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Monday, May 18, 2009

In Awe of You "Little One"

I remember like it was yesterday, my first day as a nurse in the NICU. It can best be described as "shock and awe". Before nursing school, I never even knew such a place existed. I knew there were premature babies but had no idea what that really meant.

Today, seventeen years later, I am just as much "in awe" of God's tiniest miracles, as the first day I laid eyes upon them. I know that my feelings are those of the many friends I work with in the NICU also. For us it is not a job. It is a calling. It is a very big part of our life and our hearts. And we want to pay tribute to you, little one, for we indeed "stand in awe of you."


Dear "Little One",

I stand in awe of you. You are so tiny, yet so perfect. You are small enough to be held in the palm of your daddy's hand and to wear your mommy's wedding ring on your arm as a bracelet. I stand in awe as I watch you work to open your eyes for the very first time.

I am in awe at your unique little personality. You will just lie there and let me do whatever needs to be done without making a peep while your next door neighbor will start yelling as soon as the doors to the isolette are opened.

I am in awe of the way you are able to communicate, even as tiny as you are. You know how to tell us when enough is enough, even though words are several years away. You will sneeze, you will furrow your little brow or you will raise your tiny hand in the air, palm outstretched as if to say "STOP! I can't take anymore right now."

I am in awe of the many unpleasant and sometimes painful procedures you endure, yet as soon as it's over and you are touched with a gentle hand you are so quick to forgive.

I am in awe of your strength despite your frailty. You have an incredibly strong will to live. Time after time you cause us to shake our heads in amazement at what you have been able to overcome.

I am in awe of the unending devotion of your parents. Hour after hour, day after day, week after week they sit by your bed. They pray for you, they long to hold you, they hurt when you hurt, they rejoice at each hurdle you clear.

You are indeed special, little one. "Your inmost being was created by Him. You were knit together in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made." (Ps. 139:13).

"For He knows the plans He has for you. Plans to bless you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. "(Jer. 29:11)

I am honored, little one, to be a small part of your life. Caring for you brings great reward and blessing to me. And as I close my eyes in sleep tonight, know that I will remember you in prayer, that the Lord who holds you in the palm of his hand will bless you and keep you all the days of your life.

8 comments:

  1. This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

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  2. ok, kleenex please - wow! this is incredible! you are also incredible for giving so many the chance on life. i know my two are fortunate to have had you take such wonderful care of them. love and hugs.

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  3. Oh Roxanne, you write the eloquent words that so many of us long to say. I have seen your small gentle hands do God's work. There are people there who care for our babies as their job and do it well, but then there are the "special" people who "care" for our tiny population as their mission. You minister to our little ones with your gentle touch, but you also minister to our families with your beautiful heart and spirit. It takes someone special to take care of both. I am honored to call you my friend. You are one very "special" lady.

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  4. That is beautiful Roxanne! I have said over and over that working in the NICU MUST be your passion - the babies are giving it their all to fight for their lives and you must give the same kind of effort to help them! Love you & can't wait until you are back to work full-time! WE MISS YOU!!!!

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  5. That is a precious post.

    I hope your chemo went well and you are feeling O.K. today.

    Please do rest and relax.

    Thinking of you,
    Daria

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  6. Thanks for your words which are beautiful and true. You are a special person and an awesome nurse!

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  7. Roxanne,
    We made it through because of you. You were our guardian angel.

    With love and gratitude,
    Karen M. (John's Mom)

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  8. Your writing is sweet to my soul. (Prov 16:24) Cara and I are so grateful for you.

    Jim Morgan

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