November is prematurity month, and I've been thinking about what kind of post I wanted to write. I could write about how it has effected our lives. I could write about the need for more research to prevent premature births, but I've decided to write a letter to my girls. This blog has always been an archive for the girls so that they might know their trials and triumphs.
Dear Emma and Abby,
Prematurity. I think that word probably has a different meaning for everyone. As I think back to those days, it's difficult not to feel the fear, the sadness, or the joy again. Typing through tears I have to think that there was some reason you were chosen to have to fight so early in life to live. You came into this life days and months before you were supposed to. In the class of preemies, you are not just a preemie, but you are a micropreemie. You only made the cutoff to life by 2 days. Though you were early and not fully developed, you never let that hold you back. You had to endure so much more than you should ever had to but you showed the world what you were made of.
In the first weeks of life you showed us just how strong you are. Emma had to endure heart surgery, and Abby had to fight out-of-control potassium levels that were bordering close to lethal. In the first months of your life you had to endure over 1,000 heel sticks, over 20 blood transfusions, tubes stuck down your throat, wires coming out of your body, and you had to grow and develop in a mechanical womb. It was hard to believe that you both would ever come home after watching so many families in the NICU say good-bye forever to their babies. After 111 and 156 days you both came home without any oxygen or monitors. This was a feat even your nurses couldn't believe. Another testament to just how strong you both are.
Today, Daddy and I stand in awe of the two and half year olds that you are. You've come so far from the 1 lb babies that you once were. You strength in the NICU still carries over. You both are very determined and head strong little ladies. It gives us comfort to think that you will carry that trait through life with you, because life will test you again and again. I hope that when times are difficult you will be able to look back at your premature beginning and be reminded of just how strong and amazing you are.
Always remember one thing............mommy and daddy love you always.
Dear Emma and Abby,
Prematurity. I think that word probably has a different meaning for everyone. As I think back to those days, it's difficult not to feel the fear, the sadness, or the joy again. Typing through tears I have to think that there was some reason you were chosen to have to fight so early in life to live. You came into this life days and months before you were supposed to. In the class of preemies, you are not just a preemie, but you are a micropreemie. You only made the cutoff to life by 2 days. Though you were early and not fully developed, you never let that hold you back. You had to endure so much more than you should ever had to but you showed the world what you were made of.
In the first weeks of life you showed us just how strong you are. Emma had to endure heart surgery, and Abby had to fight out-of-control potassium levels that were bordering close to lethal. In the first months of your life you had to endure over 1,000 heel sticks, over 20 blood transfusions, tubes stuck down your throat, wires coming out of your body, and you had to grow and develop in a mechanical womb. It was hard to believe that you both would ever come home after watching so many families in the NICU say good-bye forever to their babies. After 111 and 156 days you both came home without any oxygen or monitors. This was a feat even your nurses couldn't believe. Another testament to just how strong you both are.
Today, Daddy and I stand in awe of the two and half year olds that you are. You've come so far from the 1 lb babies that you once were. You strength in the NICU still carries over. You both are very determined and head strong little ladies. It gives us comfort to think that you will carry that trait through life with you, because life will test you again and again. I hope that when times are difficult you will be able to look back at your premature beginning and be reminded of just how strong and amazing you are.
Always remember one thing............mommy and daddy love you always.
Emma
Abby Today
3 comments:
What a wonderful tribute to your girls. They will continue to have courage and determination. I am excited to see what the Lord has planned for them. Abby and Emma have excellent role models in you and Pat; they feel your strength, determination and love for them.
How awesome! You make me want to cry and smile all at the same time. Emma and Abby are 2 tough little girls, no doubt a great character trait to carry with you in life. They have come so far and are amazing examples of the miracle of life and the miracle of prayer. We feel very blessed to have those 2 little miracles as part of our lives and very blessed to call their amazing parents our special friends!
I just read your tribute to the girls and tho I am not a crier, it brought tears to my eyes. What wonderful thoughts..but so good to put them down for others to share. What a wonderful "birth" story you will have for them...my kids still want to hear their birth stories on their birthday...and all are past 50 years old!!! I agree that they will get strength from you both and tho I only know the Mies/Nolan background, I am sure the strength is from both sides. I hope other relatives are keeping up with your blogs..if they don't they are missing so much. Love to you all, Vonnie
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