Almost a year ago, my little Valentine was in NICU. Those 90 1/2 hours Lakyn spent there felt like a month of Sundays! It was a tough time, but we all survived it.
My heart was in my throat as we made the 15 minute trip to the hospital the day after Valentine's Day. We would finally bring our daughter home and live as a family of four.
The nurse and I dressed Lakyn in her going home outfit. Her great grandmother had made it for her 32 years earlier. She died when Brad was only 2 years old, so she would never meet the baby girl in the knitted, yellow, drawstring gown. Great Grandmother Mary lives on in Lakyn.
Jayce's smile lit up the tiny waiting area as I walked out of the NICU with his baby sister. He had waited for this moment just as long as his parents. After a brief visit with his daughter, Brad rushed out to get the car. It was time to take his precious cargo home. Our path home was covered in a blanket of pure, white snow. This day God had made was so beautiful. All the prayers from family and friends had been answered.
I look at my little, round faced girl with only two bruises on her forehead today. Her blonde fuzzy hair is standing on end all over her head. Her little white t-shirt is stained from breakfast and from the cherry lollypop I gave her so she would allow me to write, her striped pants are hanging well below her waist, both socks are missing, and she is giggling as she sucks in both of her lips. She is proud to be standing on the train table even though I have retrieved her from it a dozen times today. She hears the phrase all too familiar..."No No!," but she is still smiling at me. She is happy and healthy. She has a kind heart, an adventurous soul and a determination to be admired.
Happy Valentine's Day!
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