As a family we went back. Retracing the steps that 4 years ago was the scene of any parents’ worst nightmare.
Noah, our son, has been asking a lot about the hospital where he was critically ill. He asks why his baby photos are pictures with lines on his face. Noah asks a lot of questions – he has just turned four.
So, we made the decision to take him to Leicester Royal Infirmary to the ICU ward.
Obviously, we knew we would not be able to go onto the ward. The corridor would have been enough. As parents, the familiarity was overwhelming – the smells, sounds, memories. For Noah it was an “adventure” – a chance to push lift buttons, to explore somewhere new.
Standing in the corridor, there’s always an unspoken understanding seeing other parents. We have all witness sights no one should see. I hope their stories end as well as ours.
As always, the staff go above expectations in their care and compassion. Did we want to go through deeper into the ICU to an empty ward? We could see through the doors the very place that Noah had been…. keep walking.
We are not sitting next to that incubator today. We are not watching, waiting, minute by minute, hour by hour…. time that stretches out into a period that is not matched by real life.
Into the empty ward, machines silent.
The incubator is empty.
Noah is by our side today.
He explores, opening the arm portals, reaching inside to feel the warmth.
Staff come to meet him again.
And then when Noah is ready, our visit comes to an end.
It is always when Noah is ready.
We waited once more.
In his time, he is ready.
We leave.
Noah is walking by our side.
To live daring dreams is not to lead a fantasy life void of challenge.
Challenges happen in life. Fear happens. Impossible decisions happen.
But so do opportunities.
What does it mean to Live Daring Dreams?
To live daring dreams is to have courage to go for what you want in life.
To rise above challenges, to feel fear but follow your heart anyway.
To never give up striving for happiness and living a life rich with meaning.
Powerful connections are created in the lowest moments.
These are opportunities that turn to moments of strength and enlightenment.
#LiveDaringDreams
