Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Her Mother and I



I am not her mother…
Her mother, who has sat for
eight months by her bed
holding on, holding her hands,
listening to beeps and
dings as the monitor lets us
in on the secrets of her heart.

I am not her mother…
who thinks she’s beautiful despite
her overgrown head, distended
diseased belly, despite her yellowed
eyes and bronzed skin caused
by all the liver damaging medicine,

I am not her mother…
a mother who’s sacrificed herself,
eight months of hoping for better
outcomes, suffering more bad news,
enjoying rare moments
graced by her smile, laughing
as her playful spirit remains, praying
to one day take her baby home.

I am her nurse…
as I listen to the beeps and dings, monitor
her vitals, hold her little hand, tend to their
needs, cherish their smiles, and hope
for better outcomes, I pray for that day, 
too, the day that mom will get to take
her baby home…

**I have been taking care of a little baby for at least 5 months now; she's been in the hospital since birth and will be 8 months old tomorrow.  Starting out at a little over a pound at birth, she has now reached 15lbs-but she's had a very long and hard road.  Premies are at risk for a large number of problems, and she has suffered them all.  She has had a total of 12 surgeries in her short 8 months.  Her mom is hoping to have her home by Christmas, but unfortunately it just isn't looking possible.  Her belly is not tolerating, and never really has, any food.  But we're gonna keep trying; she's proven herself a fighter.  I've fallen in love with this little angel-who can so easily bring a smile to my face-and her amazing strong parents.  I'm praying that they'll get their Christmas wish. 

**Although she started out that little, the photo is not her; I found it from stock photos at google images.  I'm linking up to OLN over at dVerse~Poets pub.  There's some pretty terrific finds over there :)
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13 comments:

  1. Brian MillerNovember 30, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    you had me in tears at the photo..i could hardly read your words...i did though...and knowing the work you do...i was happy you were there for both of them...

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  2. ClaudiaNovember 30, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    oh my caty...it's awesome that such a small baby really is able to survive..she must be a tough fighter and her parents too... brought tears to my eyes...

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  3. Carrie Van HornNovember 30, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    Caty....this is such a touching story....we all have so much to be thankful for.....this little one and her family have endured somuch...what you do for a living is such a blessing to others.....you are an inspiration in so many ways!!

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  4. Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis HallNovember 30, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    what a moving piece.

    being a nurse means more than a mother,
    you rock, girl.

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  5. @amiNovember 30, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    My heart missed a beat. What a beautiful life.

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  6. Maude LynnNovember 30, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    I don't know how you do it. Beautiful writing.

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  7. AnonymousNovember 30, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    I am heart wrenched over this piece.
    good poem.
    thank you & and thank you for being you.

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  8. ScarletDecember 1, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    This is really touching....I am happy that you are there for the baby and the mom ~ Love this ~

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  9. Monkey ManDecember 1, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Caty it takes a warm heart but a short memory to do what you do. I hope the little one gets to go home. That would be a fine present for Christmas.

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  10. UnknownDecember 1, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Really touching story. I feel terrible that life can throw the unforeseen and those things that we all fear so much. It's great to hear how you are there for her, obviously taking your compassion much further than what a job entails. It's also great to hear that the mother is there all the time and that the baby is a fighter. Your poem is touching and the way you set it up was truly steeped in the essence of poetry. Thank you. I will keep this little one and her family in my prayers

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  11. sageDecember 3, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Wow, you have me crying... I am thankful for people like you who can do this type of work. I've known a few parents with premature babies and it can be so hard. Blessings upon your work and this family.

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  12. AnonymousDecember 3, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    your poem is so touching, and nurses are like second moms in the sort of situation you tell about - the child is lucky to be so loved

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  13. Jannie FunsterDecember 3, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Oh my gosh, that poor little sweet baby. And what you do for her.

    This brings tears to my eyes for all involved. I am humbled deeply.

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