As the holiday season is upon us, your emotions may be taking you on a roller coaster ride. For many of our NICU parents, their little one(s) will remain with us for Christmas. And, even though your precious infant is hospitalized, you have so many reasons to celebrate...his/her arrival, each ounce that is gained, each feeding that goes well, et cetera. This can present a challenge for those trying to celebrate the holidays with family and friends and still be at their little one's bedside. I found this poem written by a NICU Mom that I thought might help those of you struggling with being in two places at once:
A Prayer from the N.I.C.U.
by Tara Roper
Dear God,
I have a request to make.
Just a moment of your time it will take.
You see, my parents, are heartbroken and sad,
and they have prayed to you with all they had.
Could you just hug them and remind them you care,
as they are wishing I was at home, not here.
This time is confusing, unlike how they pictured it would be,
But I want them to know that you take care of me.
Although I am sleeping in this little bed,
and I am often too tired to raise my little head,
please remind them that I know they did their very best.
And that at night I am protected as I sleep upon your chest.
They think I am so lonely when they are away,
and if I could tell them, I would say
"I know this is hard, and God understands,
But just know He has never let go of my hand.
He is always with me, like He is with you,
and all this has a purpose too."
And God, while I am in this temporary N.I.C.U. home,
I just want them to know I have never been alone.
Source: Roper T. A Prayer for the N.I.C.U. FaithWriters.com
If you have a holiday poem, story, or comment to share, please email me by clicking on my name below.
Merry Christmas!
Julie Hudson, BSN, RN
NCBH NICU