We are truly blessed. My wonderful wife and I, as well as our newborn son, are surrounded by prayers and love, every moment of every day. The last 3 weeks have been a test for all three of us, and while I am not confident enough to say that we passed, I know we wouldn't be where we are today if this road was one that had to be traveled alone.
I have always believed that I was tough, strong, and unyielding. Like many young men, I took pride in the idea that I could handle any situation by myself. Any problem that arose, I would have the solution. Any question, I could find the answer. I will never know if that notion would have held true during the course of the last few weeks, but I can assure myself of one thing: I am quite pleased I didn't have to find out.
On June 8th, my wife came to this hospital very uncertain of what her future might hold. The care that she received during her stay in this medical establishment was astounding. Nurses who cared for her did so with love and compassion. It was clear to us that they viewed her not only as a patient, but as a human being...and furthermore, a mother. Doctors came in to visit us daily, delivering difficult information in a straightforward and professional manner. When the time came to make decisions, very difficult ones, we were able to do so with the knowledge that the team surrounding us supported our wishes 100%. During a time of complete restlessness and doubt, it was very reassuring to know this support existed. Things have not changed a bit since we have shifted our lives to the NICU. Our baby is in good hands.
Support also came in waves from the world outside the hospital. An onslaught of emails, text messages, and phone calls, from family and friends alike, showed us that my wife and I are two people who are showered in love. Beautiful flowers were sent to our bedside, bringing greenery and life near to us when we needed it most. Cards and notes, containing words of wisdom and cheer, helped us to know that love was just around the corner. Food was delivered with love, and gave us the strength and energy to push on. Powerful prayers and thoughts showed us we were in the minds of many, and this helped us to find hope during some really arduous times. Many will never realize how a simple gesture can affect someone's life so profoundly, but it does. We are truly blessed.
Lastly, there exists a special group of people in our lives who my wife has properly nicknamed "The Rally Squad". Prior to her delivery, there wasn't a time when one or more of this amazing assemblage of family wasn't by her side. They brought life and laughter to an otherwise dreary and depressing hospital room. They understood our needs without us having to explain them, never questioning us even when we were uncertain ourselves. They served as a woven net, soft and stretched out just below us, giving us the confidence that we could step forward, take chances, and believe in ourselves, all the while knowing that if we slipped, we wouldn't fall far. Simply put, they lived 6 days of their lives completely for us. Words could never explain the gratitude we feel towards these individuals. For their unending love, we will forever be indebted to them.
As I grow older and my experiences give me insight to what the world is really about, I learn. I am still not sure that there isn't a lot more to it than what I now know, but I think I am beginning to finally understand the real meaning behind the saying, "It takes a village."
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