Perfektly Mary

It’s National Prematurity Awareness Month.

The challenge to heighten awareness has brought back so many memories…

I tear up looking at the pictures of Madeline’s first days. I remember the shock of my natural home birth turned emergency cesarean. I remember the fear and isolation I felt as I watched Dustin bravely smile and then leave my side in the operating room to follow Maddie being rushed to NICU. I take a deep deliberate breath remembering how I sat beside her incubator matching my breaths to her monitored ones and panicking when they didn’t come. I remember, the pain of not being able to hold my newborn daughter until she was 2 days old. I remember, the bear they kept in her incubator and then brought to me in hopes it would help my milk come in. I remember, the first time I finally got to hold her; the moment I became a mom and not just an observer. I remember, the fear of bumping the ventilator and how it would scrape her esophagus and gag her. I remember feeling guilty when I asked to hold her; knowing that it would send her into respiratory distress. I remember, the day we had to leave the hospital without her. I remember the loss I felt as we drove away from the hospital with an empty womb and an empty car seat.

Man do I remember. That stuff leaves a permanent mark on you. It changes the core of who you are.

Before Madeline was born I didn’t pay attention to causes like the March of Dimes. It’s amazing how quickly a cause that was once ignored, has become something I am so thankful for. Most of the people I know don’t offer donations or work towards research to save preemies. I’m not saying that condescendingly, I understand. I used to be that way too.

This month is a great opportunity to be reminded of the work being done to save young lives. It’s certainly motivated me to act on the thankfulness I feel for Madeline overcoming the odds.

I thank God for the March of Dimes. The money donated to this organization is saving lives. It saved my daughter’s. Their funding of research, has made it possible for babies as young as 22wks to survive!

If you want to help fund the work being done, here’s an affordable and easy way to do it. You can purchase a virtual band from the March of Dimes. It’s by donation, so how much you give is up to you. (It’s also great for tax write offs)

I used to wonder if a dollar could make a difference. Madeline is alive because of God’s grace, and the millions of people that donated a couple bucks. Dollars do change lives. You can be a part of that. If you want to help save lives like Maddie’s, check out the March of Dimes or purchase one of the bands.

Have a good Thanksgiving. I know what I’m thankful for!