It was the day we realized what true fear was, what it's like to see your child in pain, fighting to survive.
It was the day we were taught true love, how special the bond is with your spouse.
It was the day we learned what true strength was, how to pull it together when all we wanted to do was fall apart.
It was the day we learned to have peace, to take each moment, each breath, one day at a time and to be thankful for the time we have.
It was one of the most rewarding, blessed, challenging, happy days of my life.
It was Alexander's birthday.
I've had lots of different emotions remembering the days leading up to and the day of Alexander's birth. It was a very scary time, yet still so hopeful and positive. November 17th is World Prematurity Day and while I laid in my hospital room, KCRG kept playing a story of parents who lost their preemie and another preemie who had grown up healthy after initial support from the University of Iowa. Instead of making me scared that day, it gave me hope.
When you look at him now, it's hard to remember everything he went through. But I suppose that's the point - to see him as he is now - a happy, little man, who wants to keep up with his older brother and lights up a room with his smile.
The rollar coster of the past year has changed us. It's made us appreciate one another in ways I can't communicate in writing. It's made us not sweat the small stuff (yes, it's all small stuff) - and when we do sweat it, we look at Alexander for a reminder. It's made me smile when I get to hear complaints from Andrew that Alexander is playing with his toys. It's made us part of the club no parent wants in - the NICU Parent Club. But those Mom's inspired me day after day and continue to do so - especially you Karin and Angel! All of these positive changes wouldn't have happened without Alexander and his surprise birth.
We are the lucky ones - parents that got to bring a baby home from the NICU. I know many that didn't get to do that. Every night I pray that all mothers get to take their baby home, healthy. This is why our family supports the March of Dimes and is excited to announce that Pete and I are the chairs for the 2015 Quad Cities March for Babies. More to come on that in the future but save the date: http://www.marchofdimes.org/iowa/events/10282_3136363335.html!
So today, on World Prematurity Day, better known to us as Alexander's birthday, take time to think of those who have lost babies, had babies born unhealthy or had babies born too soon. Pray for all those families and donate to the March of Dimes. Remember our Alexander the Great, who continues to amaze us each and every day and brings such joy to our lives.
Happy Birthday Alexander!!
No comments:
Post a Comment