At 23 weeks gestation live births were unlikely, let alone surviving long enough to be admitted into the NICU. V passed away at 17 hours of age due to acute pneumothorax. Our surviving twin son, L, is our miracle. He is thriving today because of so many caring and conscientious health professionals and support staff at Cardinal Glennon. We have encountered well over one hundred different individuals intimately involved in the care of our son. Our primary night nurse, Kelly Weeden, holds a special place in our hearts for all that she has done, not only for L's physical care and mental development but also for our family as a whole.
Kelly was involved from the first critical weeks of L's life. I am confident that her meticulous care and extreme attention to detail is a huge part of why he is alive today. She nursed L through his very terrifying adrenal crisis. Her perceptiveness also led to additional testing to identify life-threatening anemia. We feared that we were going to lose L that very dark week in November. Kelly provided us with comfort and hope.
Kelly does what she can to keep V's memory alive in our hearts. Losing our daughter while fighting for our son's survival is such a difficult situation for us as parents. We mourn for V. Early on we were especially afraid to bond with L out of terror of having him torn from our lives as well. Kelly has gently encouraged our bond with L while honoring V's short but courageous life.
Kelly's gentleness and warmth are apparent in all of her interactions with our son. He responds to her loving voice in a way I have witnessed with no one else. L thrives under her care and soothes under her touch. Her nursing skills and professionalism are unparalleled.
To celebrate each of L's weight gain milestones, Kelly takes special time to "craft with L." His NICU door is full of beautifully hand-crafted pieces that we will cherish always. Among my favorite craft project is a tiny turkey from Thanksgiving made with his miniature hand print. At Christmas, Kelly thought not only of L, but also of his big sister, 3 year old E. E was so excited to receive an educational sticker activity book to occupy her time at the hospital. Most evenings, E asks if our "Night Nurse, Kelly" will be taking care of L. E just adores her.
Kelly provides emotional support to me while at the hospital and by phone during her shifts. She helped me with the difficult transition back to work after my nine full weeks of time in the NICU helping to care for my son. She comforted me over the phone and eased my anxieties when our family was ill, and I had to stay away from the NICU for many days. I knew that he was being loved and monitored closely in my absence. Kelly takes time to educate my husband and I about how to care for L so that we can be more confident and safe when handling, diapering, bathing and feeding him as we prepare him for the big world outside of the NICU.
The entire NICU has been incredible. They have grieved with us over the loss of our daughter, V. They have also shared in the celebration of our son, L's, life. Kelly, in particular, has supported us through the most difficult window of our lives. L is a fighter, but fighters cannot win on their own. They need a supportive team. Kelly is an integral part of his team. She is one of L's biggest advocates. He has thrived under her exceptional care.