Imagine telling your father that you're pregnant and he thinks you should consider terminating your pregnancy because he says a baby would ruin your life

Imagine him also telling you when you're almost 2 months pregnant "You know, it's not too late to get an abortion. The baby isn't really a baby yet."

Imagine wanting to kick his face in!!

Imagine having a brother who treats you like crap during your pregnancy because your fiance is of a different race and he doesn't like him for that reason alone and now he's going to have a bi-racial niece or nephew and he has a problem with that also

Imagine going into labor at 21 weeks and the doctor tells you that he could see your baby's toes while he performed the surgery to stop the baby from coming

Imagine being on bed rest for two weeks after the surgery

Imagine going into labor again at 23 weeks but this time the baby can't be stopped

Imagine having a beautiful 1 pound 4 ounce baby girl and seeing her for 2 seconds before they rush her down the hall to the NICU

Imagine 2 hours later the doctor tells you that your daughter is not stable and that you should come and see her right away

Imagine him telling you that it's a good idea for your family members to see her too

Imagine all your family is right by your side… supporting you 100% (what a wonderful feeling)

Imagine the same brother who stressed you out during your pregnancy sees your baby for the first time and runs out of the NICU and down the hall in tears

Imagine thinking that you're fiance is a really strong man because you don't see him cry only to find out from his mom that he's been crying on her shoulder when you're not around

Imagine having to leave your baby in the hospital and then your first day home the hospital calls you to tell you that your baby has just coded

Imagine your fiance not being able to leave work so you can go to the hospital because he's the only manager at his job that day

Imagine having to ask your brother who's treated you like crap for the past 4 months to take you to the hospital and he complains for 10 minutes before saying yes

Imagine going back to work 1 month after having your baby because you don't have any leave left and your first day back everyone comes over to your desk and asks to see pictures of the baby

Imagine going into the restroom and crying and then coming back out hoping that your co-workers won't notice the puffiness under your eyes

Imagine being afraid to bond with your baby because you're not sure if she's going to make it and you feel this way for the next 2 months

Imagine holding her for the first time when she's 2 months and 2 days old

Imagine your baby staying in the NICU for 115 days

Imagine your baby coming home one day before Mother's Day

Imagine that being the best Mother's Day gift anyone could ask for

Imagine today this baby is beautiful and healthy

Imagine this baby has changed her parent's lives forever, making them look back and realize that they never thought they could love anybody this much

Imagine not being able to picture life today if your baby had not survived

Imagine every time your daughter smiles and hugs your face, you feel like you've just won a million dollars

Imagine looking at your daughter sometimes and wanting to cry because you can't believe she's here and she's healthy

Imagine crying at night because you start thinking about everything you've been through

Imagine thanking GOD for being a wonderful GOD!!!!

Shauna, mother of Alysha (DOB 1-16-01, former 23 weeker, now 9 months old)