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September 05, 2004
A Little Miracle
USMC Lance Corporal Adam Sanchez has a new title - Daddy - given to him by his brand new baby girl, Zoe. Denise Wilkerson, proud Marine mom shares her son's encounter with a caring stranger while he was flying home to California from Texas after his pre-deployment leave.
My son, LCpl Adam Sanchez – 1/7 Marines - was home on his pre-deployment leave when his wife began to have complications with her pregnancy. On August 5th she delivered a baby girl, Zoe Ann, who weighed 2 lbs. 15 oz., 16 inches long. My son was granted an extension on his leave and was able to be with his wife and daughter for two weeks following her birth. We are so grateful that she decided to come early and my son be a part of the birth experience and be able to bond with his daughter. Despite the fact that she was tiny, she was breathing on her own and as the doctors said…….a little miracle. She was still in the neonatal unit at the hospital when it came time for him to return to 29 Palms. As his mother, that was one of the hardest things I have had to experience with him. As he told his daughter goodbye and kissed her tiny cheeks we left the hospital and headed for the airport. The trip to the airport was long and very emotional, needless to say. We arrived at the airport about an hour before his flight was to leave. I will always cherish that hour that we had together just sharing stories, tears and a few laughs.The hour passed by so fast and before I knew it, it was time to tell my son goodbye. I found myself holding on to him and not wanting to let him go. When he left I watched him until I could no longer see any part of him, then I sat and cried for an hour or so until I thought I had just about run out of tears. I could feel that pain he was going through of having to leave his daughter, and then my selfishness of not wanting him to go just made me cry even more. As I drove home from the airport and arrived home I could still smell his cologne and see the reminders of him and then it all started once again…….the tears began to fall. I could not stop thinking about him and what he must be going through on his flight to California.
He had to change planes in Phoenix, and while at the airport in Phoenix he was approached by a woman who could not help but notice he was quite upset, and said that she had overheard some of his phone conversation and that told her he was a Marine. She asked him if she could sit and pray with him. They sat and talked, and he of course shared pictures of his daughter, Zoe with her. She was there for him when he needed someone the most, and for that I will forever be greatful what the kindness she showed him that day. Ironically, she was on the same flight to Ontario with my son and during the flight made a point of walking back to check on him. She handed him her business card with her contact information on it. As soon as I heard about this I emailed her to thank her for her thoughtfulness. We have since become email buddies and are planning to meet when the guys come home in the Spring. She is definitely an angel sent down to watch over my son when he needed someone.
The same day that our boys deployed to Iraq, Zoe Ann came home from the hospital. She is doing great, weighs almost 5 lbs. now……..she is a fighter just like her dad!
I will continue to pray for all our boys, and ask God to keep them safe until they can return home to us again!
Semper Fi!
Posted by Deb at September 5, 2004 12:08 AM
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Comments
My husband is friends and in the same company with Adam, I am 23 weeks pregnant, and had the guys over to my house before they left for Iraq, Adam couldn't stop beaming about Zoe, and was so excited to see our son's nursery. He has his little girl in his mind every moment!
Posted by: Meredith at September 5, 2004 08:00 AM
We are Zoe's Great Uncle and Aunt. We read what happened with Adam when he left for 29 Palms. I am a retired U.S. Army Major, and identify with having to leave loved ones behind when duty calls. Given the chance, I would trade places with Adam and allow him to stay home with his angel and his beautiful bride. I would like to get the woman's e-mail adddress in Ontario so we can say thank you also. when you send mail to Adam in Iraq, tell him we think of and pray for him and all soldiers there.
Dale & Sandra Pittman
Major, Infantry, U.S. Army (Retired)
Posted by: Dale & Sandra Pittman at September 5, 2004 06:54 PM
I am a proud grandmother of a United States Marine. I am Adam's grandmother (he calls me Dee). Adam is our first grandchild and Zoe is our first great grandchild, so you know how proud I am. I write to him almost every day. I am also so thankful for the wonderful "angel in the airport" who has such caring heart. My prayers are linked with hers as I continue to pray for Adam and his family, for Denise (my daughter) who wrote the article, and for all of the Marines for their safety and for their safe return home..... Melba Feil, wife of Marvin Feil (Papa) Master Sgt. USAF(Ret.) Zoe is indeed "our little miracle".
