Wednesday 24 December 2008

Christmas Eve & The Special Care Nursery

I sit looking out over the snowy front lawn, past the wet.rain.drift pine branches, across to the twinkling lights on my neighbour's beach house. It's cold and misty here tonight. I will be 50 in 2009 and for the very first time I understand exactly what is important. No material gift can replace life or family or loved ones. I smell fragrant fresh fruit from the abundant basket my Brother and Sister-in-Law dropped off a few hours ago. Narnia is on the telly and both boys, young and old (well, 40ish) are in bed; television flash lighting fills their merry, cozy rooms. My thoughts are with my new Granddaughter, Joyce Hannah, who is lying alone in The Special Care Nursery at the hospital. She will be 1 week old tomorrow on Christmas morning. I have been far too upset and worried and unable to share this with all of you. Her lung collapsed the day she was born. I have not been able to hold her yet. Her features unidentifiable from tubing, tape, IV and monitors. She lies under blanket in 33 degrees. She has not yet worn clothes. Naked all but a tiny diaper. Did you know that the name Joyce means 'Experienced in Battle'? I did not know this until a few days ago. How appropriate. Her middle name Hannah is Hebrew for 'grace'. Again, a perfect name for a sweet baby girl. I know Joyce Hannah is a fighter in every sense of the word because she is making baby steps of improvement every day. She is our miracle girl. White blond and fair. Soft and fragile. Full of love and the 'feeling' of wonderful holidays. My greatest wish for tomorrow morning is that she awakes knowing we are with her and love her and miss her and hope for her that she comes home soon. (and that her parents are strong and full of faith) Good Night Sweet Baby. Bubby Loves You. Merry Christmas. xo

11 comments:

Jackies said...

I've never commented on your blog before -- come to think of it, I've never commented on any blog. But I so appreciated your insightfulness and wit on such matters as the recent political craziness down here. It was oddly comforting to find a sympathetic soul in a stranger so far away. And now my heart breaks that you find yourself separated from the precious new light in your life. My hopes and prayers are that little Joyce Hannah will very soon be home in the arms of those who love her more than anything in the world.

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, how stressful this time must be. I'm going to be thinking of little Joyce and wishing her big healthy lungs: one for Christmas AND one for hannukah. Big hugs to her and your whole family.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

My prayers will be for your Joyce Hannah tonight. May she improve and be home soon. All good wishes and thoughts your way on this Christmas Eve.

Laura in Paris said...

Greetings from Paris!
Have a Happy and Healthy 2009!

Linda Lou said...

I just found your blog - and on this Christmas Day I send prayers to your baby granddaughter-I spent one Christmas Eve in the hospital with my daughter when she was a baby, and you realize what truly is important. God Bless Joyce Hannah!

Shannon Fricke said...

Thinking of you at Christmas LP,
Hope all will be well and that 2009 brings you joy and happiness - and Joyce Hannah home to your family at this special time of year.
Sx

Anonymous said...

Never posted on a blog but very long story after a LONG hospital stay had a boy at 28 weeks/2 lbs etc...much time in the hospital but he is a happy, healthy crazy 3 and a half year old. Such a journey but you will get there...may not be the way you or your family imagined it but has made us such a strong, appreciative, caring family. In a weird way was not the start we wanted but a gift...take care, much love and may she be home soon.

Rebecca Corvese said...

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this heart-wrenching time, especially at the holidays. I pray that little Joyce Hannah will be o.k., strong and healthy and come home to all of you soon.

timelesshome annika said...

Thank you for all your lovely pictures and andthe things you are writing.
You are linked at my blog.
Happy Holidays!
Annika

Marnie said...

I will be thinking of the little one and will say a few prayers.

Julie said...

I gave birth to a seven week early baby boy on the 15th and he spent Christmas night alone in the Special Care Nursery as well. My prayers will be with your granddaughter as well as with my son. May they both return to full health together!