Thanksgiving

Hannah's first Thanksgiving took place in the most appropriate surroundings I can imagine. Because of work schedules, our family is actually celebrating Thanksgiving a couple days late, on Saturday. So today we went up to the NICU and spent Thanksgiving with some other preemie parents whose babies are still in the NICU. It was great to see some of the people we got close to during our stay and check on the progress of their babies, and one of Hannah's favorite doctors was there carving turkey, along with his own preemie daughter (now four) and his wife.

The amazing thing was that this whole meal, which served a couple dozen folks in style, was mostly provided and set up by a couple whose little boy is still in the NICU (he's doing well and will probably be home for Christmas), for the other parents that would otherwise be hanging around the NICU today anyway. Considering our own state of mind while Hannah was still in the hospital, and the logistical challenges of feeding even a dozen people, the fact that Sean and Chelle took the time to do this for their fellow NICU parents makes them heroes in my book. These are the same folks that gave Hannah a customized photo frame on the day she left the NICU (see below). They run a company that produces unique hand-made accessories and decorations for children's rooms.


We all had a great time and great food. Carla made her pumpkin-fluff mini-pies. We met some parents that are relatively new to the NICU, at the point we were three months ago, and I hope that seeing Hannah plump and sleeping peacefully gave them some reassurance that their children, too, in time, will go home happy and healthy.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well, and that all the things for which you gave thanks continue to flow through your lives and into the lives of those around you.