In 7th grade Biology class, then in 12th grade Anatomy & Physiology, my classmates and I watched the Nova special, The Miracle of Life. If you haven’t seen it, the movie documents the intricate events [nothing too graphic] that lead to the birth of a child. When you watch it, you realize—babies are a miracle! Some babies, though, make us rethink our definition of “miracle.” Let me introduce Gabriel.
“Your baby will never live. If it does, you’ll be facing serious heart or lung or neurological issues.” That’s difficult news for any parent at 26 weeks of pregnancy . . . especially when the parents are in the hospital to deliver a baby 14 weeks before full-term. Retelling the story, Dad explains, “We went from wondering what college our baby would attend, to ‘will my baby have the mental capacity to smile? Or buckle a Velcro shoe?’”
Ready or not, Gabriel Adam Cleghorn arrived that day, and weighed in at 1 pound, 2 ounces. He measured—presumably—11 inches [less than the length of a piece of typing paper]. Due to his extremely delicate state, nurses wouldn’t stretch him out for a measurement–even the slightest stimulation might be too much strain on his tiny, determined, heart.
All three of the Ramsey babies arrived small, especially Bella Grace. How small was little Gabriel? FIVE Gabriels would still weigh less than Bella Grace!
For the next 111 days, he would stay in the NICU of UAMS. Realistically, no one expected Gabriel to leave the NICU. If he did somehow survive, then he would certainly have heart problems, nerve problems, mental impairment, and lung problems. Even in the hands of a stellar medical staff, no one would dare offer false optimism. Both parents worked in the medical field . . . they knew the questions to ask, and they knew why no one talked about Gabriel’s future.
On the 112th day, May 3, 2007, the monitors that had long kept Gabriel alive were silent. It was his expected due date . . . and little Gabriel—perfectly healthy—went home with his parents.
At 10 months old, Gabriel weighed 16 pounds. His Dad, Kevin, proudly told me about Gabriel’s new words: “Daddy,” and “I love you.” He’s smaller than other babies, but that’s the only difference between Gabriel and any other baby his age.
Kevin listed a litany of doctors and nurses and friends that he’d love to thank [honestly, too many for me to list here]. Most of all, Kevin thanked God for the miracle of Gabriel, and for God’s help through those days.
I love the work I do, but it’s a special honor to be a photographer of babies. Parents trust ME to capture the most precious memories of their history—of the most important person in their world! It’s even more humbling, like with Gabriel, when I find out that I am the first professional photographer to see their baby.
Every portrait tells a story, and knowing some of Gabriel’s history helps me to appreciate the value of his photos. When I asked if there was a certain Bible verse that really spoke to them, Mom & Dad didn’t hesitate at all. I knew that I’d have to include it on one of the images of Gabriel.
Category: 
May 18, 2008
Horaayy..there are 5 comment(s) for me so far ;)
I LOVE this story!
Bill,
Thank you so much for the tribute to Gabriel. As I sat here reading and viewing the pictures I could not stop the tears from flowing knowing what God has done for my family and for my “miracle”. I appreciate all you have done and for the wonderful way you took care of my son during his photo shoot.
Kevin Cleghorn
father of Gabriel Adam Cleghorn
I enjoyed the story and photos of Gabriel. The photos were done with sensativity and were deserving of such. I particularly like the body parts photos. Gabriel is an example of God’s mercy anmd goodness. I am very pleased to share in this, you see I have a personal interest. I am Gabriel’s maturnal grandmother.
Kevin:
No thanks due to me–thank you! I’ve heard from several people who have been moved by the story of Gabriel. Thanks to you and your lovely bride for sharing his story with us.
If you have time, could you give us an update on him?
Mr. Bill,
I am Gabriel’s 14 year old cousin and i just wanted to thank you for takeing these pictures of him for all of us. Also, and I also personaly think that Gabriel was truly was being watched over by God himself and his perents watched him and prayed for him without ever giveing up; so, I thank you for witeing this lovely article for Gabeiel. Thank you.