Beautiful Maya

If you're a friend of VP Monica Wihongi on Facebook, then you already know her wonderful news: Baby Maya arrived on Friday, May 6 in the wee hours of the morning. Mom, baby, dad Jody, and the six other Wihongi children are all doing great and I'm so happy for them all!

Maya is truly a miracle baby for Monica, and one who is truly an answer to prayer. I've been privileged to call Monica my friend and colleague for nearly 20 years. We met when she was just a teenager, and long before she was a mother to seven children. She is a person of great energy, passion, and ability to balance her professional demands with the priority of raising a family.

As each new Wihongi has entered the world, Monica and Jody have invited me into her hospital room. We share jokes, talk excitedly about the coming birth, and try to breathe through each contraction waiting for the baby to arrive. It's truly been an ultimate honor to share this special moment with my dear friend. But apparently, baby Maya had other plans. Monica phoned me from the hospital at 4:15 on Friday morning, urging me to hurry because Maya was practically running from heaven. I did my best, but by the time I arrived, Maya was already here and smiling in her mama's arms (born at about 4:45 in the morning!). And what a beautiful, peaceful, angel baby she is. (I think I'll even be able to forgive her for coming so quickly that I missed the actual delivery.)

Monica and I spent the morning just talking, taking pictures of the baby, and sharing our gratitude for the miracle of life that Heavenly Father is willing to grant us as parents. There is nothing like holding a sweet baby, fresh from heaven, in your arms to affirm that there is indeed a God and that He loves us all. To you, Monica, I wish you happiness, health and a quick recovery. I've loved you for years. And to you, Maya, beautiful Maya, well, I love you already!