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A Fight To Survive – World Prematurity Awareness Day
16 weeks early, weighing only 1lb 8oz, he fought every minute to live.
People say I was a blessing for him, but everyday I know he was sent here to bless us.
As I headed to work yesterday, November 17th, I was reminded that it was World Prematurity Awareness Day.
As a nurse in the NICU, I witness miracles every day.
No miracle has ever touched me more than that hot June day when a tiny ’24 weeker’ was born.
Brand new to nursing and to working with preemies, I was asked by the unit social worker if I would consider becoming the Primary Nurse for a baby boy, who’s birth parents were unable to care for him.
I hesitated.
I was new, he was sick, and tiny. I went over to take a peek and right then I was captured.
I agreed. For the next few months I cared for Dustin on all my shifts.
He fought everyday
Battled infections, lung damage and withdrawals.
He was on a ventilator for 63 days.
On oxygen for 91.
And finally after the up and down battles that only parents and nurses of preemies can understand, it was time to think about discharge.
As it was clear that Dustin wouldn’t be going home to his birth family, the social worker came in to gather information for the search for a special needs foster home.
I answered all his questions, how much therapy, how many medications, how many doctors?
Jokingly the social worker said “you should just take him”.
No way! I was ONLY 22, I had only been married a few months.
I was not ready to be a mother.
Then I got thinking. Is anyone ever really ‘ready’ to become a parent?
A few days later I made the call.
The next two weeks flew by.
Dustin got moved to another hospital, I completed paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork.
The social worker toured our home.
The news came.
We were approved.
The next four days went by in a blink.
Friends and family lovingly donated and gifted almost everything we would need for a newborn.
Imagine, if you have children, how much there is to ‘get ready’.
Most people have 9 months, we had 4 days.
Dustin came home, appropriately on Thanksgiving Weekend after 108 days in the hospital
We were told clearly.
He might never walk, he might never talk.
He would likely have vision problems and may even be blind.
They said he had a 10% chance of ‘intact survival’ meaning without significant brain damage.
Where are we at today, 8 1/2 years later?
They were wrong.
I’m not going to lie and say its been easy.
Dustin has seen more therapists and doctors in his first 8 years than most people would ever know existed.
We worked hard, but in the end he is a miracle.
We were chosen as his parents and we were blessed.
I was fortunate that I did not need to nurse or pump breast milk.
What a truly loving story to warm our hearts at Thanksgiving or anytime.Thanks for sharing.
Tricia Hope
I appreciate your kind comments. It is truly a time to be thankful for that fateful moment when our lives met and became one forever.
Lovely!!
<3
Oh my goodness. That is so, so beautiful. <3
Thanks Suzi!
It is so amazing what medical technology can do to a baby you would think stands no chance. Last year, November 26th, one of my nieces was born. She was due on Valentine’s Day. She weight albs 3 oz and everybody was scared. It has been amazing to see her grow and no, she is just as heavy as my 16 month old boy.
What a great story, and how wonderful that he was blessed with parents that could love him and know him from day 1.
Sounds like your niece is a miracle baby too! They never cease to amaze me!
Amazing!! Also a mom to preemies here – I ‘get’ it. Mine we not as early term as your guy but it is a huge struggle and battle that you will never forget! Please keep sharing your story – it will help many others who face this journey. People need to know they are not in the NICU alone.
Thanks Brittany, I will keep sharing! We have to stick together!
Wow, what an amazing thing for you to do. Thank you for sharing your story. My first daughter was 4 weeks early which is nothing compared to your son but early arrivals can have lots of challenges ahead of them. Those first few weeks and months with our preemie was something I could not have prepared for and never thought I would have experienced any of that.
No matter when they come, unexpected is unexpected. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Beautiful story. I loved talking with you in person and hearing you talk about your family. It’s clear how much love you have for this sweet little boy.
Thanks Mindy, meeting you was awesome! Thanks for the kind words.
what an amazing story! Thank you for sharing
I am trying not to cry. Being a parent is one of the best things in the world! Our children are such blessings.
You are absolutely right. All children are blessings, no matter how they came to be ours.
Catherine,
Thank you so much for sharing! What a truly beautiful story, this boy couldn’t have asked for a more loving family 🙂
Thanks Alanna, he is loved!
I put off reading this because I just wasn’t ready to read something emotional so soon after the birth of my own son (new Mama hormones make me extra weepy!). I’m glad that I finally got around to it. It’s an amazing story and it is incredible that the mother chosen for Dustin was able to be there since birth. And, while his progress is such a miracle, I think it’s even more amazing that you were willing to take him into your heart and home even with all the unknowns about his recovery. Simply beautiful!
Thanks Tessa for your kind words. Motherhood is never easy and every child is a miracle, but we were meant to be together.