A Letter to My Son on a Memorable Day

Dear Christian,

Today is a special day. It is the 1 year anniversary of the day of your homecoming. After spending 132 days in the hospital, you got to come home and sleep in your own bed. Mommy and Daddy had waited for this day to come. We had to be sure you were ready. We had to be sure that we were confident in our abilities to care for you.

During your stay at the hospital you made so many friends. You had the coolest mobile and the doctors would start it to watch the leaves move and listen to the tranquil music. I want you to know that you were a special boy right from the start. Even when you were a teeny, tiny baby there was a sparkle in your eyes. You have always been a little prince charming. I want you to know that you had different Doctors, Nurses, and Therapists stop by your bedside, each night, to tell you goodnight. I want you to know that you have always been an inspiration. You should know that you are proof that miracles do happen. You had several nurses that would try to sign up for your care for the day......you had ladies chasing after you from the get-go. You should also know that you were the "smelliest" baby in the NICU. The nurses wanted to hang little tree
air-fresheners inside your bed (they were joking, of course) but you did have a bottle of hospital air deodorizer by your bed side (not joking).

I want you to know that as I type this, you are sitting on my lap, eating cheerios off the table.The day we got to bring you home was very exciting. I could hardly sleep the night before. I was making sure I had your diaper bag ready. The outfit you would wear home was neatly packed inside it. The explorer was loaded up to the brim, after all, it had been 5 months since I had been home too. Daddy was was working that day but he was just as excited and was waiting at home for your arrival. I bought a cake to take to the staff at OHSU that said "I'm Outta Here! Love Christian" It was decked out in confetti and curling ribbons. It was a celebration cake!
On the way to the hospital to start the process of discharging you as a patient, the song "I'm Going Home" by Daughtry came on the radio. It made mommy cry as she listened to these lyrics: "I'm going home. back to the place where I belong. your love has always been enough for me."
The whole NICU was excited for you that day. You should know that there were tears of joy. There was laughter and celebration. You should know that the people there loved you.

It is hard to tell by this picture but I have the biggest smile on my face. This was such a good feeling, wheeling you down the hall and through the big double doors that you came in through 4 and a half months earlier. When I reached the hallway and the doors closed beside me, I stood there and cried. This was the first time I had been truly alone with you. I will never forget that moment.

When we finally reached home, I placed you snugly into your bassinet. You were so small and precious. You were greeted by several family members and friends who love you very much.

Christian, I want you to know that your story has inspired many, many people. You have helped to bring people closer to God. You have given hope to other families who have preemie babies. You have brought light to our lives like we have never known. You make our hearts happy with you generous smile and spunky personality. You are 100% BOY and we love that about you. You have come so far in just one year. Mommy and Daddy are so thankful that God chose us to be your parents.

We love you very much.

Love Mommy XOXOXxoxoxoxo