica Aemes Nicole. Such a long name, I thought. I am sure she would hate us when she will soon start to write her name.
But our celebration was brief as I got a call a day later. There was something wrong. The doctor said that she started to look pale and having difficulty in breathing. They need to perform some test and was immediately put in an incubator and was isolated. Later on the doctor told us that Aemes has a Congenital Heart Disease. I didn't know what that was then, but sure sounds scary. After the doctor explain what it is, and that the chances of Aemes to live is next to impossible, my heart sunk.
All I wanted at that point was to see her. And I did. When i saw her, she was awake but it was obvious she was in pain. Her breathing was heavy. I offered my hand and she gamely grab it tightly and somehow wanted to say something. I felt she wanted to get out of the incubator. I didn't want to leave but the doctor said I have to.
The next day, Aemes needed a blood transfusion. I was immediately tested and it was a match. I don't remember how much blood they took but it was a lot as I felt weak afterwards. The transfusion made her feel better.
But not for long. Veronica Aemes Nicole died on the third day. She only lived for three days but it was the longest three days of my life.
