Angel Christopher Rodriguez Jr was born on February 24, 2003 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born without his left hand below the elbow due to Amniotic Band Syndrome. I didn’t know anything about ABS, had never even heard of it. I will never forget the day I gave birth and when my son entered this world.
I had my first ultra sound done when I was 20 weeks pregnant. We went and everything appeared fine. They took the measurements and everything was there. I took care of myself and remained healthy throughout the whole pregnancy. Angel was born at 39 weeks. He weighed 7lbs, 10oz. He was pretty big for me. His father was so excited about his 1st son being born. Together, we cried from excitement and shed tears of happiness after he came out. I wasn’t too concerned about examining him. After the doctor gave him to me, we noticed something strange about his left arm. The doctor didn’t really say anything. We just had to deal with it. Of course, the next day, a social worker from the hospital came in to talk to us about different sources and referrals to that we can turn to. We brought Angel home and I just cried and cried. All I asked myself, was why me?? Why did this have to happen to me? What would the other kids say to him when he goes to school? Would he have any friends? Could he play sports? I thought he would never be able to do normal things like many other kids do. Nor would he live a normal life.
Boy was I wrong! Angel is now almost 2 years old, and believe me, there isn’t anything that he CAN’T do. He has learned to do many things and he has adapted to his little hand. He uses it for everything. There are times when he looks at it and I know one of these days he is going to ask me why he was born like that. I have to prepare myself to give him an explanation. Yeah there are stares when we are out in public but I am not ashamed nor am I embarrassed about my son! Not one bit. He is the happiest kid, full of love and laughter. He is full of excitement and is always smiling. He is my Angel and I would not trade him for anything in the world!
