My child was born at 25 weeks, 5 days. The first few days of her life were the toughest with a pneumothorax and brain bleed. The doctors and nurses were uncertain of her long term outcome. Eventually, came the dread of being discharged from the hospital but my child still being there. I was scared to stay in the NICU, but on my first night, I was welcomed with open arms by Cami. She comforted me! She shared her own personal story of her child's brain bleed. She gathered my sheets for my bed and helped me to operate my breast pump. She took me in and made me feel like one of her family members. This is just the beginning of our story.
Throughout our time in the NICU, Cami continually dropped by to see us when she was not assigned to us. She would share an encouraging word and let us know she was praying for us. She would also message me on her off days to check on our baby. As her condition began to decline due to the brain bleed, Cami continued to check on her. Soon we were transferred to Children's of Alabama for a shunt surgery. We spent several weeks in Birmingham before returning to Tupelo. During our stay in Birmingham, Cami continued to check in. She even made a special trip to Birmingham to see our baby. Once we returned to Tupelo, Cami was soon our nurse. I had been having trouble producing enough breast milk. Cami encouraged me to try my best and that I was doing was fine. I felt inadequate, but Cami encouraged me. I have spent every night with our baby since she has been born other than when I was hospitalized. When Cami came on her shift, she insisted that she feed her during the night so I could rest. I was so thankful for this. I entered the NICU as a stranger to everyone but was quickly accepted by the nurses, doctors, and therapists. The acceptance I felt by Cami was second to none. I am thankful for the stranger, turned friend, that Cami has turned out to be.