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.