Shown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by shar on May 16, 2004, at 21:36:15
I wrote this (just as a word document) a while back, but it preys on my mind, so I want to share it. Hospice is a place where people go when they are close to death. I volunteer for hospice where I live.
I'm sure the baby is gone by now, but any prayers to the mom and her son would be welcome, by me at least.
I guess I see this as a memorial to Victor.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::For the first time since I've been a hospice volunteer, there was a baby there tonight. The mom, 18 years old, was not going to be able to graduate high school because she'd missed so many classes taking care of (and having) her son. He was so yummy!! Less than a month old, but had been born with a too small brain (I can't think of the medical term). It was certain death for him, and she was there to learn how to care for him when she took him home. [At only days old, he did not have to use too much of his brain (this is not a medical treatise, so forgive the lay interpretation), but he was expected to live only weeks at the most, as his brain began to be overtaxed.] He was, though, 6 pounds...a weight, I told her, that was very good. He came a month early. I wish I had taken her up on her offer to hold him. The nurses were wonderfully supportive of her; and asked me if I’d seen the baby, and felt a great deal of fondness for the both of them. I guess in hospice, it doesn’t matter so much what shape you’re in; a baby is a baby is a baby, and we were enthralled.
I told her he was lucky to have her for a mom (during my second visit to her room). She didn’t have visitors, and the father was not involved. I said he was beautiful, and he was. He was totally snuggly, cuddly, and …well, yummy…! Her tummy was still big from having him (something I remember well), and he had lots of hair, and a VERY cute cap (which they didn't use when I had my son). I asked if he still slept all the time, and she said no, after he ate he would stay awake for a while. I told her I remembered having to walk my son, or rock him...she said he didn't cry like a normal baby, more like a grunts/moan combo (that was the sound she made). She had him 3 days after her 18th birthday, and I said I'd had my son when I was 18. I told her it was a gift she'd not forget. I so hope she will know how wonderful her son was, no matter what problems he was born with. He was just perfect, as he was. That’s what I wanted to convey, but don’t know if I did.
I do so hope she will have support. She was alone. I hope she will be able to graduate eventually. I'm sure she will. I want to go back to see her. And hold Victor.
P.S. The next week, when I went back, she had gone home with her son, and was going to be able to graduate! I’m still praying for both of them.
Shar
Posted by gardenergirl on May 17, 2004, at 8:35:26
In reply to A baby in hospice, posted by shar on May 16, 2004, at 21:36:15
Oh Shar,
What a beautiful post. I'm sure you conveyed what you intended to the girl, as you did it wonderfully here. I admire you to pieces for being a hospice volunteer. That must take a tremendous amount of strength. It's such a valuable gift you give.gg
Posted by shar on May 17, 2004, at 21:45:14
In reply to Re: A baby in hospice » shar, posted by gardenergirl on May 17, 2004, at 8:35:26
This is the end of the thread.
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