Meeting of the Possibles

Tonight we had a very special visit from our friend Kim and her son William. To her friends and loved ones, Kim is known as "Kim Possible" after the superhero and cartoon character. Her nickname suits her well: She is simply amazing.

By day, Kim is an elementary school teacher. Because she likes children so much, Kim also spends a few weekends a month working at Pottery Barn Kids.

We met Kim in a way that makes me a strong believer in fate. One Saturday a few weeks after we learned of Claire's diagnosis, we headed to the mall to get Brad's watch fixed. When we arrived there, Brad's watch started working again. We thought about returning home, since the purpose of our trip had been accomplished. Having nothing better to do with our day, however, we ultimately decided to stay and walk around.

At first, we were hesitant to go into Pottery Barn Kids. Before learning of Claire's diagnosis, I had spent hours on potterybarnkids.com looking at nursery decor. I had picked out several bedding sets that I liked and had begun thinking about cribs, changing tables, bookshelves, and gliders. With the uncertainty of Claire's future weighing heavily on my heart - we had been told by doctors that Claire could be stillborn and may not live past the neonatal period - I was afraid of making any plans for Claire's future. I thought about how painful it would be to have to return items, unopened and unused, five months in the future if our worst fears were to come true. Still, I couldn't help myself.

Walking into the store, we were surrounded by moms to be, beaming with pride and brimming with excitement as they planned their dream nurseries. I was envious of their oblivion, jealous of their ability to enjoy their pregnancies without being burdened by thoughts of their child's mortality.

Just as I was wondering "why me," Kim approached me and asked if I was interested in starting a registry.

"No, thank you," I replied, trying to muster a polite smile.

"But every child needs a nursery," Kim offered.

As kind as she was, I felt as though I owed it to Kim to explain why I wasn't interested in registering. I sat down in one of the comfy gliders on floor display and told her all about Claire - about her diagnosis, about the doctors' prognoses, and about our own fears and worries. I probaby gave her more information than is socially acceptable to share with a perfect stranger, but somehow, it just felt like the right thing to do.

Kim smiled warmly and said, "I have a congenital heart defect. When I was born, my parents were told I wouldn't live to be three months old, and if I did, I would never make it past a year. I'm forty-one years old, and I'm still here." She proceeded to share her story with me.

Thanks to Kim, I decided that day that I owed it to Claire to enjoy my pregnancy and to plan for her future. I registered for a beautiful nursery bedding set, a handsome crib and changing table, and a comfy glider. I started making plans for her and celebrating every moment of her existence.

Since that day, my friendship with Kim has grown. She affectionately calls Claire "Claire Possible," reminding me that Claire already has (and will continue to) exceed all expectations. She has showered Claire with beautiful gifts and made her homecoming extra-special by putting pink balloons on our mailbox the day Claire was released from Duke.

You can see why Kim's visit today was extra special. Kim Possible met Claire Possible. I hope it will be the first of many such meetings.

I can never thank Kim enough for all she has done for Claire and for our family. Perhaps Claire can help us repay our debt of gratitude in snuggles.