2004 ... When it's all started

It started around April 2004, when we was called by my wife's doctor, Dr. Nadra Samaha, at her office at Vanguard Medical Associates of Burlington, MA. We were told that she is suspected something wrong about the baby, by ultrasound test, though she was very-very careful in her words, so that they will not create uneasiness on us, and extra pressure on my wife. We really thank Dr. Samaha for her dedication, friendliness, and superb treatment!

She asked us to go for another ultrasound test, at Boston Ultrasound Consultant at Brookline, MA. This clinic provides detail study through ultrasound test, more powerful one. The test is called Second trimester, for comprehensive (level 2) fetal survey, genetic sonogram, and amniocentesis guidance.

When result came out few days after, it's confirmed that the baby has hydrocephalus, but not only that, the baby also has extra fingers (digits) on both hands and legs, called hydrolethalus syndrome. Then, the golden question came from Dr. Samaha. We have to decide within 24 hours either to to keep the baby or to abort, since it's already late in pregnancy, and doctor think we might not be able to abort if we were taking too long to decide. And she told us the consequences of keeping the baby, as the baby might not be able to survive before delivery, right on delivery, few days of life, few months, or few years. She told us that some even live until 70 or 80, and all depend on luck, and God!

Can you imagine we have to decide between life or death of our long awaited baby? My wife, a very strong lady and mother, came into tears, right in front of Dr. Samaha. Later, we consulted our lovely Malay friends, Kak Laila, Kak Saerah, Kak Aida & Abg Azmi, Sabri & Kartini, and few others. They were very helpful, and mostly advised us to keep the baby, and lets Allah decide the fate of the baby, with His miracle.