Dear NICU Mama,
I see you sitting in the NICU holding your baby, trying to hold back the tears
I feel your heart drop after the doctors tell you that your baby is going to be “this” or “that” and then leave you all alone to process the information
I see you trying to muster up a smile when the nurses asked how you are doing
I feel the pain that is buried deep within your sigh
I see the uncertainty in your eyes when you wonder how you are going to manage all the appointments, tube feedings and medications once your baby is discharge
I see you question yourself to see if you have the strength to “do this”
I see and feel all of this because I too was that mama
I know how it feels to wonder if your child is going to die
I know how it feels to question God and why He chose you and your baby for this journey
I know the strain that a long NICU stay can put on your marriage
And I also know that you will get through it
Day by day
Step by step
Oh, NICU Mama, please remember to cherish the small things because these are the moments that will give you the strength to keep going
Your baby’s first smile
First bath
First time trying to breast feed
First time getting to wear clothes
First time in an open crib
Each time that you get the honor and privilege to just hold your baby
Hold on to these moments
I promise you there is joy and peace and healing waiting for you and your family on the other side
Oh, NICU Mama, please remember that you do not have to figure it all out in one day
Try not to let your mind wonder about the future
Just focus on today and the things that are in your power to control
I share these words with you because I wish someone would have shared them with me
I pray that you find some solace in these words and you know that you are not alone
Love,
Kolin’s Mama
Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
