John (Jack)Angus Chappell arrived in the early morning hours of February 2, 2013. This little guy is the baby of my little brother, Dan, and sister in law, Jess. The fact that he arrived healthy and whole is nothing short of a miracle. Early in Jess's pregnancy she had an ultrasound where a problem with their baby's heart was detected. The outcome was grim. Dan and Jess were told that the bottom two chambers of the baby's heart were not pumping blood. They were told that the baby would probably not live much longer, and they were sent home with very little hope. They did research on the internet about the problem that their baby had, and were discouraged. The best they could hope for was that the baby would live long enough to be delivered and that he would immediately have to have a pace maker put in at birth. Even with that scenario his life expectancy wasn't great. Appointments were made and specialists were called in to try to figure out the best approach for Jess's pregnancy going forward.
When Dan sent me a text telling me that they were having a boy, I texted back that I was so happy for them, and was happy that the Chappell name was being carried forward with another boy. With the birth of another boy in our family, my nephew Braxton could relax a little (Braxton at that time was the only boy in our family with the Chappell last name). The whole time I was texting Dan, he knew about the baby's heart condition, but he didn't say anything. When I learned of the problem from my mom, I felt horrible. It must have been like getting salt rubbed in a wound for my brother to be reading those words. I called to talk to apologize for my insensitivity, and to offer him support. He was heart broken, and so was Jess. Dan said that he had not wanted to worry the family, but I assured him that we were there for them, and that families are meant to support one another through difficult times.
The doctors had told Dan and Jess that there wasn't really anything that they could do for them until later in the pregnancy, so they were left hanging for several weeks. I'm not sure how far along Jess was, but I think she was about 25 weeks along when they were scheduled to meet with the high risk doctor for another ultrasound. The morning of the ultrasound, my brother had a vivid dream right before the alarm went off. He dreamed that he was sitting with our dad, Gus, and that our dad told him that he shouldn't worry about the baby because he was going to be just fine (I'm not sure of the wording my dad used, but when Dan told me about this dream, I thought that the words my dad used in the dream sounded just like the Gusty we all know and love). Dan woke up feeling as if everything was going to be okay. They arrived at the appointment, and the ultrasound revealed just a slight murmur in the baby's heart beat, but that the bottom two chambers of his heart were fine! The same girl who had performed the initial ultrasound was the girl who performed the second one, and she was astonished. The doctor tried to explain it away scientifically. Science did not correct baby Jack's heart--Heaven did. Heavenly Father answered the prayers of our family, and gave us a miracle. I strongly believe that my dad, Gus, was part of that miracle! My dad, who always took care of his family on earth, continues to do so from Heaven.
In honor of my dad, Dan and Jess named their little guy John ANGUS Chappell--what a perfect name, for a perfect little boy. Maybe he will someday tell his kids about how Once upon a time in old Cottonwood Heights there lived a boy named Angus. Maybe he'll play stinker ball with his boys, or tell them to "read em" when he wants his socks off. Whether he does or not, I'm sure my brother will remind him always of what a wonderful grandpa he had, and about how his grandpa continues to watch over his family from Heaven. Happy Birthday, little Jack! You are perfect!
My dad's two namesakes: Caden RICHARD Pace, and John ANGUS Chappell. February 3, 2013
