The miracle of birth took on an incredible dimension for me on Jan. 7, 2019, with the birth of my grandchild.

My daughter Elise’s labor was progressing, and the morning was so calm that her husband David, my daughter Victoria and I took a nap.

My husband walked in, snapped a picture and told our world that Elise’s labor coaches were asleep on the job.

Not long after, while Victoria and I were taking a walk, we received a text from David that Elise would have an emergency Caesarean section due to a prolapsed cord.

Victoria and I hurried back to the room while an alarm sounded, nurses were attending to Elise, and her doctor skidded to a stop to grab the end of the bed and roll it to the operating room.

Another doctor ran past us as I began to absorb the reality of what was happening. Urgent prayers took flight, and I quickly sent text messages asking for others to pray, too.

Minutes later (but it seemed like days), we were told that mom and baby were fine.

David went to see Elise, while Victoria and I stalked the halls, and were rewarded when a nurse appeared with the baby.

We didn’t ask the sex, but snapped a couple of photos to send to the waiting room to assure those gathered that all was well.

Soon after, David joined us, and we went to the lobby so that we could record his “It’s A Girl!” announcement.

Emma Kate Southwick’s entrance was dramatic, and her precious life loved beyond measure.

When I think of the circumstances of her birth, I thank God for the invitation in Hebrews 4:16.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.