At the age of 35, I honestly had never heard of the NICU. I didn't know NICU nurses existed. Not many people know what you NICU nurses do. What goes on behind those securely-locked doors. Not many people know the impact that you, a NICU nurse and the whole NICU staff, can have on a family. A family with a baby needing intensive care, your intensive care. I had no clue bonds would be made, love would be given, cries would be shared.
I had no clue what it would feel like to leave my baby, my heart, in the hands of strangers. I had no clue what it would feel like to watch and let that stranger take care of my baby, but I am thankful that Heather, you were that stranger. I am thankful for the bond you made, the love you gave my baby. I want to tell you how grateful I am and no matter how hard I try these words can't express how much I truly appreciate you.
Thank you for making me feel that my baby was someone special to you. I love that you would make footprints and a picture or a decoration out of it. I love that you were able to get his handprint and make me a Valentine'sDay card out of it. I love that you made window decorations. I loved how you made his bed. I loved that you would leave notes from my son when I was gone, the very first one I'll never forget how it touched my spirit and made me cry an emotion I can never explain. I loved seeing and reading notes at hisbedside, you telling me how my baby's night was. I loved that you gave my son special attention and talked to him and played with him if he was wide-awake and cuddled him while I was away.
Thank you for your patience, Heather. You were patient with my lack of understanding and my desire to know more. I love that you were willing to answer my one million questions. I love that you were just there and listened whenever I was just in a plain flat-out bad mood, happy, sad or just talkative. Thank you for trying to make me feel like a person, not just another patient mom. You made me feel normal. I loved that you talked to me about your family as well as mine. I love that I could trust you to take care of my baby the times I missed. I loved that you appreciated my breast milk and called it liquid gold.
Thank you for making my new weird my new normal. I love that you were real with me. There are so many things that I love about you. But what I loved most was the way you loved my baby. Thank you! I will forever remember the love, the laughs and the heart full of compassion. Any time I look at my son you, the memories and love you have given us will never be forgotten. You are a wonderful nurse who has gone so far above and beyond in providing amazing care for my son.
"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" -Winnie the Pooh