Love, Tanisha

Dear NICU Mama,

I hope you know how courageous you are. You may not see it with the overflowing tears you cry, but you are courageous! Everyday you stay committed to the unpredictable medical journey of the NICU. You face your fears by making critical medical decisions for your NICU miracle, and you never give up on them - even though they had a low chance of survival. As a courageous NICU Mama, you continue to love on your miracle through kangaroo care, feeding, and participating in the plan of care for the day.

I know this is not how you pictured motherhood, but you have embraced this colorful journey with open arms. You ask the doctors difficult questions and are willing to sacrifice sleep to train with many NICU nurses so that you feel comfortable executing your baby's medical needs at home. You also manage to make time for your spouse and other children in the process of being a courageous NICU mama, while still being fully aware of your NICU miracle's progress while returning back to work. After your work shift you rush over to the NICU, sign in, wash your hands thoroughly, and spend hours bonding with your preemie. You can multi-task in your sleep because it is so natural to you as a courageous NICU mama!

Courageous NICU Mama, you continue to see the light in the darkness. You remain optimistic regardless of the medical challenges your baby will face, redirect conversations from negative to positive because you believe in miracles, and you hold on to faith beyond your fears. It's just a matter of time before you receive the anticipated hearing, vision, and car seat test that will put peace in your heart to confirm that the NICU chapter is closing. At last, NICU Discharge! Congratulations! Sending you positive energy for life after NICU.” -Tanisha

More of Tanisha + Jaleel’s + NICU journey:

Jaleel was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease due to a rare birth defect called, Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction. Jaleel spent 157 days in the NICU between Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Jaleel was not discharged until he was almost 8 months old. Jaleel is now 2 years old preparing for a healthy kidney transplant surgery this year. Words can’t express Tanisha’s gratitude for Jaleel’s care team, and her family and friends who helped her overcome many obstacles as a first-time mommy.