New Life

The Coronavirus has cancelled a lot of our plans, but it can’t cancel our hope, nor can it stop us from sharing in our friends and families’ happiness.

As I write this reflection, Thais – a longtime friend who I met through my community at Church – is in labor at a clinic in Westwood, N.J., where she has been texting me with updates. “The baby’s heartbeat went down to 90...my blood pressure got really high and my oxygen levels went down...they put me on oxygen...now I’m okay.” 

Though I can’t visit her at the hospital, I can still pray for her, send her notes of encouragement, and share in her happiness. The moment is coming when, after nine long months, she will finally get to see her baby girl, Nova’s, face. And I can’t be upset or sad about that. 

Texts between Thais, Katherine and I, a few hours before she gave birth.

Nova Liyah Mena Rodriguez is embraced by her father. She is a symbol of hope, of new life, during this time.

My mom is currently six months pregnant and due in July. I am hoping, above all else, that I will be able to visit her after she gives birth and see my baby brother in his first days of life. Whether or not I get to see my brother in his first days, I won’t be anything but happy because I know that a new life will have been brought to Earth.

These are some of the items that await my baby brother.