Busy time of year, and just when things were settling down from our move cross country...

Taylor was born in April, so we didn't have to spend many holidays in the NICU.   Well, except for my first ever official Mother's Day.  How did we celebrate?   Taylor's right lung collapsed and he was put back on the vent after being off for 25 days.  I would not be exaggerating in the least to say that I will ALWAYS remember my first Mother's Day.

Remembering those days, is part of the reason I am involved with PREEMIE-L, and why I am involved in doing this newsletter.  Because, even after 4 1/2 years, I remember... I remember being grateful, angry, terrified, elated, guilt ridden, jealous of healthier babies, and just plain tired... all rolled into each day.  Being in contact with the other members of PREEMIE-L has shown me that I was completely justified in every emotion I felt.  They have all felt the same at one time or another.  Regardless of the gestational age, or just how sick each baby is, the emotions of the parents are pretty much the same.  It really helps to be able to share those emotions with someone who truly understands.

Give yourself a gift, reach out to another parent, realize you are not alone, not paranoid, not crazy, and not inadequate.  Draw strength from each other.

If you are reading this newsletter on paper.. it is because someone has taken the time to download it off the internet, print it out and share it with you...  If you have internet access, maybe you can do the same for others.

Please print or copy this newsletter, and share with others....