When Garnet and Iban set out for their anniversary road trip, they thought it would be a typical journey that eventually would lead them back home to Birmingham, Alabama a few days later. Garnet, Seven and a half months pregnant, started experiencing back pain. As the pain increased,Iban called an ambulance and Garnet was quickly transported to Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital. The pain was far from ordinary – Garnet was in labor, and baby Dalia arrived ninety minutes later. Mom, dad and baby are all doing well today. Although premature, Dalia is already up to her birth weight and growing steadily.
“Our two-day trip turned into a longer trip, maybe two months. But that’s alright. I can’t think of a better place for this to have happened. Everybody has been tremendously nice, and welcoming, kind and generous. Dalia has lovingly acquired the nickname Indy, and it’s stuck.”
Garnet is already charitably-minded. Back home, she has raised money for the Ronald McDonald House and Make-a-Wish, but never thought she would be on the receiving end of care from the House. It was a sobering moment for her and Iban, especially after visiting the pantry in the House. “So, families can store their food here?” Garnet recalls Iban asking. “No, this food is for the families, it has all been donated for them,” replied the RMH volunteer providing the orientation. She credits being at the House for easing Iban’s mind when it came to finding a place to stay, knowing they would be just across the road from the hospital and that they wouldn’t have to find an apartment further away.
Garnet is thankful for the House, thankful for the little things, even those as simple as a nearby parking spot. A native to Alabama, Indiana’s recent cold-streak has been a shock, but not enough to dampen her spirits.
Garnet tells us that one of her and Iban’s first priorities once they make it home will be to volunteer at the Birmingham House.
