Room 602. That’s where she spent her days curled up in an incubator growing and learning to do what full term babies are born knowing. Room 602. That’s where I learned how to be a mom – one with a heart of gratitude.
Photo By: Jessie Threlkeld
Our NICU stay was not an easy one; we encountered three different discharges and kept having to be readmitted (which is unheard of). The NICU team worked with us. They didn’t want us losing ground having to start from square one with a different hospital. Our little girl couldn’t breathe. She struggled so much and experienced multiple ALTE events. The last one nearly took her life as I did CPR on her for 7 minutes and we were airlifted back to the NICU. Despite all that I walked through during our NICU stay, I can now say that I am so grateful. I am not happy that I had a preemie or that she had so many breathing issues, but I am grateful for the mother the NICU shaped me to be.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed being fully reliant on God.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed knowing what it is to be a worried mom pacing the hospital hallway.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed meeting some of the most selfless nurses I know.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed celebrating each milestone with such joy.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed meeting an incredible team of people that fought daily for our little girl.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed out on knowing the joy of daily weigh-ins.
Photo By: Jessie Threlkeld
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed out on receiving help in so many ways.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed experiencing strangers pray for me.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I wouldn’t have known how tough a tiny baby can be.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed out on meeting incredibly strong mothers.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed learning the best ways to give a baby massage.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed late night chats with other mothers needing a hug.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed out on learning to trust my instincts.
If I wasn’t in room 602, I would have missed being the mother I am today.
Photo By: Jessie Threlkeld
I want to encourage you today mama, right where you’re at, in the middle of the storm. Life may be whirling around you – and really scary – but take heart. You don’t have to ignore the sadness of the situation to acknowledge the good as well. I hope this encourages you some, that through the darkest of days, and so many unanswered questions, there is still good to be found. In fact, it may just be across the hall.