Minnesota NOW Times

Introducing my Fearless Baby Woman: Grace

By Chris Mitchell

I have become a fan of the Web site www.befearless.com. It is an informative, provocative site related to many women's issues. On this Web page, they pay respect to various "fearless women," many who have impacted the realm of women's rights in some significant way. They have many categories of women (campaign finance, civil rights, poverty and welfare, etc.,) There are a number of criteria that one must satisfy to be considered a "fearless woman" and I believe that my daughter has achieved that in her six short months of life. Because they have no category for phenomenal "baby women," I wanted to add one to this edition of the NOW Times.

So...meet Grace Mitchell. The first criteria talks about "effecting change beyond herself." Grace arrived in this world early and not by her choice. I had a large kidney tumor, unbeknown to anyone. In the 38th week of my pregnancy, the kidney began to hemorrhage, causing me significant pain. Thirty hours later, I underwent an emergency c-section and Grace arrived. In so many ways, her birth changed my life. Besides the normal changes like no sleep, a chaotic schedule, no sleep, no routine and no sleep, she truly taught me to embrace every day. Take on things I always wanted to be a part of. Demonstrate gratitude to those around me for all gestures, no matter how small.

The second criteria talks about "educating others about an issue, cause or situation." Without her birth, I would not have known about this kidney tumor until it ruptured. Such a situation could have been deadly. Because of her shifting as she dropped into the birth canal, she placed pressure on that kidney, which in turn caused the pain. Once she was taken c-section, the hemorrhaging stopped. I was able to go home for six weeks before I had to return to surgery to have my kidney removed. In that time, I was able to thoroughly research my condition, meet with surgeons, and come up with the best option
for me. She taught me how to balance my own needs with the needs of others (primarily her!)

The third criteria speaks to "inspiring others to think, speak or act." She most certainly did that. I read, and asked questions, and went to every Web site dealing with kidney related issues. I got connected with others who could offer information, support and assistance. I educated myself about other kidney ailments and began to support some of their organizations.

The fourth criteria addresses "taking risks-personal, professional or otherwise on behalf of an issue or cause." Grace arrived early, all 6.5 pounds of her to alert me to a potentially life threatening medical issue. The risk was to her and the cause was her mom, and we both came out OK.

The final criteria states "demonstrates that every individual makes a difference and can collectively change the world." Grace did change my world. I am here to enjoy it. It was her sweet face that helped me endure through a painful kidney surgery. After surgery, I developed blood clots in my lungs-a potentially life threatening circumstance. She saw me through that, too. Her presence has changed my world. Not to mention the worlds of my husband, her grandparents, her aunts and uncles and cousins. She truly seems like an angel to me. And to top it all off, she arrived on International Woman's Day. Now if that doesn't make her a "fearless baby woman," I don't know what does.

Mom and baby are doing well and also thank the fearless women who helped them along this journey: mom, Lisa, Emily, Cathy, Mechelle, Colleen, Anita, Robin, Dana, Lori, Ronda, Heather, Dotti, DaNeil and many, many more.

Remember: Be Fearless.