Lani's Blog

HAPPY NEONATAL NURSE DAY

Actually the day to celebrate was Sunday, but I was studying and writing so it slipped my mind. Noting the day has made me think about my career, the babies and co-workers. It's hard to believe I've been a NNICU nurse for 23 years. Some of my original kids are old enough to have kids. There's a mind blowing experience. I suppose this is how parents feel when they realize time and children wait for no one.





I wrote this poem a few years ago. It was published in a nursing journal and then in our unit magazine. I hope you enjoy.





Beautiful


that’s how I see you.


But they can’t


see beyond


the tubes and machines


the noise and the fear


of a place so alien.





Tubes feed


and breath for you


as I explain the NICU universe


to your parents.





Beautiful


that’s how I see you


though your skin is transparent


and your cheeks have no fat.





Suddenly,





you grip your Mom’s finger


and open your eyes


and I know they see you as


beautiful too.





Lani