NICU Visit

Last Sunday we drove up to New Haven to visit a church member who was hospitalized. We knew we couldn't make that drive and not stop in for a visit to the NICU. One of the nurses once told me to go home, raise my babies, and let go our days at the NICU. Send us notes and Christmas cards, she said, but let this place go. I have managed to do that, I think. I send them cards every year, and I haven't visited them in years, not since the twins' last follow-up appointment when they were two years old I think. We've lived our lives, but I will never completely let go of the Yale-New Haven Hospital. Those nurses and doctors took care of our children when we couldn't do so. They also took care of me and put up with me. I was not an easy mom to deal with! They knew that it was an extremely difficult time for parents and new parents in particular, so they were patient and kind. They taught us how to care for our babies, encouraged us, made me laugh when I really wanted to cry, and were just all-around phenomenal caretakers. Ryan and Evan know they were sick when they were born. They've seen the pictures and they ask a lot of questions. One of their questions is, "But how did we get in your belly?" Not really prepared to answer that one, but the others I can handle! When graduates go back to the NICU there is an announcement made, and if nurses and doctors  who've taken care of the babies are there and available they come out for a visit. We were thrilled to see some of our favorites.

This is Mary-Pat. She was actually with me when I delivered that morning. I had no idea who was there, but she later told me that she took care of me and that she heard my babies cry. Just sharing that was one of the best gifts anyone has ever given me.

Here are the boys with Christine (left) and Betty (right). I couldn't believe that we immediately remembered each other's names. Everything came rushing back and I started remembering things like they happened only yesterday.

They boys said thank you, talked about Halloween costumes and school,  and ran around playing a game of tag. The nurses said that that was the best thank you--to see the boys and how they've grown up and developed into happy, healthy, smart, and typical five year olds. They said that seeing them gave them chills. This is why they do what they do. Their work is not easy, and it's sometimes grim, but it matters. 

Perhaps this will turn out to be our last visit to the NICU. They'll continue to be on our Christmas card list and in our prayers, though. I know it was God who saved my babies, but I also know that He used the hands and minds of the nurses and doctors at Yale-New Haven Hospital to do so. We are eternally grateful.