You need not look too far to notice troubling situations and
physical suffering.
destruction
inequality
homelessness
poverty
orphans
widows
sickness
…
I always thought I was aware,
until
one January when I became
aware…
…Kevin and I would welcome our 4th little love in
October.
one May when I became aware…
…an ultrasound is about far more than finding out the baby’s
gender.
…how ridiculous it sounds to say, "I just want a healthy
baby" (so, what will you think if you don't have a healthy baby?).
…every one of us is fearfully. exquisitely. wonderfully. Made.
…in our personal heart break it may take some time before we are
willing to let others in to help hold the pieces.
one September when I became aware…
… behind every diagnosis is a face, a name, and a beautiful soul.
… the NICU is full of families who are hurting - families whose
pregnancies didn’t end the way they played out in their ideal plans and human
dreams.
…it’s not just the NICU, there are floors and floors of full rooms
in the same hospital.
…of patience necessary in affliction, joy in trial, and hope.
one October when I became
aware…
…even after our lives returned home, together, a piece of our
hearts would remain with all of the babies, and their families, who still long
for healing.
the 2 years since then, when I continue
to be aware…
…every person carries their own unique needs both physical and
emotional.
… turning the calendar will always remind me of the experiences
that sparked my fire. This month - devoted
to awareness of bullying, breast cancer, domestic violence, earthquake victims,
down syndrome, __{fill in your blank}__, and
Spina Bifida - will always fuel my desire to
do something; to encourage other families who may just be starting out on a
journey similar to our own.
It is now I feel as if I understand what it means to be aware and why it is so critical.
Awareness motivates us to help others,
starts a conversation,
encourages community,
breaks down boundaries,
builds determination,
changes attitudes and misconceptions,
teaches us to look into the eyes of all the broken hearted,
calls us to do more than recognize and sympathize.
Awareness inspires empathy and action.
My sister was a Level 3 NICU nurse at a hospital in Detroit years ago. She's told me some of the stories and I just think it's amazing she worked there.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post and so true!
Sweet baby Gabe!
This is an awesome post,so very true. We had healthy babies. However, 2 of the 3 have gone through some rough times with mental illness,specifically OCD,anxiety and depression,all intermeshed with one another. So even though you may have that healthy baby,trials may come later on. CindyF
ReplyDeleteAware... Of miracles, of memories, of gifts, of grace, of mercy, of healing, of pain, of strength, of the connection we need with one another, of the importance of tears, and risking waking whilst gathering up sleeping babes in arms late in the night for one last hug, of darkness, of forgetting, of forgiveness, of being able to shake a fist at God yet understand the "unanswered" prayers, of hope- true and unashamed hope that goes beyond the name of a college, of light that always comes in the morning, of steadfastness, of the need to accept help(especially when you break a foot), of brokenness, of beauty, of love...
ReplyDeletePrecious Katie, oh how I thank God for you! Are you aware of how many are watching you and catching a glimpse of the savior? Your Jesus is showing :)