Check out my date....I love him.
At the dinner, it was so great to see some of the nurses that Ashlyn had while in the NICU and be able to talk with some of them and catch up. It was also great to meet the other families who were there to share their stories and to hear about their babies. The best part of the night was walking along the ballroom where the buffet lines were and seeing this:
Our girl....and the storyboard that was displayed during the dinner
It was a really special night. There was a video shown where each family shared their story. There was a family that had a baby in the NICU for over 100 days and another that had to return to the NICU a second time after their baby took a turn for the worse when they got home. We shared our story about having a baby with a diagnosis we never expected and the time she was in the NICU, which was very short compared to what other families experienced.
Last night I was once again reminded of how we were in a place I never would have dreamed we would be. But, once again reminded of how at home we are there. My heart was so full of love and joy as I saw Ashlyn's pictures there and as I saw her on that video. It wasn't what I ever expected, but it fits. I was so proud to share her with everyone. At the beginning of all of this, there is no way I thought we would ever be in this place. But, here we are. It was such an honor to share Ashlyn's story and to tell what the work and the research of the March of Dimes means to us because of our time in the NICU. It was such an honor to stand alongside other families who were dealt circumstances and challenges they never expected, but were there because of love for their babies and gratitude for the help they received early on. Not what I ever expected, but full of more joy than I could have ever dreamed of.
You're looking down at the story board the same way you looked down at Ashlyn in the hospital when she was in your arms. Funny thing is, in the hospital you could see the grief, and here you can see the AWE. (Hope that made sense.)
ReplyDeleteAshlyn is so lucky to have a loving family. From reading your blog she has made so many accomplishments! Way to go Ashlyn!
ReplyDeleteHeather - That does make sense....and it is so true!
ReplyDeletethis may b weird but i almost cried seeing you hold that storyboard, looking at it..that's really neat you got to be a part of that and beautiful what God has done in you.
ReplyDeleteshari, this post is beautiful! and, i too, think that picture of you holding the storyboard is a very sweet and emotional moment!
ReplyDelete