In Memory of: Corrie Elizabeth Van Gilder
July 1982- December 1982
I have written my story of living with Turner Syndrome many times, but I have neglected to share a huge part of my story. My story isn’t complete with her.
Before I tell this story, it is important to know my parents decided when they were expecting my oldest brother that they would not do prenatal testing done on him or any of their future children. They also decided they would not know our gender until our birth. This is because they felt God would give them the children they needed and that everything would work out as it was meant to. This means they did not know the odds my sister and I were facing. I am grateful for this to this day.
My sister was born in July 1982- 7 years before me. It became appearent fast that she was very sick. It was discovered she was born with a severe heart defect. From what I’ve been told she had a missing pulmonary artery. Before the heart surgery, my parents were warned there was a chance she may not survive and sadly she didn’t make it through the surgery and passed away on the operating table. I have known about her as soon as I was old enough to know and when the conversation comes about siblings, I also always add her. As a child and to this day, I simply say “I have a sister, but she lives with Jesus, and I’ve never meant her.”
Our stories become one the day I was born. When I was born, and they saw I am a female, they immediately ran test on my heart to make sure I didn’t have same the defect as my sister. Her heart defect wasn’t genetic, and I think they did this for my parents at their request for their peace of mind. My heart came out completely healthy! This is how I know Corrie (with God) is intervening on my behalf and keeping me safe.
There are other signs of Corrie’s impact on my health and Turner Syndrome journey. My prognosis wasn’t good. My parents were told by many specialists I’d never walk or talk. I had severe eating issues (which was a major red flag for Turner Syndrome that they missed for 7 years). I know Corrie and God are the reasons that I can walk and talk and do everything that the Doctor’s said wouldn’t be possible.
My sister has shaped how I see TS because I have been blessed to live the life here, she sadly missed. It keeps things into perspective. I see her in me having TS because I think wanted me to have sisters to take care of me on this side of heaven until we are united.
I imagine her looking down at me at the National TS Conferences having tons of fun with my sisters, saw me graduate from college, celebrated the day we became Aunt’s to our nephew, Zachary. I imagine her being partly why I have Classic TS but am overall very healthy. I have no doubt she played a role in me surviving the 2% chance I had of being born alive.
Corrie and I really two sisters with one story. I can’t wait to continue to see our stories connect and write themselves. I love my sister, Corrie and grateful for her fingerprints all over my life from the other side. I am grateful for all the signs she gives me to know she is there and being the protective big sister! This is very paraphrased story. I could go on about our story!
