If you know anybody who has had a child born prematurely, take a minute to say a special prayer for that family, they went through a lot! I never understood what it was like until I was dealing with it myself. My sister-in-law delivered 28 week-old twins just 3 months before I went into early labor. After they were born, I knew that she went to the hospital daily, spent many hours there, talked about CPAPs and ventilators, diuretics, medications, breathing treatments, feeding tubes, monitors, de-sating, etc., etc., etc. But I didn’t KNOW what she was going through. Looking back, I wish I had done more for her. But it’s hard to understand when it’s not you.
So, on this day that we bring some awareness to this issue, maybe you give that preemie an extra hug today, or send some love to their mama and daddy! Maybe you make plans to walk in the march for babies, or sponsor somebody who does! Or even just send a card of encouragement to the NICU staff in your area. You don’t have to know them to appreciate their work. I have to tell you, the nurses (and doctors) in the NICU are exceptionally extraordinary people. I am eternally grateful for their love and care of my baby while he was there. They gave him a life. It could not have been done without them.
Please keep up with this issue throughout the year and do you part, whatever you can do! It doesn’t have to be big to mean something to somebody.
Declan Douglas O’Neal
Born on 12/27/08 at 25 weeks
Due on 4/5/09
1 pound 15 ounces
13 ½ inches long
Two days old...
A couple weeks old...
Stay tuned in November for a few more stories about Dex's time in the NICU.
"We need to fight ― because babies shouldn’t have to."
Thanks for this touching post Kerri. You're right - most of us really don't understand what it's like until we find ourselves going down the prematurity path. I work for the March of Dimes and didn't truly "get it" until I was standing next to my grandson's isolette in the NICU. I think of his and his parents' struggles a lot. Thanks for fighting for preemies today and every day.
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