Re: Rude People?
Johnson (kmj@frugal.com)
Thu, 21 Mar 1996 15:58:34 +0000
I also was told to use corrected age when people ask "how old?" I just
haven't felt right about doing that. Yes, Melissa is small; but, yes
she *is* almost four months old. Like many of you, I feel as though I
have to add "she was two months early" to her age all the time. There
is so much emotional baggage that goes with saying that, however (for
example dealing with all the questions and responses from people).
Just last Monday night I was sharing with some friends that I felt
"jipped" of those last two months of pregnancy. Immediately, several of
them kind of snickered and commented on how that's the worst part. I
have to admit, I don't think I would have understood the grief that goes
with losing two months of pregnancy prior to this experience.
Because I was hospitalized two-and-a-half weeks prior to Melissa's
birth, I had a lot of people telling me they "didn't know if they could
do it." My response was that every day in the womb was a blessing. I'd
stay in the hospital on bed-rest for the entire pregnancy if it meant a
healthy baby (mind you, I'd probably be complaining a lot more than I
did with 2.5 weeks of hospitalization -- and my insurance company would
have gone belly-up with the bills ;) !!!)
I think the hospitalization was good in preparing us for her premature
birth. Within a couple days of my admission, the perinatologist
arranged a tour of the NICU for DH and me. It *really* helped give us
an idea of what was in store. We also had two weeks to read and digest
Helen Harrison's book.
Well, I've rambled a bit, so I'll say "bye for now!"
Blessings and Hugs {{{}}},
Marci, mom to Kyle (2/94, 40 weeks) and Melissa (11/95, 32 weeks)