September 11th 2009 was a bittersweet day for me and George. We spent 116 days in the NICU of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and made some special connections with nurses, RTs, doctors and other hospital staff. These people were there for us during our dark NICU days, and there were many.  Not only were they healthcare professionals, but teachers, counselors and friends. Everyone from the cafeteria to the janitorial staff recognized us as “regulars” and would kindly greet us every day. The care and love extended to our family never went unnoticed and will never be forgotten.

The world mourned for the many victims lost on 9/11 but we grew excited with the anticipation of knowing our daughter was coming home on that very day. By 9/11/2009, Elizabeth weighed a little over 4 lbs. She was still so tiny! Our special edition baby came home with many extras: oxygen tanks, compressor, monitors, nebulizers, a bunch of medications and a list of appointment dates to see a slew of doctors.

The car was loaded with all the necessary items that were included with our little baby. I rode in the back with Elizabeth while George chauffeured the Queen home. She slept the entire ride home, but I couldn’t keep my eyes off her for fear she would stop breathing. Her lungs were still small and fragile. We watched her closely all night for signs of respiratory distress and kept her medication and feeding schedule on time just like it was done in the hospital. Her bedroom was a mini hospital with oxygen tanks, beeping monitors and medical supplies. Because of this, it was very hard to relax and grasp that we were finally home.

George and I took turns throughout the night allowing one to sleep while the other administered meds, fed, gave breathing treatments and changed diapers. It was much more intense than caring for a newborn. We had to be her nurse, respiratory therapist and mom and dad. By the grace of God Elizabeth’s homecoming was a success.

9/11 will forever hold a double meaning. The day our country suffered great loss and the day we brought our Elizabeth home.  A bittersweet memorial of good and bad.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.