The value of friends and family
The following is an email sent from one of my favorite patients. After a tough journey, she has been blessed (abundantly) with triplets. While having three at a time is not the preferred way to be blessed, she is an inspiration in many ways. During her prolonged hospital stay prior to the delivery, she made the most of her time there, sharing her faith and giving inspiration to the other mothers on the hospital floor who were also on bedrest. After the babies were born, her family and friends rallied around and showed their love by helping out the new parents of three. The following is an actual email sent out to her family and friends (and to me). She has given permission to share this with the rest of the world in the hopes that it can be a reminder that loving family and friends are the most important treasures on earth.
To: (list of friends and family)
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 7:30 AM
Subject: Two home, one to go!
Well, I do not know if you all will believe me but I am sitting on the computer, kids are sleeping in their cribs, dishes are done and house looks pretty good. We have had a busy couple of days. Steve and I brought home Madeline and Nicklaus on Monday evening. We were both so excited to get them home, but very sad to leave our little Gracie. She is doing great she just gets so tired during her feeds that she needs a little more love in the NICU. It must be that she loves her nurses, especially Sally and Sheryl. As you can imagine things are slightly crazy. My Mom stayed the night with us the first night and we did not sleep but five minutes here and there. Madeline has a very odd breathing pattern and to be honest it is sometimes scary. Nicklaus just loves to look at the world and never wants to sleep. Thank goodness that is changing. We bathed them last night and I think that it wore them both out. My Mom and Dad both stayed last night and I was able to get six hours of sleep. I cannot say that my Mom has had that but I woke up early this morning and sent her to bed. Today we meet our Pediatrician for the first time. I am excited to see if the kids have gained any weight??? Then we will go visit Grace and back home for the night. Please pray that the kids continue to eat well and that Grace will be home with us soon. It is very hard to have a split family. I went to visit her yesterday and then Steve went after work to give her quality Daddy time. She is in great spirits but we want her home. Many of you have offered help. I thank you and yes I could use it. It would be helpful to me that if you call you tell me when you can do it. I am drawing up a calendar and scheduling people in. If you feel like you are a night owl and can handle a shift that would be great. My parents are here helping but I need to give them a break too. Day-time cuddlers are needed too. Thank you to everyone for everything. Steve and I realize that we could not do this alone and all the support has been so great. Christy
