Imagine...

Imagine the relief of coming home and finding that someone mowed your lawn while you were at the hospital. Imagine finding that parents don't have to pay for the hospital parking garage. Imagine hearing your child's first sneeze and cry---at seven weeks old. Imagine watching your child flinch at your one finger touch on his arm because he's "over- stimulated".

But I also imagine one day bringing my son home, of flying a kite with him, blowing bubbles in the back yard, teaching him to ride a bike, helping him to build a model airplane, teaching him his ABCs, and how to keep score at a baseball game.

And I imagine one day being able to rock my son to sleep with out anyone else watching. And I imagine one day being able to tell him how much I love him and hearing him say "I love you too, Dad."

---Ed Martinelli (father to Ed III ("Buddy" or "Bud-Lite") born 23 weeks 4 days gestational age, 710 gms, 12.5 inches long on 2/22/97 at the University of Alabama-Birmingham Medical Center)
E-mail:martiea@mail.auburn.edu
-Cuz Dad's imagine too.

Sadly, some of Ed's imagines of the future will go unfulfilled...

Precious little Buddy passed away July 12, 1997.

We at Preemie-l have all been deeply touched by the Martinelli family...
Ed continues to be an strong supporter to other preemie families, both by continuing to be an active member of Preemie-l, and by attending various preemie related conferences.

He is proof that healing comes by helping others!