Not long ago I revisited the place were hope is born. I went to the California Pacific Medical Center NICU where a friend sat beside her thriving, three pound, thirty week preemies (Yes twins!). I was greeted be the familiar face of a nurse who’s name I could not remember, and then I saw Joe, and then Diane, and before I knew it these nurses were whisking me into the door, giving me big hugs and taking me straight to see Lisa’s precious babies. Before I could say much, there I was, standing in the room with all the isolettes (I hate the word ‘incubators’ because it makes the babies sound like they are sick chickens), the alarms, and flashing lights. It has been a long time since I saw a three pound baby. I held back the tears. I also held back disbelief that these careful angels (nurses) took me straight to Lisa’s babies without her permission. She was doing her deed in the pumping room at the time. The tears  I cried in this moment of quiet were not of fear or sadness or a post-traumatic stress. These tears I shed were of the immense amount of gratitude I felt for this place and this family of guardian angels performing  miracles everyday so parents can realize the dream of bringing babies home. If you touch lives in the NICU through your daily work, thank you. Know that you are saving and changing lives – performing miracles with every critical thought and compassionate touch.

I sat with Lisa for  two-and-half hours in the comfort of the NICU. I could have sat for two hours more. That is what momma’s do in there. We sit, watch, learn and…..and  wait. Sitting next to the isolette(s) waiting as angels prepare you to take your baby(ies) home.

Lisa’s hopes were realized, and she is nothing less than rock-star Momma running 50Ks and 200 mile relays while raising her thriving one year-olds. NICU running Momma’ never stop running. The just get stronger.