Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/301854
18 I could just feel it. He had that look athletes have, even as a new- born. It's that look you just can't describe when you are in their presence. But you know. Somehow, you just know. I knew Bryant was special the first few seconds I met him. But there was so much I didn't know. It was June 5, 1990. I was 24-years-old – practically a baby still myself in many ways -- and, of course, I naturally wanted nothing more in all the world than to hold my son in my arms. The nurses, though, would not let me. I had barely touched his beautiful little face when the nurses be- trayed me and hurriedly whisked Bryant away without an explana- tion. Shocked and unsure of what was happening, I felt a tremor in my heart. I remember a strange, uneasy feeling overwhelmed me instantly. It was the same feeling all mothers succumb to when we know something is just not right. I've been a nurse for most of my professional life, but on that day I had not yet started nursing school. When I recall those first moments of Bryant's life, I realize how much of a blessing it was that I hadn't begun my training yet because if I knew then what I now know, I would have leapt off of that delivery table that day and chased down those Judases who were taking my baby away from me. I would have wreaked havoc and created chaos all in an effort to save Bryant's life. As it was, I had no idea what was wrong, if anything. I had no idea what was going on. All I knew for sure was I wanted to hold my beautiful baby and for him to be beside me, in my presence. From that very first moment, I wanted Bryant with me. I wanted to hold him – forever. But, before that could even happen, I realized how precious little control I had. God obviously had other plans. We always want to know everything, to be in control of our lives, to supervise and manage situations, especially as mothers to our children. It's instinctual and in our blood. I believe with all my heart that God has infused this into our natures as mothers. But God, I