My name is H and I was born prematurely at 29 weeks, weighing just 590 grams. My journey in the neonatal unit was a very bumpy ride, both for myself, my mummy, and my daddy. Whilst I was not born with any congenital abnormalities, my tiny size was the biggest battle I needed to fight! This involved constantly being pricked with horrifying looking needles and taking lots of awful-tasting medicines that were being snuck into my milk (and they thought I would never find out!). Mummy said these medicines were to help make me better, so I could come home, but some of them made my bones become weak.
I was winning the battle, and I could see victory until I got sicker! Nobody understood how to look after me apart from Uncle Ed. My bones became very fragile and needed to be handled with a lot of care. Uncle Ed made me my very own 'fragile bones' notice that he stuck onto my cot, and I heard him tell all the nurses and doctors to be gentle with me whilst he went home for a rest, but not everybody listened!
Each time Mummy and Daddy would do my cares, Uncle Ed would stand beside them to ensure I was comfortable. Each time the Draculas would come to take my blood, Uncle Ed would ensure my bones were being supported appropriately, as I could feel a lot of pressure being applied. There were times when I was upset and uncomfortable. This was not because I was in pain, it was either because I wanted a fresh nappy, I was hungry, or I fancied a change of scene and wanted to be side changed. Uncle Ed understood me, he knew I had a bad liver and knew exactly what I needed. Others didn't know and they would give me medicine (chloral) and sedate me instead.
Mummy said she named me H because I am a NICU warrior and needed to fight this premature battle and I did! I fought for over 111 days, but I got tired. A beautiful paradise was waiting for me, where there we no horrifying needles, no Draculas, or awful-tasting medicines. Uncle Ed made sure my last moments were spent with my mummy and daddy. My mummy always wanted to give me a bath, but I was too fragile to have one. Uncle Ed made all the arrangements as quickly as possible. He took me to a private room where it was just myself and my family, and he ran me a lovely warm bath where I splashed around. Uncle Ed held my head gently as my nana and mummy bathed me. I really enjoyed kicking the bubbles in the water, it was my favourite. Uncle Ed didn't take his break that afternoon and spent the whole time with me. He also had a very long day going well over his shift time, just to make sure my family could have as much time with me as possible. Uncle Ed also made sure my mummy didn't have to leave via the NICU unit as I know my mummy would be very upset to see the bay which was my home, now empty.
After my family left the hospital (without me), Uncle Ed made sure I was placed in a very safe place. He kept me all wrapped up and cozy just like my mummy had left me, in my favourite blanket and my H hat. Uncle Ed also made sure my possessions were kept safe until my daddy came to collect me and them the following day. It was very late that night when Uncle Ed went home.
I really felt both myself and Uncle Ed shared an attached bond. Uncle Ed would always request to look after me each day he was working, he didn't feel I was hard work or difficult, he just did his job with passion and a lot of care. He knew how I felt and what I was going through, as well as knowing what my mummy and daddy were going through because he had also been a parent of a NICU baby. I know Uncle Ed cared for me lots, he still hasn't been into the bay that I once lived in.
I would like for you to give Uncle Ed a special award, as he fully deserves this!