I currently have two girls. Caedyn, who was the twin born prematurely at 29 weeks that survived, and Kamari who was taken at week 36. Caedyn is 7 and will be 8 in July. Kamari is 5 and will be 6 in December.

Caedyn experienced the life of NICU for 3 months.

I drew strength through my faith and religion. I constantly prayed and had my pastor pray with me. I had two friend girls that I was extremely close with that came to be with me when they could and that helped me a lot. My mother was my main supporter. She would come be with me daily. She would bring me food, because often times I forgot to eat. She reminded me constantly that while the girls were in NICU I needed to make sure I was taking care of myself so that I could be there for them.

During the NICU journey, I didn’t utilize the internet for social reasons. The only time I can honestly say I stopped to get on the computer, was to further research Makayla’s condition .

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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

A great day for Makayla was the day that they allowed a photographer to come in and take pictures of her and Caedyn. She opened her eyes, she was full of life. It was the first time they had been together since they left my womb. It was the first time I actually saw here move around. That was also the day I needed the most support because she passed away later that evening. I knew I had to be strong, because though I’d lost one child, I still had another that was depending on me.

If I could share some information with another NICU parent, it would be to ask questions and get educated. Find out as much as you can about their daily routines, their expectations, and what you can do as a parent to be as present as possible for your child or for another that may not have the love and support they need to make it.