My hospital room quickly filled with nurses and doctors. Soon Carter was whisked away to the NICU and put on a ventilator. I wouldn’t be able to hold my new baby for three days because of the stress that it put on his body. I stayed in his intensive care room for the next six days, only leaving his side to go home briefly to tend to my two year old at home with Daddy.
My heart would break again each day when more tubes were added and more lines protruded from his little five-pound body. The nurses would quietly pat my hand and not judge the mother who silently wept when his blood had to be taken for more tests. I couldn’t protect my baby from the pain of the tests that were supposed to be helping him. I prayed that I could have his pain – that I could take away all of the hurt.
Day by day, Carter got stronger and I was able to take him home. During those days that I stayed in his room, I would see the other parents that sat diligently by their own children’s beds. I knew the look of hurt and fear in their eyes.
I want to do a little to help pay back an organization that helps families of sick children by providing a place for them to stay while their child is in the hospital. The Ronald McDonald House provides a safe environment that is a little bit of normalcy for families with sick children.
So in honor of my birthday, which is on Valentine's Day, I want to give back to the families and sick children of The Ronald McDonald House. So from now through Valentine's Day, I'll donate ALL of my proceeds from the sales of Worlds Apart to The Ronald McDonald House. They make a difference in so many families' lives --let's see if we can help!
From our hearts to theirs, share the love.