NATCHEZ — A tear rolled down the cheek of LaShundra Calvin as she looked at a picture her newborn daughter, Ametria Laray Renne Mazique, on the screen of her cell phone.

LaShundra’s other daughter, La’Kiya Holmes, 9, noticed her mother’s emotion and embraced her.

“These are tears of happiness,” LaShundra said. “These are tears of joy.”

When The Dart landed on Perrault Street in Natchez Thursday, LaShundra and her mother Antoinette Calvin were relaxing after LaShundra returned home from another trip to Jackson before once again leaving the following morning to see Ametria at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

The medical center has been Ametria’s home since she was born Nov. 6.

She was born 7 pounds, 5 ounces. By all accounts, she was healthy, except her intestines were twisted causing the growth and rupture of a cyst.

“The nurse came in showed me Ametria, and immediately ran out,” LaShundra said. “I wasn’t even able to hold her.”

Ametria was airlifted to Jackson.

The past three weeks have been a blur of trips to Jackson in which LaShundra either stays at the Ronald McDonald House or in a hotel, spending all the time she could with her newborn.

Throughout the whole experience what has amazed LaShundra the most is the compassion and strength her daughter La’Kiya has shown.

“I knew she had a good heart,” LaShundra said.“But she has been so warm and helpful whether it’s rubbing my back, or just being there for me.”

La’Kiya, a fourth-grade student at McLaurin Elementary School, wants to be a doctor.

“I like to care for people,” she said.

Being an only child to this point, she can’t wait to be a big sister and get to know Ametria.

After two surgeries and awaiting a third, Ametria has made it through and has been taken off life support so she can breath on her own.

“She still has one more surgery, they say she should be home in 6 months,” LaShundra said. “But we are hoping for sooner. I just want to hold my baby in my arms.”