Being a parent anytime, anywhere is quite an amazing adventure. Suddenly, and for quite some time, you become fully responsible for other human beings. There is weight, fear and enormous joy in that realization.
Being NICU parents, or parents of any hospitalized or sick child must magnify these feelings tenfold.
I found this quote years ago when we were going through a particularly rough time as parents. I wrote it out in my best non-healthcare-worker handwriting and framed it for my husband. It still sits on his dresser.
I’m sharing it here today to simply and humbly recognize the emotional, psychological and financial trials that our NICU parents face everyday. (Not to mention trying to find a parking spot in less than 25 minutes at the hospital.)
I stood looking at the quote yesterday and thought of you, the NICU parent. You teach us so much about love, persistence, nurturing, courage and hope. All within a place you never dreamed you’d be part of.
Some of the most poignant moments of my life have been as an observer of that primal, protective, deep love you display for your baby. I take your lessons with me. And for that I thank you.
“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”
~ Elizabeth Stone
