Fight for Preemies

Today is National Fight for Preemies day. I never thought I would be personally affected by something that has a "day". I've participated in other people's "days" but it's eyeopening to have my own "day". Though my preemie was very healthy and mostly struggled only with eating it is still scary and there are many more out there who aren't as healthy as she was/is. So today I celebrate Preemie Awareness.

I don't think I've mentioned this (I guess I could read my blog posts to find out) but one thing that I have to express thanks for that I haven't and apologize for at the same time is the wonderful people who donate items to the NICU. There are so many wonderful things about the NICU but I want to focus on this for now. When I was in Young Women's (teenager group for my church) I was the first to complain about making blankets and burp cloths for Primary Childrens or other places. I thought it was boring, pointless, and a waste of time. But I have to tell you, being on the other side of the coin was a major wake up call. I walked into Charlotte's room one day to find several gifts. She had received a gorgeous blanket that looked so professionally done and was more than a blanket it was more like a quilt for her bed. She also got a burp cloth and a little toy from a family who lost their little boy a year ago. What a shock. It meant so much to me to have a little gift from a complete stranger. I will never complain if asked to help make a blanket for a family who is going through the unthinkable. I know it's little but it really meant so much to me. She will always have that blanket and I can't wait to tell her about some sweet person who took their time to make it.

So basically, donations don't always have to be in the form of money, your time and talents mean just as much. I hope that if I'm ever in Young Womens again one day or in another group that often does those things that I can tell them my story and how important it is to do those little acts of kindness and have them really get it.