Posted by: Melba Feil at September 6, 2004 12:18 PM
I am Adam's wife stephanie. "the angel in the airport" was a true blessing. The day Adam left Zoe and I for California, it was the worst day of both of our lives. It was wonderful to learn about this stranger helping my husband cope this the pain. And to be honest she not only helped my husband she also help me. She helped by first comforting my husband so i could worry less and secondly she taught Adam and I that we are going to raise our daughter in a world where there are still nice people in the world willing to help other people, even people they dont know.
Zoe and I are doing wonderful and we he from Adam daily. We will forever be greatful for this wonderful womans help.
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie Sanchez at September 6, 2004 07:25 PM
sunday, 9/19/04
Hi Adam"
I'm not sure if you remember me. I met you at your garndmother's funeral, "Nelda's" mother funeral. Anywasy,..here goes.
My name is Barbara Bea, from Austin, TX.I am very good friends with Adam's grandparents, Nelda and Marvin Feil, met Adam when he was still this "shy" kid in high school,...can't believe that he's married, to a beautiful lady, and has an angel for a daughter,... Zoe. Adam is in my prayers every day, and so is his entire family. I know how hard this is for his family, especially his mom, sisters, and grandparents, that he's away in a strange, unsafe country, not really knowing what he is really fighting for, at least, I still don't understand why our troops are still over there, maybe for peace,... , who knows. I do support Adam and the troops, the cilvians who are working in Iraq, and the citizens of Iraq, as well.
I pray fo their safe return, "our troops, the cilvians who are working over there, " to come home safe.
I know that Adam misses his wife, daughter, grandparents, sisters, and all of his friends.
"Adam,if you get this message, I am very proud of you, the Christian young man, father, husband, and
leader, that the next time that you're in Austin, I'd really like to meet your beautiful family. Continue to keep the Faith, let God lead you, always, ask God for his help and guidence, and always remember,...God will always be with you, and your family, and God will always be with you and thr tropps."
From Barbara Beal
Austin, TX
E-mail: babeal@swbell.net
11215 Research Blvd. Bldg. 21, Apt. 2080
Austin, TX 78759
Home Phone: 512-231-0948
Cell Phone: 512-217-9831
Ps, Denise and Stephanie, and Nelda, and Marvin, if you would like to contact me, it's ok. I'm here for you and your family, especialy Stephanie and "Little Zoe."
I:m putting your family and Adam on the prayer list at my church.
Posted by: BArbara Beal at September 19, 2004 03:59 PM
Hello everyone. My name is Cindy Villa. I am the woman who met Adam in the Airport. As much as everyone is thankful to me for reaching out to Adam, I am thankful for Adam for just being there. God provided someone in my life at that very momemt that I could share the word of God with(I have to say I thought to myself "is this young man going to think I'm a crazy person roaming the airport, but I thought no.. this is the time to be obedient to the Holy Spirit that speaks to all of us if we just listen") . But what none of us knew at that moment was Adam, Stephanie, I and my husband Steve had more in common than we knew.
1. Our first born daughter's name is Stephanie.
2. We have faced tragic circumstances in our life with our second born child. At age 3 our youngest daughter Brittney was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. I know the pain of seeing a child hold on to life by a thread. Hope, Faith, and Love is what got us through. Brittney is our miracle baby. She will be 13 years old in Jan 05. She is a very special person who has a huge heart, always smiles, and is just loved so much by everyone who knows her.
3. My husand and I have been married for 17 years. Ironically Dennis, who is Adams uncle, and his wife, have also been married 17 years. The kicker... our wedding anniversary is on the exact same day.
Until I met Adam I don't think it really occured to me how much the US military give up in order to secure our freedoms (those of the American People). They go free and willing and put their lives on the line for millions they do not even know.
I have a renewed deeper respect for these men and woman who make this choice. They are special people and my heart hurts for them that they are away from their families.
I am forever grateful to Adam, Stephanie, Zoe, Denise, and Grandma Dee. They have enlightened me, filled me with joy, showered me with blessings, and allowed me to share with them and be a part of their life.
My prayer for Adam, Stephanie,Zoe and all our troops is the know a family that prays together stays together.
Lord, you are my refuge, my safekeeping
In fear, you are my fortress.
In darkness, you are my light.
In doubt, you are my confidence.
In despair, you are my hope.
In weakness, you are my strength.
In the shelter of your love, I am secure.
I rest my mind, my heart, my soul upon your care.
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
PSALM 16:1
Posted by: Cindy Villa at September 23, 2004 09:29 PM