It's hard to believe more than a year has passed since Elie arrived so suddenly. Everything happened quickly in those early days. There was a strong urge for him to get to the next milestone that we often found ourselves living in fast forward. Now at 13 months adjusted (15 1/2) we feel more settled, and confident that he is going to be okay. So much so that for his first birthday we returned to the NICU to say thank you to all the doctors and nurses. They could hardly believe how big he was, and how well he was doing. And just before we were leaving we saw a family new to the NICU. The mother was still in a wheelchair from her section. The nurse escorting them leaned over and told the couple that Elie was a 29 weeker, trying to provide some reassurance to the mother that her baby would also be alright. And I saw relief on the woman's face; Real relief that things might be okay. That brief exchange made our visit worth it.
All I wanted to hear in those first few weeks was that he would be okay. A few close friends gave me that, and even some of the doctors were prepared to say it. It was what I needed to hear. And it gave me time to cope with what was happening without being constantly afraid of the unknown. Everything has turned out okay and he is walking and chatty and the happiest little boy I know. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful son.
We are so grateful for all the help we got, even if all it was sometimes was that reassurance that one day the NICU would feel like a distant memory. Sending lots of appreciation to the amazing staff at FMC and RGH.
JLL
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