Chapter 6: Shane Helms and Kinley Rogers
Shane Helms and Kinley Rogers have known each other for years before they had started dating. Six months into their relationship, Kinley found out that she was 6 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately three weeks later, Kinley suffered a miscarriage. Shane was sad about losing the baby as much as Kinley did. That Christmas, Shane proposed to Kinley and she accepted.
The months leading up to the wedding were stressful and while Kinley and Shane didn't try to get pregnant again, they talked about starting a family as soon as they were married. Shane had a two week honeymoon planned for them without interruptions.
Wedding Day…
"This marriage is a serious covenant made before God and before all of us as witnesses. In acknowledgment of its Holy Purpose and the power of the occasion, let us pray." The pastor stated. "God of Love, who gives us the longing for, and capability of loving, we give you thanks for Shane and Kinley, for their open hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here in our presence. Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we may all be changed by what is said and witnessed here."
After the prayer it was time for the ceremony to begin. Shane and Kinley couldn't wait to become husband and wife.
"Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Shane and Kinley a most important moment in their lives. In the time they have been together their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured. Now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife." The pastor stated.
Everyone took their seats as the ceremony began.
"We have been invited to hear Shane and Kinley as they promise to face the future together, accepting whatever may lie ahead. For the world that God has created for them, with its beauty and grace that is all around, with the strength that it offers and the peace that it brings makes them truly grateful. Shane and Kinley, nothing is easier than saying words and nothing harder than living them day after day. What you promise today must be renewed and redecided tomorrow. At the end of this ceremony legally you will be man and wife, but you still must decide each day that stretches out before you, that you want to be married. Real love is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. But real love is not total absorption in each other; it is looking outward in the same direction -together. Love makes burdens lighter, because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone." The pastor stated as both sets of parents stand. "Who brings Kinley to stand beside Shane?"
"We do." Elizabeth and Michael stated.
"Parents, are you willing, now and always to support and strengthen this marriage by upholding both Shane and Kinley with your love and concern?" The pastor asked.
"We are." Both sets of parents agreed.
"Then you, you may be seated." the pastor stated.
A musical set played that the couple had picked out. Shane and Kinley then joined hands and waited for the pastor to continue.
"Shane, will you take Kinley to be your wife? Will you love and respect her? Will you be honest with her always? Will you stand by her through whatever may come? Will you make what-ever adjustments are necessary so that you can genuinely share your life with her?" The pastor asked.
"I will." Shane answered.
"Kinley, will you take Shane to be your husband? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come? Will you make whatever adjustments are necessary so that you can genuinely share your life with him?" The pastor asked.
"I will." Kinley answered.
Another music selection played while the ring bearer made his way up to the altar.
"Shane, what token do you give of the vows you have made?" The pastor asked.
"A ring. Love has given us wings, and our journey begins today, Kinley, wherever the wind may carry me, I will stay by your side as your husband, Take this ring as a sign of my love." Shane answered.
"Kinley, what token do you give of the vows you have made?" The pastor asked.
"A ring. Love has given us wings, and our journey begins today, Shane, wherever the wind may carry me, I will stay by your side as your wife,
Take this ring as a sign of my love." Kinley answered.
"Shane and Kinley, we have heard you promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made. It is not a minister standing before you that makes your marriage real, but the honest and sincerity of what you have said and done here before your friends and relatives in the sight of God." The pastor stated. "Forasmuch as Shane and Kinley have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, by the authority committed unto me as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I declare that Shane and Kinley are now husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God and the law of the State of South Carolina: in the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Whom therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Shane, you may kiss your bride."
Shane and Kinley shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
"Now the ceremony is over and the experience of living day by day as married people is about to begin. Go forth to meet it, gladly, love life so it will love you. May blessings of God be with you." The pastor stated. "I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Shane Helms."
After the wedding ceremony was over, everyone headed to the reception hall. After enjoying a six course dinner, it was time for the first dance. After the dance, Shane and Kinley cut their wedding cake and fed each other. As the reception came to an end, Kinley and Shane said their goodbyes and headed towards the airport for their honeymoon getaway.
While on their honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas, Shane Kinley rarely left their room for the first few days. They were able to relax and enjoy their time as newlyweds. As their two week vacation came to an end, Shane and Kinley headed back to North Carolina.
As the weeks passed, Kinley started to come down with something and stayed home from work for almost a week before going to the doctor. After getting her vitals taken and a full exam done, Kinley was sent to do some lab work.
The next day, Kinley was well enough to head to work and while at work, she received a phone call or her and Shane to come into the doctor's office. After texting Shane about the appointment, he picked her up and they road together to the appointment.
"Thank you both for coming in. I have Kinley's lab results." The doctor stated.
"Is everything ok?" Kinley asked.
"You are in perfect health, Kinley. The only result that came back positive is the pregnancy test." The doctor answered.
"What?" Shane and Kinley asked at the same time.
"According to the results, Kinley is 10 weeks pregnant." The doctor answered. "And her due date is September 16th 2011."
After leaving the doctor's office, Shane and Kinley called their families and friends to tell them the news. Kinley was excited, but she was also worried that she might lose this baby as well. Shane was worried too, but he didn't let it get to him.
Kinley made it to her second trimester with no problems. Once she hit 18 weeks, Kinley was out of the danger zone for having a miscarriage. Kinley wanted to work throughout the pregnancy, but seeing as she was a nurse and on her feet all day, it was hard for her to keep working the further along she got.
At 26 weeks, Kinley and Shane had an ultrasound appointment. Both were excited to see what their baby looked like while still inside of Kinley. When the doctor asked if they wanted to find out what they are having, they both answered yes.
"Congratulation mom and dad, you're going to have a boy!" the doctor stated.
Kinley and Shane soon left with some pictures of their son. Shane and Kinley had already picked out a girls and boys name. Shane got started on working on the baby's room while Kinley went shopping with some of her friends. Kinley and Shane opted not to have a baby shower as they felt it was not necessary to have one.
As the weeks passed, Kinley progressed perfectly with her pregnancy. Shane was with her for every appointment and took the time off work to be home with her when it was time to have the baby. By the time Kinley was 38 weeks, she was already 2 centimeters dilated.
By the time Kinley hit 40 weeks, she was completely done with being pregnant. Kinley was uncomfortable and the baby was causing her pain every time he moved. Kinley hoped that their son would arrive soon. The night before Kinley would hit 41 weeks, her water broke and Shane rushed her to the hospital.
After being in labor for nearly 7 hours, Chase Aaron Helms made his entrance into the world. He weighed 8lbs 10oz and was 21 inches long. After being moved into a private room, Shane called their family and friends to announce the birth. Shane and Kinley were extremely happy that they were finally able to have the family they had always wanted.