Sunday, May 8, 2011

Day 126: May 6, 2011

Today was emotionally draining, to say the least. I was prepared for the draining, but it didn't make it any easier. Memorial services are coined as a time to celebrate life, and I get that, but a lot of times I feel like we're celebrating too soon. This particular life was celebrated way too soon.

I take care of a lot of babies.  I meet a lot of families. This family is extraordinary.

I have known for a long time that I was thankful for having met them, but I have struggled with how to capture their "essence" in words. To see this Mother/baby combo in action, was to witness love at its finest, in its purest form, raw and unadorned. I remember thinking the first time I took care of them, that I have never seen a parent so outwardly enamored with their baby.

Today I am thankful to have witnessed an amazing family.

They impressed me constantly through the eight month journey with their spirits, their expressive love, and their strength. I am thankful that I was able to be a part of their life and that they shared their sweet baby girl with me for a while.

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

2 comments:

  1. This made me cry. Your job is so hard - I admire you even more after having read this. You are lucky to have been a part of such an amazing, albeit short, journey.

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  2. Aw Em, I'm sorry for the sadness, but happy that you experienced the love of great people. I'm sure no matter how many times you witness it, it never gets easier. I think people in the medical field get to experience a lot of crazy highs and lows. How extraordinarily sad when a battle is lost, but how amazing each time you're able to set someone on their feet again. Either way - what you do is pretty incredible. :)

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I'm always *thankful* for your comments- they make me smile:)